Turning a fail into a win.

Orion's Belt · Jun 30, 2012

A while back, I had the idea to strip the coating off of my D2 Mini Grip. Needless to say, it didn't work too well.

So, I'm going to give it another bath in the same stripper I used (Jasco Pro Strength) and hand rub it to about 600 grit. I was really surprised how tough the coating was to get off. I'll post pics of the process if I remember, but will surely post the results when I'm finished.

ajbuckelew · Jun 30, 2012

I would suggest disassembling and removing the thumb studs using 2 Torx T-6. Chemical Strippers can have quite adverse effects on handles such as discoloration etc.

Orion's Belt · Jun 30, 2012

ajbuckelew said:
I would suggest disassembling and removing the thumb studs using 2 Torx T-6. Chemical Strippers can have quite adverse effects on handles such as discoloration etc.

I've already been there. I've had this knife apart many times and that's where I got my inspiration to strip the blade. I'm going to re-try the Jasco tomorrow. If it doesn't work, I'll start with 240 and work up from there.

tiguy7 · Jun 30, 2012

If the coating on the blade is a baked on organic finish, try a gel type paint stripper containing methylene chloride. Brush the stuff on and let it work for several hours.

Orion's Belt · Jul 4, 2012

Here's the result of my hand sanding. I went to 400 grit. Sorry for the first picture being a bit blurry.

Right now the blade is sitting in some vinegar for a patina while I do the clip. Gotta hurry though, my 4th of July festivities are about to kick off!

Orion's Belt · Jul 4, 2012

Here's the clip reunited with the handle along with the washers (which I polished), pivot and thumbstud.

Orion's Belt · Jul 4, 2012

Here's the finished product. I just have to put a new edge on it and it'll be ready to go.

Kai Winters · Jul 4, 2012

Nice job.

Orion's Belt · Jul 4, 2012

Kai Winters said:
Nice job.

Thanks Kai, I really like the results. Not surprisingly, it's smoother and tighter than before.

Chris "Anagarika" · Jul 5, 2012

400 grit that nice? I must have been impatient then ... Lol.

Nice result! :thumbup:

Komitadjie · Jul 5, 2012

Now there 'ya go! Dang, that came out looking good.

Excellent job!

cbwx34 · Jul 5, 2012

Do the blade markings reappear because of the vinegar soak? They look like they're gone in the pics you show the sanded blade.

cbw

Orion's Belt · Jul 5, 2012

Thanks guys. It turned out exactly how I wanted.

cbwx34 said:
Do the blade markings reappear because of the vinegar soak? They look like they're gone in the pics you show the sanded blade.

cbw

It seems like the soak did seem to bring them out a bit more, but I think the lighting is the culprit in this case.