Maker's mark on belt finish

[jwesthurl]

I recently put my mark on a FFG knife with a scotchbrite finish. I etched it and marked it then hit the blade one last time on the scotchbrite belt and what I feared would happen, did. It cleaned up the stray staining from etching but it also pulled some of the black out of the mark, which is fairly deep. Is there any way to avoid this? I typically hand sand everything so it's never a problem.

 

[coldsteelburns]

I've never used one but maybe a cork belt finish would be the way to go since they don't have those loose fibers hanging off the belt like coarse and medium scotchbrite belts do... Or just get a fine (white) scotchbrite belt to make the finishing pass to clean up the area around the etch.

Also, just put some ferric chloride over your logo and that should re-blacken it. After that use a different belt for your finishing pass.

Somebody else who does a lot of belt finishes will chime in, but those are just some ideas I would try if I were doing it. I also only really do hand rubbed finishes


~Paul

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My YT Channel Lsubslimed

 

[jwesthurl]

Thanks Paul, I definitely want to try cork belts and the scotchbrite belt is rather "fuzzy". I really only tried it because the belt I have came with the grinder when I bought it.

 

[Matt Rochester]

Just use flitz or mothers wheel polish to clean up your mark.

 

[AVigil]

To many issues with Scotch brite belts for me.

Use a Gator belt for a nice satin finish or a dry cork. Both will leave a nice satin finish without blasting your mark.

 

[jwesthurl]

I think I'm going to try cork. I like the finish that the scotchbrite gives but I can already tell any touch ups will affect the mark. Thanks for the help.

 

[AVigil]

be sure to follow the directions on breaking in a cork belt to get a nice smooth finish