Smoothing BK 15 blade ?

Thomas Linton

Thomas Linton

Joined
Jun 16, 2003
Messages
20,207
I would like to reduce the abrasiveness of my new BK 15.

I have seen references to chemicals and sandpaper.

What would you use to smooth it out.

Something like this would be great:
 
That looks like a chemical strip job.

Easily done with Citristrip, available at any hardware store, and safe enough to use indoors. Slather it on, let it sit, wipe it off, rinse, dry, oil, done.

HCG73803_CSStripGel_72dpi_280_280_80.jpg
 
If you want all the finish off, chemical strip is the way to go. If you want to just smooth out the bumps but leave a good protective finish layer, start with 200 grit sandpaper and work it until you get it the way you want it.

I agree that the pic you posted likely was done with a chemical stripper.
 
If you want the etch to remain after stripping, you should electro-etch the "stamp" before you strip. The "stamp", which is a laser etch through the coating, will be significantly less pronounced when you strip the coating off, assuming you don't etch it deeper first. The existing coating makes a great resist for electro-etching. Another option is to use printed circuit board (PCB) etchant on it. Slower, usually takes multiple sessions, no electricity involved.

There are several examples of electro-etching over in the Becker forum.

When I strip one, I only strip the blade. I leave the coating on under the handles to aid in rust prevention. You just mask off the handle section. I use duct tape.
 
NOTE:

Sanding, stripping, whatever method, it's been done before, many times.

So, when you do decide to do this, post again, and we can provide step-by-step details, examples, and consultation.

Good luck!
 
Just did a Bk15 with some Multi Strip I had laying around. Lots of good chemical strippers out there. I applied the stripper heavily, wrapped it in plastic and let it sit in the sun.
 
Semper Praesidio said:
Interesting - how does that improve the process?
Click to expand...

He's just adding a little bit of heat is all. When using the chemical stripper, the warmer the environment the faster the stripping process. I have stripped during the summer and winter and the winter time always took longer and sometimes didn't get all the coating off.

CAUTION: Just because I said HEAT doesn't mean using flames or putting the thing in the oven!! Just sit it in the sun or keep it in a warm area. I used tin foil as a wrap and left it in the sun for about 15 minutes.

Also, the above pic looks like a chemical strip, with a forced patina.
 
Tdhurl1103 said:
He's just adding a little bit of heat is all. When using the chemical stripper, the warmer the environment the faster the stripping process. I have stripped during the summer and winter and the winter time always took longer and sometimes didn't get all the coating off.

CAUTION: Just because I said HEAT doesn't mean using flames or putting the thing in the oven!! Just sit it in the sun or keep it in a warm area. I used tin foil as a wrap and left it in the sun for about 15 minutes.

Also, the above pic looks like a chemical strip, with a forced patina.
Click to expand...

Absolutely right
 
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