Quick poll about glazed/crocus finish on custom slipjoints

Interest in glazed/crocus finsih on custom slipjoints

  • YES- I think this would add a historical and correct look to a vintage pattern

    Votes: 1 100.0%

  • NO- I think having two different finishes on the same blade is , well , dumb

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Really not sure what Ken is talking about and needs a life other than knives

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    1
ken erickson

ken erickson

Joined
Aug 27, 2004
Messages
2,701
As many may know slipjoint blades were finished primarily two different ways. One was called a "glazed" finish, the other a "crocus" finish. The glazed finish is similar to a "as ground" finish many custom makers use now. The crocus finish while not easily replicated today is similar to a mirror polish. At times many slipjoint manufactures would put a crocus finish on the mark side and a glazed finish on the pile side of the blade. Here is a link that tells a bit more about these finishes that the factories would use.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...olish-how-was-it-done?highlight=crocus+glazed

As many know I like to replicate vintage patterns and this brings us to this poll. I am curious from a buyers/collectors standpoint if there is an interest in a crocus/glazed finish on vintage patterns? The key being two different finishes being used on the same blade.

Thanks in advance for your input and any thoughts you may have on the subject.
 
Ken-I was thinking the other day that you don't see much mirror polished blades on custom slipjoints. I think if it lends to the look of the knife,say with a smaller gents knife, then by all means, although if you are using the knife, it isn't as practical of an application.
 
I noticed that CSC used two finishes on their new Pinch knife and wondered why they did that. Now I know. I voted yes because it's kind of cool but I wouldn't necessarily want more than a few knives finished that way.
 
I like that idea Ken. You seem to be talking about a single bladed knife but I've seen some multi-bladed knives made in the past that were highly finished on the mark side of the main blade while the back side of the main blade and both sides of the other blades were yeoman/satin finished. Sometimes, when looking over a vintage knife for purchase, that is one thing I look at to avoid a counterfit - blade finish among the various blades of the knife.
 
Too difficult for me to guess. How much worse would the crocus side show scratches?
 
I prefer glazed on my customs. Just a matter of preference I guess. For me, the different finishes are mainly useful in identifying original, unmodified/buffed old knives. For accuracy, you can give props to the original manufacturers, and I think it would be neat to see some customs like that especially if it was going to be a safe queen. But if the knife was going to be a user I wouldn't get one...just for the fact that it may take you more time, may cost a little more, and I would end up ruining the finishes anyways by using it.
 
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It would definitely add something to the knife, especially if it was a pattern which is rarely seen today.
 
And I'm voting yes just because the "No" doesn't accurately reflect my reason for not wanting 2 finishes
 
I like crocus finish but don't care for mixing it with glaze. So, no thanks.

I have a Canal St. with this 2 finish effect and don't really see the point. Most customs use some kind of stainless for the blades and bolsters and it scratches easily when polished, so I assume that's why they are most often glaze/matte. Carbon, nickel-silver or iron are different of course.

If you want crocus, time to get those Walrus hides whirring:D
 
cnas122 said:
the "No" doesn't accurately reflect my reason for not wanting 2 finishes
Click to expand...

I voted No but I agree with the quoted statement. I certainly do not think the glazed/crocus finish is dumb.

I appreciate the historic aspect of the dual finish but I think I would be just a little bit more proud of a knife with just one blade finish.
 
Modoc ED said:
You seem to be talking about a single bladed knife but I've seen some multi-bladed knives made in the past that were highly finished on the mark side of the main blade while the back side of the main blade and both sides of the other blades were yeoman/satin finished. .
Click to expand...


Ed,

Single or multi-blade depending on the pattern.

Thanks for the votes and thoughts so far.

Campbell,

A poll like this can never cover all bases and believe you have expressed well your thoughts. I keep thinking about some of Charlies allusive Schrade's for example that feature crocus finish on mark side and glazed on pile side and think that would be a authentic finish on certain patterns. Then again I think, well , this is a modern handmade knife replicating one of these patterns and two different finishes on a blade just does not make sense.

ABCDEF,

I am sure the crocus finish would show scratches pretty easily if used, like any mirror finished blade.
 
This topic is a bit over the head of a layperson such as myself. If there were some images of the finishes you are talking about then that would great help. Seems interesting, and your efforts for historical accuracy are noteworthy.
 
I think it would depend on the pattern, And if you're
going to use it allot, Or just have a safe queen. But as it's
been stated before it's a great idea and I'd love to see it!!



Jason
 
I have never heard of two finishes on one blade. I learned something today, thanks Ken.:cool: I would really like to see more examples of this on other patterns.
 
Flying Guillotine said:
This topic is a bit over the head of a layperson such as myself. If there were some images of the finishes you are talking about then that would great help. Seems interesting, and your efforts for historical accuracy are noteworthy.
Click to expand...

Here is a link to a post that shows both finishes on a Schrade bullhead. The spear is showing the crocus and clip is showing the glazed.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/622355-Elusive-Schrades?p=6573350#post6573350
Post #66 top photo.
 
While I can certainly appreciate the historical aspect of it, I just don't like the idea of having a different finish on each side of the blade.
 
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