Also, for all the questions about how to strip, sand paper will give you scratches, unless you really polish it out, and it will take a long time and effort to be thorough in all the tight spots. If you don't want want scratches, read on!
This is not to hijack this thread! I posted my own pics below.
If you like the results Petey got, where the INFI beneath is left pristine by the stripping process, the steps below will get you there. This process is extremely easy to not screw up.
Warning: If you choose to follow these steps, you do so at your own risk. Paint stripper is toxic to the skin, eyes and will leave a mild chemical burn if you leave it on your skin for more than a few seconds. Please read the warning label of any chemical you use. Paint stripping should be done outside ONLY. Wear rubber gloves, eye protection, long sleeves and pants you don't care about, and ideally a suitable breathing filter (I never have, being outside every time). I take no responsibility for any harm you do to yourself, any other human, animal or object, or for any other possible negative affects caused by following the steps below.
Having said that, I have never had a single bad outcome from this process, having done it 6 or 7 times (other than having gotten the stuff on myself in a few spots. Not a big deal.). Also, I have only tried this on the crinkle coat. I'm not sure this works on Cerakote:
1) Go to a hardware store.
2) Get RUBBER GLOVES and a spray can of paint stripper. If you're like me, get 2 cans, so you can't possibly run out doing 1 knife. Usually 1 can is more than enough. I don't like "usually enough." I like guarantees. I like spares.
You might even be inspired by the excellent results, and want to do more of your knives. Would be a shame to have to go back to the hardware store...
3) Get some foil or an old cookie sheet. Think of it like spray painting. Go outside, away from the house AND CARS. You DO NOT want this stuff anywhere near your cars. Put the pan/foil down where nothing alive is anywhere near it. Lay down newspaper on a wider area if you want to, and put the pan/foil over that.
4) Put on rubber gloves (seriously), but, don't be afraid of the stuff. Just try not to get it on your skin or it will give you a mind chemical burn. It hurts, turns red. Goes away in a day. I've done it, its not that bad. Spare yourself anyway. Wear the gloves and DO NOT SPRAY YOUR FACE. Be aware of where the nozzle is pointed, keep it pointed away from yourself, and you'll be fine (just like spray paint). If you do get the stripper on yourself, cold water and a little soap will remove it. You may notice redness later. You may or may not feel anything. One time it itched a little bit. One time it felt like a minor sunburn. You've been warned.
5) Put the knife down in the pan or foil.
6) Spray the paint stripper on liberally. Don't be shy. All over. NOTE: I have used stripper on exposed canvas micarta many times, with absolutely NO effect. That is my experience. I can't guarantee that you'll have the same experience. The stuff washes off with soap and water.
7) Wait 10 mins. You will simply not believe how easily the coating comes off. If you pick up the knife and shake it, sheets of the coating will slide off. Anything thing that doesn't move can move agitated with your GLOVED fingers, or a nice PLASTIC brush (toothbrush is fine), to removed it from the nooks and crannies. Any coating that's still stuck, simply reapply the stripper, and give it a few mins. IT WILL COME OFF EASILY. DO NOT USE A METAL TOOL.
Once you're satisfied that the coating is completely removed to your liking, wash the knife with warm water and dish soap.
Happy to answer questions if you have trouble. Just PM me.
This is what was hiding beneath the coating of this Boss Street.
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TheGrownUpKid
... Him, and guys like him, make this my favorite hangout-- he's helped me more than a few times!
