Military Fluted Ti colors

[ProntoTonto]

I have seen various statements on how the coloring is achieved on the new fluted Ti Military. Some have said anodizing and others through use of blow torch, which one is it? Also, how well should the colors hold up to use and occasional cleaning-say with a wipe down of CLP on a microfiber cloth?

[jonUSA,EARTH]

Great Question.


according to the Edge-U-Cation paper that came with the knife it says

"Handle scales are heated by hand individually"

From that I would guess its done with a blow torch, but I could be and many times are wrong :)

I've also heard that over time, with use the colors will eventually wear away, but can always be brought back to life with a torch.

I wonder if the warrenty would cover this?Like could I send my knife back in for a re-color(for a fee of course) in the future?

[rosconey]

i have a few ti knives that have been heated for color-it doesnt wear off easily,none have shown any wear-i want the native fluted

[jabba359]

Some have said anodizing and others through use of blow torch, which one is it?

Both! Anodizing is the process in which an oxide coating forms on the metal. This process, however, can be achieved through heat (such as the blow torch method), chemicals, or through electrolytic means. In the case of the Fluted Ti Military, a blow torch is used to anodize the surface. This method yields less uniform coloration over the material and also is less controllable, making it harder to achieve the exact color you might be aiming for.

With the electrolytic process of anodizing, since the voltage passing through the anodizing solution can be fine tuned and is also homogenous throughout the solution, it is much easier to achieve a specific color that doesn't vary over the surface of the item. You can also use this process to "paint" colors on the Ti. Check out the "Puzzle" handle and the Flame lighter that were masked off and painted on using anodizing: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/sho ... nly)/page4

[toomzz]

If using a blowtorch remove the blade....