How I avoid scratches on the blade currently

AVigil

AVigil

Adam Vigil working the grind
Platinum Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2009
Messages
7,310
OK so if anyone is like me they would get a blade done have it tapped up, no matter what kind of tape, and take the tape off only to show the tape left a mark on the blade or a scratch appears as you attempt to remedy the crap the tape did to your finished blade. I actually had blue tape pit S35VN before.

So on the last couple of blades I tried something different for me and it has worked well. This is the Tanto I am currently working on and before I fit the guard had the blue tape pit the blade a wee bit.... I was furious when I removed the protective tape to find it.

So I decided to go a different route. I went to my Grainger catalog and remove a page, the paper is very smooth, I wrapped the blade with the paper and then used electrician tape to wrap the blade. The electricians tape stretches and as you wrap it around the paper it applies enough tension to hold the paper on and no tape contact is needed.

I did this on a couple other blades as well and have found it to be the best method for me so far at protecting the blade from the environment as well as from the tape.

Give it a try if tapping the blade has been giving your troubles. The catalog paper is thin enough and strong enough it does not get in the way and is easy to replace when needed

KI2gAm8.jpg
 
I do the same the only thing I do differently is I use a page from the phone book. It works great
 
I recently had the same problem with the painters tape. I finished sanding 2 knives, taped them both and applied handles to one. When I removed the tape, I had numerous areas that had pitted. I took the tape off the other knife and same thing had happened.

Thanks for the tip. I plan to use it.
 
With the blue tape it can occur in several hours.
 
Adam, I have had the exact same issue with a few blades, green tape only, various brands(could this be the issue?). It seems to me, that when I polish the spine, choil, etc, the sanding grit is lodged in the exposed edge of the tape where it interacts with the glue/atmospheric moisture to pit only in that area. I can show photos of three really nice knives currently ruined as a result of this..... but I won't. :(

-Peter

ETA: I don't believe I've had this problem with hidden tang blades, however, because the blades need to be completely polished and cleaned before being taped for the handle assembly.
 
My teacher told me to always clean the blade with windex or ammonia after using tape because the adhesive is acidic.
 
Peter....ugh what a nightmare.

Marc I will never use tape again. It is such a crap shoot and really not necessary once you use catalog or phonebook paper.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top