anodized my sage2

[bada61265]

all i had was a propane torch handy, would of liked to try something with a bit more heat. think it turned out pretty cool

here is the colored side:



the clip/lock side i left alone for now.

[gull wing]

It looks nice, titanium is wonderful stuff.
I thought though, the anodizing process involved electricty and chemicals?

[bada61265]

you can do it with heat, i think the chemical/electrical process applies a more even coloring. personally i liked the variations in the colors.

[JNewell]

Pretty cool, I mean hot. But GullWing is right, if it doesn't involve electricity (an anode and a cathode ), it ain't anodizing.

[bada61265]

its my understanding the the oxide formed from the heat is the same as the oxides that form in anodizing. either way i like the effect.

[Jay_Ev]

Looks good. The Sage 2 is my favorite of the 3.

[IrishSpyder22]

Looks cool man, 1 of a kind.

[Simsmac]

Awesome job! I like that it's a very subdued effect. Get crackin' on that other side.

As for the terminology debate, anodization is the creation of an oxide on metal by an electrolytic process (using an anode and cathode). Heat coloring (aka thermal oxidization) is the method you used. However, you are correct that the oxide formed is the same for both methods.

Anodization is easier to control which color is produced, and can more easily produce a wide range of colors (for titanium at least). Heat coloring is a more free-form and artistic method for coloring Ti, and is easier to create fine details with.

[JNewell]

There is a stunning little section in the CRK video where Lisa demonstrates her anodizing setup and the incredible range of colors possible. It's really amazing to watch her doing the multi-color/multi-step ano jobs.

[StangBang]

Looks great!!! :D

[Orion's Belt]

This makes me want to get a Sage II and heat anodize the scales.

[recoil]

Nice coloring job!
caution should be used when applying excessive heat to the lock bar and ball.

dave

[bada61265]

thanks, i have to get some more propane if im going to finish it. was somewhat concerned about how heat might affect the spring tension of the lock also.

[2cha]

Cool!!! Takes a lot of,... um,... courage? to take a torch to such a nice knife.

At the last (and, actually, the last) New York Custom Knife Show, I talked to Brian Tighe, a knifemaker, he uses an old DC variable model train transformer to anodize. I've stopped at a couple yard sales looking for one. I won't start out on a Ti Spyderco though.

[Talum15]

Very Nice! Makes me like the Sage 2 all the more! Thanks for posting. :)

[JNewell]

I tried this with a torch on my Sage 3 last night and it isn't blue any more. It just kinda turned black and melted. Do you think I can get it fixed under warranty?





:eek: :D :spyder: Just kidding...

[jonUSA,EARTH]

Did you sand down your scale first before blow-torching?

I have been wanting to color mine as well, but haven't had time recently.Its all taken apart and waiting for me though :)

I was just wondering the process..

[bada61265]

Did you sand down your scale first before blow-torching?

I have been wanting to color mine as well, but haven't had time recently.Its all taken apart and waiting for me though :)

I was just wondering the process..

well i did wet sand it after the first heating with 800, tired to apply some more heat afterwards when i ran low on propane. takes all that propane can give to reach coloring temps. wont work when the flame gets too low or erratic. all in all the wet sanding only served to give it a well worn look on the edges. its tough stuff for sanding compared to other materials ive sanded on, id rate this closer to a medium hard steel in its resistance to sanding after coloring. i do like the look of the edges though.

[JNewell]

I am guessing that it's a good idea that you left the lock side alone. :)

[bada61265]

im looking at some of the chemical processes online, looks pretty doable. might finish it off with that process.