Why bead blast?

R

RH

Joined
Jan 31, 1999
Messages
2,094
All I ever hear here (here here!) regarding bead blast finishes are complaints about their horrible corrosion resistance. CRKT has especially been criticized in this area. If they are so rust-prone, why do makers put on the bead finish? Can we all agree that most of us really don't need low-reflectivity stealth blades, and would rather have clean shiny blades than grey rusty ones? What's wrong with a good old fashioned shiny or satin finish? Is bead blast a cost cutting measure?

I just don't get it (obviously). :confused:
 
It is cost cutting, some like the look, it is popular (tactical is in!) and it hides scratches more easily than mirror or satin finishes.
 
Cost cutting measure as far as I can see. I've had two makers tell me that the non-blasted versions of their knives were "considerably more expensive".

Blasting vs. polishing saves a bunch of time and tends to hide or soften imperfections. Some people use superfine beads though, Kit Carson for one(someone else calls it 'peening'...DDR?...Mayo?) and this produces a very fine satiny finish. My F4 is beautiful and seems very rust resistant. I don't miss shiny.


Steve-O
 
Mirror finishes have their own problems. They show finger prints, smudges and scratches. I like mirror finishes to look at, but I do not like them on knives that get used. I very much like a satin finish. It is easy to care for and looks great.
 
From what I've picked up, here's the story:
Originally bead blasting was done the right way, with beads. It made a satin finish and actually helped fight corrosion resistance. (kind of like forging the surface) HOWEVER, some companies don't do it right and never replace the beads (which break) so all they actually do is end up sandblasting the blade, which makes the blade more susceptible to rust. HOWEVER, both options still provide a tactical look. ie. a blade that isn't shiny, so your location won't be given away to the enemy.
Also, those of you who said that bead blast is cheaper, I don't think that's actually true. Mirror finish is more expensive, but a lightly polished blade is usually the cheapest option. (sometimes called a satin finish)
 
There is no good reason! Just say no to bead blast! Stonewashed is a bigger ripoff, it is the chapest, crudest form of deburring used in machine work. Now it's a fad. Blech!

IMHO, of course :)
 
Ceramic peening ala Carson and Stonewash actually close up surface pores in my opinion actually inhibiting corrosion.
 
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