How-To Anodize Titanium

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to anodize titanium knife scales, specifically for the Spyderco Spidey Chef. Anodizing titanium not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides a layer of protection. This guide will take you through the necessary materials, safety precautions, and step-by-step processes to achieve beautiful results.

Chapter 1: Materials

To successfully anodize titanium, gather the following tools and supplies:

• Power Supply

  • 0 to 120 volt DC power supply for adjustable voltage.

• Containers

  • Two containers: one for acid etching and one for the electrolyte solution.

• Acid Etch

  • Multi-etch solution or homemade mix:
    • 114 grams of Ammonium Persulfate
    • 21 grams of Sodium Fluoride
    • Mix with 1 liter of distilled water.

• Electrolyte Solution

  • TSP-PF (trisodium phosphate) mixed until super saturated.

• Cleaning Supplies

  • Alcohol or acetone for degreasing.

• Resist Material

  • Fingernail polish or whiteout to protect areas from anodization.

• Wire and Hooks

  • 16 gauge titanium wire for anodes.

• Tools

  • T6 and T8 torx drivers for disassembly.
  • Pivot lube and Loctite for reassembly.

• Safety Gear

  • Safety glasses and gloves.

Chapter 2: Disassembly

Follow these steps to safely disassemble your Spyderco knife:

1. Prepare the Workspace

   • Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area and have all materials ready.

2. Disassemble the Knife

   • Use the T6 and T8 torx drivers to remove screws and separate the scales.
   • Keep track of all screws and components.

Chapter 3: Texturing

To prepare the titanium scales for anodizing:

1. Wire Wheel Texturing

   • Use a wire wheel on a buffer to create a textured surface, avoiding critical areas like the detent and pivot.
   • Ensure you are wearing gloves for safety.

2. Clean the Scales

   • Wipe down the scales with alcohol or acetone to remove any oils or residues.

Chapter 4: Anodizing

Now that the scales are prepared, follow these steps to anodize:

1. Apply Resist

   • Use fingernail polish to cover areas you want to protect from anodization, allowing it to dry.

2. Etch the Scales

   • Immerse the titanium scales in the acid etch solution for 1 minute.
   • Remove and pat dry with a paper towel.

3. Set Up the Electrolyte Solution

   • Prepare your electrolyte solution in the second container.

4. Determine Color Voltage

   • Refer to the voltage color chart to choose your desired colors for anodization.

5. Base Color Application

   • Connect the negative lead to the titanium scale and set the power supply to a low voltage (around 20V).
   • Gradually increase the voltage until you achieve the desired base color (around 25V for blue).

6. Create Camouflage Pattern

   • Switch the positive lead to the scale and use a sponge dipped in the electrolyte solution to draw your pattern.
   • Adjust voltage for different colors, ensuring good contact to avoid burning the solution.

Chapter 5: Reassembly

After anodizing, it’s time to reassemble your knife:

1. Remove Fingernail Polish

   • Clean off the resist material from the areas you protected.

2. Apply Lubrication

   • Use WD-40 to lubricate the scales.

3. Reassemble the Knife

   • Insert the pivot with a bit of Loctite and ensure everything is centered before tightening screws.

Conclusion

You have now successfully anodized your titanium knife scales! This process enhances both the appearance and durability of your knife. Remember to work safely and enjoy experimenting with different colors and patterns in future projects. For more tips and tools used in this tutorial, check the links provided. Happy anodizing!