Steel wool and satin finishing questions

e_utopia

e_utopia

Joined
Feb 7, 2000
Messages
3,221
I've been removing the 'BT2' coating on a Benchmade Nimravus. To do this, I've been using SOS pads, with liberal amounts of running water. The finish I'm getting is pretty nice.

My first question: is the soap in these pads helpful? I was thinking it may be working like cutting fluid, but I don't know, and I'm going to need to buy some more, so if I can buy regular steel wool instead, I can save some money and mess.

My second question: is the water helpful? There would be even less mess if I could use regular steel wool, and no water.

My third question: assuming that it's okay to use regular steel wool, can anyone recommend what grit will get me something similar to the finish that I'm getting with the SOS pads?

--thanks,
JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
To answer part of your question, almost any liquid detergent, like 409, works as a lubricant to help with what you're doing. Many makers swear by Cool Tool as a lubricant. As for the grit of SOS pads, I think they're a bit coarse. You can probably use almost any # steel wool, and smooth it all out later with a finer grade. You might also want to think about using Scotchbrite pads as an alternative. I use the Ultra Fine grade I get from Sheffield for brushed finishes. Get a coarse one to get the present finish off, then the finest you can find for a finish; Home Depot sells them in the Sand Paper section.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
The Tom & Jerry Show
 
If you like the finish you are getting using SOS pads - stick with it until you finish the job. Don't change horses in mid stream. Try another method next project.

BlacksmithRick@aol.com
 
Actually, steel wool pads with SOAP sold for kitchen use contain some anti-oxidants to make 'em last longer before they rust away. So they are probably even better for knife blades than plain steel wool; if of course they are not too coarse.
 
Hey Topia, have you given any thought to a fine wire wheel on your grinder? Also, they make a satin finishing/buffing type wheel that will remove the finish with a little extra pressure. I always use it to get the carbon scale off of my blades after the annealing and heat treating process. I would imagine that carbon scale is lots tougher than any industrial coating on a production knife. I also use it to put a satin finish on my blades. Just like with sharpening, a lighter and lighter touch will deliver a finer and finer finish. Then finish up with steel wool if you want to. It'll save you lots of time.

But then again, how would I know? I'm from Arkansas.

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M.Ogg

"It's better to be thought a fool and remain silent, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"

[This message has been edited by MaxTheKnife (edited 09-13-2000).]
 
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