tool black question

J. Neilson

J. Neilson

Joined
Feb 6, 2001
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I wanted to know how far to go with the blades finish before applying "tool black"? I'm putting in the order to MSC Industrial this week(the only place I could find it), but if I know how far to take it, 220 grit or such, I can finish it up while I'm waiting for the shipment and between other projects. Any ideas?
Here's a pic of a similar blade of the type I'll be blackening.
 
I have never used tool black before,but I do have a video were
Ricky Fowler uses it he goes to 220 grit, sandblast it and then
he uses the tool black
 
J. I use it all the time. I like to put it on a mirror finish. It will not hide the 220 grit sratches.
 
Do you have to abrasive blast it, or will it work OK on a satin or mirror finish?
 
Tool black works best on high carbon steels that don't have a lot of other alloying elements. The finish you get will be a matte black version of whatever surface you treat. No scratches will be hidden.
 
J. Like RJ said, It will not work on D-2 and any others in the family. It does look good on A-2. MSC is the cheapest.
 
I'll be using 5160 on the blade so no problem there. I never was very much for the mirror polish though, George. I was planning on taking it down to a grey scotchbrite (very fine), or handrubbing. I guess that should work o.k. Do you think I need the whole kit or just the toolblack itself? Also, how does this coating hold up on a magnetic sheath? Guess I should have thought of those two the first time.:D
 
Do you have to abrasive blast it, or will it work OK on a satin or mirror finish?
Click to expand...

Chang, this is a good question.(I was wondering about that myself).
Does anybody have an answer?
 
How is the finish applied? Is there heat involved or do you just soak it a chemical bath or what? What is "toolblack" exactly?
 
J. I just got the tool black. Make sure you clean the piece good with acetone or MEK and no finger prints.
Peter: It is just like cold gun bluing.
I like using it on my damascus.
 
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