How do I stonewash?

[Ferahgo]

My Bk14 needs some customization. I think it would look good stonewashed. I have plenty of aquarium gravel and PVC, but I have no idea how to go about doing it.

 

[1066vik]

know anyone who reloads?
vibratory tumbler filled with ceramic media should work, as would a rotary tumbler.

 

[LG&M]

Going to F-up the edge real good. with hardened steel how long do you think it would take?

 

[shaving sharp]

We used to do it in the shop I worked at to deburr. It depends on the grit you use but at a fine grit it will take about an hour with stones that are mixed with water. LG&M is right it will kill your edge but with fine stones you should be able to re-sharpen but you may need a belt grinder it will be very dull. You need a power vibrator to do it. If I were you I would glass bead it.

 

[Ferahgo]

Do you think it would help if I were to layer duct tape around the bevel?

 

[shaving sharp]

Look at youtube and take your pick of what method you want to use.

 

[Ferahgo]

So, no matter what I do, I can expect to damage the edge?

 

[shaving sharp]

Stonewashing will round all the edges of your blade including the sharp edge. That is the nature of the process and I do not think the tape would stay on.

 

[TravisH]

Google it. I did last winter and found several DIY stonewash guides.

IIRC ...
~ one did save his edge by taping it
~ vibratory tumbler with larger stones gave better results than smaller stones
~ use large polished river stones, about 1", or tumbler-specific ceramic pyramid stones
~ length of 4" PVC, sealed at one end, screw cap at other, filled with stones and WD40, and shook by hand while watching football
~ another cannister wrapped in towels, was tossed into clothes dryer. Broke off piece inside dryer and wife tried to break off a piece inside of him

It was enough to convince me I couldn't afford it nor worth the effort.

 

[NJBillK]

You can also use the harbor freight stone washing ceramic media. According to those in the know in the maintenance and tinkering sub, they say that it is comparable to the higher grade stuff, and for carbin steel, use a oittle water and baking soda to keep the blade from rusting. They also mentioned some oil.

For a smaller blade, you can use a gatorade bottle in your clothes dryer on a cold cycle with the media and the knife in the bottle and the lid taped on good with duct tapt and make sure to go around the bottle a few times with the tape to limit any punctures.