A question of reflectiveness.

[edrozen]

Okay, it's been mentioned that knives must be tested for their reflectivity by the military. This makes sense, of course. I was just wondering (since we were discussing Bowies, after all) if anyone happens to know if gun blueing is anti-reflective enough for our military. I'd also like to know what the standard is (if you know). And if their are any coated blades that do not pass this test. thanks

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EdRozen-On the cutting edge of finding out what the cutting edge is....

 

[Ron Andersen]

Hi Ed,

I know I'm not the military specialist you are looking for, but I can speak generally to your topic.

Bluing does have some, but very little, reflectivity. SOG did (and still does on traditional, collectible knives) use bluing, but has switched to using the gray powder coating on tactical knives. Do they have a military "rating"? Maybe...probably...I just don't know. But I can say that they are among the most non-reflective on the market.

The problem with bluing is that you cannot adaquately blue a stainless steel blade. Carbon steel is needed. But, carbon steel has higher corrosive properties, thus needing more care. The gray powder coating is more durable and can be put on more surfaces. It also is a corrosion inhibitor.

Hope this helps.

Ed, you haven't posted here in a while. I'll have to think about whether you were missed. OK, I thought about it.

Ron@SOG


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Website: www.sogknives.com
Email: ron@sogknives.com

 

[Sergiusz Mitin]

The reflectiveness of gun bluing depends on surface finish before bluing - polished surface will be more reflective after bluing, mat - noticeable less.
However gun bluing is not the good way to finish utility knife blade because it is not acid-proof. Try to cut pickled cucumber with your blued blade and you will see what will occur

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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland

[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 04-09-2000).]