Construction/Coating Question

ddavelarsen

ddavelarsen

Joined
Dec 7, 2000
Messages
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Because I use O1 I'm planning Gun Kote for my Iraq knife. The issue is the planned construction for the knife. I'm doing a mortised tang with a double guard. My problem is that my blade/guard fit is still not airtight like you real makers do and I wouldn't be comfortable relying on JB Weld with this construction. A through tang is one thing, this is a whole other deal. So I'm planning to make the guard out of O1 also and solder it on. Now for my question:

Is that stupid? This means I'll be Gun Koteing the whole blade and guard as a unit. I just wonder whether that makes sense or should I go back to the drawing board?
 
Dave, I wonder if the epoxy (if you used that) would withstand the 300 F curing process suggested for Gun-Kote. So my guess is using epoxy on this one is acedemic anyhow. I can not remember what low temp silver solder melts at but I am thinking greater than 400 F(??). I wish I could use Gun-Kote on my Afgan knife but can not because I will not be making a take-apart. I am currently experimenting with Laurel Mountain Barrel Brown but am having difficulty learning it. I hate to have to use cold blue.

RL
 
Well duh! :o Thanks Roger. I take it you think coating the whole thing at once is worth a shot.
 
Dave
Don't you spray on the gun kote? Seems like if you really wanted to you could mask off the gaurd when you apply it, let it set up and then take the tape off before you bake it. I don't see any problem with caoting the blade and gaurd though. If they're both O1 you'll want to fight rust and make them non reflective anyhow.


Roger
I haven't tried that particular browning solution but I'm using some on a knife myself. Clean the blade with Acetone really well before you start, and take your time with it. Hardened steel doesn't etch as deeply with it nearly as fast. You'll get a nice skin and think it looks good but it will be a little thin in spots. I had to go back and touch it up on mine after masking the blade off to fit the handle. Its pretty durable once you get it to take though.
 
Soft silver solder melts at about 400F and that temperature also breaks loose most epoxies and Loc-tite.
 
Yep. I think I'll be alright with the solder at 300 and I'm looking forward to the results. All the colors Gun Kote comes in is weakening my inhibitions... I really should use the mil spec OD but some of those other colors are really cool. I'm sure there's a tasteful compromise. ;)
 
OD is...drab. Seeing as the knife is going to the sandbox, how about a sand or tan coating? A desert camo finish would be more appropiate than OD, IMO.

Howie
 
Good point Howie. I think I'll post a poll in the Iraq knife thread and let folks there offer some input. I suppose if I'm airbrushing this I could do a camo coating... That's a great idea. Thanks,
 
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