Has anyone ever "blue'd" an axe head

vanwag44

vanwag44

Joined
Jul 13, 2015
Messages
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Just curious if thats a no no or if it looks cool. Sorry if this is an ignorant question.
 
Do a search on here. I remember seeing several axe heads that had been gun blued. They looked really good. I think the blueing wears off quickly during use though.
 
I see it used for hiding new cleanup on vintage axe heads. I also sometimes see whole heads blued with the quick over the counter bluing solution. Not my thing and I can spot it a mile off. An old fashion rust blue will give better results and be more durable but it is just not economically feasible and its hard to acquire the ingredients.
Been there done that.
 
Im really kind of experimenting trying to gain knowledge most of my axe heads have been beat up or bland, non stamped etc. I'm to get a process down to do a nice refurb.
 
Here is an example of a cold blue:


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Don't usually blue them but I did this for a friend.

Here is an example of minor poll touch up:
 
vanwag44 said:
Im really kind of experimenting trying to gain knowledge most of my axe heads have been beat up or bland, non stamped etc. I'm to get a process down to do a nice refurb.
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Judging by the prices that some of the re-polished and quick blued axe heads bring on the auction site, that finish is popular with many. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, as long as the finish is not misrepresented, but it is usually left unsaid, and I don't think that axe collectors are as savvy about finishes as those that collect Colt revolvers.
 
garry3 said:
Judging by the prices that some of the re-polished and quick blued axe heads bring on the auction site, that finish is popular with many. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, as long as the finish is not misrepresented, but it is usually left unsaid, and I don't think that axe collectors are as savvy about finishes as those that collect Colt revolvers.
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Garry, That makes sense, I was really fishing for if it's just a look thing or if it makes the axe stronger or weaker, sounds like maybe it's not as durable. What is the most durable finish to put on?
 
There is no finish necessary, none will last anyway. My intention is to A: experiment, and B: just darken the head up. No plans to get the head smooth or shiny first, just try something different. Intent is, I guess, an important factor.
 
I blued a Plumb with cold blue.
 

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Have you considered forcing a patina with vinegar? I tend to do this with all my user axes as it seems to stave off rust in most ordinary use (as long as you don't leave it out over night or something).

Yes, the finish will wear away to a certain extent, however I find that with enough use, tree sap builds an additional patina over the top of the vinegar patina faster than it wears away.
 
cityofthesouth said:
There is no finish necessary, none will last anyway. My intention is to A: experiment, and B: just darken the head up. No plans to get the head smooth or shiny first, just try something different. Intent is, I guess, an important factor.
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"None will last anyway" that about covers it. But the bluing will make it look nicer if you have had to grind polls ect. And it will afford some protection, at least in the short term. I really think paint protects the heads the best, at least those vintage ones that I come across that have been painted seem to be some of the nicest preserved ones.

Probably with us axe geeks it makes little difference because we don't keep dull axes.
 
I rust blued the head of my CRKT spike hawk (Woods Kangee T-Hawk) and, although it was my first attempt at rust bluing and didn't turn out as nice as I wanted, I am pretty happy with it.

 
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i have touched up a couple polls i ground with permablue. those spots developed rust fairly quickly in the garage, when the natural patina did not rust at all right next to it.

i will not cold blue an ax again.
 
garry3 said:
I see it used for hiding new cleanup on vintage axe heads. I also sometimes see whole heads blued with the quick over the counter bluing solution. Not my thing and I can spot it a mile off. An old fashion rust blue will give better results and be more durable but it is just not economically feasible and its hard to acquire the ingredients.
Been there done that.
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no hard to find chemicals are needed to rust blue items.

like burt said "a few household chemicals in the proper proportions.."
 
I sometimes cold blue axe heads, I have used many products over the years in my other hobby and not all cold blue is created equal, the best I have found is Brownell's Oxpho Blue.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...ld-bluing-chemicals/oxpho-blue--prod1072.aspx

IMG_0888.v01.jpg
 
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