Tuf-Glide / Tuf-Cloth

[Jameson]

Does anyone else think that stating that buffing off the marine coating doesn't affect its protection properties? That film that marine tuf-cloth is a barrier in itself, even if it isn't invisible, and I FEEL THAT that barrier protects better than the microcrystalline invisible one on the blade.

I do realize it is tough questions and kinda twisted but I think they could say something. I have now been e-mailing them this page (via the link) to see what kinda response we can get, So lets see what happens...

JC

Edited:

Sentry solutions PLEASE ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS

 

[Cliff Stamp]

krept :

It seems like intermolecular attraction would be related to some type of force... as in something creating a layer of reduction or oxidization to bond steel with the protectant?

This would be a chemical change, like rusting and I doubt that is the nature of the bond as if it were you would see degredation on mirror finishes as you would be transforming the steel into something else. Intermolecular attraction just means the molecules of the Tuf-Glide (or whatever) will be attracted to the steel by electrical forces, it is the same thing that makes cohesive force in general.

Shape adhesion sounds like the shape of the molecule would fall inbetween molecules of the substrate or whatever term applies to the recepient.

Yes, and then the cohesive force of the protectant keeps it together in that shape.

I'm also wondering if the carrier in TG (mineral spirits?) acts to displace water. I think it does, like WD-40. Do oil and grease have this characteristic?

To some degree just because they don't dissolve in water and will bond to steel stronger.

Jameson, this is rather ease to check, just apply it to the blade, and buff one part and then soak the whole thing in some salt water and see if there is any difference in the corrosion rate. Based on what I have seen, it doesn't take much buffing to remove the coating.

-Cliff

 

[krept]

Cliff, thanks for the clarification. Mark of Sentry Solutions did reply to me and sent two images that he refers to in the the mail. Here is his response, unedited:

"Hi Erik,

Pleased to meet you. Thanks for your interest in our products.

Attached you should find the image you requested along with a recent
ad,
produced with some of our friends in the U.S. Special Forces. Feel free
to
post these at the Forums as I was having difficulty.

The electronmicrograph was produced at 5,000 X for the SMOOTH-KOTE
and
1000 X for the TUF-CLOTH. We color enhanced them.

The difference in feeling you are sensing is not an indication that
your
gear is not properly lubricated. What you feel is a major difference
between
dry and wet lubes. Wet lubes provide a "dampening" effect. Once you
remove
all of the liquid/oil, all of the dampening effect is gone. Sentry
Solutions
dry bonded products do not provide dampening. This effect is very
noticeable
in firearms, in particular semi-auto pistols. Pistols protected and
lubricated with our product line make more noise when they are
"racked",
than when lubed with oil. For individuals using our products for the
first
time the effect is dramatic. Our products are very different from what
people have grown accustomed to and take some getting used to.

With lubrication you always face a trade off. With our product line you
give
up the dampening and hence a certain feel (at least for knives). But
you
also give up the dirt magnet effect of oil; dirt and debris become an
abrasive slurry which slowly wears the parts of your knife and gear.
Use of
our products does not prevent the debris from getting into any
mechanism but
it does not act as a magnet and makes cleaning easier.

Ultimately the best maintenance product is the one you use regularly.
Our
products do bond but are not permanent and do wear off. Many knife
companies
provide different finishes and these too will wear off. How long any
coating
lasts depends on the wear the item sees. Any type of gear works better
and
lasts longer when cared for regularly.

I hope this helps. Oh yeah, the needle applicator can be tough. While
we do
not sell them as a separate item if you provide me with your address I
will
check to see if we have any lying around.

Sincerely,
Mark Mrozek [mail to: mark@sentrysolutions.com ]
Sentry Solutions Ltd. USA
603/746-5687 Fax 603/746-5847
Toll Free Order Line 1-800-546-8049
http://www.sentrysolutions.com
On Guard against Corrosion, Friction and Wear"

I don't have access to a webpage to upload the photos to. If you (anyone) requested photos from him, he'll probably send them to you as well. I can e-mail you the pics with this response if you are interested or he doesn't get back to you... khrept@yahoo.com

Erik

 

[krept]

BTW, just to clarify a couple things he referred to in the e-mail...

I asked about the lubricating properties of Tuf-Glide relative to Militec-1 and Break Free CLP. I noted that the latter two 'feel' like better lubes with my firearms as well as autos/balisongs/folders.

Secondly, the applicator tip. I recommended that Sentry Solutions created a threaded applicator tip with a threaded top on their precision applicator because that little sucker likes to come off. Well, it came off one time and I never found it again. After this, i stored the applicator at an angle so the product wouldn't spill and it became banged up. I digress...