Have a look here at the intermediate hardness materials: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_sc...neral_hardness

Plastics < Al < (Some) Steels < Ti < Hardened Steels, WC < Gemstones

There are many better and more involved ways to get into wear than that, but on a basic level, the harder material will scratch the softer material and remain pretty longer. Which means if you DID get a steel knob, you'd probably end up scratching up your ring to save the knob. (I wear my ring on my left hand though, so how is that ever an issue?) One of the biggest problems is silica (IIRC thats what it is) floating around is harder than most of these materials. So basically, dust will probably PWN your metal shift knob after a few years if it's Al, Ti, or a typical steel.

Some matte surfaces may not show scratches even if they scratch easily. If you care about it, the best approach is probably to get something that can be scratched quite a bit without you noticing.

 

My TWM Abrams in flat black is bullet proof.

 

My ricks Ti knob has not scratched. I've accidentally hit it with various metal objects and no scartches so far.

 

+1 for Rick's Ti. Mine hasn't scratched yet either. Then again, I don't wear rings.

 

Thats just a powder coat right?

 

So far my favorite knob is the Skunk2. It's made of steel with a smoke nickel finish. The heavy knob gives a really nice shift feel compared to the others.

 

I don't think it's totally scratch proof though. Mine has some marks on it. Pretty minor but the finish definitely isn't the same as it was brand new.

 

unless it's naked raw material, you can't really compare the hardness of different metals.

the hardness of the finish is more important.

is it painted, powdercoated, anodized?

 

Very true.

But then again, are any of the common ones treated, excepting the polished knobs? I think most are just machined and sold without any other processes as that keeps costs more competitive.

 

The Voodoo black knob won't scratch very easily.