Polishing titanium scales?

TRfromMT

TRfromMT

Joined
Jan 4, 2016
Messages
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Any recommendations for lightly sanding the titanium scales on a CRK? I'm simply looking to accelerate the long-worn pocket polished look, not actually make the metal shiny. The "matte" bead blasted finish shows snail trails, and I think a light sanding or steel wool will make them just a bit smoother. Recommendations on how to achieve this?

I accept that snail trails give character, and cautions that messing with the handles will void the warranty. Got it.

Thanks in advance.

TR
 
Many have used scotch brite. I personally find it makes the scales too slick. I have also had CRK refuse to re-blast them. Criteria may be if edges are rounded, or at least that is what I heard, but you are leaving it up to their call.
 
I'm surprised to hear CRK would refuse to honor warranty or reblast given scotchbrite hitting the handles. I can understand if you removed some of the metal but you would have to be using a lot of green scotchbrite pads to grind through titanium. Maybe fewer of the red coarse pads, but I would imagine you'd have to put a lot of work in by hand to alter the handle edges/shape.
 
They still warrant it, just may not re-blast it. I bought one that had been scotch brited with the plan to just send it in-failed plan. I believe it's case by case, and may have to do with those with rounded edges not fitting their equipment properly. I don't know how much work is needed before you get rounded edges-certainly not much is needed to remove the bead blast.
 
I used sandpaper to polish mine, from 800grit all the way up to 2000grit. Really liked how it turned out, but yes, it does make it much more slick. There's YT videos on how to do it. I'll try to take and post pictures later on.
 
Lord_Balkan said:
I'd love to see some pics. I wonder how it would look with micarta inlays
Click to expand...
I don't have a photo, and not sure if you would see the difference if I did. My small classic MM Micarta has the finish naturally worn off( if there is any original bead blast it is very slight-between the micarta inlays), and has developed a slight patina( or maybe that is grime :)). With the micarta the slickness isn't a factor.
So no scotch brite or sand paper needed . Just give it 11 years of pocket wear and use.
 
Lord_Balkan said:
I'd love to see some pics. I wonder how it would look with micarta inlays
Click to expand...

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I've got three CRKs that previous owners hit with Scotchbrite and I like them all: large NICA Regular, small Starbenza 21, Umnumzaan. All have machining on the scales that result in a nice two-tone look. The Regular is a bit slick but the other two feel fine.

FYI, CRK serviced the Regular when I sent it in but refused to refinish it.

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Thanks photoman12001 photoman12001

I find it interesting the ones with the forced polish (like mine) have a bright halo around each fastener. The ones that have weathered over time in someone's pocket have the original bead blast around the hole and are still the original finish. I understand it's because the sandpaper finds the edges of holes first and shines up the edges first. Kind of a cool effect...
 
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