Gun-Kote test question

Burchtree

Burchtree

KnifeMaker & Moderator
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Just how durable is gun-kote, and how do you know when you've achieved a good finish? I have/had Reeves knives in the past and know they hold up pretty well to abuse. I've done some testing on a small blade and so far I haven't been pleased with the results. I bought a quart of the flat grey gun-kote from Kal-Gard have blasted the blade, cleaned off w/acetone and baked in oven at 325. It looks nice, but it just doesn't seem as durable as I would expect - I've even tried the K-phos with the same results. The coating can be scratched off while dragging a penny's edge hard against the surface.

So, just how durable is this supposed to be, and what am I doing wrong? TIA --

BTW -- Mr. Covington has been a big help on the Gun-Kote issue, but I don't want to keep bothering him with my questions. :D
 
Mike, did you use 120x aluminum-oxide blast media? Also, try to bake yours at 375-400. The higher temps make a much-harder finish. Also be sure to shake the hell out of the can. If that ball isn't rattling, and your arm muscles aren't burning and sore, then you didnt shake it enough. :)
 
400 eh? I'll give it a shot, but yes, I am blasting with AO, but about 100 grit. The first time I did it, I didn't see that you had to shake it and the knife turned out with a gold finish. :eek:
 
Michael, why don't you look in the nect JC Whitney catalog you get and pick up one of thier powder coat kits. Powder coating is a lot tougher than gun kote isn't it? Plus you can mix the pigments and get all kinds of colors.
 
I'm not sure if powder-coating is more durable, and it isn't as thin as gun-kote (if I want to use it for folders) and will break down from UV over time. I know the stuff works, it just ain't working for me. :D
 
I understand that there are two varieties of Gun Kote, a teflon based product and a tougher ceramic based product. Which one did you use?
 
Just use spray paint! :D I sincerly hope you aren't covering nice hamon with Gun Kote, Michael. :grumpy:
 
Did you wipe with acetone before or after the blasting? Sometimes crud can get trapped by the blasting process and the acetone wont reach it.
 
I'm not sure which I bought, probably the teflon-based one. I use acetone after blasting.
 
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