painting a knife (4" Ti-Lite) handle - advice needed

H

huj900

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Oct 5, 2008
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basically i would like to paint my ti-lite handle a different colour. maybe even put a little logo or design on it. what sort of paint, etc should i use. where can i get it? any advise? is it a reasonable idea? thanks for your time,

-Luke.
 
You've got the Zytel Ti-lite? Any kind of paint that you'd use on plastic models, like model planes. You might even look into auto paint. You can get that in an auto parts store, where they sell it for touchups in small amounts. Maybe that would work better with a hair dryer to bake it on.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
You've got the Zytel Ti-lite? Any kind of paint that you'd use on plastic models, like model planes. You might even look into auto paint. You can get that in an auto parts store, where they sell it for touchups in small amounts. Maybe that would work better with a hair dryer to bake it on.
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no - sorry i should have mentioned - its the aluminium handled version. car spraypaint might work ok?
 
Definitely, I'm sure it would work fine. The spray will even get inside the cutouts.
 
now all i've got to do is pick a colour.. maybe blue white or yellow... hmm... :) just thought i'd say as well, i emailed kershaw a few weeks ago about a replacement torsion bar, and they sent me a little tool for opening knives for free. way above and beyond what i expected from their warranty. lol only said this because i was thinking about using it 2 take apart my ti-lite for painting if i wanted 2. thanks.
 
Probably for torx drivers. Be sure you have the exact right size, because torx can strip pretty easily if you use the wrong size. I have metric and imperial sets for hex, because even they need some care.
 
I honestly don't think any paint job will last for long on a knife handle - even an industrial strength one. If You do try it anyway, be sure to clean and degrease the handle carefully and use a suitable metal primer before You paint it. As mentioned auto paints are quite durable. Apply both primer and paint in thin layers to avoid the paint interfering with the action of the knive.
 
Look up farm equipment paint. Its THICK but its very durable. We use it on industrial applications.
 
Check out duracoat it is a firearm finish, I have used it on several knives and guns it holds up extremely well. Itis easy to work with as well.
 
How much would it cost to have then aluminum anodized?
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Thats what I would suggest instead of painting. Aren't the all metal Ti-Lites Titanium scales? I DO NOT think it's alluminium. Why are they $250-300? Am I mistaken about that?
You can flame the Ti yourself with a tourch.
 
stolas223, You can flame anodize titanium with a torch, the Ti Lite knives from cold steel come in Zytel and 7075 aluminum anodized which require a coating either paint or anodizing to recolor.
 
Wrong price, Right materials. they are Ti. You can flame or "Anodize it yourself. as for painting, you'll have to rough up the surface and use matel primer and paint. Auto shops will have it. You have a million options. I'd try Anodizing or "Flaming" it first and see how it turns out. Or Bust out a Dremel and Texture the Handle too, But practice on a cheap knife first. Not many"Cheap" Knives with Ti scales though but you can get a feel of what will happen with steel scales. But I'd try anodizing it first, then if you don't like it, Paint it. or Texture it for a new look and feel. All suggestion for painting are the same as painting any matal and good. But It still might chip from time to time. But it's all fun. and Fun to play around like that with your knives. Awesome projects.
Weight: 4.6 oz.
- Blade Thick: 1/8" (3mm)
- Blade Length: 4"
- Handle: 4 3/4" long. Anodized Titainium
- Steel: VG-1 Stainless Steel
- Overall Length: 8 3/4"
- Sheath: Stainless Pocket/Belt Clip
 
I wouldn't use a primer. I think it would make the paint too soft.

Degrease thoroughly, and use Krylon Engine Color paint. It dries fast and hard, and will not be bothered by lubricants. (another important consideration)


BTW--the original Ti-Lites were Titanium handled. Then came the Zytel versions. Now, the Titanium knives have been replaced with aluminum models.
 
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