mirrored Vs. satin finish

[larrytwohig]

I'm looking to order a custom bowie, and need some input on the pros/cons of both of these finishes. The steel is non-stainless 5160. What effect would the finish have on scratch-resistance, tarnish, rust, sharpening, etc. I read that with the satin finish, the blade will hold oil better, but then others say that it also causes water and dirt accumulation more than a mirrored finish. The knife will be for the most part a disply item, but it will experience some light use on camping trips, hunting, chopping, self-defense, SD practice, etc. I do like crisp lines in a knife, and the sheath will be leather. Thanks!

 

[rev_jch]

a mirror finish will resist rust a touch better. Of course it will show scratches much better also. I find that rennasainsse wax works well on carbon blades compared to tuf-glide as far as protection. Im a big fan of tuf-glide, but for carbon steel rennasainsse wax is much better!!!

rust resistance also has to do with heat treat also, the higher the rockwell the higher the resistance, aside from blade steel.

hope this helps!!!

 

[gailt]

rev,do you leave the ren wax on while using the knife or for storage only.thanks

 

[glockman99]

The mirrored finish looks "better", but it WILL show fingerprints and smudges ALOT more than a satin finish...So if you are a "neat-freak", the satin finish might be "better", (unless you want to spend ALOT of time wiping-down the blade everytime it is touched).

 

[Sticky]

Im not sure, but i would tend to think a highly polished blade would be stronger than one that is not. I used to work in silicon IC industry, and generally, the higher the polish(esp at the edge), the stronger the wafer(to a certain point)

 

[larrytwohig]

think I'll stick with satin... don't have the patience to be doing all that rubbing :yawn: plus it'll be a user, and I need a more durable finish that doesn't show scratches as easily, while still looking good.

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

If rust resistance is paramount, by it nature a mirror polish will resist rust better than any other finish.

 

[rev_jch]

The wax works much better for storage, although you can use it once you put the wax on. I would suggest using the tuf-glide if its something that sees regular use.

 

[Blue Jays]

Good Morning All-

Originally posted by larrytwohig
...The knife will be for the most part a disply item, but it will experience some light use on camping trips, hunting, chopping, self-defense, SD practice, etc...

larrytwohig, the VERY FIRST TIME a mirror-polished knife is used for camping, hunting, chopping, or SD use/practice, it WILL get marks and scratches on the blade. These imperfections WILL NOT be able to be removed without hours of hand-polishing. There is also the opportunity that the marks may NEVER be eliminated without removing a significant amount of metal material from the blade.

You may wish to divide your collection between "users" and "collectables" and not intermix them. Put the custom bowie in a frame behind a piece of glass and then invest a couple hundred dollars in a Busse/Strider type of knife and your mind will rest easier. Use the "tool knife" as you please, treat it to a quick sharpening and then store it with a well-oiled blade. No muss, no fuss! Enjoy!

~ Blue Jays ~