There's an interesting article about a new process that makes it possible to adjust the hardness of a metal on the fly. Imagine the possibilities of having a Spyderco with a button that could switch your blade steel from insane hardness, to toughness, and back, depending on the task at hand.
"The strength of the material can be as much as doubled when required. Alternatively, the material can be switched to a state which is weaker, but more damage tolerant, energy-absorbing and malleable."
Check out the article here: http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-06-har ... rties.html
Changeable steel hardness
I just saw this recently at the universitys material engineer students IRC channel as well.
First of all to clear this up, it's not just a process, it's a whole new material. This stuff is not steel anymore, a hybrid of water and metal. Like CF is a hybrid of carbon fiber strings and epoxy.
As cool as it would be to have a knife with variating HRC it's probably the least of the scientists goals. :p
And they are dealing with precious metals, that aren't exactly suited for this type of use, even with that treatment.
Very cool anyway. :cool:
First of all to clear this up, it's not just a process, it's a whole new material. This stuff is not steel anymore, a hybrid of water and metal. Like CF is a hybrid of carbon fiber strings and epoxy.
As cool as it would be to have a knife with variating HRC it's probably the least of the scientists goals. :p
And they are dealing with precious metals, that aren't exactly suited for this type of use, even with that treatment.
Very cool anyway. :cool:
:spyder: Come chat with us on IRC at #SharpThings! :spyder:
:spyder: Check out the SharpThings.net website too! :spyder:
:spyder: Check out the SharpThings.net website too! :spyder: