Fellow smiths -
I am getting ready to delve into parkerizing some blades - have just not been happy with the durability of cold blue, FeCl or other forced patinas.
My question is a simple "when". My process is normally to fully finish (including convex and final edge) a blade before I move onto the handle. When do others do the parkerization? I don't want my entire convex to be shiny steel if the blade is parkerized. Is it OK to parkerize with final edge and then just re-set the cutting edge after?
Basic question I know, but I can't find this specific answer on this or any other blade forum. Thanks!
Steve Shipley
Apex, NC
I do a considerable amount of Parkerizing. Also, nearly 100% of my knives are take-down. Even the full tang knives utilize screws on the scales, so all of my knives are fully finished BEFORE they get Parked.
I finish grind the blade - after tempering - to the point where all I need to do is the final sharpening.
After I finish building the knife I disassemble it, Parkerize it, re-assemble and then final sharpening.
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Thanks, Karl - just the info I needed. All my parkerizing chemicals are on the way to my house, can't wait to run the first few blades through and see the results I get!
Steve
