There are many different types of pocket knives, and so it’s important to understand what each one is made of. That way, you can pick the perfect knife for your needs.
Stainless steel is the most popular material used in making these type of pocket knives. However, there are many types of stainless steels and each has unique properties.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy that’s made by combining different base metals to create a stronger product. It’s a common material used in many industries and commercial applications for its durability, corrosion resistance and aesthetic properties.
Like all steel grades, stainless starts out with a mixture of iron and carbon. However, it also contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium. This chromium combines with oxygen to form a thin, stable passivation layer of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) on the steel’s surface that protects it from corrosion and quickly repairs scratches.
The chromium-rich film is also extremely resistant to abrasion, cutting and machining. It’s this protective barrier that makes stainless steel such an exceptional material for corrosion-resistant, stain-resistant applications.
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most common and widely used metals in the world. The metal occurs naturally in 8% of Earth’s crust, making it the third most abundant element after oxygen and silicon.
It’s not always found in its pure form, however; it’s chemically bound with other metals. To create a metallic form of aluminum, bauxite ore must be refined using a complicated process called smelting.
Aluminum is found in many things, including food, construction materials, and electronics. For instance, the casings for laptops and tablets are made from aluminum. It’s tough and doesn’t crack like plastic, so it’s used more and more in consumer tech products.
Wood
A pocket knife is a handy tool that can be used for many things. It is an essential tool for hunters, hikers and fisherman.
Wood is one of the main materials used for knives and it can be a great choice. It is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
A wooden handle will give your knife a classic look and feel. You can also find handles made from exotic or more expensive woods to add a bit of a flair to your knife.
Rubber
When you’re buying a pocket knife, it is important to consider what material the blade is made of. This is important for your safety and comfort.
Rubber is a natural polymer that is derived from the latex produced by the Hevea brasiliensis tree. It has high tensile strength and resilience.
It is also flexible and resistant to water. This is why it is used in automobile tires, shoes, and other consumer products.
Kraton
Kraton (NYSE: KRA) manufactures styrenic block copolymers and specialty polymers that meet multi-market needs. The company’s diversified product portfolio is derived from pine wood pulping co-products and includes adhesives, coatings, personal care, sealants and lubricants, medical, packaging, automotive and paving and roofing products.
Kraton produces its own styrenic block copolymers in both hydrogenated and unhydrogenated versions. These elastomers are used in a variety of applications, including adhesives and coatings, personal care, sealants and rubber substitutes for paving, roofing and other applications that need low temperature flexibility.
Celluloid
Celluloid is a transparent thermoplastic that can be used for many different things. It is made of nitrocellulose and camphor and can be molded into different shapes.
When you combine nitrocellulose and camphor under heat, they form a substance called cellulose nitrate, which is very flammable. This makes celluloid a very dangerous material to store.
In the 1860s and 1870s, John Wesley Hyatt patented a substance that he dubbed “celluloid.” It was a hard and moldable substance that could be shaped into an endless array of objects. It was especially useful in creating items like cutlery handles, straight razors and slide rules.
Bone
Bone is a rigid organ that makes up part of the skeleton in most vertebrate animals. It protects other organs, produces red and white blood cells, stores minerals, and gives our bodies structure and support.
Bones are composed of a mineral-based organic matrix and a tension-resistant network of collagen fibers. The collagen is mostly type I, while noncollagenous proteins compose 10 to 15% of bone protein.