BoronCarbide

[Treg]

Hi guys, I would like to coat one of my knives with BoronCarbide. Where can I find it and is it simple to apply??? Any alternative to BC that could be easier to work with in case that it's to complicated??? Thank's any input would be appreciated...Treg

 

[knarfeng]

It is not simple to apply. You cannot do this yourself. It is applied in a vacuum chamber.

There are perhaps some DIY altermatives. What properties do you wish to get out of the proposed coating?

Color?
protection?

 

[Treg]

Scratch protection that's alll!!!

 

[knarfeng]

I'm not sure that there is a DIY coating that will provide the scratch protection you are seeking. To get scratch protection you would need a coating that is actually harder than the steel. Such coatings typically require special equipment to apply.

There are some DIY black oxide coatings available. http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/black.htm
But they are for corrosion protection (on carbon steel, when sealed) or for coloration purposes.

And of course you could use a two part epoxy paint. But neither would really provide scratch protection.

You might try asking in the knife makers forum and see what ideas they have.

 

[Treg]

Thank's Knarfeng, I really appreciate the help!!!

 

[nygiantsfan3342]

Bodycote Thermal Processing does most of the coatings/heat treatings for Kershaw and Spyderco and according to their website they no longer use Boron Carbide. Instead they use Tungsten DLC which is very scratch resistant and corrosion resistant. On Kershaw's "Boron" chive, Bodycote just uses a polished Tungsten Coating to give it that glossy black shine.

My Boron Leek is my absolute favorite knife! I sure wish I could get a Boron Random Leek!