Many types of soap contain moisturizers, and this might be the reason why your bluing didn't take. Some people use the cheapest dish soap they can find just to avoid moisturizers and different smell-good additives that can affect the finish.
Solvents like paint thinner and acetone work, as long as you keep it clean. If you dunk the parts you'll dissolve the oil in the solvent, and some of this will still be on the part when you pick it up. Same thing if you wipe it with a rag, you'll have to use several clean rags with solvent before it's really clean.
I have had mixed results using brake cleaner. Some (like Brakleen brand) work great, while some seem to leave residue of some kind. My favorite degreaser is scrubbing with Purple Power and then a thorough rinse under the hot water tap, it's the best method I have found so far.
Another option is to use Brownells Oxpho Blue, it works on oily surfaces and also seems to hold up better than other brands. As an added bonus, it doesn't have that nasty cold blue smell to it. If you don't want to order it from Brownells you can call S&R Guns in Algood (931-537 6862), they had it in stock last time I was there.
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