Lazer engraving on powder coated blade?

[Grandcandy123]

Hey guys! I have been considering getting a powder coated Kabar globetrotter and having a message engraved on the blade with a few close friends. I do intent to use it, however, and I can't decide if this is a good idea. Knowing how badly powder coats scuff, how would the etching hold with use? Would it even be readable once I used it a few times? It certainly won't be worth $20 if I won't be able to see it!

 

[Eric@DLT]

The laser is going to remove the coating in that area. Once you start to use it and get some wear going you won't be able to see the engraving anymore. We've been using a rotary engraver for all the black coated blades so you at least get some marking into the metal.

 

[ocnLogan]

The Becker series by Kabar is laser engraved through the coating. When the coating is gone, the engraving is lighter, but still visible, but that is because they're getting slightly into the metal (I believe, but could be wrong). Its mostly going to depend on the power of the laser. I've done a fair bit of laser engraving, but haven't ever attempted a knife, so I have no idea if anything short of an industrial laser will make a mark in anything other than the coating.

Alternatively, you can etch the laser engraving deeper using a few different methods (don't have the links handy, but they're referenced in the becker subforum all the time, one uses a DC current, thats all I can remember). The remainder of the coating protects the rest of the blade, effectively masking it. This lets the laser engraving marks become deeper, which might work for what you're looking for.

Good luck .