Sould I do it?..ka-bar lafge heavy bowie

[viking252200]

I am looking at my ka-bar large heavy bowie, wondering how it would look like without the black coating.

I have this itch to strip it, put some jimping on the back and maybe round the corners on the back while I am at it.

What do you guys think?..should I do it?..

 

[Lazydog1]

Absolutely yes! Sounds like a great project. Looking forward to the before and after pics.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Very yes.

 

[knife_nut73]

I've done it. It looks good without the coating. Though the coating is surprisingly hard to get off.

 

[yoda4561]

If you use chemical strippers make sure to keep them well away from the rubber handles.

 

[viking252200]

I have started removing the coating and damm, it's hard work!

I use a scraper to remove most of it and then some wet stones...

The grind marks under the coating are a bit "heavy", but with a bit of elbow grease, the steel polishes up nicely.

I don't want to give it a mirror finish, since I will use it, so any thoughts as to what grit I should finish with?...240, 320 or something else?

Since I am at it, I think I will convex the edge too.

When I am finished, I will post some pictures.

 

[Vance C.]

Finish with 320, its not too rough, but not too fine, a nice mid-finish.

 

[orca8589]

I know those thick ol' finishes serve a purpose, but I don't care for them. I have three stripped knives: Camillus Becker BK7, Kabar Dozier, and a Cold Steel Bush Ranger.

When I worked over my Becker, I used standard paint remover from ACE Hardware. (I do leave the finish on the steel under the handle.) I mod whatever needs it, like taking off the thumb-rest, then start with sandpaper, then emery cloth. I start with 120 grit sandpaper, and work my way to ex. fine emery cloth. I leave the black powder coat in the stamping on the blade, so the make/model info stand out. It turns out looking really nice.

thx - cpr

 

[Morales]

Do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!