shift knob
08-19-2009, 09:55 AM
#21
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.
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.
08-20-2009, 04:59 AM
#27
Registered User
Originally Posted by rajun asian,Aug 19 2009, 03:36 PM
+1 for Rick's Ti. Mine hasn't scratched yet either. 
Then again, I don't wear rings.
Then again, I don't wear rings.
08-20-2009, 11:44 AM
#28
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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?
the hardness of the finish is more important.
is it painted, powdercoated, anodized?
08-20-2009, 12:31 PM
#29
Originally Posted by irv_usc,Aug 20 2009, 01:44 PM
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?
the hardness of the finish is more important.
is it painted, powdercoated, anodized?
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.
