Spork knife?

If I recall correctly titanium work hardens which is why it is so difficult to machine. Grinding it should work, but I also have heard that titanium is pyrophoric so it might give off a nice shower of bright sparks that burn in the air, not the usual red specks that grinding steel gives.

I think it's worth a try; I had the thought myself but just haven't gotten around to it.

> has anyone experience with sharpening an edge of a titanium spork for use as a knife?

I tried sharpening a titanium knife from a GSI cutlery set once. The result, *for the alloy they had used*, was pathetic. It was a bit like sharpening soft aluminium or soft stainless steel. I can only conclude it was a soft alloy or pure titanium.

I have also tried grinding a hard 6Al-4V titanium alloy. This stuff does grind, but you need to be a little careful as it does not behave like steel. Actually, it is as tough and hard as …

The sparks are not much of a problem in my experience.

Cheers
Roger Caffin

> If I recall correctly titanium work hardens
Not as far as I know – which may be limited.
The good 6Al-4V alloy does not *need* to work harden … but it WILL crack if you try bending it cold.

Don't you run the risk of cutting your lip if you make an effective knife edge on your spork?

I was just thinking the same thing. That would be a little too dangerous for me. Personally, I rather carry a Ti knife than run the risk of slicing my lips wide open on a trail.