Modding BK5 & 15: Full or half strip?

levernutt

levernutt

Joined
Jan 8, 2012
Messages
125
So my BK5 arrived today. I am planning to strip the coating from it and my BK15. I have done some searches and seen nice mods on the forums with both fully stripped and partially stripped (just blade) versions. I am leaning toward the latter, but is the half-strip worth the extra time/trouble? It seems like it would cut down on concerns about rust under the handle to keep the coating.

What is a good way to do this? I was wondering if I tape-wrapped the handle area, if the paint stripper would eat the tape. I also thought about using tin foil and tape, but wasn't sure if there would be any unwanted chemical reaction and/or discoloration from the foil and the paint stripper. Anyone have any hard won lessons learned to share?
 
I also only strip the blade, but I do strip the spine and the tang that way you don't see there's still coating underneath the scales. F.e. my 16 looks like it's completely stripped with the scales on, but it's not.
 
1/2 strip. Blue painters tape. Really no extra trouble at all.
I didn't strip the tang, but it looks like I did because it got sanded while shaping the scales.
Patina to follow when the 5 arrives in the next couple days...



 
I like full strips, but a half strip can be really nice too!
like the other's said painter's tape works well.
 
I just left the scales in place.

The stripper I used had no effect on them and so the coating is left to prevent corrosion.
 
The method I have used on all my stripped Beckers has been to strip the entire knife, put the handles back on the knife, tape the exposed metal around the handles, remove handles, then shoot the areas under the scales with some clear coat or black paint. Yes you can just take the time to protect the area under the scales, but I think its easier to just add a little paint then try to fight the paint stripper. YMMV. Either way have fun with it! :thumbup:
 
If you do a half strip, which is really awesome by the way, use the painters tape like previously suggested. Tape were you want and wrap the crap out it. Once you have the area you want stripped I recommend taking a razor blade to the extreme edge of the line created to clean up the edge a bit. Because the edge of the coating will still have some stripper on it. If you don't trim the edge then the coating will eventually loosen enough to fold up and will ruin the perfect edge you created the loose stuff will end up in areas you don't want it. Like on/in your food (if you use it for food prep).

Or, you could go for a full strip and avoid the cosmetic detailing. Good luck.
 
Like Galeocerdoshark said, strip it but leave the coating under the scales and polish the entire spine. Gives a awesome look! Easier maintenance then a fully stripped blade+handle. I did a Bk7 that way. The extra work now will save you a lot of time later on doing rust prevention.

Lets call this a 2/3 strip! :D

Concerning the health issue: I dont think the coating will come of from underneath the handle scales.

A good way to do this is using tape for the areas where you like to keep the coating. I used paint stripper for the blade and sandpaper the remove the coating at the handle.
 
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trailbum said:
Honduras, lets see some pics of your favorite bush time.
Click to expand...

Trailbum, I usually forget my camera, but I am going out for an overnight in a couple of weeks in the La Tigra National Cloud Forest. I'll take some pics to share, although I have had problems posting them here. My only success has been sharing links to photobucket.

-Levernutt
 
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