41 Luger Find

sheepherder · 11-28-2016, 10:29 PM

As to blood destroying bluing...I have no clue...

But a few years back, I wanted to 'age' a new barrel that I had fabricated and screwed into my C96 Mauser barrel extension...I asked here what was a way to make steel acquire the 'patina' of 90 years...George Anderson replied that I should soak the part in urine...

I wasn't sure if old George was messing with my mind...but it took a couple days to fill a liter Coke bottle anyway...So I tried it...

And to my utter amazement, it turned the bare steel a dark black-ish color...It now sits on my infamous 'Red Five' C96, and most people have no idea it isn't a result of natural oxidation...

I've heard that this is also the treatment that Japanese swordmakers use to heat-treat steel blades...

Now, I don't know if urine has the same effect as blood on bluing, but I would no longer be surprised if it did...

(Before & after, finished barrel [bottom two] straight from the Coke bottle...)

11-28-2016, 10:29 PM	#15
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,197 Thanks: 1,416 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	As to blood destroying bluing...I have no clue... But a few years back, I wanted to 'age' a new barrel that I had fabricated and screwed into my C96 Mauser barrel extension...I asked here what was a way to make steel acquire the 'patina' of 90 years...George Anderson replied that I should soak the part in urine... I wasn't sure if old George was messing with my mind...but it took a couple days to fill a liter Coke bottle anyway...So I tried it... And to my utter amazement, it turned the bare steel a dark black-ish color...It now sits on my infamous 'Red Five' C96, and most people have no idea it isn't a result of natural oxidation... I've heard that this is also the treatment that Japanese swordmakers use to heat-treat steel blades... Now, I don't know if urine has the same effect as blood on bluing, but I would no longer be surprised if it did... (Before & after, finished barrel [bottom two] straight from the Coke bottle...) Attached Images __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...