How do I Black Oxide coat ?

RDT

Joined
Dec 17, 1999
Messages
4,117
Anyone outther with info on how to Black Oxide coat knife ? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.....RDT
 
I have used Tool Black on some carbon steel knives and a fellow maker who also uses it referred to it as black oxide. I'm not sure if that's exactly what you are looking for. Tool Black is available from MSC industrial supply and McMaster-Carr industrial supply.
 
Have you considered powder coating? The prices are reasonable and even Harbor Freight sells the gun/system.
 
I've tried the old trappers trick. I gathered red summack, elderberries and walnut husks to create a boil broth, then sunk an O-1 knife blade in for several minutes. The blue / black results were pretty cool. The oxide formed creates a minor protection against further corrosion. I've kept this blade in my glove box for five years, using it on various duties, and it has not rusted.

I also tried this on a 1095 blade with lesser results. The patina was there, but the blade rusted just as quickly as without the treatment.

Just some added thoughts....

Dan
www.bearpawknives.com
 
Thanks guys, much obliged ! Kit, I was thinking of doing some powder coating as well, that part isn't difficult but I know absolutely nothing about oxide coating. How is it done ? what's the proceedure / it's a smother finish and sometimes that would be nice over the powder coat. Never tried the tool black ? how does it go on ? what's the proceedure there ? Thanks fellas.....RDT
 
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