Rtak II Coating Project

Iboschi

Iboschi

Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
2,692
I've been lurking a while, but this is my first post. You all are an informative lot and make me glad for the internet and BladeForums.com for all of the information and inspiration. I'm considering a project and I am fairly ignorant about the means to complete it. I want to strip the coating from an Rtak II and am curious what options I have, and what the final outcome would be? Has anyone else stripped the same knife or have pictures of a similar project?

Thanks!
 
Iboschi said:
I want to strip the coating from an Rtak II and am curious what options I have, and what the final outcome would be? Has anyone else stripped the same knife or have pictures of a similar project?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Stripping off the finish and applying new isn't that hard. As to how well it holds up compared to the actual factory finish, I have no hands on experience. I know that the biggest gunsmithing company here uses the spray epoxies with great success for their hard use finishes on guns.

To get you started, here's some vids on the tube about applying the finishes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfzOaotpxq0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBvDJzweGPo&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIUpl4gpW-k&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfUQ0ARWUo8&feature=related

I am sure there are a lot of different vids and pages available as that seems to be a popular thing to do.

Robert
 
Thanks for the links Robert!I should clarify my direction with the project idea a bit more though. I would like to go for a bare metal satin finish or something without the coating (I basically just want the coating off).
 
Iboschi said:
I've been lurking a while, but this is my first post. You all are an informative lot and make me glad for the internet and BladeForums.com for all of the information and inspiration. I'm considering a project and I am fairly ignorant about the means to complete it. I want to strip the coating from an Rtak II and am curious what options I have, and what the final outcome would be? Has anyone else stripped the same knife or have pictures of a similar project?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

One option is to abrade off the coating with emery cloth and then buff the steel with a cloth wheel and compound. The result will be a satin finished blade that needs constant vigilance to keep it from rusting. Rust prevention is the main reason for the coatings on tools like this.

Bill
 
One option is to abrade off the coating with emery cloth and then buff the steel with a cloth wheel and compound. The result will be a satin finished blade that needs constant vigilance to keep it from rusting. Rust prevention is the main reason for the coatings on tools like this.

Bill
Click to expand...
The coatings wear thin and rub off on heavily used tools and I find myself doing the same maintenance on the blade as I would on an uncoated blade anyway. I think I may as well enjoy the cleaner look in this instance. On some blades, I would rather force a patina, than have a coated blade (for protection). This particular blade would be one I would rather keep clean than allow a patina to form or force one, but it is another option to hinder corrosion.

Would a heavy stripper pull the coating off? Then, I could use the buffing wheel to give her a satin finish.
 
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Iboschi said:
Would a heavy stripper pull the coating off? Then, I could use the buffing wheel to give her a satin finish.
Click to expand...

I don't know. You could try it on a part and see. You want a methylene chloride stripper, as they generally work the best. Keep stripper off the handle if it ends up working on the coating.

Bill
 
I'll try the Methylene chloride. I've never used it (knowingly). Do you have any advice on a particular brand/strength? The Micarta handles come off, so I'm set in that respect. Thanks Bill.
 
Iboschi said:
Would a heavy stripper pull the coating off? Then, I could use the buffing wheel to give her a satin finish.
Click to expand...

Yes it would. I use heavy strippers as part of my refinishing business, and some of them will dissolve just about anything. Stay away from the soy based, water based, or environmentally friendly stripping products when you want to dissolve a hard resin finish such as is on a knife.

Make sure you wear gloves, a respirator if you have one, and work outside with lots of air. Keep water around in case you get some on you as the good stuff will burn right into your flesh.

Robert
 
Try Jasco paint and epoxy stripper, removes the epoxy coat in ten minutes without a hitch. Get it at Walmart, Home Depot, etc.

Good Luck.

Be safe.

NJ
 
if you aren't going to have a coating then a highly polished mirror finish will be the most rust resistant because it has less surface area then a satin finish. I say start stripping it off with 80 grit wet dry then move to 240, 500, 700, 1200, 2000, and CrO compound. use a block of wood with leather glued to it and attached the sandpaper to the leather. Its difficult by hand but you will appreaciate the effort in the end. I just finished my Condor Kukri machete and it looks great! good luck
 
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