Blueing A2

G

gshamr

Joined
Jan 18, 2002
Messages
178
Hi all,

I have a batch of A2 knives back from Paul Bos and want to blue a couple of them for cosmetic reasons.
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I've read some posts on blueing and didn't see any reference to A2 taking a good blue. I wondered if the alloys in it discourage a good blue or not.

Also, I don't know if I need to read about hot blueing, or just use some of the cold blueing stuff from Knife and Guns Supplies. It will be for my own enjoyment, and doesn't have to have the most durable blue in the world. I just like blued steel (not the black versions).

Thanks for any replies.

Gerry Hamrick
Snohomish, WA
 
Forget the cold blue ,that's just for touch-up. Each steel reacts differently to hot bluing and some adjustment in temperature may be needed .IIRC from my gunsmithing school days, some of the rifle receivers with nickel in them required higher temps. Unless someone has the experience you'll have to experiment.
 
From what I read A2 will blue , unlike "stainless". (may not be using the proper terminology)
Cold blue will work but it will wear fast , I've never hot blued so I'll leave that to someone else.
 
Might try rust blueing. No hotter than boiling water. Takes a little longer than hot blueing, but makes a very durable, more so than modern blueing, deep dark black finish. A soft carding wheel from Brownells is a real help.
 
Good enough. Cold blue is out. I guess I'd better search a bit on the internet. The rust blueing might be an option, though. Thanks.:)
 
Try a quick etch in ferric Chloride, and you'll get a black blade like this-
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