Black Oxide coating?

[mykulmorris]

I can't find the little "Search" button in the blue bar thingy up there ^... Somebody musta moved it. Anyways, does anyone know or can recommend a easy 'Black Oxide' process. There's a lot of info out there but I'd like to hear from someone who has actually used one. ((and because of the 'search' button gone, I can't find it if it's already been a topic, sorry if this is a repeat))
-M

 

[P.Brewster]

"cold black oxide" is applied with a chemical at room temperature. It is sold by MSC and other metalworking supply companies as "Tool Black."

It is not a very durable finish. The finished items have an odor and are smudgy.

True, hot black oxide is also known as hot gun bluing. It is done with an aqueous caustic salt solution at 285°F. Very dangerous. I have not done a hot salt finish, but some here do it.

You can do a black (manganese) parkerized finish as well. That is done with an aqueous chemical solution at 190°F in a stainless tank (not nearly as dangerous as hot bluing). Parts must be de-greased and sand-blasted (or otherwise prepped). Any rack marks will stand out, so you have to hang the knives by a hole or some kind of clip. You have to move fast to avoid rust (not a problem if you are only doing one or two).

Brownells sells parkerizing and gun bluing kits, and you can download the manuals for more information.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Your membership may have expired, and thus you have lost the search function.

The best black oxide is probably parkerizing. Look on ebay under "parkerizing kit" It is cheap and easily done.
Stacy