Blueing an axe head

S

sisk61

Joined
Jun 24, 2011
Messages
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Hey guys. Its been a while since i posted over here! But I have a Plumb boy's axe that is probably my favorite axe. When i got it, it had a gun blue type patina on the head. It looks great. I was reprofiling the edge with a file and i nicked the poll a few times, now those spots are getting a little rust, and it doesnt look very good.. Ive been thinking about doing a vinegar bath, but the gun blue finish looks better. Should i just go buy some blue and put it on the head?

Thanks!
Reid
 
you can try to temper it blue i did that on some axes but i don't know if its the blue you mean
 
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Go to any sporting goods store and buy some liquid gun blue. It should make it look better and doesn't cost alot of money.
 
Casey Birchwood Gun Blue. About $5 at Academy. Keep putting coats on and polishing them until it gets as dark as you want.
 
TimberWolf7.62 said:
Casey Birchwood Gun Blue. About $5 at Academy. Keep putting coats on and polishing them until it gets as dark as you want.
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+1. They also sell a kit with an acetone cleaner. It's a good idea to get all the oils off of the axe first. Not sure its entirely necessary though. Advise wearing rubber gloves. Nasty stuff.
 
Also, do it outside and try to heat the metal with a hair dryer before you blue it.

It is NASTY stuff. Very toxic and smelly, but it works well.
 
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