metal differences, bluing, and parkerizing

[msn144]

Two questions:

1. Is there a website that gives brief explanations of different types of blade metals and materials (e.g. ATS-34, 440A, etc)?

2. Is it possible to parkerize or blue stainless steel? If yes, where can I buy the materials to do this job? Is it difficult to do?

 

[Andrew Lynch]

For steels:

http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqsteel.shtml

Spyderco's website also has some info.

For bluing, I'm not sure. I also would like to know if I can blue a knife easily. It would be great for corrosion protection.

 

[The Magician]

From my limited experience, carbon steels can be blued very nicely. Stainless is not worked well for me in the past.

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Brian
The first knife was probably used to cut stuff.

 

[Ken Cox]

Stainless steel will neither blue nor parkerize, since both processes involve controlled corrosion.

A number of proprietary processes will change the color of stainless steel by covering it, and so will paint.

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Luke 22:36, John 18:6-11, Freedom
If one takes care of the means, the end will take care of itself.

 

[Walt Welch]

Forget trying to blue stainless at home. It is a complicated process, best carried out by electroplating different metals on the steel (Black Chrome).

Bluing ANY type of steel is decorative only. It doesn't resist wear or corrosion worth a darn.

Walt