Bead Blasted Stainless

J

jball1125

Joined
Aug 26, 2011
Messages
3,400
How do you feel about bead blasted stainless blades? I am currently working with a knife maker on a new addition. It will be a survival type knife in elmax but the elmax blade he currently has is bead blasted. Do you feel that the bead blast affects the corrosion resistance of the elmax? Would it be contradicting to have such a kick ass stainless and then have it bead blasted. This blade will be used in wet environments.
 
I'm personally not a fan of bead blasted finishes. I have a Kershaw that I got rid of the bead blast finish and changed it to a satin finish.

ric
 
Really, the finish is half the equation. I've put mustard on high polished CPM-D2 for several hours with no effect.
 
What about the grit of the beads, would that make a difference? I know most people use large beads but this particular maker uses 400 grit beads.
 
Bead blasting increases surface area, more surface area = more area likely to rust. All the extra nooks & crannies also help to hold onto moisture as well.

With that said, Elmax is 18% chromium, so it has very high corrosion resistance. I also looked-up the data sheet and it says Elmax is used as a Tooling steel, so it will, by design, be highly resistant to corrosion.
 
I have no idea how Elmax will behave, but I personally hate bead blasting. It definitely increases the rusting potential of a steel though because it gives the steel more nooks and crannies for the water to get into and accelerate corrosion. Given the choice between a higher polish and a bead blast, I would chose higher polish every time for the corrosion resistance and the aesthetics.
 
If the beads have any iron on them it certainly will cause rust ! Stick to a satin finish like 400 grit.
 
dtownknifekid said:
I have no idea how Elmax will behave, but I personally hate bead blasting. It definitely increases the rusting potential of a steel though because it gives the steel more nooks and crannies for the water to get into and accelerate corrosion. Given the choice between a higher polish and a bead blast, I would chose higher polish every time for the corrosion resistance and the aesthetics.
Click to expand...

^This. I can't stand bead blasting. Invites rust, and when it occurs it's difficult to remove. I like at least a satin finish when I can get it. Preferably full up to 1000 grit or so or mirror, whether the piece is carbon or stainless.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top