Re-blasting stoewashed Titanium

L

LonnyRS

Joined
Jan 21, 2013
Messages
475
I've had a number of people ask me if their Sebenza's (or any Titanium for that matter) can be blasted back to the original finish after it's been stonewashed. Today, I discovered the answer is YES. It can. Now, the only reason I did this was because I attempted to do the "Oxy-Clean" treatment to my scales, and it was an epic fail. I had laid the scales criss-crossed one atop the other, which turned out to be a bad idea. Plus the fact I didn't strip clean the Titanium beforehand. Below, you can see the results. The lock bar cutout shadow can be seen on the other scale, and vice versa. Plus, the areas where there was oils from the lube, or my fingers (who knows) showed up as sort of a purple/blue/bronze anodized look. It would have looked cool if it was uniform over the entire surface, but it wasn't. And just for fun, yesterday I heat anodized the non-lockbar side on my electric stove, just to see what would happen. It did turn a nice bronze color. Anodizing also doesn't stand a chance to bead blasting. Here's the before pics:



And here's after being bead blasted:



SO know you know! ANd yes, I will be stonewashing again, and anodizing maybe. OxyClean, I'll leave to other people :D
 
I always do it myself. I prefer bead blasting over whatever it is they use. This doesn't mark up as easily. Plus - 3 minutes versus 5 weeks? I'll only send it in if it's something I can't do myself.. That said, their spa treatment is top notch!
 
I have an alias that Lonny blasted then stonewashed and I have to say its the best stonewash job (I at least think so)
 
Thanks Eric! It really wasn't that hard to do. But anyways, the blasting media are glass beads, so it gives a different finish than the CRK finish. I don't know if they use sand or shot, but theirs gives it bit more of a tactile feel to it, whereas bead blasting creates a smoother surface. And that's why it's a little more durable (as far as snail trails and markings go). But my point of this thread wasn't to pat myself on the back and brag about how well they look or none of that, it was because a few guys had asked me if they stonewashed their knives, can they be blasted back to original, and that answer is yes. The botched OxyClean job forced me to experiment.
Now if I can just find some ball bearings....
 
Great thread, very informative! I received my 25 today that had been bead blasted with glass beads, and I love this finish. No more breathing and scratching the rougher CRK finish. It feels great and looks great...reminds me of a slightly smoother Sage 2 in regards to the finish. This finish combined with silver lugs makes for a sharp (no pun intended) looking knife.
 
Can one do this with a tabletop bead blaster?

If so, are there different sized beads as media, and how many P.S.I. did you use when doing these scales? They look great.
 
Has anyone sandblasted a Sebenza.?
I'm guessing it will be darker than bead blasted finish..
Lmk
Thanks.
 
jmclfrsh said:
Can one do this with a tabletop bead blaster?

If so, are there different sized beads as media, and how many P.S.I. did you use when doing these scales? They look great.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what a table top bead blaster is, nor do I know if there are different sizes of media. I don't know the pressure, either. But, I will find out for you! We have one where I work, and I just put my stuff in and do it. Those are good questions, and I will look into that Monday when I go back in.
And Greyhulk, I have never used sand, so I can't comment on that.
 
Your job looks smooth.

I re blast mine with aluminum oxide and it gives a near match to the factory job. I protect the contact surfaces (ball, washer area).
 
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