Bead blasted vs stonewashed blades. What exactly is the difference ?

Wolverine666

Wolverine666

Joined
Dec 7, 2009
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I know the look of the finishes are a bit different when compared side by side but other than that I don't really know the difference here.

What are the pros/cons for each ? Is there a clear winner as to which is "better" ? Or is it all circumstantial ?
 
The main difference is in how each is achieved, but for me the biggest difference in use is that I find bead blast finishes to be corrosion magnets. The explanation I've heard is that the impact of the beads on the blade leave tiny, imperceptible dents where moisture can collect. All I know is that I've had bead blasted stainless steel develop rust spots just from pocket carry and I've never had the same problem with a stonewash finish. Given that, bead blast is at the absolute bottom of blade finishes I want.
 
Beadblasting usually results in a uniform matte silver-gray finish. Stonewashing results in more of a random pattern of multidirectional fine lines reminiscent to me of a crumpled and then uncrumpled piece of paper. Stonewash finishes seem to hide or at least diminish the noticeability of usage marks on the blade, whereas bead blasted does not and can even make scratches more noticeable.
 
Seems like stonewashed is the way to go.

I wonder why knife makers would continue to use bead blasted finishes considering the corrosion and scratch factors (?)
 
The above answers are correct. I've had bead blasted AUS8 rust very easily. Stone wash or satin is the way to go IMO.
 
Bead blasted finishes are visually appealing. I have a Kershaw Leek with a bead-blasted finish and it makes for a good looking blade. Not all knife users do things with their knives that scratch up the blade a lot or end up with rusting issues. None of my bead-blasted blades have any rust on them.

I have a friend who carries a Kershaw Skyline and uses it for hunting. It has a bead-blasted* finish. It has not developed any rust but the blade finish is worn smooth (polished) in a number of areas from use and no longer looks as pretty as it once did. Still does a good job skinning deer, though.

*though apparently Kershaw describes it as a stonewashed finish so perhaps what I call bead-blasted really isn't.
 
Wolverine666 said:
Seems like stonewashed is the way to go.

I wonder why knife makers would continue to use bead blasted finishes considering the corrosion and scratch factors (?)
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I would guess it's a number of factors, probably the two biggest being aesthetics and time/cost.
 
jc57 said:
Bead blasted finishes are visually appealing. I have a Kershaw Leek with a bead-blasted finish and it makes for a good looking blade. Not all knife users do things with their knives that scratch up the blade a lot or end up with rusting issues. None of my bead-blasted blades have any rust on them.

I have a friend who carries a Kershaw Skyline and uses it for hunting. It has a bead-blasted* finish. It has not developed any rust but the blade finish is worn smooth (polished) in a number of areas from use and no longer looks as pretty as it once did. Still does a good job skinning deer, though.

*though apparently Kershaw describes it as a stonewashed finish so perhaps what I call bead-blasted really isn't.
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I seem to remember the skyline I had years ago being more of a bead blast. And the rub marks might be in issue for some as well. The same AUS8 SOG Gov-Tac that rusted while sitting in its sheath unused also has rub marks from the sheath.
 
A bead-blasted finish is difficult to clean. I have an older knife with bead blasted ATS34 blade. It stained from use and cannot be cleaned without sanding off the finish.
 
It depends on the type of steel, the heat treat, size of media used for the bead blasting, whether or not the knife is cleaned after use, and more.

I've had bead blasted users that did not rust, including my Survive! GSO-4.7 in 3v. Every other 3V blade I've used (all were satin finished) has shown light surface corrosion but the Bead Blasted GSO hasn't 'freckled' after being used inside and outside in all sorts of weather.

Cheap knives, made from poor steel with a poor heat treat, then bead blasted will probably rust more easily than the same crappy knife if it were stonewashed instead. A bead blasted knife from Survive! or Microtech or any other maker who knows what they're doing shouldn't be a problem.

I like bead blasted fixed blades because they seem to get less "kydex scratches", probably due to less surface area being exposed to the sheath so they aren't as easily noticed as they would be on a smooth finish.
 
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Bead blasting is cheaper and much much quicker. I think it's dreadfully ugly, and being more prone to rust is a terrible trade off.
 
I won't buy any more bead blasted blades, ever. Rust magnets, aesthetically unappealing

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Stonewashed looks nice and hides scratches, I quite dig that finish

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I like some of the bead blasted but pretty much have to agree on them being corrosion magnets...especially if you actually intend to use them. Also not a huge fan of its darker silver/gray look on certain blade grinds, makes it look less appealing than what it actually is. Definitely think stonewash is better overall, from use to aesthetics, but that's just one opinion :)
 
I have a Kershaw in bead blasted 14c28n that rusted. I saw a thread where bead blasted s90v rusted. It's cheap for the manufacturer. I don't like it. I prefer stonewashed or satin. Mirror offers more corrosion resistance but it shows scratches fairly easily.
 
Bead blast flats and satin grinds are a recipe for #knifeboner in my opinion.
 
Wolverine666 said:
Seems like stonewashed is the way to go.

I wonder why knife makers would continue to use bead blasted finishes considering the corrosion and scratch factors (?)
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Well it is simple. Many will choose aesthetics that appeal to them and will not mind a little extra maintenance to have that aesthetic preference. People simply like options. Some don't care about scratches. Others aren't afraid of a tube of flitz. And really the need to worry about it depends on the alloy used and the area in which you live. People living in a dry climate like Arizona would not under most circumstances need to worry about corrosion. Where as people in florida it may be very much an issue.
 
PURPLEDC said:
Well it is simple. Many will choose aesthetics that appeal to them and will not mind a little extra maintenance to have that aesthetic preference. People simply like options. Some don't care about scratches. Others aren't afraid of a tube of flitz. And really the need to worry about it depends on the alloy used and the area in which you live. People living in a dry climate like Arizona would not under most circumstances need to worry about corrosion. Where as people in florida it may be very much an issue.
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I'll not only agree with this, I'll go even further and say that it can depend on how sweaty you are and even the PH of your sweat. Bead blast doesn't work for me, but I actually kind of like it when the same blade is offered with multiple finish options so that those who do like it can grab it if they want.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
I'll not only agree with this, I'll go even further and say that it can depend on how sweaty you are and even the PH of your sweat. Bead blast doesn't work for me, but I actually kind of like it when the same blade is offered with multiple finish options so that those who do like it can grab it if they want.
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Totally forgot about corrosive sweat. Being a guitar player and seeing many bridges rusted solid i can definitely get behind that statement.
 
Stonewash is the result of the item being put in a tumbler and tumbled with a bunch of smooth stones to polish the steel. Beadblast is literally blasted with a bunch of tiny beads which are shot at the steel via air pressure. In my humble opinion both can look good depending on the aesthetics of the knife or item. I do love a good stonewashing though.

What process gives the plain jane Sebenzas their chalky grey finish to the titanium?
 
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