Adverse effects from chemical stripper agents??

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Karambit777

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Feb 15, 2014
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Anyone have any thoughts on the possible adverse effects cause by using chemicals such as paint stripper to remove blade coatings? I know for the most part these stripper agents shouldn't harm steel to much, but what about at the microscopic level? Would one assume that the acids in these stripper agents could remove some of the cutting edge of the blade, where the very fine edge meets the air at the very microscopic tip of the sharpened bevel?

Even when forcing a patina on a blade, I notice that a scary, hair poppin sharp blade is not so sharp after the blade is removed from the vinegar while forcing patinas. Is it possible that the acids are removing a micro-measurements worth of the actual blade at the very edge, where the steel is the absolute thinnest? If the acids in vinegar are possibly having adverse effects, then what about the more aggressive chemicals found in stripper agents?

Any scientific or logical replies would be very much appreciated.
 
Most paint strippers are based on organic solvents. These will not react with steel whatsoever. You do need to look out for corrosive paint removers - anything containing sodium/potassium hydroxide, for example, will be strong oxidizing agents and rapidly promote corrosion of the steel. Whatever you use, do so in a ventilated area as virtually all paint removers have volatile toxic or carcinogenic components.
 
So what stripper agent would one recommend for stripping the coating off of blades?? I have seen many used on youtube, but I have never used any of them on a knife personally.
 
Karambit777 said:
So what stripper agent would one recommend for stripping the coating off of blades?? I have seen many used on youtube, but I have never used any of them on a knife personally.
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I use Aircraft brand it comes in a blue Spray can, and unbelievably easy to use,,,, spray on where you want the coating gone and 15 minutes later scrape the coating away with a plastic putty knife or plastic spoon I've used those.
And rinse the blade in water then dry. Alway wear gloves and stay in a ventilated area.
 
I haven't used any personally so I can't make an informed recommendation there. I would just pick one you've seen work well on youtube and check the ingredients. If it has hydroxides/lye, find another one. Anything else should be fine, and the videos should make clear how effective they are. No matter which you choose you should also make sure to was the blade thoroughly with soap and water afterwards, just to make sure you aren't leaving any potentially harmful chemicals on the blade.
 
Karambit777 said:
Anyone have any thoughts on the possible adverse effects cause by using chemicals such as paint stripper to remove blade coatings?
Click to expand...

I have experienced no negative effects from my use of paint strippers.

Ahhhh! Spiders! Get 'em off me!

The chemicals ARE removing a micro-measurements worth of the actual blade at the very edge. You know what also does that?

Cutting stuff.
 
Yea besides the head twitches, and seeing spiders, the mere thought that I sprayed an acid on one of my blades that is taking some of the edge off with the coating, makes me uneasy. It would be nice to find a stripper that did not eat steel, just the coating.
 
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