Dulling a shiny metal pocket clip?

Joe58

Joe58

Joined
Nov 11, 2002
Messages
1,969
While I like my Spyderco Native, I do not care for the super shiny pocket clip Spyderco uses. As well as some other makers.

I much prefer a dull or matte finish, or a matte black.

I've replaced them with black clip, or natural Ti, but have attempted to figure out how to dull the shiny clip without scratching the crap out of it by using fine sandpaper or something like that. I thought perhaps in my brass tumbler but that had no effect and may have actually made it more shiny. Lol

Any suggestions? Maybe some kind of liquid something to dip them? Dunno.

Thanks guys...Joe
 
Why don't you want to scratch it? Acid etching or scuffing are going to be the only way to dull it. Steel wool would work better than sandpaper.
 
well if its just a polished stainless clip you can dip it in PCB etching solution which is a fancy name for ferric chloride. This will turn most stainless steels a dull gray. But since your clip is polished I am not sure how uniform the appearance would be. The only other thing I can suggest is trying to find someone with a blasting cabinet that can bead blast it and then if its still not dark enough for you the PCB etching solution would darken it. For titanium clips you can dip them in an oxi-clean/water solution and they will oxidize and get a dull dark gray.
 
PCB etch is definitely what you want. Very uniform on polished stainless. And it is quick. Neutralize with baking soda and water when you're done. And it can be polished back out if you change your mind later on.

Abrasives like sand paper or steel wool aren't going to dull the finish - just put shiny scratches in it.


Otherwise, look on ebay for an aftermarket replacement clip in the color you like.
 
PURPLEDC said:
well if its just a polished stainless clip you can dip it in PCB etching solution which is a fancy name for ferric chloride. This will turn most stainless steels a dull gray. But since your clip is polished I am not sure how uniform the appearance would be. The only other thing I can suggest is trying to find someone with a blasting cabinet that can bead blast it and then if its still not dark enough for you the PCB etching solution would darken it. For titanium clips you can dip them in an oxi-clean/water solution and they will oxidize and get a dull dark gray.
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Get that stuff at Radio Shack?

It's not that I mind the scratches or whatever, and as I've mentioned, I've replaced the shiny ones with duller finished models that don't reflect.

When Forbush is back to work, I'll have him cerokote some for me again. Those come out a real nice matte black.

These shiny ones are just something to mess with and see if it came be done while keeping them decent looking. I know thru carry they'll get scratched anyway. Trying to learn new things.
 
Sharpie :D

Jk brushing it with a scotch brite pad and water would be my suggestion as well.

You can always just paint it black, that's what Benchmade does. Not very durable though.
 
I had the same problem with my Leatherman Charge clip. It was way too shiny for me. I used PCB etchant to dull it then stone washed for a few hours. I'll get a picture up in a little bit.
 
Just heat the clip on a stove or something, gloing red... then throw it in some oil ;)

2iucfpw.jpg
 
snooka said:
Just heat the clip on a stove or something, gloing red... then throw it in some oil ;)

2iucfpw.jpg
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Did this to my Resilience and Cara Cara 2 clip, used water instead of oil. I also did the same to the screws, so all about same color.
A guy over YT with name 'arsonhammock' has good tips on doing it.
 
If you want a stonewashed look then put it into a Tupperware container with some pebbles and put it into the dryer for a few minutes.
 
Ernie1980 said:
If you want a stonewashed look then put it into a Tupperware container with some pebbles and put it into the dryer for a few minutes.
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By doing this to say titanium would it give it a rough look similar to bead blasted
 
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