How can I make my shiny pocket clip's less shiny?

[Ken44]

I have a couple of newer Spyderco knives with very shiny satin pocket clips, and really dislike the very bright shine.

I know I could find a local place to bead blast them, but that will be my last option if needed.
I don't know of anyone local that could tumble them(stonewash) or I would do that.

I'm thinking I could sandpaper them to a duller finish, but I am not sure what grits would work best.

If anyone can help I would appreciate it.
-Kenny

edit- this is now pages back, but I'll add info in case someone does a search about knocking the shine off.
I sanded the clip with 400 grit paper, and then a scotch bright pad. It now looks just like I was hoping for. Thanks.

 

[tomsch]

Another easy option to try is using a Scotch Brite pad. That will provide a brushed finish.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

At least a few models of the Spyderco clips can be bought in either satin/polished, or black. I've seen a lot of 'em for Enduras & Delicas on the 'bay. Might even be able to get it straight from Spyderco, depending on the model.

Some members here have used ferric chloride to 'dull' the finish on stainless steel (roughly emulates the 'patina' on carbon blades, sort of). It's a chemical etchant, so it can be tricky and/or messy to work with (so I've read, anyway; haven't tried it).

 

[Ken44]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I ordered a satin clip(military) from spyderco last year to replace a black one, and it was not very shiny at all, and looked great on the carbon fiber. The new PARA and Military clips are darn near a mirror finish that I don't care for at all. Just need to knock a bit of that shine off.

Next time I'm in town I'll pick up a scotch bright pad and try that. I have several grits of sand paper in the shop and may try a medium grit to see if it helps.

I don't have any ferric chloride on hand, but I'll try to do a search to see what some clips done with it look like.

 

[pwet]

just light your gas stove and put the clip in the midle of the burner, it will end up with a nice thin and even oxyde layer. i have done this to my stretch and BM760 with great success.


pictures

the stretch before

a quick cell phone shot of it now and the lighter colored 760.

both show some wear but it takes 10min to put back some color.

if the heat weakened the steel i can't tell i've done this to the 760 a year ago and i've not snapped it yet, it's still as springy as before, just don't let it turn red, it'll color before that.


oh and sorry for my feet, that's a new style of art photography as you can see.