How to "reblack" a kamisori

**Kentos** · 03-21-2012, 07:02 PM

So I picked up a Henkotsu in realitively good condition for under a hunnert bucks on da bay. I plan on restoring the thing a bit, but in taking off some semi-active rust I will also take off the black. Any ideas on how to replace it? Gun blueing kit? Vinegar? HCL? Help me out fellas. :)

Pic:

The black on the edge is the sharpie test I run all "new" razors through...

**tomjr** · 03-21-2012, 07:08 PM

i like gun blue but i used to do a little gun work so thats what i'm familiar with. tom

**Kentos** · 03-21-2012, 07:12 PM

I don't own any "heat" so I cant compare gun blue to a kamisori :), but does it look pretty similar colorwise? And does the surface need to be slighty textured for the blue to stick or can it be polished?

Thanks Tom!

**mycarver** · 03-21-2012, 08:56 PM

It can be polished.

**paco664** · 03-21-2012, 08:58 PM

some of the cold bluing kits work pretty decently....

**Kentos** · 03-21-2012, 09:01 PM

Amazon here I come...

**paco664** · 03-21-2012, 09:06 PM

actually i think brownells would be a better choice...

**Kentos** · 03-21-2012, 09:13 PM

Thx I'll check it out

**mycarver** · 03-21-2012, 10:11 PM

Just be sure the metal is absolutely clean or in my experience it can get blotchy. Metal Prep, Lacquer thinners, to remove any oils,, Alcohol possibly,etc. Once clean don't touch it.

**cleanshaved** · 03-21-2012, 10:26 PM

I have blued a gun not hard at all and gives a nice finish, as mycarver said "absoulutely clean" is a must.
Test it on a old razor if you are concerned.
The blue finish is much better at holding a thin layer of oil than bare steel.

**Legion** · 03-22-2012, 01:45 AM

Mustard.

I forced a patina on that sheep shear knife I made and it came out really dark. Almost too much, I had to polish it back some.

**honed** · 03-22-2012, 04:29 AM

Originally Posted by legion

Mustard.

I forced a patina on that sheep shear knife I made and it came out really dark. Almost too much, I had to polish it back some.

Big plus 1!

Regular 'ol mustard produces a result very similar to that original kuroichi finish.

Just make sure the blade is very clean (clean with acetone or alcohol) dab on the mustard, wait for a while & yoru done. Repeat as necessary.
Google forced patina or mustard patina for more help

**Doc226** · 03-22-2012, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by Kentos

I don't own any "heat" so I cant compare gun blue to a kamisori :)

The one problem with Hawaii.

Originally Posted by legion

Mustard.

I forced a patina on that sheep shear knife I made and it came out really dark. Almost too much, I had to polish it back some.

Really, wow, how long do you leave on. What kind of mustard?

**Kentos** · 03-22-2012, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by Doc226

The one problem with Hawaii.

Really, wow, how long do you leave on. What kind of mustard?

Would love to get a CC permit, but you need a letter from the Governer and Police Chief!

**Kentos** · 03-22-2012, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by legion

Mustard.

I forced a patina on that sheep shear knife I made and it came out really dark. Almost too much, I had to polish it back some.

Will work on it tonight!

**Jim** · 03-22-2012, 09:22 AM

Try some beef blood for an iridescent blue.

**Hammertime1** · 03-22-2012, 09:52 AM

Second Brownells.
the Brownells line rocks. You can reapply to darken. Done correctly you can also polish em up without removing the bluing. I like to heat/ warm up whatever I'm bluing. Hot window sill- to oven can be used in a pinch to get metal warm.
i am not familiar with how black a kamisori should look but for my blacks I use the Dcropan and 40/40 instant cun blue creme for a more blue look. Enough coats and the 40/40 takes on a dark coloring too. Both hold up better then any other brand I have tried.
I am pretty well stocked so it's been a while since I have looked at Brownells bluing section. But knowing how they constantly add and change things I'm sure they will have even more option products in their line up plus other brands.

**honed** · 03-22-2012, 10:15 AM

Pretty much like I do it;

**global_dev** · 03-22-2012, 11:15 AM

thanks honed, that link to the video was just what i needed for a quick project I am sure my wife will love!

**honed** · 03-22-2012, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by global_dev

thanks honed, that link to the video was just what i needed for a quick project I am sure my wife will love!

Your welcome!

You really can use anything acidic, various fruits like apples, lemons & kiwi produces cool colors.
And like Jim said, beef, pork & blood makes it lighter in color & more blueish.

Oxidation is the new black