Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics
o

Notices

Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics Post Your General Gun Topics and Non-S&W Gun and Blade Topics Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-05-2017, 08:28 AM
abbyonheyward abbyonheyward is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pee Dee of SC
Posts: 402
Likes: 34
Liked 145 Times in 62 Posts
Default UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question

Gents,

Greetings from South Carolina.

I purchased a Buck 189 tanto (a.k.a Buck Intrepid) several years back. It's the one in the photos with the bead blast finish and black scales. This knife was discontinued by Buck +/ - 15 years ago. I've enjoyed owning it, so much so that I have been monitoring auction sites for others like it, and the similar, but slightly smaller, Buck 187. Several days ago I won an auction for another used Buck 189. It was cheap compared to the others I've run across in the past 10-15 years. Cheap because a previous owner spray painted the whole thing dark green and brown - including the scales and the sheath. It's the ugly duckling in the photos. Underneath the paint, the knife itself is in good condition, undoubtedly functional, and it has a decent edge on it.

Does anyone have recommendations on how to remove the spray paint from the blade without damaging the steel - and the polymer scales and scale screws?

In the many years that I have been a member of this forum, I have come to appreciate the vast and diverse experience and knowledge of other members - about firearms and lots of other things, too. All kinds of people from all walks of life. There's a lot of knowledge here that I am trying to tap into.

I have my own ideas about how to remove the paint, but any guidance / advice from those of you who may have experienced similar situations would be much appreciated.

I am considering:

1. Bead blasting or other media blasting, because it will 1) get rid of the paint and 2) I may want a bead blast finish on the metal. Doubtful that the textured polymer scales will hold up to that. Problematic because I don't have the equipment to do it myself.

2. Chemical strip. Again worried about screwing up the scales.

3. Manual removal. Wire brush, etc. - my least likely option for fairly obvious reasons - primarily damaging the metal and scale material.

4. Possible combinations of the options above.

Instead of potentially damaging the scales while trying to remove the paint, I am considering spraying a few coats of black paint on top of the existing green / brown. Under the paint, the scales are nicely textured and in overall good condition. Not inclined to leave the scales as they are currently.

With regards to the final finish, and once the paint is removed from the steel, I am considering bead blasting, polishing, or a scotch brite pad finish.

My goal is not to restore the knife to as new condition, but to make it more presentable, increase the value, and maintain its functionality.

Lastly, I don't want to invest more money into this "project" than the end result will be worth.

What say you?

Thanks,

Ryon
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0798.jpg (182.8 KB, 132 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0799.jpg (184.1 KB, 112 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0802.jpg (169.7 KB, 101 views)

Last edited by abbyonheyward; 08-13-2017 at 01:33 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 08-05-2017, 08:34 AM
abbyonheyward abbyonheyward is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pee Dee of SC
Posts: 402
Likes: 34
Liked 145 Times in 62 Posts
Default Couple of Additional Photos

Couple of additional photos of the ugly duckling.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0800.jpg (201.9 KB, 52 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0801.jpg (195.5 KB, 53 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 08-05-2017, 08:46 AM
Kanewpadle's Avatar
Kanewpadle Kanewpadle is offline
US Veteran
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Wrong side of Washington
Posts: 10,174
Likes: 13,010
Liked 17,098 Times in 5,128 Posts
Default

I really don't think you'll hurt the blade with a chemical paint stripper. The handle on the other hand is a problem. I would contact Buck. Show them the pics. Even though the knife is discontinued they may have handles in stock.
__________________
Life Is A Gift. Defend it!
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 08-05-2017, 09:17 AM
Ray1970's Avatar
Ray1970 Ray1970 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 822
Likes: 599
Liked 1,336 Times in 431 Posts
Default

Personally, I'd pull the scales and make a new set. Maybe something in G10. As far as the blade, some sort of paint stripper or maybe even just some mineral spirits and elbow grease should remove the paint. After that what you do with the blade is up to you. I'd probably polish it but I like shiny things.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 08-05-2017, 09:48 AM
Jessie's Avatar
Jessie Jessie is offline
Member
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,865
Likes: 10,603
Liked 15,202 Times in 5,250 Posts
Default

You might try a mild polish and buffing wheel on the scales, and I guess the blade also.
If it doesn't work, you can paint/cerakote it black.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-05-2017, 09:54 AM
mrchuck's Avatar
mrchuck mrchuck is offline
Member
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: BISHOP, California
Posts: 953
Likes: 4,433
Liked 1,291 Times in 533 Posts
Default

Put the whole knife in some paint remover.
Then wipe off the crud Do this several times and your knife will be clean.
Also use a brass brush on it.
These small brass brushes are available at Harbor Freight.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-05-2017, 10:58 AM
gwpercle's Avatar
gwpercle gwpercle is offline
Member
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 6,838
Likes: 7,390
Liked 8,046 Times in 3,652 Posts
Default

I would avoid the wire brush like the plague ....I have seen way too many tools , guns, knives and bullet moulds ruined with a wire brush.
I don't know about chemicals or bead blasting....I would do it old school , by hand with black wet or dry paper and oil , back the paper for the flats , go slow start with #220 or#320 at first, working through the finer grits and finish with #400 or #600.
3M also makes sanding sponges which works great for curved surfaces.
This may not be the fastest way but you want run the risk of a long soak in a chemical dissolving the grips.
The type of paint will dictate what will remove it. If you do try paint remover or stripper test a small part of the grip to see if they are affected by it. It appears the scales can be removed...that's good !
Chances are a combination of a quick application of paint stripper , removed as soon as the paint is softened, and the sanding by hand will get the deed done safely...good luck,
Gary

Last edited by gwpercle; 08-05-2017 at 11:07 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 08-05-2017, 11:08 AM
joe44va's Avatar
joe44va joe44va is offline
Member
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Central VA
Posts: 2,535
Likes: 3,774
Liked 4,332 Times in 1,548 Posts
Default

I'd test paint remover on a couple off small spots using a Q tip. If there are issues, contact Buck. They are amazingly cooperative.
__________________
Foster Positivity.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 08-05-2017, 11:09 AM
marinevet marinevet is offline
Member
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: kansas
Posts: 568
Likes: 415
Liked 486 Times in 226 Posts
Default

do a little research into what is called soda blasting, she same process as sand or bead blasting, but basically baking soda is the media that is used. lots of car restoration places use it. it will remove the paint without any damage to the metal or scales.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 08-05-2017, 11:44 AM
eveled's Avatar
eveled eveled is offline
Member
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,612
Likes: 3,067
Liked 3,443 Times in 1,365 Posts
Default

First remove the scales. It will make cleaning the blade easier. Also once removed you can test paint remover on the back of the scale to see if it attacks the scale itself
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 08-05-2017, 11:46 AM
TheLastBoyScout's Avatar
TheLastBoyScout TheLastBoyScout is offline
US Veteran
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 21
Likes: 32
Liked 19 Times in 9 Posts
Default

Personally I would use a fine grit sandpaper to remove the paint. After the paint is off I would just work my way to finer grits of sandpaper and re-polish it. It is a little bit more work than some other alternatives but it will guarantee that the handle is not damaged and turn out an essentially brand new knife. The handle may be beyond repair but you could try some sort of chemical such as paint or lacquer thinner and some light scrubbing but it may damage the scales in which case you will be looking for a new handle.

Last edited by TheLastBoyScout; 08-05-2017 at 11:51 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 08-05-2017, 06:12 PM
Richard Simmons Richard Simmons is offline
Member
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: VA
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 8,064
Liked 2,994 Times in 883 Posts
Default

Best thing to do is contact Buck. I bet you they can restore it to like new condition and the cost would be minimal.

Another option would be to contact Leroy Remer.

Triple-R-Knives
__________________
BCCI Life Member #2068

Last edited by Richard Simmons; 08-05-2017 at 06:15 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 08-06-2017, 02:44 PM
inspcalahan's Avatar
inspcalahan inspcalahan is offline
Member
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Alaska
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 1,700
Liked 1,044 Times in 428 Posts
Default

Those are great knives! I have the large and the small version. Both built to survive the destruction of mankind. I've used my large one to chop wood, cut heavy fiber rope and pry wooden crates open - none the worse for wear. The small one is still NIB in the safe.

I'm thinking a soaking in paint remover for the blade would likely do the trick. As for the handles, maybe roll them in a rag dampened with paint remover and leave for a day ...then a gentle wipe down with a rag/soft toothbrush.... or contact Buck and see if they have new ones...to include the sheath. Getting all of that paint off the fabric will be tough.

They are great knives, but not "that high" collectability wise, so giving it your best shot won't hurt. Worst case, you'll still have a great field blade with wear.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 08-06-2017, 07:02 PM
abbyonheyward abbyonheyward is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pee Dee of SC
Posts: 402
Likes: 34
Liked 145 Times in 62 Posts
Default

Great suggestions and advice, gentlemen.
I hope to tackle this project next weekend.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks,
Ryon

Last edited by abbyonheyward; 08-09-2017 at 05:04 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 08-06-2017, 07:27 PM
Blademan's Avatar
Blademan Blademan is offline
Member
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 77
Likes: 25
Liked 52 Times in 14 Posts
Default

I sent a very old Gerber fighting knife to Bark River Knives for a blade refinishing due to somebody messing up the original finish on the knife. The company did an outstanding job of restoring the original finish, and put a serious edge on the blade for me. Total cost for the work $35 bucks. Turn around time was about 2 weeks. You might want to contact them. Just a suggestion. Good luck.

Blade
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 08-07-2017, 09:40 AM
huntsman22's Avatar
huntsman22 huntsman22 is offline
Member
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 521
Likes: 16
Liked 1,769 Times in 392 Posts
Default

citri-strip.....
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 08-07-2017, 09:55 AM
vonn's Avatar
vonn vonn is offline
US Veteran
UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: houston,texas
Posts: 7,198
Likes: 124,841
Liked 23,177 Times in 5,749 Posts
Default

I would bet that the paint is off the shelf camo paint and plain old spray brake cleaner from the auto parts store will take it off easily. It is cheap to try but I would do a test on the grips. Spray on and wipe off no soaking whatever you use on the grips.
__________________
Hue 68 noli me tangere
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #18  
Old 08-12-2017, 03:43 PM
abbyonheyward abbyonheyward is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pee Dee of SC
Posts: 402
Likes: 34
Liked 145 Times in 62 Posts
Default

Thanks again, guys, for your suggestions. I ended up going the chemical strip route and it worked very well. I removed the scales and soaked everything, including the sheath in Goo Gone Graffiti Remover ($8 in Lowe's paint department). This is a citrus type product that cleans up with soap and water.

After a short soak, the paint on the blade and scale screws bubbled up and came off with very little effort. The paint on the scales and sheath was significantly more stubborn.

After about an hour long soak, some elbow grease with a stiff nylon brush removed almost all of the paint from the scales.

Next, I soaked the blade, scales and screws in a bucket of clean water to neutralize the citrus solution.

I soaked the entire sheath in the citrus based solution for about an hour. I scrubbed the sheath with a stiff nylon brush and soaked it again.

Lastly, I took the sheath to a local car wash and subjected it to a high pressure water wand at very close range. I was very pleased with the results as about 98% of the paint came out of the sheath.

As you can see in the photos, the knife, scales and sheath all cleaned up beautifully - all for about 10 bucks including the quarters for the car wash.

In my opinion the knife and sheath look good and are now worth about double what I paid for it.

I really appreciate the advice and guidance.

Ryon
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0835.jpg (180.4 KB, 17 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0836.jpg (182.9 KB, 17 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0837.jpg (103.7 KB, 18 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 08-12-2017, 03:46 PM
abbyonheyward abbyonheyward is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pee Dee of SC
Posts: 402
Likes: 34
Liked 145 Times in 62 Posts
Default

A few more photos of the finished product.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0838.jpg (191.8 KB, 14 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0839.jpg (184.0 KB, 14 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0840.jpg (192.7 KB, 16 views)
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 08-12-2017, 03:48 PM
abbyonheyward abbyonheyward is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pee Dee of SC
Posts: 402
Likes: 34
Liked 145 Times in 62 Posts
Default

Last few photos of finished product.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0841.jpg (199.5 KB, 12 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0844.jpg (174.1 KB, 13 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0845.jpg (166.4 KB, 12 views)
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buck Knife Question goatsnguns Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 11 02-22-2016 01:03 PM
Buck Knife Set For Sale: SPF Sixgun100 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 08-22-2014 09:21 AM
Donate to the NRA and get a Buck Knife Hillbilly77 The Lounge 24 02-05-2014 08:37 AM
Buck knife 118 carrycomp Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 11-02-2012 05:49 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:43 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)