D2 finish options?

O

Omega Leather Works

Joined
Jun 13, 2007
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Hey guys,

How do you finish d2?

As I'm starting to get closer to a polished finish it's showing up as orange peel. I'm a big fan of patinas, but for obvious reasons, I haven't been able to get anything but a nasty look.

What are my options, and how do you go about it? It does have stabilized wood scales pinned and epoxied on.
 
Never pin and epoxy a handle until the finish on the blade is complete.

D2 is just like that. A belt/Scotchbrite, hand-satin (400 or 600 grit), stonewashed or media-blasted finish will look good and not show the orange peel look.
 
Here's D2 that is a 600 grit belt finish followed by a very fine scotchbrite belt. I take the finish up higher to 2000 grit sometimes then back to 600 at the end.

016-5.jpg
 
james terrio said:
Never pin and epoxy a handle until the finish on the blade is complete.

D2 is just like that. A belt/Scotchbrite, hand-satin (400 or 600 grit), stonewashed or media-blasted finish will look good and not show the orange peel look.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know. Not sure what I was... Actually, now that I think about it, I remember thinking that it was done. Then I changed my mind and decided to do a hand rubbed finish, I had to get the tiny scratches out though, then the 'peel' showed itself. I had never used d2 in any capacity before.

Media blasted you say? Hmm... I could easily do that.

Daniel Fairly Knives said:
Here's D2 that is a 600 grit belt finish followed by a very fine scotchbrite belt. I take the finish up higher to 2000 grit sometimes then back to 600 at the end.

016-5.jpg
Click to expand...

Dude, you just suck. What I wouldn't give to make things like that. :cool:

Edit- oh, I think I need to make a light box too, and steal my wife's dslr. But I'm not sure I want to know what the reflection is on that knife! :D
 
A Scotch-brite belt and a quick dip in FC makes for a nice and easy finish. Others like to bead blast D-2. It isn't a fine polish metal.
 
I think I'm going to try glass blasting it, then a dip in FC.

Do I need to take it further than 400 grit before blasting? The lower half is polished to a higher degree, but the spine is still a tad rough. Will the difference be easily seen?
 
I wonder if the orange peel is alloy banding in D2. I am seeing something very similar in some Becut. Can't see it at 60 grit (blaze) but even at A300 trizact (80?) it starts to show. I wonder if it might be considered an inherent feature of some steels rather than a defect?
 
The orange peel is caused by large hard carbides resisting abrasion, while the (relatively) softer ferrite abrades away. CPM-D2 is a bit easier to get a smooth finish on, but if you ant a mirror finish, forget high alloy carbide forming steels.
 
There seems to be some debate on the cause of the orange peel. I've read a few different things. One maker that I've talked to says that, all things being equal, he sees orange peel sometimes on his blades, and other times not.
 
I see the orange peel. I also have some very fine scratches no mater how much or how I sand. I believe some of the carbides come lose as I sand and cause these fine scratches.
 
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