UPDATED 8/11/17 SEE POST 18 Buck Knife Issue and Question

[abbyonheyward]

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

 

[abbyonheyward]

Couple of Additional Photos

Couple of additional photos of the ugly duckling.

 

[Kanewpadle]

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.

 

[Ray1970]

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.

 

[Jessie]

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.

 

[mrchuck]

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.

 

[gwpercle]

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

 

[joe44va]

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.

 

[marinevet]

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.

 

[eveled]

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

 

[TheLastBoyScout]

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.

 

[Richard Simmons]

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

 

[inspcalahan]

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.

 

[abbyonheyward]

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

 

[Blademan]

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

 

[huntsman22]

citri-strip.....

 

[vonn]

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.

 

[abbyonheyward]

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

 

[abbyonheyward]

A few more photos of the finished product.

 

[abbyonheyward]

Last few photos of finished product.