Removing Cold Steel's epoxy coating

[kamagong]

I am thinking of picking up a Cold Steel Trailmaster factory 2nd and modifying it. Basically, I want to replace the ugly plastic handle, convex the edge and polish the blade and the brass guard. Can you give me any tips on removing the epoxy coating that is on the Trailmaster? Thanks for any help, I appreciate it.

 

[Ebbtide]

I used "Zip-a-Strip" paint remover on my Recon Scout. It worked really well. Make sure to mask of the guard and handle.
The CS coating really gums up sandpaper, that's why I went for the paint remover.
After that I worked my way up from 220 grit to 600grit.
Go slow. have fun.
In the general forum archive there is a thread called 'Nekkid Recon Scout'
that I put up when I finished my scout.

 

[Greg Covington]

What worked well for me was Duplicolor Paint Stripper....comes in an spray can at Walmart. Spray it on heavy, let it sit for awhile annd then peel off the coating with a razor blade.

 

[CW Doc]

I had good luck with sand blasting the coating off a Bush Ranger. I redid it as a Civil War Bowie. When the finish was gone, it was ready to be browned/aged. If you want a smooth finish though, that may not be your best route. Although, paint type strippers may leave a etch also.