Getting rid of tacky blade stamping?

AlaChoctaw

AlaChoctaw

Joined
Jul 17, 1999
Messages
795
I give away a lot of knives, and economics (I'm a retired LEO) dictate that many of them are inexpensive imports. I first tighten and sharpen them, and they make some satisfactory gifts. Is there any way to remove the "MADE IN ELBONIA" that is often proudly stamped in black on the main blade? These don't appear to be etched in any way, but stamped in ink or paint of some kind. I hesitate to use steel wool, as I want to preserve the polish. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. God Bless! Rev. Jim (aka AlaChoctaw)
 
On the other hand I totally dig the running fox stamp on my brand new Swampfox knife.
But I do understand wanting to remove the others.
 
I really love my Spyderco Military, wasn't so fond of 'Military' stamped on the blade (I'm a vet, flame me not). A few minutes with some x fine sandpaper (600, I think, though maybe finer) and the blade is the way I wanted it, no real difference between the two sides. Go slow, and follow any grain line you might see in the blade. Bet a buffing wheel and a dremmel would do you even better.
 
Usually, the "Made in Pakistan" ink stamp is made to be removed. It's there so that US Customs will allow the knives in. Then, the unscrupulous fleamarket vendor simply removes the inking and sells the knives as high-end collectibles.

To remove the ink, use a small cloth wetted with Xylene. Where to you get Xylene? Probably at the grocery store. Definitely at Home Depot or other "home improvement" type stores in a bright yellow can labled "Goof Off." Just be a bit careful because Xylene can attack and damage some plastics.
 
Thanks all! Semichrome and judicious use of 000 steel wool on stubborn areas works wonders! I'm going to get some Xylene within the next few days to have on hand also. Rev. Jim ;)
 
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