Whats up fellas.

The only knife I really ever use (besides my edc)is my de-regulator. Now that we have been having blizzard like conditions here in north florida. (it did get down to 39 one night) I have have been using my de-reg for splitting wood. Wood that has already been split, but our tiny fireplace only takes small pieces. I have been beating on this thing with a 3 pound sledge and its works great. But, My coating is really wearing off. All of the texture is gone and the silver of the steel is starting to be the dominant color. I wipe it down with wd-40 every couple days. I dont need it to be pretty but I want to keep it in good condition. Should I just keep using it? Strip it? spray paint it? I have been thinking about buying a harbour freight belt sander to try my hand at stripping and sharpening. But I dont want to destroy my bussekin knives during the learning process. O.K. I have been rambling but what should I do about the de-reg coating?
Thanks, David

I'd say beat the coating off first, and where are the PICS!

RC, if you keep using it you won't need to worry about rust. And in time a nice patina will develop and it will further inhibit the chance of rusting.

Thanks guys. Does anyone have a pic of a knife with a patina finish

Beat it to death- then strip her down <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. Keep it oiled- waxed- tuff cloth whatever- but like Randy says-USE IT <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />!!

Way to beat it RC!!
I would recommend using a chemical stripper instead of the belt sander. That way all your removing is the coating and not metal.
I don't have any handy pics of stripped Busse's or kin but the ESEE forum at BF has this [color:"blue"]Patina Gallery[/color] .
Easy to do and generally turns out pretty cool.

What?!!? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> No pics?!!!?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />............... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />................. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

yes just leave it as is! it has "character" now and the coating it still has is protecting it (where it's still on).

all coatings come off eventually (especially with hard use).

Horndog has removed many coatings, I'd ask him about it if your considering it. (he's a Mod here)

if it bothered me (it doesn't, I like the wear look) I would pm the boss "Dumpster Dan" and ask him about it, maybe they could re-coat it! I'm sure he would tell you "if" they do that and give you the details <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Yep! SR101 too

I aplaud you in using your blade to the point that she is loosing her coating. Like the advice above just keep using here and hte patina will take hold. If you want to quicken the patina cuts some acidy veggies and slather some mustard up on a sandwich! Best of both worlds!

Now stay warm, your low is our high today.

Three of the popular items for making your own "Forced" patina are: Mustard, some say the "grainy" kind works best, I'm sure they mean spicy brown type. Ketchup works as does Vinegar. Oh I have stuck a small blade in a potato and left it over night. Just be sure and neutralize it will after what ever you use. I have heard that windex will neutralize these materials I have listed.

And Just "BLOT" it on, or smear it but DO NOT try and get an even smooth coverage. The Uneveness is what makes the finish look good. And don't be afraid to coat, clean, dry and then coat with another material, filling in the areas you left open the first time.

I agree, when all the coatings worn off then finish it up nice and add a patina, till then just keep up the beatings!


By pitdog2010 at 2010-09-22