James Terrio
Well-Known Member
I've watched a lot of guys struggle with under-powered, cheapo blasting kits, or spend way too much sending knives out for coating... well, I found a better way. There is a small custom shop near me that specializes in motorcycle/snowmobile/hot rod parts and so forth. They have been more than happy to work with me on my small orders (couple blades here, a few guards and pommels there) and I'm extremely pleased with the quality.
Just as important, I couldn't have rented a compressor for a day, let alone buy a blasting rig or set-up for GunKote etc, for the cost of having it all done by a pro. No shipping costs and fast turnaround is a big bonus.
Now, I cannot compare the powder-coating these folks use directly to Gun-Kote, Ceram-a-Kote or what-have-you, and I'm not knocking those products or services. But I can tell you that it's extremely durable. Remember, this stuff is designed for racing exhausts, motorcycle frames and stuff like that.
When I first went to their shop the fellow handed me piece he'd coated and a screwdriver and let me beat the snot out of it. I got bored before I ever got down to bare metal.
Sharpening stones glide right off; I used a 400-grit belt to take it off the edges of the blades I had done and the powder-coat didn't chip, flake or peel. Then I just sharpened them normally.
Check your yellow pages for hot-rod shops and motorsports service centers, and ask who does their custom work, that's how I found these guys. Support local guys when you can. (as a plus, the guy I'm using happens to be an avid hunter who passed out my business cards to all the guys in his archery club, and we're in the process of designing his dream knife)
Just a thought.
Just as important, I couldn't have rented a compressor for a day, let alone buy a blasting rig or set-up for GunKote etc, for the cost of having it all done by a pro. No shipping costs and fast turnaround is a big bonus.
Now, I cannot compare the powder-coating these folks use directly to Gun-Kote, Ceram-a-Kote or what-have-you, and I'm not knocking those products or services. But I can tell you that it's extremely durable. Remember, this stuff is designed for racing exhausts, motorcycle frames and stuff like that.
When I first went to their shop the fellow handed me piece he'd coated and a screwdriver and let me beat the snot out of it. I got bored before I ever got down to bare metal.
Sharpening stones glide right off; I used a 400-grit belt to take it off the edges of the blades I had done and the powder-coat didn't chip, flake or peel. Then I just sharpened them normally.
Check your yellow pages for hot-rod shops and motorsports service centers, and ask who does their custom work, that's how I found these guys. Support local guys when you can. (as a plus, the guy I'm using happens to be an avid hunter who passed out my business cards to all the guys in his archery club, and we're in the process of designing his dream knife)
Just a thought.