Toning Down a Stainless Steel Blade

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pinetree

Joined
Jun 24, 2005
Messages
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I was wondering if there is a way to tone down the finish on a stainless blade. I just ordered a Spyderco Endura. I don't want a highly polished and shiny blade.

I was thinking about applying the Birchwood Casey's bluing compound to discolor the blade. I know that true bluing is not a good knife coating, but I used this on my Cold Steel Trail Hawk with good results. It took the bright steel and gave it a dull gray finish.

Thanks,
tjg
 
You can't blue a stainless blade, only works on carbon steel. I don't really know of any way to color stainless steel. You could paint it, but unless you can find a good paint that will stick to the metal, it will come off easily.
 
There are two things that you can do.

1. Bead Blast

2. Bead Blast AND use a coating like GunCote or DuraCoat.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Just give it a satin finish with some 600 grit paper and finish up with a scotchbrite pad. Youll have a very soft non reflective finish.
 
tape over the cutting edge, and either take it apart, or cover the body of the knife well, and sandblast if you want a more matte finish.
 
I like to use the Grey scratch pads in little circular motions.
gives a nice subdued satin finish.:)
The green work but can be a little too aggressive :(
 
I like a 400 grit finish on my knives or guns. I hate shiney stuff !!
 
moving-van.jpg
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Most of these treatments will make the blade much more subject to corrosion.
Click to expand...

I second that from experience. Surface texture makes a bigger difference in rust prevention that steel chemical makeup.

If you HAVE to do something, do it shallow like hand-dulling it with some scotch brite that won't cut too deep.

There's also a bladeforums member who has a family member in the coatings business. His name is Slaytanic. He's done a lot of good work for me, but it'll cost you.

.
 
Etching solution from Radio Shack will give stainless a nice gray patina. It works on D2, and it works on Mora stainless. Dip the blade for 10 or 20 seconds, rinse, dry, scotchbrite pad. Looks good.
 
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