Bead Blast Versus Polished INFI cutting performace - Advise Please

Azula Gun Holsters

Azula Gun Holsters

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Sep 19, 2016
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Getting ready to strip a couple of INFI blades.

Is there any difference in cutting performance on a polished INFI blade versus a bead blasted INFI blade. It would take less time to bead blast than polish the blade.

Would the bead blast remove all the decarb easily ?

Thanks
 
Yes, bead blast removes decarb in a hurry. An ASH2 that I did for a buddy was the only one that the decarb made me work for it. Took a couple more minutes. I don't think there is a person alive that could tell the difference in the cutting ability between a polished and bead blasted blade. The bead blasting leaves a very smooth finish. Doesn't take much work to go from bead blasted to polished and you can always blast it again if you decide that you liked the frosted look better.
 
Thanks for the help.

Is there a big difference in finish between glass bead finish and aluminum oxide finish ?

What do you tape the grip panels with to protect them from the blast media ?
 
I've never used aluminum oxide. Just glass. I don't tape the handles. I just try to keep the nozzle moving and not let it sit in one spot for very long when working around the scales. The canvas micarta seems to be more resilient than G10 but the G10 is still pretty tough as long as you don't get too aggressive.
 
I think the performance difference is very minimal, however some have said the corrosion resistance falls with bead blasting.

This brings up a question I've had, has anyone bead blasted G10? My cgfbm scales are slick when wet,, wondering of I can get them grippier without swapping them out for canvas.
 
+1 on what Timmy said RCB.

I did that with my South Fork to make the scales a bit grippier. Think I used either 200 or 320 grit paper, not sure which, it was a couple years ago. Worked well and didn't really change the appearence at all. Not sure how I would approach machined vs. smooth scales though.
 
Do not worry about variances in cutting performance from these two different bead blasting versions.

Where I have seen differences is in building ultra-high-vacuum systems. Certainly NOT in macroscopic behaviors such as cutting.

So fear not, unless your knife is intended to become an integral portion of gear in a physics lab.:)
 
Plus, bead blast is just SO cool looking. I've got a couple of DCBB Swatmandu's, one that has been carried and used a bit. I haven't noticed any corrosion issues. It definitely is more resistant than any remaining decarb.
 
My favorite thing about a blasted finish is that if you give it a good beating and that beating leaves some marks, a quick trip thru the cabinet makes it look good as new.
 
I can't speak to the cutting efficiency of double cut v. other finishes, but I do have a strong opinion about the maintenance of bead blasted, or similar, finishes...

The only INFI I've had develop pepper spots <unsused, in my humidity controlled safe> was a double cut Boss Jack proto and a DC AMS...I'm not finicky about my blades but I don't like rust forming spontaneously without use. :eek:

Double cut, bead blast, whatever...it's not for me: :thumbdn:

My favorite "user finishes:"

1. CF
2. Stripped & sanded
3. Satin
4. Painted

2 & 3 can be re-sanded if you don't like scratches, errr..I mean, character marks...;)

With #1, comp. finish, more scratches tend to blend in even better...

And, IMHO, a "loved on" painted blade looks good, too. But there's a bit more resistance to slicing with that finish.

Bead blast can be refinished also...but there's something simple & satisfying about being able to just grab a piece of sandpaper and go at it. Or leave it as is. Some finishes look better the more they get beat on, but DC beaters just look ugly to me, YMMV.
 
PeteyTwoPointOne said:
I can't speak to the cutting efficiency of double cut v. other finishes, but I do have a strong opinion about the maintenance of bead blasted, or similar, finishes...

The only INFI I've had develop pepper spots <unsused, in my humidity controlled safe> was a double cut Boss Jack proto and a DC AMS...I'm not finicky about my blades but I don't like rust forming spontaneously without use. :eek:

Double cut, bead blast, whatever...it's not for me: :thumbdn:

My favorite "user finishes:"

1. CF
2. Stripped & sanded
3. Satin
4. Painted

2 & 3 can be re-sanded if you don't like scratches, errr..I mean, character marks...;)

With #1, comp. finish, more scratches tend to blend in even better...

And, IMHO, a "loved on" painted blade looks good, too. But there's a bit more resistance to slicing with that finish.

Bead blast can be refinished also...but there's something simple & satisfying about being able to just grab a piece of sandpaper and go at it. Or leave it as is. Some finishes look better the more they get beat on, but DC beaters just look ugly to me, YMMV.
Click to expand...


Very interesting, thanks.

I wonder what aspect of the blasting makes the INFI more prone to corrosion ?
 
I'll try roughing up the scales with some sandpaper and give it a test tomorrow, it's really wet here so should be a good test
 
Azula Gun Holsters said:
Very interesting, thanks.

I wonder what aspect of the blasting makes the INFI more prone to corrosion ?
Click to expand...

I don't know if anyones' run any scientific trials on it on not, but may have something to do with increasing the surface area for rust to breed upon + hard to access the tiny indentions to completely eradicate it once it does start to get a foothold.

Still, tho, you should be able to erase it by blasting again if it does get started up. I don't have a blast cabinet, so it's a bigger issue for me.
 
rcb2000 said:
This brings up a question I've had, has anyone bead blasted G10? My cgfbm scales are slick when wet,, wondering of I can get them grippier without swapping them out for canvas.
Click to expand...

DC blades from Busse come with handles blasted as well.

PeteyTwoPointOne said:
Double cut, bead blast, whatever...it's not for me: :thumbdn:

My favorite "user finishes:"
1. CF
Click to expand...

Well, isn't Comp Finish just a 'raw' blade that gets bead blasted once to remove the decarb layer after HT?
Double Cut finish is brought to a higher 'finished' standard and then blasted with two different mediums.
 
elof_alv said:
DC blades from Busse come with handles blasted as well.



Well, isn't Comp Finish just a 'raw' blade that gets bead blasted once to remove the decarb layer after HT?
Double Cut finish is brought to a higher 'finished' standard and then blasted with two different mediums.
Click to expand...

Not sure...never heard that before...but wouldn't be the first new thing I've learned ---- today. ;)
 
My favorite finish for infi is actually somewhere in between bead blasted and polished. First bead blasted and then rubbed down with some fine steel wool and some Blue Magic metal polish. A little shine but still has that rugged Busse look.
 
Very Nice, I am going to give this a try. Really looks good

clampdaddy said:
My favorite finish for infi is actually somewhere in between bead blasted and polished. First bead blasted and then rubbed down with some fine steel wool and some Blue Magic metal polish. A little shine but still has that rugged Busse look.
Click to expand...
 
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