Scratch nightmare! (Pic included, for those not of the faint of heart)

[Chiles]

Long story short, I got a TON of scratches on my laser engraved delica a few weeks ago.

My question is, if I stonewash the knife, what will it do to the laser engraving (from rockynational), will it remove it or should it be ok?

Also, if the stonewashing would remove the engraving, what would be the best way to get the scratches out, or at least most of them, be?

EDIT: You can only see the scatches at a few angles, but those angles are driving me insane. I'm tryign to accept it as"hey, its an EDC", but it's much easier said than done.

[.357 mag]

Looks used.. I like it.

[Slash]

If you cared about the etch, why did you use the knife?

You could just buff out those with some cotton wheels and buffing compound. Then put the knife away again.

[moeman]

In my experience, yes stonewashing could remove the etch. But I have also found that to get the best finish that way you should start with a bead blasted blade then stonewash. Unless you have an incredibly aggressive media you will still see the scratches under the stonewash.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

Stonewashing would likely remove a lot of the etching. Maybe not all but it would be much more faint.

Every knife that is used is going to get scratched at some point. I would say just live with it because even with stonewashing, you are going to scratch it eventually and then are you just going to keep stonewashing every time it gets scratched?

[The Deacon]

Spyderco's laser etching is fairly deep, but even if it had been done by them, there'd be no guarantee with a process like stone washing. With aftermarket work, there's no telling how deep (or shallow) it is. IMHO, wet sanding with a very fine grit sandpaper on a flat surface would be much less likely to damage the etch, but there'd still be some risk.

[JNewell]

Spyderco's laser etching is fairly deep, but even if it had been done by them, there'd be no guarantee with a process like stone washing. With aftermarket work, there's no telling how deep (or shallow) it is. IMHO, wet sanding with a very fine grit sandpaper on a flat surface would be much less likely to damage the etch, but there'd still be some risk.

Yes...I would try 600 grit paper on a good piece of glass, well-secured and tight on the glass, moving the knife carefully, with not too much pressure, in a single direction. No guarantees...

[gaj999]

Hey, it's an EDC.

Seriously, it's like getting a new car. The first scratch or dent is awful, but before you know it, you're washing the thing every three years whether it needs it or not.

Gordon

[JAfromMN]

I've polished some very scratched Spyderco's out nice with a Dremel Cloth wheels and polishing compound.

Just like this video http://m.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&hl=...&v=kY2Xzro_VZI

[tonydahose]

that's not that bad. if you are planning on carrying and using the knife, forget about the scratches. In fact the new scratches will cover up the old ones just fine.

[willydigger]

I've polished some very scratched Spyderco's out nice with a Dremel Cloth wheels and polishing compound.

Just like this video http://m.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&hl=...&v=kY2Xzro_VZI

Agreed. I would try the cloth wheel and polishing compound. I would avoid the etch. Buffing, stone washing, and sanding will damage the etch. The dremmel will give you a small working area so you can avoid the etch.

[ChapmanPreferred]

At this point, I would not look back to a polished or machine finish. I would simply use the knife for all intended purposes. Once the first scratch happens, it is far easier for me to use a knife.

[JNewell]

I've polished some very scratched Spyderco's out nice with a Dremel Cloth wheels and polishing compound.

Just like this video http://m.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&hl=...&v=kY2Xzro_VZI

If he uses that on the area that was etched, he'll seriously damage the etching.

[Evil D]

I can almost guarantee you the scratches are deeper than the laser etching. Most etching is basically burning the very surface of something. Spyderco does some of the deepest etching i've ever seen. If it was deep enough, you wouldn't have to ask if buffing the blade would damage it.

[JAfromMN]

If he uses that on the area that was etched, he'll seriously damage the etching.

I think with light pressure it should Hold up it looks pretty deep.
I would also try avoid the etching after a few light passes over it.

Willydigger said it best The dremmel will give you a small working area so you can avoid the etch.

[SpyderNut]

If it were me, I would simply send it to Spyderco (send $25 to cover cost for the repairs and shipping) and let them do their magic. But then again, that's just me. My OCD normally gets the best of me on things like this.

[RIOT]

what were you cutting to get scratches like that ?

i use my Spydercos for random tasks in daily life (no hard abuse honestly) none of mine have scars like that.

anyone done a show your scratches thread ?

[jeff_C]

I gotta say, if it was that special it shouldnt have been used. If it was that big if a deal, it shouldnt have been a carry knife.

I say use and enjoy it!

[dbcad]

EDIT: You can only see the scatches at a few angles, but those angles are driving me insane. I'm tryign to accept it as"hey, its an EDC", but it's much easier said than done.

I think that most of us have had the same feelings at one time or another I have to agree with Jeff C. Use the Delica and enjoy.

If anyone wants a knife to remain pristine it shouldn't be used. Mine is the Damascus vg-10 Mule with Zack scales. Gorgeous and I keep it that way. All others will get their scratches and wear them with character.

Enjoy the Delica Chile. The FFG Delica is a sweet knife

[JNewell]

I have a lot of experience polishing metal. The OP should follow my suggestions or be prepared for some poor results.

I think with light pressure it should Hold up it looks pretty deep.
I would also try avoid the etching after a few light passes over it.

Willydigger said it best The dremmel will give you a small working area so you can avoid the etch.