Media Blasting a combat knife

M

Mark Redmon

Joined
Nov 7, 2007
Messages
451
I know this comes up every once in a while, so forgive me....

I've got a knife that's about wrapped up and will be going with a young man to Afghanistan when he is deployed in January. I'd like to put a blasted matte finish on it. I'm planning on buying a small blasting cabinet, but I'm a little lost as to what I should be looking for in the media. The handle is canvas Micarta and the steel is 440C at about HRC59. I know this is a very general question, but I'd like to know what you guys think/use.
 
I usually use glass beads mixed with aluminum oxide, as i find the aluminum oxide straight is too abrasive and the glass beads is too mild.
Chris
 
blindhogg said:
I usually use glass beads mixed with aluminum oxide, as i find the aluminum oxide straight is too abrasive and the glass beads is too mild.
Chris
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info... do you favor certain grits for the mix? Is it 50/50?

defaultuser said:
By the title I thought the thread was meant to be posted in the Political Arena...:D
Click to expand...

lol... damn media! I'll try to remember not to send any info to msnbc :barf:
 
I know this sounds cheap but it works for me...
I don't have room for a cabinet. So I bought a 20 buck sandblasting gun from Harbor Freight with the red bottle on top of it. Use play sand, but run it through a sifter first or you will get clogs. Simple, cheap, and I like the results.
Wear a respirator and face shield, the dust isn't good for you. And you'll need a shower after!
Dan
 
At work we onley use glass beads because sand is to rough and will increase the chance of rust and will be harder to clean. Personaly I love a niceley done glass bead blasted knife. If you want I can blast your blade for you.
 
avoid the harbor freight cabinet at all costs ! If you end up buying one, you'll need a new gun and new gloves within a very short time ! and hopefully you have a good compressor with high CFM
 
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