How to preserve markings on knife

[Deibiddo]

Hey guys! I've been acquiring some really nice pieces that will be in my collection for a while, that I wont carry often but can see myself taking out on special occasions for braggin' rights. My question is, how would I preserve the laser engravings/ markings (limited edition, company names, Logos, etc...) on the handles/blades from wearing off? I know especially on anodized/coated handles the writing/laser etching can wear off pretty easy. Is there any coating or oil i can rub on the handle/blade to keep them looking crisp against accidental wear? Thanks!

 

[ryxlyx]

Laser etching is melted metal-- it will not "wear off". Even on light etches it is much deeper than the orig main grind lines-- doubt you would worry about them disappearing....

 

[Deibiddo]

Ok and same would go for on the anodized handles? and how can you tell if it's laser etched in the metal or more of a "painted" on? One example is a limited edition protech

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Ok and same would go for on the anodized handles? and how can you tell if it's laser etched in the metal or more of a "painted" on? One example is a limited edition protech

Look at the logo with a good magnifier, like 10X or so, under very bright light. Laser etches will look like a very tight pattern of fine 'dots' literally burned into the metal, and they'll go to pretty good depth. It'll become immediately clear under inspection, that these logos won't go anywhere without some heavy grinding/sanding. The 'bug' lasered onto Spyderco's blades is a good example of that. The anodized logos will still just look like they're painted/stenciled on, as it's basically just a thin layer of oxide on the surface.


David

 

[PumpkinSeed]

Is there a safe way to clean the blade of any rust that is on the blade that will not mess with the etching? Thanks.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Is there a safe way to clean the blade of any rust that is on the blade that will not mess with the etching? Thanks.

For rust, usually some WD-40 scrubbed with some fine steel wool (#0000) will work. The steel wool is aggressive enough to scrub away the relatively softish red rust, but not aggressive enough to damage most oxide or etched logos. Steel wool is also softer than the vast majority of blade steels, so it shouldn't scratch the blade either. If the logo does come off under this treatment, it likely wouldn't have lasted long anyway, if the knife was handled & used much at all.


David