Possible to make a SS clip black?

[CHP5]

I have a few folders that have shiny stainless steel clips. IMO, that just brings unnecessary attention to the knife.

Is there a way to darken those clips to make them black?

 

[Lurker]

1) You could paint it (sand it first, then primer, then black paint).
2) Send it off to be professionally coated like a knife blade.

 

[blendingnoise]

Look into Gun Blueing. Maybe the Birchwood Casey products will let you get it down to that dark blued finish on guns atleast.

 

[Cougar Allen]

Let’s see if we can find the right forum …

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Stainless can noy be "blued" effectively.
Put a piece of black tape on it.
Bill

 

[Knife_Geek]

black shrink tubing for electrical work is a nice way to make a clip a bit more low key.

 

[Zeasor]

Plasti Dip is a liquid that dries to a rubbery coating. It is available in several colors including black.

 

[shecky]

Dip it in some Naval Jelly and leave it overnight. Most stainless will heavily etch, turning the shiniest mirror polish a flat grey. If that's still too noticeable, the etched metal will probably hold paint better than smooth metal.

 

[blendingnoise]

also wanted to add that if it is a Kershaw knife then email Dawn at the warranty center and see what she says. They sent me one for my leek since I had the same issue as you.

 

[mikemock]

check out some gun/firearm sites for some of the coatings used to paing and cover gun metal. Maybe www.thefiringline.com or www.midwayusa.com.

I hear that the stuff is extremely durable and comes on a multitude of colors.

There are some that are supposed to be sprayed on, some are epoxy based, and others that you can bake on in your oven (~450 -> 500 degrees).

I don't remember the names of these products, but some of the pictures that members have posted looked really good.

I hope this helps.

M.

ps. found it : http://www.kgcoatings.com/gunkote.html

 

[knarfeng]

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/black.htm

These guys sell a DIY kit that will oxidize stainless steel producing a black oxide finish. Black oxide will last better than paint.

 

[rebeltf]

You can get a flat black finish on your clip using etchtant and BC gun blue.

First , grab some 320-400 and scratch the clip up real good , all lines same direction of course.
Wash with soap and hot water , dry.
Grab some q tips and your chemicals , put a nice coat of the acid etch on it and let it work in, if it pools up reapply it in the areas it's not pooled ,you want it to 'burn' deep as possible.
Let sit maybe ten minutes then rinse , nuetralize, rinse , dry.
Start over with another app of etchtant , but just one coat , then after a minute or so , generously dab on your gun blue , you may have to paint it on with the q tip , make sure it is as uniform as possible , let this mixture soak in good.
Put a fan on ( beforehand ) so you don't sniff the fumes and be careful with your chemicals , don't want to ruin your day.

After a few minutes , rinse and nuetralize , dry off.

You'll see splotches of dark most likely , gently polish with extra fine steel wool and then coat in CLP or similiar and let it cure overnight.

You'll end up with a flat black clip , it's not going to look picture perfect but it does work , it will wear off over time as well.

I've used this same method on stainless blades as well.