Parkerizing a blade - what is this?

Buffalohump

Buffalohump

Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
6,159
Hey all,

I recently traded into a custom blade with a parkerized blade. Can someone tell me something about this process? How tough is it and how easily can be redone if the inevitable wear gets too severe?

The steel is 1084 so a rust preventative finish is kinda necessary.

Thanks!
 
I'm not sure how the process is done but maybe a google search will turn something up?

I do know that on guns a parkerized finish is much more durable than a blued finish. My EDC pistol has a parkerized slide and it is IWB everyday touching my skin and not even a hint of corrosion. It is a pretty durable finish.
 
Basically it is done with phosphoric acid with a few other things mixed in, usually zinc or manganese compounds. Parkerizing is a trade name - the process is known as phosphating. It can work fairly well to prevent rust, but it will still rust if abused and not oiled. Oiling is still necessary, but only a light coating should be used - not enough that you can rub a visible film around on the blade, but just enough to slightly wet it.
 
Any kind of coating on a blade will diminish it's cutting ability.

A smooth, preferably polished blade will outcut a coated blade at the same sharpness level. :thumbup:
 
Not all parkerizing is as durable. I inherited a 1911 government Colt that I holstered for about three days and it started showing wear marks. 'Course, it was a mid-50's armory job, so take with a grain of (bluing) salt...

Parker
 
i aheva parkerized combat knife from WWII when i got it there was small rust but no deep pitting, after sitting in someones basement for 50 years it held up pretty well. Over the year it will wear away with use, parkerizing looks gray in good condition
 
eKretz said:
Basically it is done with phosphoric acid with a few other things mixed in, usually zinc or manganese compounds. Parkerizing is a trade name - the process is known as phosphating. It can work fairly well to prevent rust, but it will still rust if abused and not oiled. Oiling is still necessary, but only a light coating should be used - not enough that you can rub a visible film around on the blade, but just enough to slightly wet it.
Click to expand...

What he said.
It's inorganic. A layer of iron phosphate. Oiling is necessary to get good corrosion resistance.
 
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