hey guys I've been thinking of blueing a knife but i know nothing about it does it scratch off or wear off easily how long does it last what type of steel can you use it on
I've never tried it, but you can do cold blueing yourself. There are kits available. I've heard it isn't as effective or as long lasting as hot blueing, but it is cheaper. For hot blueing, take it to a professional. The chemicals involved are messy and very noxious. As for steel, it think it's pretty much reserved for carbon. I've never heard of blueing stainless. Blueing is a surface treatment, so it can scratch and will wear over time.
http://www.precisionbrand.com/ProductsCatalog/PBPCategoryDetails.aspx#l1=279&l2=37&l3=0&lcd=37&l4=0 Check out this link. It tells you all about it. This is the kit I have but I can't say how it works since I haven't tried it yet. There is a good faq section. I am working on an O-1 tactical knife that I will be trying it on.
I've only used bluing once. It was cold bluing using gun bluing from Canadian Tire. It worked well, but can be scratched off so it's just a surface patina. Joel
I have experimented with many of the blueing solutions. I have not found any that will do a good job on anything but small parts. Hot blueing in a tank is the only way to produce an even, durable finish. Gun repair shops usually have the tanks, and can do the job. The classic rust blueing is even more durable, and can provide a deep, even blue not achievable by any other method. It does however require some experimenting, and tends to be extremely labour extensive. Wolfe
I tried bluing a steel chef knife l got from Lee Valley tools called "The Peasant Knife" It seems OK, I just used Cold Blue that I use for small gun parts. It seems to be wearing quite well but I keep it dry and oiled. Not the same as hot blue though. I would like to know of a better way of protecting HC steel.
