Perma blue help

cbr900son

cbr900son

Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
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So my nephew just finished his first knife and wants to try the bluing. Ive never done it before and was reading the instructions. Seems simple enough. Is their any tips or tricks to keep it from being splotchy as ive read a few people says it tends to do this.
 
Just be sure the blade is very clean. No fingerprints, smudges, rust, oil etc. Don't pay extra for the cleaner and degreaser they sell, they're just soap and rubbing alcohol. If you have enough of the Perma-Blue, dipping the blade right in it rather than applying it with a swab can help, too. However you apply it, do it in several light coats, rubbing gently with steel wool in between. This will help it get both dark and even.

One nice thing about the stuff is, if you goof it up, it's easy to remove it with 0000 steel wool and start over. Of course that also tells you something about how durable it is.
 
I have found that etching a blade first with vinegar (presumably a ferric etch would do the same thing but I haven't tried it) before cold bluing helps it get a more even appearance and may make it more durable as well.
 
Justin's idea couldn't hurt. Vinegar all by itself can be used as a "blue" of sorts, depending on the steel and how long you soak it (up to 24 hours). It will turn O1 nearly black and 3V a nice even grey, for instance.
 
1095 will react in a similar manner. Try it, there's really nothing to lose except a little time.
 
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