Why the bead blast finish?

H

Huckle berry

Joined
Nov 13, 2006
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5
Why do some stainless steel blades have the "bead blast finish" on them??

What are the pros/cons to this?

Are there any difficulties such as sharpening or holding a better edge?

Any relevant info.

***I'm considering the Colt Ridge Runner Lockback and Ridge Runner Skinner and they both have this bead blast finish.
 
A bead blasted finish doesn't show fingerprints or small scratches as a polished blade does. Also less reflective, and of course cheaper to produce as the 'finished' surface before blasting is more forgiving.
 
Are there any difficulties such as sharpening or holding a better edge?
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That won't make any difference - the bead blasting does not affect the temper, grind angle, or edge finish of the knife.

It's mostly a matter of personal preference - I prefer bead-blasting over coated blades. But as Andrew pointed out, there are some real advantages to bead blasted finishes. And unlike some blade coatings, the bead blasting cannot scrape off or wear off. Some knives are bead blasted to hide imperfections in the blade finish, for example.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
I think bead blasting is very appealing visually for a blade finish, however I have had trouble in the past with this finish rusting easier, in AUS 8 stainless.
 
the best looking blades are always the ones that get the polished finish (or so ive heard) , then there is satin i think then bead blasted and then coated
 
Although not a "do or die" issue, soldiers prefer to carry blades that do not reflect light like a mirror. It is not a large issue with most type of units but some commanders are tougher on this issue than others. The bead blast finish reduces this reflectance without the necessity of coatings that may wear off. The one downside to a bead blast finish is the increased surface area available to rust. Some knife steels rust more when bead blasted.
 
Well lets see the "high" points of beadblasting.

It scratches by just looking at it, and then can't be polished out.

and it rust easier than any other finish ever.

I hate beadblasting and wish companies would quit doing it.
 
I am not at all a fan of bead blasting because the steel is much more likely to rust depending on the type of bead (Course, Fine, Aluminum Oxide, Glass). If it is a course bead then the finish will have deeper pits than if it was a fine bead making it more vulnerable to corrosive elements. While I suppose a super-fine mirror polish would be at the opposite side of the scale, It is my opinion that a satin is a very happy medium. Again, this is my opinion and it always depends on the purpose that the tool will best serve your specific needs. Also, this reply is based on my own personal experiences.:foot:
 
My Sebenza's blade is stone-washed which give it an interesting finish. I'm not too concerned about scratches on it because the finish just hides most imperfections. I like polished or satin finish blades but only one my drawer queens:)
 
Even good S30V blades rust when beadblasted even if you just look at them. It makes the metal extremely 'porous'. I have to Tuff glide my bead blasted user once a week, else she rusts up like an old anchor.

Tumbled finish is nice to hide the scratches and does not rust nearly as badly.

Greg
 
I HATE beadblasted blades. I live in a very humid place, sometimes work in hot and humid jungles, and beadblasted stainless blades rust easier than some carbon steels!

I like satin finishes, I don't mind a scratched blade (a working knife will get some scratches).

My biggest problem is with beadblasted folders, which will rust in very difficult to reach parts, and will need to be disassembled to be cleaned. I've got a few beadblasted blades and they will rust by just holding them.
 
ddc said:
I'm curious... How is a satin finish created?
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The easiest way (in my opinion) to create a satin finish is simply scotch-brite the surface after grinding. In production we use a 7A Med Cut/Polish Flap Brush wheel. Remember, you don't need to take your grinding any finer than about a 180-200 grit finish before polishing to a satin finish because the scotch-brite is very aggressive. Also, if you spray a little WD-40 on the wheel you will get a more even finish because the WD-40 will break down the glue that moves to the outside of the wheel in between the blade and the wheel (blinding the finish).The WD-40 also helps to keep the blade a bit cooler.;)
 
Bead blast is my favorite knife finish. I like how it looks, it wears well, and i appreciate the reduced reflectivity. I live in a dry climate where rust is not as much of an issue; I'm sure if i lived by the ocean or in a rainforest i would have my blades refinished, but I'm glad i don't, because i just love that bead-blasted appearance. That's my 2c...
 
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