Sharpening a titanium knife?

[Sharpco]

Hello, everyone.

I have to sharpen a STRIDER titanium knife. Are there any cautions when doing this with Tormek? And what angle do you think is appropriate?

[Crusty]

As I understand it, full Titanium blades are quite soft and require a fair bit of maintenance, ie sharpening, therefore I would keep the angle the same as factory grind, usually 20deg both sides.

[Fernando]

I am partially agree with crusty, although it is true that titanium is softer than steel, titanium knives are usually not pure titanium, 2 things, first is the type of titanium alloy, and second the process of tempering the metal, in what I do agree is in the 20º of sharpening angle, although if the knife is very soft, as well as "45 HRC" which is how titanium knives are used for diving, it is better to go the 25º "50º in total" so that the edge stays longer, i have already sharpened many and personally I have seen a good useful life of the edge with 25 degrees for the case of titanium knives for diving.

I think the sharpening angle will depend a lot on the type of work that you want to give.
I hope the advice is useful for you.

[wootz]

Thank you for sharing, Fernando.
Moreover so because not too many have experience in sharpening Titanium blades.

[Sharpco]

I am partially agree with crusty, although it is true that titanium is softer than steel, titanium knives are usually not pure titanium, 2 things, first is the type of titanium alloy, and second the process of tempering the metal, in what I do agree is in the 20º of sharpening angle, although if the knife is very soft, as well as "45 HRC" which is how titanium knives are used for diving, it is better to go the 25º "50º in total" so that the edge stays longer, i have already sharpened many and personally I have seen a good useful life of the edge with 25 degrees for the case of titanium knives for diving.

I think the sharpening angle will depend a lot on the type of work that you want to give.
I hope the advice is useful for you.

Thank you Fernando.

I have already finished 20 dps. But next time I will choose 25 degrees.

[kwakster]

There are titanium alloy knives available that can take & hold noticeably smaller edge angles, but they are meant for kitchen use.
A few years ago i did a review on a titanium Santoku model alloyed with various ceramic particles for wear resistance:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/forever-titanium-hybride-knife-ght-16-cera-titan.1255619/#post-14378583

And currently i'm doing another review of a titanium Santoku model alloyed with pure diamond particles for wear resistance:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/forever-diamond-titanium-knives.1508000/#post-17319368

Btw: both knives are made by the same Japanese manufacturer.

[Crusty]

Lots of great information in those articles kwakster, thank you for sharing.

[Fernando]

There are titanium alloy knives available that can take & hold noticeably smaller edge angles, but they are meant for kitchen use.
A few years ago i did a review on a titanium Santoku model alloyed with various ceramic particles for wear resistance:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/forever-titanium-hybride-knife-ght-16-cera-titan.1255619/#post-14378583

And currently i'm doing another review of a titanium Santoku model alloyed with pure diamond particles for wear resistance:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/forever-diamond-titanium-knives.1508000/#post-17319368

Btw: both knives are made by the same Japanese manufacturer.

Thank´s for sharing the info.