New Tumbled Finish

Gusbuster

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Aug 30, 2011
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What do you guys think about the new tumbled finish? Does it provide increased corrosion resistance, or is it purely cosmetic? It does look nice.
 
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I could be wrong but I don't think it adds more protection from corrosion on an already stainless steel. I think maybe it's done to prevent glare and hide scratches and wear. Of course it looks awesome to boot!
 
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We have started doing tumble finishes in house here on both 01 and A2. We're going to do a little torture test and submerge them both in water for some time and see what the results are. This will take a little time of course, but we'll keep you posted. My personal thought is that it should lead to some increased corrosion resistance, but that is just a guess right now.
 
I have spent a fair amount of time collecting and restoring straight razors. From my limited experience, fresh ground steel (or satin finishes) would corrode easier and more quickly than steel that has been polished.

I think the same logic can be applied to this scenario. Basically with stonewashed/tumbled finishes, a forced patina is applied and then the steel is polished with some sort of media. It should have more corrosion resistance than the satin finished blades that come out of the Forge.
 
Thank you for your replies fellas. I'll look forward to seeing those torture test results.
 
I'm really impressed with the tumbled finish on the A2- visually perfect. I am eager to see how it wears... and also eager to get an O1 model!
 
I've got one from last week I'm messing with. Its A2. No corosion at all yet. Sat on bench in garage most of week.
 
Here's a close up of the new finish on the Bushraptor I got today.

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Nice finish. Reminds me of a CRK finish. Maybe I'll try to get some comparison shots.

EDIT: Pulled out the CRK and the finish is nothing like that. It's really close to the Hinderer. Upon reflection the blade shape is closer to a CRK Insignio.
 
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OK I did a test. I cut a tomato with a tumbled A2 Bushnub. Then I waited two minutes before rinsing. I left it wet with tomato juice for two minutes then rinsed. No patina. So I went to an apple. Cut it up and let the juice sit on the knife for 4 minutes. Rinse. Still no patina. I am going to try 01 next.
 
Nice pic. That really shows the finish perfectly. That Monarch was very tempting for me. I couldn't put it down.
 
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