Case coloring stainless

Darrel,

What is our technique for coloring the stainless bolsters?

Bob Sigmon

Hi
Its very simple.
If you leave them bead blasted they will color dark.
If you polish them they will be bright.

I lay them on a piece of steel of something safe side by side after they are complete.

Then just take a prophane torch and start heating them with the same amount of heat on both.

After a bit they will start turning colors.
Slow done the heat (back off)
Just apply enough to get them close to where you want them.
Let them cool and go to town.

NOTE:
We only recommend procedures. Please wear safety equpt. and folow safe shop practice when making any knives.

Thanks for the quick reply, Darrel.

It sound like I shouldn't be able to mess this up too bad. I'll give it a try tonight.

Thanks again,

Bob Sigmon

Siggi
Great!

Darrel,

I tried coloring the bolsters and it just wasn't working.

Yesterday, I tried heating the steel that the bolsters were sitting on and Voila! Man, do these babies look good.

This is the DDR2 with maroon micarta scales and case colored bolsters.



Bob Sigmon

can you polish the bolsters after you heat them????

Clayton,

Any polishing would have to be done before heating. The brighter the polish the brighter the colors. You could probably use renwax after coloring the bolsters.

Bob Sigmon

Nice job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Creative! I love it!

Alex

If this was done to a knife blade, I take it that it would play havoc with the hardness thereof?

Oupa,

The metal to be colored is placed on a piece of metal and the metal is heated from below. Kinda like frying bacon. I'm not really sure of the heat that actually gets to the blade, it may be too hot. Also, the finish would probably scratch. Bolsters and liners don't take the same abuse as a blade.

Someone with more knowledge (Darrel) will probably jump in a let you know about the potential heat problems.

Bob Sigmon