[RickFoster]

Any of you hear of using potatoes to blue a gun barrel? In know some knife makers darken a blade by sticking it into a potato.

 

[farmboy]

That is a new one on me, never heard of doing that, very interesting though, hopefully someone will be able to shed some light on this. I would really like to know if anyone has heard of this. :hmmmm:

 

[RickFoster]

Potato blue

GreyE.

"You are very correct in what you said.

The starch in the potato was oxidized. The Chlorogenic and Citric acid content in the potato worked on the starch resulting in various chemicals being produced including Sodium Chlorate I and III and Hydrogen Peroxide. These chemicals (and probably others since it depends on the type of potato) oxidized the steel in the knife in a fashion very similar to the process used in gun bluing. "
This is a quote from a knife forum

 

[HIKayaker]

Where do you find potatoes big enough to hold a rifle barrel?

Otherwise, great idea.

 

[trekker111]

Well, if you were inclined to try it, a long narrow trough with the rifle barred in a potatoes puree would have a theoretically similar reaction.

I use a lot of carbon steel knives, and have noticed the same type of reaction while cutting onion if the blade is not immediately washed.

 

[Highhawk1948]

Idaho

 

[Wheres the bears?]

where do you find potatoes big enough to hold a rifle barrel?

Otherwise, great idea.

idaho

 

[plumbernater]

yep use to stick my case knife blades in a tater to darken the blade.

 

[unclesarge58]

Works Great on Carbon/Tool Steel Knife Blades.
Made a Few Knives Years ago from Old Industrial Paper Shear Blades.
Used to Stick 'em in a Potato & Stick 'em in the Fridge Over Night.
Turned 'em a Nice Dark Gray Black. Then Oil 'em Good & it Helps keep 'em from Rusting.
UncleSarge58

 

[paulo57509]

Where do you find potatoes big enough to hold a rifle barrel?

Otherwise, great idea.

You stick 8 or 9 potatoes on the barrel like a kabob.

"What the heck is that?"

"Potato gun."

 

[RickFoster]

I have a potato in the shop in a ziplock to warm up. I will try it on a spot on a barrel to see how it works.

 

[Magnum6]

idaho View attachment 106272

Now That's a potato":congrats:Bet you could stuff a LOTA gun's in That potato :biggrin:

 

[kimber]

i would like to know if it works .i just cut my 1984 barrel to 18'' ,i would try it on the 2'' scrap. and give you all an up date. need more info?

 

[RickFoster]

I am this testing on a knife blade I have made.

 

[unclesarge58]

Secret to Makin' it Work is to Boil the Blade & Then Stick It In a Cold Potato & Chill it for 12-24hrs.
US58

 

[RickFoster]

Thank I will do that then report

 

[BloodGroove4570]

I don't think it will actually blue the steel, but it will force a patina on it to help reduce chance of rust.

I have used mustard, ground horseradish, apple, oranges etc on knife blades.
New!!!!!



Forced Patina!!!






New!!!!



Patina!!!





Mustard Patina'd!!!

 

[RickFoster]

I don't know the difference between a blueing (which is an oxidation) and a patina?

 

[smokinjoe]

How about mashed potatos....or boxed potato flakes?

 

[RickFoster]

Worth the try for a consistent coverage. I wonder if the potato is cooked will the chemical reaction be the same?

the blade turned a very nice black where the steel contacted the potato. It is better than bottle "blue" if I could generalize the effect on a receiver or barrel. I need to try this on a pistol I want to refinish.