The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen Made a Bold First Impression
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen promises a quick and easy solution for those minor blemishes that inevitably plague blued steel firearms. For any firearms enthusiast who takes pride in their equipment, a scratch on a prized rifle or handgun can feel like a personal affront. The promise of a durable, blue-black finish that won’t rub off, all from a pen-like applicator, is certainly intriguing.
I was drawn to this product after noticing a few unsightly scratches on the bluing of my grandfather’s old lever-action rifle. It was a gift and family heirloom, and I needed to find a way to touch up the damage without the rifle needing to be professionally reblued. The rifle had earned its stripes over decades of hard use, but I felt obligated to try and restore some of its original luster.
Upon receiving the Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen, my initial impression was of its simplicity. The pen is lightweight and feels similar to a felt-tip marker. It feels like a simple and cost-effective solution, compared to more involved cold bluing solutions that I’ve used in the past that involve degreasers and multiple coats.
Compared to traditional cold bluing liquids or pastes, the pen format is undeniably more convenient. I’ve used Brownells Oxpho-Blue in the past, which delivers excellent results but requires careful application and cleanup. This seemed less messy and easier to spot-treat, without having to strip the area of all previous oil.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The pen’s compact size and ease of use were appealing. I was eager to see if it could live up to its promise of a durable, lasting finish, and the Birchwood Casey name gave me some confidence in the product’s capabilities.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen in my workshop, which is a relatively controlled environment. I focused on the scratches on the receiver of my grandfather’s lever-action rifle, as mentioned above. I ensured the area was clean and free of loose debris before applying the bluing solution from the pen.
Application was straightforward. The pen dispensed the solution readily, and the felt tip allowed for precise targeting of the scratches. It was a little windy outside that day, and I did appreciate not having any dripping or spilling of the liquid bluing agent, unlike past experiences with liquid bluing solutions.
The initial blue-black finish appeared quickly, seemingly penetrating the steel as advertised. I waited the prescribed amount of time before wiping off the excess, as per the instructions included with the pen. The first time I used it, I noticed that the new bluing was more glossy than the surrounding areas, and I ended up using a very fine steel wool to bring down the sheen and blend the old and new bluing together.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of handling and light use, the touched-up areas on the rifle’s receiver have held up remarkably well. There is no sign of the bluing rubbing off. This gives me a lot of confidence in the pen’s ability to protect against future scratches.
Durability seems to be a strong point. The touched-up spots have not faded or chipped, even after occasional handling and cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth. I’ve even used it on some tools that had their finishes marred from shop use.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply keep the pen capped when not in use to prevent the tip from drying out. I haven’t needed to reapply any touch-up to the rifle after the initial application, which speaks volumes about its staying power.
Compared to other cold bluing methods I’ve used, the Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen has proven to be far more convenient and almost as durable, especially for small touch-ups. It’s not a replacement for a professional rebluing job, but for minor imperfections, it’s an excellent solution.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen
Specifications
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen features a simple, pen-like applicator for applying a cold bluing solution. It is designed for use on non-stainless steels, providing a durable blue-black finish to cover scratches and blemishes. The product aims to penetrate hard steel instantly with a one-coat coverage.
The solution itself is a proprietary cold bluing formula. The specifications, though not explicitly detailed, revolve around its ability to chemically react with the steel surface to create a layer of blue-black oxide. This layer protects against corrosion and improves the overall appearance.
These specifications are important because they dictate the pen’s ability to effectively conceal scratches and protect the underlying metal. The one-coat coverage simplifies the process, and the penetration ensures a lasting bond.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen performs its job admirably for minor cosmetic repairs. It effectively covers up small scratches and nicks, restoring a consistent finish to blued steel surfaces. The results are aesthetically pleasing, and the finish appears to be reasonably durable.
Its strengths lie in its ease of use and precision. The pen-like applicator allows for controlled application, minimizing the risk of unsightly smearing or over-application. A weakness is that it is not suitable for stainless steel finishes.
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen meets my expectations for a quick and easy touch-up solution. It’s not a miracle worker, but it does an excellent job of concealing minor imperfections and preventing further corrosion.
Design & Ergonomics
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen boasts a simplistic design. The pen is lightweight, easy to hold, and allows for precise control during application. The felt tip applicator dispenses the solution evenly, preventing drips and blotches.
The pen is exceptionally user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve. Anyone familiar with using a felt-tip marker will find this product intuitive and easy to operate.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the bluing finish provided by the Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen seems adequate for most applications. The manufacturer, Birchwood Casey, claims that it will not rub off. It has held up well to regular handling and cleaning.
Maintenance is simple. Just ensure the pen is capped tightly when not in use to prevent the tip from drying out. Proper storage in a cool, dry place will also extend its shelf life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Its primary purpose is a standalone touch-up solution.
The nature of the product doesn’t lend itself to customization. However, it’s compatible with standard gun cleaning and maintenance practices. The user can apply gun oil or protectant over the touched-up area after the bluing has fully cured.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen
Pros
- Easy and precise application.
- Quick-drying formula.
- Provides a decent blue-black finish.
- Affordable.
- Convenient pen-like format.
Cons
- Not suitable for stainless steel.
- Color match may not be perfect on older blued finishes.
- Larger scratches may require multiple applications.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen?
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen is perfect for gun owners who want a quick and easy way to touch up minor scratches and blemishes on their blued steel firearms. It’s also great for gunsmiths or hobbyists who want a convenient tool for small cosmetic repairs. This would also be a useful addition for the hunter or outdoorsman that wants an easy way to keep their equipment in top condition.
Those seeking a professional-quality rebluing job should skip this product. It’s not a replacement for a full rebluing service. Also, those who do not possess blued steel equipment will not benefit from this product.
A must-have accessory would be a good degreaser to clean the area before application. Very fine steel wool (0000 grade) to blend the touch-up with the surrounding finish may also be helpful.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen offers a convenient and affordable solution for touching up minor scratches and blemishes on blued steel firearms. It is not a miracle worker, but it does an excellent job of restoring a consistent finish and preventing further corrosion. The price of $6.49 makes it an accessible option for most gun owners.
I would personally recommend it as a useful addition to any gun cleaning and maintenance kit. It’s a simple tool that can make a significant difference in the appearance of your firearms.
If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to touch up those annoying scratches on your blued steel firearms, give the Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen a try. You might be surprised at how well it works!