Thread: Blue blade?

Hi guys.

Got this in the mail. Is this blade still good?

Maybe, but probably not. Coloring like that indicates that the temper has been ruined.

There is a very remote possibility that it is from a chemical. Try (carefully!) cleaning the blade with some water & dish soap, or some other mild degreaser. See if that removes it? But, that may just be me looking for a silver lining again .

I'm inclined to agree with Mr. Utopian, though. It looks a lot like scorching.

See how it hones up. If it can take a fine edge without breaking down it will probably be OK. I had a Sheffield that had a spoiled temper and there was no way I could get an edge on it - I'd get close - passing TNT, arm hair etc, but when I tried to refine the edge it crumbled away.

There's one way to find out. Hone it up and see what kind of edge it will take and hold. I've had blades in the past that I was sure had seen some high heats. One of them would not take an edge, but the other two honed up well.

I use a very strong chemical detergent that "blues" carbon steel easily, giving a very beautiful and even patina (extran)
I don't use It for blades, but some time ago I used it to restore patina on an old english blade after an effort to remove its pitting.

It came honed with a pretty good edge. The previous owner said it was his daily SR. I will inspect it under magnification and work the edge. Any other advices or things to do/not to do?

Originally Posted by Jdefoy66

It came honed with a pretty good edge. The previous owner said it was his daily SR. I will inspect it under magnification and work the edge. Any other advices or things to do/not to do?

I agree that chemicals could have come in contact and caused that. I've seen that happen. If it holds an edge through a few shaves it is probably fine.

Chemicals can cause the same rainbow effect?

Try it and see if it shaves.