Gun bluing and bleach

[ybrown]

I know this topic had came up many times. I did a search on this forum and online and found few posts that were very helpful, but I still have few questions.

So the way I understood it:
1) I put the gun bluing on, and let it dry before putting it in the bleach.
2) dip it in the bleach pull it out and check the result. repeat step 2 if necessary.
3) dip it in the bucket of water.

the questions I have are:
1) Do I have to have a particular mask to do it safely, or can it be done outside without the mask. If I need mask, any suggestions on what kind?
2) how do you stop the reaction? I saw a video where the blade was boiled. not sure for how long.
3) how do I protect the edge from corrosion?
4) how do you dispose of the bleach used? can I reuse it? what kind of container should I use ( does it has to be glass?)

Thank you!
I really appreciate all the help I got here.
Yuliya

 

[RX-79G]

Are you talking about hot salt bluing, slow rust bluing, hot water bluing or cold blue?

The first three are real "blues" - black oxide. Cold blue out of bottle or tube is not - it is different kind of reaction that doesn't protect the metal.

 

[biker bo]

I just did this treatment a few days ago.

I cleaned the knife with ISO alcohol..... Be sure to wear latex gloves during the entire process.

I warmed 1 gal of Clorox bleach to just over 100°

I had a pot of very warm ( not boiling ) water with 3 tablespoons of baking soda on the stove.

Apply the gun bluing and let dry.

Pour the bleach into a tall plastic pitcher . I performed the process outside with a fan blowing the fumes away from me. CAUTION THIS STUFF IS VERY BAD TO BREATH !!

I hung the knife from a wire tied to a small stick that fit across the top of pitcher .

Lower it into the bleach for 5 to 7 mins. This is very aggressive and you will see rust forming right away.

When you remove it immediately hold under running water an buff with oooo steel wool.

Repeat as necessary to get the look you want. Then into the hot water / baking soda solution to neutralize.

Back under running water while buffing with oooo , dry , then make sure to apply oil and rub in good.

You will need to redo the edge.

I did mine 3 times to get a heave pitting along the top then very little towards the edge.

I'm still not sure I like it ( looks like something I dug up in a field ) but if you were doing a knife for someone does civil war reenactments it would be perfect.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Baking soda does not neutralize bleach.
I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish. Bleach is a heavy oxidizer and will cause uneven pitting quickly.

 

[ybrown]

Are you talking about hot salt bluing, slow rust bluing, hot water bluing or cold blue?

The first three are real "blues" - black oxide. Cold blue out of bottle or tube is not - it is different kind of reaction that doesn't protect the metal.

I am trying to achieve something like this: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/824127-forced-pitting-heavy-patina
what kind do I need?

 

[ybrown]

I just did this treatment a few days ago.

I cleaned the knife with ISO alcohol..... Be sure to wear latex gloves during the entire process.

I'm still not sure I like it ( looks like something I dug up in a field ) but if you were doing a knife for someone does civil war reenactments it would be perfect.

I just ordered a scottish dirk blade and I want to age it

 

[ybrown]

biker bo, by re-doing the edge do you mean it has to be done on not harden steel? or just sharpen it again.
I am getting the hardened blade:-(

 

[neffarious]

here you go:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...er-etch-how-to-NEW-TECHNIQUE-AND-PICS-POST-25

It's officially called cliching

 

[biker bo]

biker bo, by re-doing the edge do you mean it has to be done on not harden steel? or just sharpen it again.
I am getting the hardened blade:-(

I just sharpen it. Try not to get the gun bluing on the edge . after the first treatment I reapplied bluing to top 1/3 of blade and soaked again .
I didn't all the area covered and had to do it one more time.
Try to dab it on . it will leave an irregular line of pitting similar to a forged blade.
Remember you will have to do a lot of grinding if you don't like it.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

If you want to pit the blade, use a solution of 1/2 bleach, 1/2 water and some table salt.
There is no need to use "gun bluing."
The edge will be pitted and the blade will have to be resharpened.
This will not work on stainless blades or blades that have been plated.
Many of the Indian made blades have been nickel or chrome plated after polishing.

 

[biker bo]

The one thing I like about bluing and bleach is that you some control as to where the pitting will be .

 

[ybrown]

Thank you! Bill, is there an example somewhere what the finish looks like?

 

[ybrown]

Neffarious, perfect. Thank you!

 

[hardingknives]

cold blue and bleach (heated on stove) is a recipe for aging wrought iron and really opening up the slag lines, it will spot up carbon too, but wrought really benefits from it