My First Blade Project

[Triquetra]

Here's my project and my first attempt to post pics. I had a Becker and wanted to get rid of that black coating. Pretty basic project compared to some on the forum but it's a start. I've still got a little work to touch it up, make a handle, and improve my picture taking.

Here's the coating soaking.

Here's the grey colored blade after removing the black coating.

Here's the blade almost finished. I probably won't work on it a whole lot more since it's going to be a worker. It seems like an entirely different blade without the black stuff.

I only polished the blade section. Although I kind of liked the grey patina. I going to start working on a wooden handle now.

 

[GEC]

I think it looks alot better without the coating. Good job! Man, I have to get me one of those beckers or at least try to.

 

[tknife]

Very nice. I stripped my Beckers and like them much better that way.

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

Looks good! What did you use to strip off the black?

Thanks!

AndY

 

[texastonydobbs]

i am think'n of stripping my bk-7 but i am going to place tape where the handle goes ,so the black coating stays intact and helps protect the metal under the handle and strip/polish just the blade area, thought it would be different and if it don't work out like planned all i have to do is keep on with the removal of the black coating process ! your becker looks great :thumbup: good job !!!!

 

[barny]

Wow, nice job. Be sure to post pictures when the handle is done!:thumbup:

 

[mmmotorcycle]

Nice work! it looks to be a much more classy blade now.

 

[Diamond Dog]

I like the blade much better without the black coating. Good job on your project. What kind of wood are you thinking about using for the handles? Keep us updated!

 

[Triquetra]

Looks good! What did you use to strip off the black?

Thanks!

AndY

I used something called Sprayon Heavy Duty Paint Remover.

I like the blade much better without the black coating. Good job on your project. What kind of wood are you thinking about using for the handles? Keep us updated!

I really haven't thought about it much. I thought about just picking up some wood at Lowe's to practice with. Now that I know how to post pics, I'll try to post more project pictures as they come along. I've got a couple planned.

 

[1whitefoot]

I like it. :thumbup:

Makes it look more like a "real" tool...

Look forward to seeing it with some wood on it.

 

[untamed]

Nice! I'd imagine better cutting performance by getting less drag on material. How 'bout getting the flat micarta handle versions or you could create your own? I've read some who've dremmeled the the top guard.

 

[hmullica72]

Please post what your gonna do with it! (handle material, etc.)

 

[messer454]

Looks great.

 

[halfserrated]

That really does look good. It definitely looks better without the coating.

 

[Triquetra]

I had a question though on attaching the wooden handles for those with more experience. Do you use some sort of glue or epoxy to hold them on? It looks like if all you did was pin them, they would slide around on those big cutouts.

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

I like to use both pins and epoxy, but with proper prep and quality epoxy, pins are usually just for looks.

I use 30 minute, 4,000 epoxy bought at Home Depot or similar.

You'll need some rubber gloves and some decent, small clamps that won't mar the wood.

Get some acetone also to help clean the excess epoxy which squeezes out from under the handle slabs before it hardens.

Forgot to mention; take a file and rough up the sides of the tang before putting the epoxy and slabs on. That will help the metal and the wood bond better.

Andy

I had a question though on attaching the wooden handles for those with more experience. Do you use some sort of glue or epoxy to hold them on? It looks like if all you did was pin them, they would slide around on those big cutouts.

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

You likely won't find anything too appealing at Lowe's. I don't know where you live, but if there is a decent woodworking shop in your area, they often have exotic hardwoods in small lots available.

You can also order handle blanks in all kinds of woods on the internet from all kinds of sources, just google it. I think you might be more pleased with the look of some quality wood.

Andy

I thought about just picking up some wood at Lowe's to practice with. Now that I know how to post pics, I'll try to post more project pictures as they come along. I've got a couple planned.

 

[Ebbtide]

That looks Great!
As far as the handle goes...I'm sure there are tutorials out there.
Pick a nice bit of wood from one of the major suppliers and I think you'll be happy. Texas knife supply or Jantz for starters.
I clean up Epoxy with vinegar, works for me.
And get yourself a respirator for the sawdust/micartadust/anydust.
It'll be your best $30 you spend.

Again, that looks great!

 

[JurT]

Great job:thumbup: It looks very nice.

 

[ilbruche]

i am think'n of stripping my bk-7 but i am going to place tape where the handle goes ,so the black coating stays intact and helps protect the metal under the handle and strip/polish just the blade area,

I just got myself a BK7 and will be doing the same. I'm not sure if I'll keep the scales on or get some wood ones or maybe G10. This should become the official stripped and rehandled Becker thread.