Thread: Color Case Hardening

After looking at some antique Colt single action revolvers, I was wondering if it would be possible to use the same color case hardening on razors. I can't recall ever seeing it on knives, so it may not work with razors. I'm not too familiar with the process, but I believe it is similar to blueing, which I have seen on razors. I think it would look great. Any ideas, comments or recommendations welcome.

I have a Bresduck Lifetime which has a blued finish on it and was thinking myself of rebluing it. The kits they sell for guns should work equally. I don't think the metal needs any special prep as long as its cleaned of all oils or surface treatments. I don't see how it would affect the edge.

Of course the real old firearms had the ultra blue finish on them but though they look neat they really weren't worth a damn and the finish rubbed of after just drawing it out of a holster a few dozen times. I think thats way so many of those old colts rusted away years ago.

Bill Ellis covers the application of liquid or paste gun blueing to a razor on his restoration CD. Highly recommended reading whether or not you decide to go whole hog into restoration or simply want to learn more about razors. Satisfied customer plug : http://www.billysblades.com/Straighr%20Razors.htm

Howdy All,

Bluing is an oxidizing process that creates a finish that is more rust resistant than untreated steel. This process relies on chemicals and sometimes heat.

Case hardening is a carbonizing process in which the steel is heated to very high temps in a partial vacuum in the presence of organic material such a bone. The organic material provides the carbon which bonds to the surface of the steel in a thin layer or case. This case is much much harder than the steel beneath.

One of the problems encountered with case hardening thin flat pieces of steel is that the steel wants to warp while going through the temperature changes.

Case hardening is indeed beautiful but I don’t think it would make for a good razor.

Then again I could be wrong.

I remain &C,
Library Guy

Thanks for the info Library Guy. After doing some research on color case hardening, I have to agree. Unless it was done during the actual forging of the razor, I think it would destroy the temper of the blade. Also I discovered it was used on low carbon steels to make them more durable. With todays quality steel it is unnecessary and it's very unlikely that any manufacturer would use that kind of steel even in a reproduction piece. Thanks for the input everyone, I appreciate you taking time to answer.

What about Parkerizing? Isn't that what they used to put on K-Bar knives and bayonettes?