At fotool, we view fiber preparation as a precision engineering process. The interaction between a metal tine and a protein fiber like wool involves friction, static, and structural integrity. While stainless steel is common in mass-market tools, it often lacks the rigidity required for high-volume, professional-grade combing.
1. Structural Rigidity and Deflection Control High-carbon steel offers a superior Young’s modulus compared to standard 304 stainless steel. In practical terms, this means our tines resist "deflection" or bending when pulling through dense, dual-coated fleeces. When tines bend, even slightly, fiber alignment is compromised, leading to neps and inconsistent top.
2. The Physics of Magnetic Safety A critical design feature of the fotool series is our magnetic-compatible lid system. High-carbon steel is naturally ferromagnetic. This allows our protective lids to snap into place with industrial precision, ensuring that the razor-sharp tines are never exposed when not in use. Stainless steel alternatives often fail this basic safety and storage requirement.
3. Friction and Fiber Heat The surface finish of our high-carbon tines is engineered to minimize micro-friction. Excessive friction during the "flicking" or "combing" phase can generate localized heat and static, causing fine fibers like Alpaca or Merino to become brittle and break. Our tines are polished to a mirror finish, allowing them to glide through the lock while maintaining total control over the short fibers (noil).
