No-rust blades?

[NJP3]

Ok, I have this epee that I got from The Fencing Post at JOs, the blade is wierd colored, when I move it the colors change a little, I was told that had been done to it to keep it from rusting, and so far this has been true. I have heard about this before, like how compaines get gold and blue blades. Somthing like blueing it? I dont know, can anyone tell me what this is and how can I get it done to my other weapons?

Thanks

[typoink]

Putting gold or blue finishes on metal is done by "anodizing." I don't know if they use any special techniques / dyes when working with weapon metal, though. Anodized metals will be protected from rusting as long as the finish stays on, I believe. Anodized finishes are fairly durable, but definitely can be scratched; they're relatively similar to paint. It is possible to have people anodize stuff for you, youll just need to find a shop in your area that does it. Look up a local metalworking shop. Even if they can't do it; they might be able to refer you to somebody who can. It'll cost a bit of money, but not too much. Less than, say, chroming or nickel-plating. I'd wager a blade would be less than $15, especially if you do multiple ones.

That said, I'm not certain if the blade YOU'RE describing IS anodized. Is it actually colored, or just translucent / shiny? That sounds like it might be some specific antirust coating, and I know nothin' 'bout that.

[NJP3]

this isnt too much like paint and it doesnt scratch off when I fence, it definitly has color though, but not like painted on color just like it was the blades actual color almost

[FoilyGeezer]

Anodizing is a process that is used on aluminum and to some lesser extent on other non-ferrous metals.

Most likely what he has is a type of bluing which is a chemical etching process. Usually it is a two part process, and while it will slow down the development of rust it won't last forever as the blade is nicked. It may also be a bonded coating like some of the nitride coatings used on tooling components. In that case the blade would be a relatively shiny silver (or gold if Titanium Nitride) and again will last as long as the integrity of the coating lasts (these coatings are usually very (as in 0.0001 inches or less) thick. The third possiblility is that it's just an anti rust coating. There are lots of them on the market that are basic combinations of plastics and lubricants intended to bond to or permeate the porous nature of the material.

[typoink]

Anodizing steel is definitely possible. And, corresponding with Walter Triplette, the blue and gold BF blades are colored by way of anodization.

[Sigurd]

I just happen to have one of those blue BF blades. I was wondering how one should go about caring for them. Some people like to use abrasives to polish their normal blades, and get of any potential rust. Will cleaning an anodized blade in the same way scratch of the finish? Or should I just leave it alone?

[kini mini]

Originally posted by Sigurd
I just happen to have one of those blue BF blades. I was wondering how one should go about caring for them. Some people like to use abrasives to polish their normal blades, and get of any potential rust. Will cleaning an anodized blade in the same way scratch of the finish? Or should I just leave it alone?

I have two, am using one and the other is sitting in my cupboard as a spare. The spare is still really blue and shiny, but the one I use has dulled with time. I never polished it when it was new because I was afraid of scratching the finish, if you've ever had anodised keys you'll know how soon they lose their colour! Most of the colour is gone now, from the abrasions caused by parries etc, consequent rust...then I started polishing it .

[neevel]

Sounds like one of the 'rainbow' STM blades.
While the anodized finish will come off if you grind it enough, removing surface rust either by hand or a wire-wheel shouldn't take it away.

As an aside, one of the additional reasons why
anybody beyond a beginning level in foil and epee really should be using maraging blades (durability and safety being the foremost ones) is that they are resistant to rust.

-Dave

[NJP3]

neevel,

I think your right about my weapon being an STM Blade, that sounds familiar and it is just like a rainbow color.

Is this the anodized thing that everyone is talking about?

Thanks,
NJ