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Technical Data
The following terms commonly used in cutlery marketing literature, are often misunderstood. Here is a brief primer that will help you make a well informed purchase.
Cobalt | Titanium | Chrome/Nickel | Bluing |Ceramic
The making of good cutlery steel is the result of an exact recipe in which several ores, elements, and metals are combined together in just the right proportions. Quality and price varies widely. A lower price typically reflects a less exacting metal process. Higher prices usally reflect greater hardness, tempering sharpness and quality.
Stainless does not mean "rust proof" or "stain proof." It means that the metal will stain less. Some characteristics of metal ores, even in expensive blades, will show tiny rust dots, usually resulting from over-exposure to moisture or chemicals. There are noticeable differences between low and high quality stainless tell. High quality stainless steel is used in the some of the finest cutlery blades available today.
The term "ice" is very misleading. Many people ask for scissors by this name when, in fact, it is a nickname for a tempering or hardening process used on quality cutlery steel. Be aware that not all cutlery with the word "ice" on the balde is of a reputable quality.
Tempering or hardening is a process of heat-treating steel until a desireable balance is obtained between hardness and toughness. The most preferred method of hardening is accomplished by heating the steel to a red or white heat color and then cooling it by a sudden sub-zero quench into a cold oil or liquid. Controlling precise temperatures in heating and cooling achieve the proper hardness. The slightest variations may result in poor quality, such as softness, inconsistency, brittleness, and other flaws. Each brand or steel product, depending on its composition, may react very differently and require its own recipe for hardness or tempering.
Carbon steel is an element with an extremely high melting point. It reacts directly and blends with most metals to form carbide compounds. It is usually less expensive than high grade stainless steel and may be more apt to rust and tarnish if not help clean and free from moisture. Carbon steel has been a standard in many cutlery steels for generations.
Cobalt is a grey stel metal discovred by the Swedish chemist George Brandt. It takes high polish and is hard and brittle. Derived manily from silver ores from Ontario, Canada, cobalt is blended with other ores for its noticable hardenss.
Titanium belongs to the tin group of metals. Pure titanium is silver white ad extremely brittle. Used as a great contect in the production of alloys, it is commonly used for plating.
Chrome is a white metal of great hardness. Chrome may be more bluish white. Use to a great extent in the production of alloys, it is commonly used for plating.
Bluing is a process applied to high carbon steel to change its colorfrom white to dark blue. This change is caused by a chemical reaction that seals the metal pores and creates a more resistant finish. It is also commonly found as a blue finish on guns, cutlery blades and scissors.
Ceramic is a hybrid material manufactured using high temperature treatments, resulting in a rigid, ultra hard composition that is extremely pure and precise.