Knife modificatons questions, especially annodizing

[simon711]

Hi
I have a Mantra that I am thinking about modifying. I am curious about having it anodized, but am concerned as to how permanent this procedure is. Specifically, if I was to get the titanium frames anodized blue, does the color coating wear off easily, since the process takes place only at the surface level. Also, does anodizing work on a bead blasted surface, or would I need to have additional work done on the blade beforehand.

Finally, if anodizing does stay with the knife, can anybody point me in the direction of some good people who do this kind of work?

Thanks again

[zhyla]

Anodizing only works on aluminum and titanium. Well, maybe other metals but those are the ones we're concerned with. The blade won't get anodized.

I'm more familiar with aluminum anodizing but the idea is the same. You get a tough oxide layer built up on the surface. On aluminum this layer is 1000x harder than the plain aluminum, I don't know how titanium fairs. It can be sanded off. It won't fall off and probably won't wear off. Aluminum pans are often anodized these days and I've never seen a bare spot appear on mine after 15 years.

The knifeclub subreddit will probably have some good advice on who to have pimp your mantra.

[simon711]

Sorry, when I was referring to anodizing, I was talking about the scales, but I mentioned, knife which may have been confusing. What is this knifeclub subreddit?

[remnar]

Hi Simon,

The anodizing can scratch but it wont wear away easily. Here is a picture of my Techno that I anodized over a year ago. There are a few small scratches but the only real noticeable scratch is where the clip rubs on the handle.



The surface of the titanium will effect how well the titanium anodizes and some prep may be necessary to get bright even colors. I use a solution called Multi-Etch for this, but I have read about other solutions that work and some people claiming that mechanical methods like sanding or bead blasting also work.

My next project will be a Mantra that I just received today. Unfortunately, my power supply went T. U. so I am waiting for parts so that I can build a new one. I only work on my own knives as a hobby and I've never had anyone anodize anything for me. You might want to check over on BladeForums for a good reference for someone to do the work.

[simon711]

That's a beautiful job you did on that knife. How much did your set-up cost you? Please post a pic of your mantra when you're done with it.

[remnar]

That's a beautiful job you did on that knife. How much did your set-up cost you? Please post a pic of your mantra when you're done with it.

My old power supply was bought at CircuitSpecialists.com. They are currently selling the same one for $129. After having mine quit working after very little use, I wouldn't recommenced buying it.

I am going to try to piece one together like the one in this video:

https://youtu.be/GBiHzTPBRUo

I'm not sure what the final cost will be but it should be less expensive and better than the other one. The one significant component that I did have to buy was the variac ($65). I'm going to try to salvage the rest of the parts from some old electronics that I have laying around. I'll post an update if and when it works out. :D The variac is scheduled to be delivered on Saturday so it may be a couple of weeks before I get it all worked out.

[remnar]

That's a beautiful job you did on that knife. How much did your set-up cost you? Please post a pic of your mantra when you're done with it.

Simon, I did get my power supply built and my Mantra done. You can see pics of the Mantra under the "Show your mods" thread.

//forum.spyderco.com/viewto ... start=2540

I think that I have about $100 invested in my new power supply but I might still tweak it a bit which may cost more money. :rolleyes:

[paladin]

Manix 2 backspacer, "rocked" up and heat anodized on electric stove eye, ca. 800 deg F.

[SpyderNut]

Beautiful work, Paladin. I wish there were a "Like" button for this type of thing! :)

[remnar]

Looks great paladin! :) :spyder:

[simon711]

That's some beautiful work!