Stripping the blade finish

[slikrickabn]

I have noticed that one of the first things a Becker owner does is strip the blade. Is this for functional purposes (factory finish is not durable) or is it just cosmetic? I have a 10 that I can't decide on leaving stock, or strip and put micarta or wooden handles on. I have a BK11 (thanks Eric!) that is stripped, with wooden handles and I really like it, but can't decide on the 10.

slik

[DJG097]

Its a little bit of both. Stripping the coating leaves less friction whem batoning or cutting and it looks better. Imo.

[K9-Handler]

Personal preference. Other than friction while cutting (newest finish especially) there is nothing wrong with the factory finish.

The only thing in your case to consider is that 10's are no longer produced so it has marginal collector value. That said, it's your knife so do what you want!

[slikrickabn]

Well, I'm a user, not a collector, and have been hankerin' for a 9. so maybe my best bet would be to go to the swap thread, and see if anyone would be interested in a swap. I think both parties might just turn out the best on that deal!

slik

[Sam Hell]

Is the 10 a kabar or cam? If its a cam then let it be cause you could resell that knife as is later on or just use it now and ruin the value by "stripping it".

[Murphnuge]

Strip it, you'll be glad you did!

[slikrickabn]

Yes, it's a Camillus with a Spec Ops sheath, never used.

slik

[K9-Handler]

Yes, it's a Camillus with a Spec Ops sheath, never used.

slik

Slik;
I'll swap you a brand new 7 or 9 (or 2) that I have in stock for that Cam 10.

-K9

[TheWambo]

I didn't really think about stripping mine till recently (mostly because it was practically gone from batoning with my esk'y; I wish I took some pictures before I stripped it) but long story short I'm happy with it stripped (innuendo intended) I only completed the striping and patina job Monday and what bit of work I've done with it is noticeably different, It batons smoother, I'm not gunking up my stones with blade coating when I sharpen it and It looks damn cool in my opinion. Hope I made myself useful

[Guyon]

Huh?

[Chameleonbear]

I've only stripped 1 of my blades completely, and part of one other one. I stripped my 14 (I kind of regret it) and I stripped part off the 3. The 3 I like the way it's done. I took the coating off the blade up to the shoulder and left the flats coated. It's pretty nice. On my Odd Tweeners I am knocking down the coating, but leaving it mostly on. My 16 is the old coating so I'm leaving it.

[troutfisher13111]

For guys who just strip part of your becker, how do you get nice lines? Do you tape it off, what kind of tape would be impervious to the stripper? Thanks

[Murphnuge]

For guys who just strip part of your becker, how do you get nice lines? Do you tape it off, what kind of tape would be impervious to the stripper? Thanks

Tape works, it's what I've used. I used just duct tape and brushed the stripping agent on around the tape.