Bead blast finishes are LAME!

dkb45

dkb45

Joined
Dec 16, 2012
Messages
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I have a nice new folder that sports a BB 154cm blade. I didn't even have the damned thing for a week before it started spotting. I keep my knives inside and clean, and no other knives are spotting (even my 1095 necker isn't). My disdain for BB finishes would be a lot more colorful if this was W&C, but I digress.

Anybody else despise BB finishes? How can I purge myself of these monstrosities?
 
I'm convinced that the only reason anyone uses bead-blasted finishes is that they're cheap and easy. It's just about the worst thing you can do to a good blade.

I much prefer a hand-rubbed finish of at least 1000 grit, but obviously that's not practical for factory knives. I'll settle for a clean "machine" finish or stonewashed/tumbled finish.
 
It happend to me with my kershaws . Thats why I stay away from some kershaw . Thank God they are doing more stone wash .
 
That sucks. Have you thought about changing the finish? Scotch-brite and assorted grits of wet/dry paper.
 
I have one bead-blasted blade, an old EDI Genesis II. It spotted a lot too. I don't know that this affected the use of the knife but makes it look a little bad. I have considered trying to rub out the rough finish, and I might still do it at some time. I'm more worried that I won't do a good job and I will make it worse.

I much prefer a satin machine-grind finish. I have bought a few knives with stonewash but I prefer satin finish.
 
I own a Rajah2 and i love that truck of a knife, but im getting mad with the bead blast as it stains every time i use it in the garden.

Last time i used it was on stinging nettle, it spotted in a weird way with brown stains and no red rust, it also lost its razor edge pretty quickly due to formic acid i guess.
One thing i hate also with bead blasting is how it hides grinding marks and uneven surfaces, meaning if i remove the finish, the blade will seem warped a bit and not true.
 
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