do it yourself blueing (black oxide)

zimabog · **on:** December 02, 2009, 07:49:03 AM

I'm thinking of buying a cheap used black oxide leatherman wave or something on ebay just for the wood saw, drilling out the indentation so i can have it properly click into place in the position that is currently occupied by the serrated blade on another leatherman. Only problem is that a small hole of raw metal will be left behind. Should I use one of the blueing chemicals they sell at gunshops or should i just squirt a little black paint into there? I am afraid that the paint wont hold up.

american lockpicker · **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:12:12 AM

I used to reblue firearms and I can tell you it won't work on stainless steel.

zimabog · **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2009, 04:03:17 PM

Even if the the part is already blued from the factory? Both the part and the current Leatherman are black oxide.

american lockpicker · **Reply #3 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:00:08 PM

Thats a different type of finish.

turnsouth · **Reply #4 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:38:39 PM

General BO information:

"Black oxide is a conversion coating formed by a chemical reaction produced when parts are immersed in the alkaline aqueous salt solution operated at approximately 285 degrees F. The reaction between the iron of the ferrous alloy and the hot oxide bath produces a magnitite (Fe3 O4) on the actual surface of the part. It is possible to oxidize non-ferrous metals under suitable conditions to form black oxides. It is possible to apply black oxide at room temperature, however it is not possible to achieve all of the benefits available from the "hot" oxide process. The cold black oxide process routinely shows color variation from part to part and the black material frequently rubs off in your hands. The cold process does not meet military or automotive specifications."

J-sews · **Reply #5 on:** December 03, 2009, 06:22:43 AM

I've tried both regular Cold Blue and Super Blue from Birchwood Casey, and neither one works on Leatherman tools.

american lockpicker · **Reply #6 on:** December 03, 2009, 06:35:13 AM

Quote from: J-sews on December 03, 2009, 06:22:43 AM

I've tried both regular Cold Blue and Super Blue from Birchwood Casey, and neither one works on Leatherman tools.

I wonder if browning would work since its like rust...

Sean · **Reply #7 on:** December 03, 2009, 05:14:56 PM

why not just leave them in a moist environment then to rust. not only does it give it color but will also
give it some grip!

Nightshade · **Reply #8 on:** December 04, 2009, 04:32:26 AM

Caswell sells the only "cold" black treatment, that I am aware of, that often works on the many types of stainless . The key words are often and many. Not all and not always. They sell a 8 ounce stainless treatment. I've had good results with small stainless parts of the 408,302,304 variety.
Parts must be thoroughly clean, spotless.

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/black.htm#stainless