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I plan on getting a genuine Cold Steel Trail Master

B

Blackie Scantling

Joined
Dec 26, 2013
Messages
444
Instead of a knockoff with a curved blade and off center grind angle. But I like the TM with black blade and black guard as I intend on stripping it and acid washing it to give it an aged grey patina. All of the non San Mai TM's I see advertised now have a brass guard. I really want the SS black guard.

Please update me on the past and current models.
Tnx
 
Wait until the O1 models enter circulation, soak the whole thing in vinegar, and you have a black blade trailmaster.
 
Bugout Bill said:
Wait until the O1 models enter circulation, soak the whole thing in vinegar, and you have a black blade trailmaster.
Click to expand...


Actually, I don' t want to end up with a black blade. The knives that have black guards start out with black blades that I can strip back to bare metal and acid wash grey along with putting a fake hamon on. I just want to know if CS even offers the TM with black guards anymore.
 
Blackie Scantling said:
Actually, I don' t want to end up with a black blade. The knives that have black guards start out with black blades that I can strip back to bare metal and acid wash grey along with putting a fake hamon on. I just want to know if CS even offers the TM with black guards anymore.
Click to expand...

I don't think so.
 
Get one of the knifemakers here make you a custom modeled after the Trailmaster. Then you can have EXACTLY the knife you want.
 
It will be easier to put a patina on clean steel than coated steel.
Get an uncoated knife.
 
I got an mtech TM copy for $30.00 in what they say is 440a that was coated all black like earlier models of real Trail Masters. I stripped the black oxide off the blade and guard. I then put a slight re curve on the edge and bull nosed the clip point slightly. It turned out beautiful, one of the prettiest Bowies I've ever seen.
If someone can tell me how to download pics I'll post it up.
 
 
I thought the Trailmasters were not coated, and the smaller recon scouts are. That's the carbon/alloy steel versions, not the "san mai" VG 1 inner core with 420 sides. I could be wrong though.
 
The older carbon V factory seconds were coated black. I have one that is mostly stripped including the guard. It is a brass guard.
 
Try this:

vbottle.jpg


It's not a super-durable coating, more like a good patina... but it can be touched up easily.

jimh0220 said:
Get one of the knifemakers here make you a custom modeled after the Trailmaster. Then you can have EXACTLY the knife you want.
Click to expand...

Or that :)
 
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