My BK 5...a work in progress + a few question

[three2seven]

So I decided to strip my 5 and I'm really liking the results. I just want to say to any of you out there that are completely new to knife modding, it can be done by a newb!

I started with tuff strip



Then I painted the around the outside of the handles and around the blade where the handles would stop, as to maintain as much coating under the handles as possible.



Then scraped with a plastic ice scraper type thing




Then went at it with a 400 grit paper



Then 1000



Then 2000


Will continue to post pics as it comes along and when my custom scales/leather come in.


Now, my question is for you guys that have done this. The vertical markings that run down the blade, are those what's known as "machine marks". Will they come out when my polish comes in? Or do I need to go back at it with low grit paper again and start the process over before polish?


Thanks my fellow Beckerians!

 

[Jonny1280]

Nice work! Looking good!
Yeah, those grind lines are only gonna come out with lower grit sandpaper.

 

[three2seven]

Just so I'm clear we are talking about the very closely spaced lines that run from spine to edge, correct? Sorry, I didn't know what to call them.

 

[Jonny1280]

Just so I'm clear we are talking about the very closely spaced lines that run from spine to edge, correct? Sorry, I didn't know what to call them.

Correct.
Once they're removed with a low grit you can work your way back up through higher grits and finish with a polish. It's a lot of work, but the end result is remarkable.

 

[three2seven]

Thanks! Exactly what I needed to know

 

[iwouldhurtafly]

Nice work on your blade! The BK5 is an amazing blade. Its an 8" knife that doesnt feel like it, all while still giving you the benefits of having the length. I stripped mine, but I stripped all the coating and then put the scales back on, taped off around the scales, took the scales off, shot with some clear coat, then put the scales back on. I have done this with all of my stripped Beckers and havent had any rust issues yet. However, I did what you did first with my bk2, and well it was not effective in keeping the edges under the scales protected. Another plus with painting them is you can put the scales on while the spray paint is still a little tacky and it semi-seals everything together. Also shot the nuts and bolts with some black to keep them from rusting.

Was lucky enough that my 5 looked pretty good after it was stripped. All I did was hit the blade up with some metal polish to brighten it up. Now its sporting an earned patina from working outside and in the kitchen. LOVE this knife.





I'll have to go snap a pick of how it sits today, the last pic there was the next day after it was stripped, looked really good IMO but looks better with its patina now

 

[daizee]

Now, my question is for you guys that have done this. The vertical markings that run down the blade, are those what's known as "machine marks". Will they come out when my polish comes in? Or do I need to go back at it with low grit paper again and start the process over before polish?

no.
Polish will only shine up the inside of the grooves. You need coarse abrasive to remove coarse markings. Basically you need to sand the peaks of the grooves down to the bottom of the valleys of the grooves. all of them.

So... I'd go back to 180x and work up slowly from there in a systematic fashion (180, 280, 360, 600, etc.).
Actually, that's not true. I know better than to hand-sand already hardened steel.
When you see a beautiful hand-sanded finish on a custom knife, 80% of the work is done BEFORE heat-treat while the metal is still soft and easy to work. You CAN do 3x the work after the fact if you like.

Regardless of the state of your steel, this methodology applies:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-BK2-stripping-method?p=10326803#post10326803

Good luck!