To strip or not to strip? How do you prefer your beckers?

I haven't stripped one yet, but I am about to strip a 15 and see how I like it. Because they were going so cheap I got a second one so if I don't like it I'll fall back to number 2.
 
I like the older smooth coating.

But not the new rough coating, so I usually strip them.

My first BK was a 24 and one of the main reasons was that it came 'pre-stripped' - no coating.
 
TravisH said:
I like the older smooth coating.

But not the new rough coating, so I usually strip them.

My first BK was a 24 and one of the main reasons was that it came 'pre-stripped' - no coating.
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Wait, the coats used to be smooth?
 
I just stripped this baby tonite
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I like the look of the black, even with signs of love. Although as the wear develops I'd rather have a plain black patina.

My first Becker was a 11 with a natural patina, was not a fan. Gave it a bath in vinegar and it's perfect. My 16's coating was sanded smooth and after getting some love is showing the signs. Soon enough I will strip her as well.
 
cEdge said:
I like the look of the black, even with signs of love. Although as the wear develops I'd rather have a plain black patina.

My first Becker was a 11 with a natural patina, was not a fan. Gave it a bath in vinegar and it's perfect. My 16's coating was sanded smooth and after getting some love is showing the signs. Soon enough I will strip her as well.
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What does the vinegar do?
 
What JWheel said. Its not permanent but it does keep it nice and dark. It seems to work best when dipped for at least 30 minutes and allowed to air dry then dip some more. I use regular 5% white. Others have slightly different techniques, it's trial an error
 
cEdge said:
What JWheel said. Its not permanent but it does keep it nice and dark. It seems to work best when dipped for at least 30 minutes and allowed to air dry then dip some more. I use regular 5% white. Others have slightly different techniques, it's trial an error
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Cool thanks. I like the way that looks
 
Let's not forget that some high end carbon steel (not stainless) kitchen knives come sans coating. Sabatier comes immediately to mind. The coating sticks, pure and simple. I did some chopping and batoning with my 9 when it first arrived, and there were wood flakes stuck in the coating before I finally stripped it. IMO, for most tasks they just work better stripped.
 
I stripped 2-14s, 15, 12, 5, and a 16 but I have 3-16, 2-2, 4, 9, 2-14, and a 15 not stripped. I guess I use the stripped ones more so I think I prefer stripped? I dunno...I like to put a patina and makem look old and used. The bigger choppers get less use and there's no future plans to strip, although it frequently crosses my mind, I like knowing that they require less maintenance when stored.
I love a well used, stripped, patina Blade with a sharp shiney edge...



I wouldn't say accross the board strip or no strip. Whichever feels right at whatever time with the Blade you're working with.
 
spazcsmc said:
I just stripped this baby tonite
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Did you do any work to the clip/spey point? It doesn't look as drastic in your photos, and that was the one thing I disliked about that blade.

Stripping - I am a convert. Stripped the 15 due to the rough coating, and strongly considering the 4 and 5 as well. Used to like the coatings on folders, but purposely grab the uncoated versions now.
 
Vinjints said:
Did you do any work to the clip/spey point? It doesn't look as drastic in your photos, and that was the one thing I disliked about that blade.

Stripping - I am a convert. Stripped the 15 due to the rough coating, and strongly considering the 4 and 5 as well. Used to like the coatings on folders, but purposely grab the uncoated versions now.
Click to expand...

No work done to the clip / Spey point. It's stock. Must be the angle
 
If She ain't stripped..................... She ain't for me.

Park'n is really the only way I go these days.
 
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