Acid Stonewashing M4 With PCB? + Ti anodizing question

Cow51 · Jan 28, 2018

I'm looking into acid washing then stone washing my Spyderco Mantra 1. The popular method using PCB or Ferric Chloride, however I see this done to stainless steel mostly, so I'm curious if it is safe to do so with CPM M4? Additionally, is it safe to acid wash the hardware(screws, standoffs, pivot screw)? I'm thinking if I cover the threads in nail polish I should be alright.

Also for the sake of consolidation, I have a couple of questions on anodizing my Mantra scales as well.

First, If I anodize them, then decided to remove the anodize with Whink rust stain remover, will the stock finish be left intact? Or, what will it look like after I remove the anodize with Whink?

Second, my scales have a heavy snail trail/ semi stonewashed appearance, if I anodize them will this appearance still be visible? Or will it just cover over this?

Any help/advice/experience would be helpful! Thanks

loonybin · Jan 30, 2018

Cow51 said:
I'm looking into acid washing then stone washing my Spyderco Mantra 1. The popular method using PCB or Ferric Chloride, however I see this done to stainless steel mostly, so I'm curious if it is safe to do so with CPM M4? Additionally, is it safe to acid wash the hardware(screws, standoffs, pivot screw)? I'm thinking if I cover the threads in nail polish I should be alright.

Yes, and yes. The time in the PCB will be very short for M4, however. Don't leave it in nearly as long as you would a stainless steel.

First, If I anodize them, then decided to remove the anodize with Whink rust stain remover, will the stock finish be left intact?

Doubtful. Titanium anodize is an oxidation layer, so it eating it away will not leave the stock finish.

Second, my scales have a heavy snail trail/ semi stonewashed appearance, if I anodize them will this appearance still be visible? Or will it just cover over this?

Any help/advice/experience would be helpful! Thanks

It will not only still be visible, it may even stand out more depending on the lighting.

Cow51 · Jan 30, 2018

loonybin said:
Yes, and yes. The time in the PCB will be very short for M4, however. Don't leave it in nearly as long as you would a stainless steel.

Doubtful. Titanium anodize is an oxidation layer, so it eating it away will not leave the stock finish.

It will not only still be visible, it may even stand out more depending on the lighting.

Awesome, thanks very much!