First Thoughts on the Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve encountered countless products promising quick fixes and easy solutions. The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen caught my eye as a potential answer to a common problem: maintaining the finish on blued steel firearms. Birchwood Casey is a known name, but can a pen truly deliver a durable and aesthetically pleasing repair?
My personal collection, honed over years of dedicated use in challenging environments, bears the inevitable marks of wear and tear. I needed a simple, effective solution for touching up minor blemishes on my blued steel firearms, specifically those accumulated during hunting trips in dense brush and range sessions where equipment can get inadvertently scratched. I had previously tried cold bluing liquids which are messy and require considerable cleanup.
Unboxing the Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen revealed a compact, marker-like applicator. The pen feels lightweight but sturdy enough for its intended purpose. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the design seemed straightforward, but the proof would be in the application and the resulting finish.
Compared to traditional cold bluing solutions, the pen promised a less messy, more targeted approach. Cold bluing liquids require careful application and often result in uneven coverage. I chose this pen hoping for precision and ease of use, something lacking in my past experiences with spray-on or brush-on bluing products.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Could something so small and seemingly simple really hold up to the rigors of firearm maintenance?
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen on a well-worn lever-action rifle, a trusted companion on many hunting expeditions. The rifle had several minor scratches on the receiver from encounters with branches and other field hazards. Application was straightforward.
The pen applied the blueing solution directly to the scratches. I tested this in my well-ventilated garage.
The initial result was somewhat surprising. The solution went on smoothly, but the color was noticeably darker than the original bluing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I’ve found the Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen to be a useful, albeit imperfect, tool. The touch-up finish holds up reasonably well to handling, but it’s not impervious to wear. Areas that experience frequent contact, such as the edges of the receiver, will eventually show signs of fading.
Durability is decent, but it’s not a permanent fix. The touched-up areas are more susceptible to scratching than the original bluing.
Maintenance is practically non-existent; the pen requires no cleaning or special care. Compared to traditional cold bluing, it’s significantly more convenient, but the color difference remains a noticeable drawback.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen
Specifications
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen is designed for quick and easy bluing touch-ups. It contains 1/3 oz of blueing solution, formulated for use on non-stainless steels. Its pen-like applicator allows for precise, targeted application, minimizing mess and waste.
These specifications are crucial for achieving a controlled, localized repair of minor blemishes. The small quantity is suitable for touch-ups.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen performs its intended task of covering up scratches and nicks on blued steel. However, the color match is not perfect, resulting in touched-up areas appearing darker than the surrounding finish. This is the primary weakness.
The pen excels at ease of use. The color difference is a significant drawback.
It adequately meets expectations for covering scratches. It falls short in terms of achieving a seamless color match.
Design & Ergonomics
The pen design is simple and functional. The applicator tip allows for precise control, and the pen’s compact size makes it easy to store and transport. The lightweight construction contributes to ease of use, reducing hand fatigue during application.
The design is user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The longevity of the touched-up finish depends on the level of use and exposure to abrasion. While the solution penetrates the steel, it’s not as durable as the original factory bluing. Maintenance is minimal; simply recap the pen after use to prevent the solution from drying out.
The finish may require reapplication over time, depending on wear. Regular cleaning and oiling of the firearm will help protect the touched-up areas.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen is a standalone product and does not require any additional accessories for basic use. While there are no specific customization options for the pen itself, it can be used in conjunction with other firearm cleaning and maintenance products to enhance the overall appearance and protection of the firearm. The pen is compatible with most standard gun oils and protectants.
No specific accessories are needed. The pen works well with standard gun cleaning products.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen
Pros
- Easy and convenient to use; no special tools or skills required.
- Provides a quick and effective way to cover up minor scratches and blemishes on blued steel firearms.
- Minimal mess compared to traditional cold bluing solutions.
- Compact and portable design for easy storage and transport.
- Affordable solution for maintaining the appearance of firearms.
Cons
- Color match is not always perfect, resulting in touched-up areas appearing darker than the original finish.
- The touched-up finish is not as durable as factory bluing and may require periodic reapplication.
- Not suitable for stainless steel firearms.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen?
Perfect for: Gun owners seeking a quick and easy way to touch up minor scratches and blemishes on blued steel firearms. It’s especially well-suited for hunters, recreational shooters, and collectors who want to maintain the appearance of their firearms without the hassle of traditional cold bluing.
Who should skip this product? Those seeking a perfect color match or a long-lasting, durable finish may be disappointed. Individuals with stainless steel firearms should look for products specifically designed for stainless steel.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Gun cleaning solvent and oil can aid in the touch up process.
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 blemishes on blued steel firearms. While the color match may not be perfect, the pen’s ease of use and minimal mess make it a worthwhile addition to any gun owner’s maintenance kit. The price of $6.49 is justified for the convenience and ease of use.
I would recommend this product to those seeking a quick and easy fix for minor scratches. It is not a replacement for professional bluing, but it’s a great tool for maintaining the appearance of your firearms.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to cover up those inevitable nicks and scratches on your blued steel firearms, give the Birchwood Casey Blue Touch Up Pen a try. You might be surprised at how much better your firearm looks with just a few quick touch-ups.