Laser-cut Vinyl Stickers for Bluing Patterns on Razors

The other day I had the idea to cold-blue a portion of one of my razors using some cold-bluing solution. I didn't like how it came out, so I Maas-ed it back off (works surprisingly well), but I did have an idea that would be really cool.

What if you could etch a blue pattern into the spine, tang, or blade? If I were to do it, here's how I would do it. I have vinyl letters stuck on my back windshield, they were cut by a laser because thats how they are cut so exact. You can get them made by making a vector file (like in photoshop) and sending it to you're local print-shop or bumpersticker maker.

You could do a neat scroll-work design with your name (or the name of SWMBO (or HWMBO)), the days of the week, etc. Apply the sticker, remove the design or lettering, then when you have the holes, add the gun-blue, let it do its thing, then when it dries, remove the rest of the sticker.

How 'bout it? Anyone have a sticker-cutting laser machine that wants to experiment with me?

that sounds like a great idea, im sorry to say i cant help tho. If you can do make sure to post all about it, im very interested to see how it would turn out.

When PVC is burned or heated to a high temp it releases toxic Hydrogen chloride gas forming Hydrochloric acid. If a laser was used to cut the PVC or vinyl, which is PVC, it would cause damage to the machine.
Just a word of caution about PVC.

Tim

hmmm, I could've sworn those were laser cut. if not, I have no idea how they make em.

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Originally Posted by marosell

hmmm, I could've sworn those were laser cut. if not, I have no idea how they make em.

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Stamped out?

You sure thats not something that would need to be purchased in bulk? :shrug: Those sorts of things generally cost a fortune when trying only to get 1 done.

I know a guy who does lots of sign work. Usually they are cut out using a computer with various programs for automatic cutters. Basically its a exacto blade guided by the computer. Its really cool to watch,the blade moves horizontally back and forth and the machine pushes the media North to south and synchronizes to make perfect lines. There are of course other ways, a laser would be fun to watch too:hmmm:

EDIT: its actually super easy to do and only costs materials, electricity for the computer and a little time to scan a picture into the computer. Id get him to help out but he moved pretty far away not to long ago.

The machine is called a plot cutter and it works very similarly to a printer called a plotter. There are some size restrictions depending on the quality of the machine used to do the job. Most if not all signage shops will have one as they are sort of a work horse in that industry.

YAY!!! I win? I there a prize???:D