Options for a dull gray finish

[Jack O'Neill]

I have a blade from A-2 that I would like to put a dull gray finish on . I do not have a bead blast set up and cannot afford one at this time . Are there other options to achieve this finish ?

 

[sharpeknives]

Brownells GUN-KOTE.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/st...?p=1150&title=GUN-KOTE? OVEN CURE, GUN FINISH
This stuff works great. Follow the directions. It'll do 5 or 6 6" blade knives.

 

[ddavelarsen]

If you want to send it to me, I'll bead blast it for you. I use 80 grit ceramic beads. Here's what the finish looks like. I started with a 320 grit belt finish and I think any coarser than that would be difficult.

PM me if you like.

 

[Jack O'Neill]

If you want to send it to me, I'll bead blast it for you. I use 80 grit ceramic beads. Here's what the finish looks like. I started with a 320 grit belt finish and I think any coarser than that would be difficult.

PM me if you like.

That's a nice offer Dave , I may just take you up on that . I will send a PM .

 

[RUGUR]

I believe you can etch A2 with Ferric Chloride to get a dark gray color.

 

[yoda4561]

I'll second the ferric chloride etch. Make sure if you use it that you dilute it a bit, it doesn't take much to etch a single blade if you can tolerate waiting a few more seconds Just make sure you don't leave it in the bath for long, dip for a few seconds, check color, dip again. If it starts to become somewhat uneven then a red sotchbrite pad or some other light abrasive to cut the surface a bit, then back in.

 

[Johnny Warner]

Sand blast or bead blast. I prefer the sand blast on a combat using knife as it does not reflect light and hides small grinder marks. IMHO Bead blasted blades are less dramatic and softer but non the less very attractive and functional.

 

[galadduin]

Or you could try that: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=647599

I didn't have time to finish this blade but it is giving an interesting result. My mom is sick, I have been in hospital all the time... Maybe somebody will complete this kind of finish before me as I will be out of bussiness for sometime because of my mom's sickness...

 

[ddavelarsen]

Emre, I hope your mother recovers soon.

 

[Paul Bos]

Jack: Tryed to call you but the # didnot work. To answer your question , Grind your guthook in befor H.T. Let me know if you get this. PB.

 

[galadduin]

Emre, I hope your mother recovers soon.

Thanks Dave, mom has recovered yesterday, she is now in home, I and dad are working as a housewife trying to keep her in bed while recovering her strength. It is astonishing how much time the house work takes...

Sorry for hijacking the thread Jack...

 

[Daniel Koster]

the problem with most of these solutions is the wear-n-tear...even worse if you get it in a kydex sheath.




A2 is a high carbon steel...and while not as rusty as O1....bead-blasting will definitely make it moreso.