Finish removal.

[Mediumrarechicken]

So I bought a bk16 yesterday but the bed liner crap needs to go. I have a couple nylon "wire wheels" that I used to take the paint off my alum. Boat. The wheels left some scratches on the alum but I was wondering if it won't leave anything on a stronger metal. I'd rather not have marks on it and not have to spend koney on some stripper.

 

[Jonny1280]

There's gonna be grind lines from the factory on the bare metal regardless.
If you wanna use a wire wheel then by golly use a wire wheel! Lol
It may leave some slight scratching, but a little sandpaper and elbow grease can take care of it if you're really worried about it.
I say go for it.

Welcome to the forum!
Stick around and have some fun. We'd be glad to have ya around.

 

[Mediumrarechicken]

True. I guess I could try it where it won't be seen.

 

[jobasha11]

Paint stripper is much easier if you just want the rough coating off.

 

[Guyon]

I'd just strip it. Wire wheel will leave marks.

 

[Mediumrarechicken]

What is a good stripper? The stuff I used for some ak mags didn't work very well for me.

 

[spikebot587]

I've used Jascos with good results, Klean strip also seems to work

 

[Dogzovwar81]

I just use sandpaper and elbo grease. Works for me, but ymmv.

 

[Semper Praesidio]

I've used Jascos with good results, Klean strip also seems to work

+1 on Klean Strip - used it on my 14 mod project and it did great!

 

[tjswarbrick]

Kleen-strip, citri-strip, Jasco all work about the same for me. Let it sit about 1/2 hr + and the coating just peels off.
Wire wheel would probably do just fine, too, if you really don't want to spend the cash. The scratches certainly won't be worse than KaBar's machining marks, and may add some character to the patina. Plus, it'll be unique.

Welcome to the forum - have fun modding your knife.

 

[captainclemmys]

I asked a similar question regarding chemical strippers (see the link below) there was some good information and at times some level of humor. I think you will find that parallels some of the comments already posted here but you might find it useful.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1193973-Can-anyone-recommend-a-good-stripper
cc

 

[Mrknot]

I used the Jasco on my 9&11, (as well as a few other non-Becker blades). Worked great, but that stuff is nasty!
Whatever you do don't get it on your hands. Will also eat right through vinyl exam gloves in about 5minutes.

 

[Tdhurl1103]

Yup, the chemical strip is the only way to be sure you aren't going to create a whole lot more work for yourself later. That new coating practically melts off the blade with some Kleen Stripper. You can find it at any hardware store or department store that sells paint products and should only be a few bucks for the can. Wear some heavy duty gloves, not surgical gloves or gloves which can soak up liquid. The 16 should be quick, keep in mind also that the stripper may or may not peel the coating from jimping channels so you may need to scrape it out with a wire brush or some scotchbrite, but the stripper should loosen it up enough where its not a problem.