Newbie Looking for Help --- Frog Tape Stained My A2 Knife

D

Dutchmichael

Joined
Apr 12, 2015
Messages
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Hello, I am finally getting close to getting my knives together I glued all the handles on and decided to protect the blade when grinding off the corby bolts with frog tape. I have put it on one of my other blades which has had it on for a day or two with no problems so I taped all the knives and then ground down the bolts. Because they got quite warm I would dunk the knife in water to cool the pins, and the tape also got a little water on it as well. I took the knife out and took off the tape just to make sure nothing had happened to the blade. Unfortunately for me something did as now my blade is stained, not horribly but were ever the glue was thicker on the tape. I have tried removing it with acetone, lacquer thinner and polishing it out but nothing touches it and I know for sure it was not there before I put the tape on 15 min before. Is this something that is common? What tape would you recommend? I am using A2 steel. Any ideas of how to get rid of the spots? I'm not good enough to free hand the knife back on the grinder ( I did it all with a jig). Now that the blade has these spots I'm thinking that I might be better off just putting the entire knife into apple vinegar and give it a patina, as I have done that to a couple of the other blades and they look quite nice. Will anything happen to the wood ( apricot ) if I do this? I planned on using tung oil on it, is it better to do that before or after? I really would appreciate any input, thanks in advance!


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I just use masking tape. I mainly use stainless so I don't have that problem. I have used it on 1095 also and never a problem. I also don't dunk it after it wrap it. You can try Flitz or mothers polish. What finish is on the blade? I sometimes will put a layer of tape on, sticky side out, then wrap it again. This keeps the sticky off. Also, try filing the corby bolts first and then go to the grinder. This helps to keep from overheating.
 
Go back to the last grit of sanding if necessary. Polishes, like Flitz can remove all sorts of smears and smudges. Use blue painters tape next time.
 
It has been documented here many times that the chemicals in tapes will stain/discolor carbon steel blades. I tape my stainless blades but for high carbon steels, I wrap with a page of phone book paper and then tape that with electrical tape. You will likely have to refinish the blade. I've not found anything short of sanding with the final grit (or two) to clean up the discoloration from tape.

Bob
 
Blue painter tape will stain carbon blades as well

Been there and done that.

Ranger Bob gave some great advice
 
http://canada.frogtape.com/How FrogTape Works.aspx


What makes FrogTape® different from other painter’s tapes?

FrogTape is the only painter’s tape treated with PaintBlock® Technology. PaintBlock is a super-absorbent polymer which reacts with latex paint and instantly gels to form a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape, preventing paint bleed.
Click to expand...


It absorbs water and turns it into a gel, holding the water against the blade.



Try Vaseline, newsprint and normal cheap tape.
 
I think you may have helped me solve a mystery. Had several 52100 chefs' knives that had wierd spots on them that wouldn't come out with my scotchbrite belts, just kept reappearing. Acetone, scotchbrite, steel wool, tried all kinds of remedies short of going back down into the grits.
https://goo.gl/photos/6v8qrsfPPGC6qShR7
 
Thank you everyone for the help and information, I'm sorry you are having the same problems as me elementfe. The finish on the knife is just from the belt sander but since I did everything on a jig I am a bit nervous that I will make the issue worse rather then better doing it free hand ( Done that already to one knife ). I tried some polishing compounds without any luck, I might try and do a test tonight to see how well I can hold the knife to the grinder and if it goes well will give it a shot. I definitely will not be getting my tape wet again. Thanks again!
 
Look at the spot with a good magnifier/loupe. If what you see is a bunch of dots, it is corrosion. If it is just a dark spot, it is a stain.

If it is corrosion, and not a stain, you will have to re-sand the blade. It is always a bad idea to dunk carbon steel blades in water while working on a semi-finished knife. There are many worse places that may rust/corrode later on. hand sanding is the first place to start. Going to the belt sander to re-do a bevel on a finished knife is inviting disaster.
 
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