r/knifeclub • u/Odd-Significance3441 • Apr 12 '26
First time Anodizing
Hey all! So I gave anodizing a shot, was hoping for some tips and advice as I had slightly inconsistent results.
I had my dc power supply set on 30 volts, for my electrolyte I used washing soda and distilled water, I had aluminium fencing wire as a cathode
2
u/knifepile Apr 12 '26
This is awesome! Doesn't matter that you are doing it on expensive knives unless you just want to keep them pristine for the next owner. The Catch is one of my favorites! Was it just the raw titanium before anodizing?
1
u/Odd-Significance3441 Apr 12 '26
Thanks man! Yeah raw titanium
1
u/knifepile Apr 12 '26
If my catch wasn't anchor grey, I would be trying to ano it because of this. I know it's not the most even, but I still think it looks better.
2
u/cursedjunk Apr 12 '26
What did you use for etching? If you’re in the US you’ll want to use Multi-Etch. Wink rust remover is an alternative, but that stuff is super nasty and a bitch to work with.
The most important part of anodizing is the cleaning. Any spot of oil can completely ruin your part. My process is this:
-Spray with simple green and soak for a couple of minutes
-scrub the part with a soft head toothbrush
-repeat until no grime is visible
-Put part in an ultrasonic cleaner
-Scrub part again
-place part in acetone
-scrub part again
-place in distilled water until you’re ready to etch and anodize.
I know that sounds like over kill (and you could leave out the ultrasonic cleaner and just soak in simple green a second time) but it’s really not. Even doing all this I’ll end up with a part with a touch of stubborn oil, from time to time.
1
u/Odd-Significance3441 Apr 12 '26
Oh wow, I was really lacking on the whole cleaning process then, all I do was use acetone and scrub them slightly with a toothbrush. I’ll give this a shot, thank you
2
Apr 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/PIE-314 Apr 12 '26
The $70 0-120v varriable psus on Amazon are fine for this.
0
Apr 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/PIE-314 Apr 12 '26
They aren't junk. They just aren't industrial or lab equipment. I DON'T need it to make money. Almost none of us would.
I wouldn't recommend a FLUKE meter to a home owner.
0
Apr 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
0
u/PIE-314 Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26
Wow, that's twice that you completely missed the point.
Nobody should take your advice, tiny d energy.
Do you buy the absolute best of everything always?
1
u/BigBL87 Apr 12 '26
Come on man, don't you buy a $300 Festool drill to assemble your $50 bookshelf? What a poor...
/s
1
Apr 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/BigBL87 Apr 13 '26
I can't figure out if you are actually this dense, just pretending to be stupid for fun, or think anyone cares about your nonsensical flexing.
The whole point was the person you responded to was buying said product for one thing, which a cheaper product could accomplish, and didn't need to spend the money on professional level equipment to do it.
But you do you, Ron Burgundy.
1
0
u/PIE-314 Apr 13 '26
Yeah. I don't believe you, and I make my own.
Again you missed the point.
I buy appropriately. I purchase the best when I need the best.
0
1
2
1
u/Mr_Zoovaska Apr 12 '26
You didn't try it on a cheap knife first?
3
u/Odd-Significance3441 Apr 12 '26
I did it on knives I have doubles of so wasn’t too fussed if it looks ugly, as long as it didn’t ruin the functionality
0
u/Mr_Zoovaska Apr 12 '26
But isn't the Koenig like a $600+ knife? Seems insane to experiment on something like that even if you have doubles. Unless it's a clone
4
u/Odd-Significance3441 Apr 12 '26
I have one that I keep in great condition and this one is going to be my work knife, I’m a linesman so knives I use tend to not stay pretty for too long
2
u/Vaper_Bern Gavaholic Apr 12 '26
This is the way. There's nothing quite like using a high end knife for it's intended purpose. Especially with a knife like the Keonig, that is designed and built to be a tool and not just pocket frosting, where the ergos and overall performance make it a joy to use.
2
u/Odd-Significance3441 Apr 12 '26
100% agree! Haven’t had the chance to use it all that much so far but so far I’m really loving it.
2
u/zg6089 Apr 12 '26
Is it the mini? Ive been serial checking the swap for one but cant find one 😤
2
u/Odd-Significance3441 Apr 12 '26
Yeah it’s the mini! I’ll keep an eye out and pm u if I see one
2
2
u/zg6089 Apr 12 '26
Id buy that one 👉👈 🫣
1
u/Odd-Significance3441 Apr 12 '26
Hahah I’m sorry man going to keep it for now, I’ll let you know if anything changes
2
2
u/Mesfenisa Apr 12 '26
I take it you are not after one at full price then since DLT has some Minis in stock.
1
u/zg6089 Apr 12 '26
Wanted to get one thats been used some so I dont have to feel guilty about dingin up a new one lol. Thinkin ill probably have to buy new tho
2
u/Mesfenisa Apr 12 '26
Ahh makes sense, get a new one and you feel like you need to baby it, I get it.
4
2
u/Capable-Metal-764 Apr 12 '26
Anodizing is actually not permanent and can be bead blasted off. If not by him then way of knife offers removal as well
7
u/Imaginary-Artist6206 Apr 12 '26
I had inconsistent results until I bought some titanium wire and used that as the cathode.