Bead blasting media

[scott kozub]

I have been reading about using a bead blaster for straightening blades. As I make a lot of aeb-l kitchen knives I want to give this a shot. For anyone who has tried this, do you have a recommend coarseness. I see ultra fine, fine medium fine, medium coarse and very coarse and am not sure which is best. I assume it gets finer over time as well but it won't be do a whole lot. I may also texture some handles with it.

 

[tim37a]

How do you straighten a blade with a bead blaster?

 

[scott kozub]

You blast the inside of the curve. The dimples from the blasting creates divots which stretches the metal on the inside of the curve and straightens the blade out. At least I'm told anyways. Sounds like a much safer way then heat and bending the blae with force.

It's the same principle as using a peening hammer with a carbide or tungsten bit.

 

[REK Knives]

I've heard that too, but never tried it, but wouldn't you have to only leave one side blasted for it to remain straight? Otherwise the peening would be removed with hand sanding

 

[kuraki]

I've heard that too, but never tried it, but wouldn't you have to only leave one side blasted for it to remain straight? Otherwise the peening would be removed with hand sanding

The "peening" by shotblasting is less about the surface deformation than it is about localized stress relief. Once the stress is relieved, the surface can be sanded without reintroducing new stress.

All bets are off if you go back to the grinder and warm it up.

 

[scott kozub]

I ordered some extra course media. We'll see how it works out, if at all.

 

[kuraki]

I ordered some extra course media. We'll see how it works out, if at all.

Whether it works out for you as a method for straightening, give blasting G10 handles a try. It wears away like wood grain and leaves a really attractive but grippy surface.