Trouble Stripping ESEE Izula Coating

[Captains1911]

I’m having trouble removing the factory coating from the blade of an ESSE Izula II. First I soaked it in Jasco Paint and Epoxy Remover for about 20 minutes, then scraped with a razor blade and rubbed with OOO steel wool. I repeated this three times until I thought I was down to bare metal. However, after soaking in vinegar for about an hour to force a patina, it looks like there’s still a base of the tan colored factory coating (see photo).

Any ideas on what I should try next? I’ve had no problem removing coatings on my Becker’s using the same chemical and minimal scraping, not such luck with this ESSE.

 

[Pokerface]

It’s defective. Send it back to ESEE

I’ve used Klean Strip and steel wool on my ESEE’s with great success. I usually only have to spray it twice.

 

[Captains1911]

It’s defective. Send it back to ESEE

I’ve used Klean Strip and steel wool on my ESEE’s with great success. I usually only have to spray it twice.

So you think it’s an issue with the chemical I used?

 

[GB940Rookie]

I used Klean Strip also. Worked well on my 6. I let it patina naturally.

 

[effenoam]

Sandpaper

 

[Pokerface]

So you think it’s an issue with the chemical I used?

I’ve never used Jasco, but my guess is yes.

With a spray can of Klean Strip...you coat it with the spray, let it sit for 20 minutes, scrub it off. Then you apply another coat of spray just to get whatever stubborn paint coating is still left. It’s never taken me more than 30 minutes. Give it a try. You won’t work as hard with the can.

 

[Captains1911]

Ok, so I soaked this thing in Klean Strip Paint Stripper twice, for over an hour each time, and scrubbed vigorously with 800 grit sand paper until I was sure it was down to the bare metal. Below is the before and after about two minutes in the vinegar bath. What an I doing wrong here?

 

[NMpops]

As someone has already said, let it patina naturally. Clean it off and just use it.