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Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick

us Offline Rich_SD

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Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
on: October 31, 2022, 04:32:58 PM
Mods - If this belongs in an existing thread, please feel free to move it  :tu:

I found a Kick, with a pocket clip, in almost-new condition for the crazy low price of $19.99  :o   The pocket clip alone is worth more than that, so I had to buy it.  It had one problem - it had a laser engraving.  I hate engravings, especially ones that have no meaning to me (like a random business name), so I decided to see if I could remove it.




I decided to start with 320 grit sandpaper.  Looking closely at the Kicks handle, it has an existing "grain" to the finish (see closeup), so I sanded with that grain.






It didn't take long to remove the top layer.  Here is the result of just a few minutes of sanding.  The hard part was sanding straight the short way across the handle while also avoiding sanding the Zytel insert.




After a lot more patient sanding, the engraving was gone... mostly.  Check out these pics - just looking at the handle, the engraving is gone, but if viewed from just the right angle, it could still be seen.






After a lot more sanding  :ahhh ,  I finally got it down to 99% removed.  Good enough!  Here is a closeup from an angle where the remnants of the engraving can still be seen.




Next I switched to 400 grit to start matching the finish of the rest of the tool.  After that, I switched to 800 grit.






As a final step, I hit it with a very light and quick buffing of polishing compound.  I didn't want to make to tool more shiny, but it helped even up the finish.




Here's the final result.  Just handling the tool and looking at it, you would never see it.  If you look closely and the right angle, you can still see some minor remnants.  I think if I wasn't trying so hard to not sand the Zytel insert, it would have been perfect.



us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #1 on: October 31, 2022, 04:57:58 PM
That looks very nice!

If like me, you will always know the markings was there and expect it’s shadow will always linger regardless of the angle.

 :pok:
If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

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   A WISE man knows whether or not to say it!!!


us Offline Aloha

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #2 on: October 31, 2022, 05:02:05 PM
Nice work.  In time with use you'll have wear marks.  I've removed laser and engraved markings with good success. 
Esse Quam Videri


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #3 on: October 31, 2022, 05:10:28 PM
Great job, Rich :woohoo: Great price and excellent results  :salute: :like:


no Offline nakken

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #4 on: October 31, 2022, 05:24:15 PM
:iagree: Great find and results, well done!
« Last Edit: October 31, 2022, 06:07:11 PM by nakken »


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #5 on: October 31, 2022, 07:04:32 PM
I found a Kick, with a pocket clip, in almost-new condition for the crazy low price of $19.99  :o   The pocket clip alone is worth more than that, so I had to buy it.
Nice score! Wish I'd have seen it...I'd have sold you the pocket clip for $19.99 and wound up with a free Kick! :pok: :D

Though I'd have left that logo in place, it's nice to know how to deal with the occasional logo that I don't like. Now if only someone could come up with a way to remove personalization done with an engraving bit (which I consider far more objectionable than a logo).
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us Offline Rich_SD

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #6 on: October 31, 2022, 07:12:29 PM
Thank you everyone  :hatsoff:


Nice score! Wish I'd have seen it...I'd have sold you the pocket clip for $19.99 and wound up with a free Kick! :pok: :D

Though I'd have left that logo in place, it's nice to know how to deal with the occasional logo that I don't like. Now if only someone could come up with a way to remove personalization done with an engraving bit (which I consider far more objectionable than a logo).


If you're really in the market for a Kick, eBay is flooded with so many that the price is very low.  I regularly see Kicks in almost-new condition for $25 and less.


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #7 on: October 31, 2022, 07:16:20 PM
I wasn't actively seeking out a Kick, but if prices are that low, I might see what's out there.
USN 2000-2006

Afflicted with Alox-Pox and seeking the cure: more Alox!


us Offline Adam5

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #8 on: October 31, 2022, 10:08:44 PM
Great job, Rich  :tu:


au Offline Echotech

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #9 on: November 01, 2022, 02:46:35 AM
 :iagree:  great work  :like:


us Offline SteveC

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #10 on: November 01, 2022, 04:38:25 AM
Good job !    :tu:


us Offline Rich_SD

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #11 on: December 04, 2022, 12:59:48 AM
I finally got around to finishing up my Kick.  I wanted to add a Rebar awl since I use an awl around the house semi-frequently (e.g. marking a starting hole for a wood screw, etc), but I also had room on the other side for something a little thinner.  The Rebar's serrated sheepsfoot fit there perfectly.  Both slipped in perfectly and the only thing I had to do is remove some spacer washers.




us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #12 on: December 04, 2022, 03:38:55 AM
The Kick was always an excellent tool for modding and you could always fit way more in as you have done here  :salute: :like: :like:


au Offline Echotech

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #13 on: December 04, 2022, 04:19:09 AM
:like: great job Rich


us Offline Rich_SD

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #14 on: December 04, 2022, 05:21:07 AM
Thanks guys  :hatsoff:


us Offline SteveC

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #15 on: December 04, 2022, 05:29:43 AM
Nicely Done !   :tu:


us Offline Rich_SD

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #16 on: December 04, 2022, 05:40:16 AM
Thanks Steve  :hatsoff:


us Offline Aloha

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #17 on: December 04, 2022, 03:52:17 PM
The Kick is a really good tool what you've done has really elevated it tho.  Great work. 
Esse Quam Videri


us Offline Rich_SD

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Re: Removing Laser Engraving from a Kick
Reply #18 on: December 04, 2022, 06:14:03 PM
Thanks Aloha  :hatsoff:


 

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