Any real world advantage to DLC (ZT-0350)?

S

sharkattacksw

Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
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I'm looking to order the ZT-0350, but am torn between the satin blade and the DLC blade. I like the appearance of the satin blade, and it'd be more 'sheeple' friendly at the office, but I'm wondering if the DLC black blade really has an advantage from a functional standpoint for a 'real world' application, i.e. not military or police needing a non-reflective blade.

These knives are the same price, so that's not an issue. My concern with the DLC is that it will eventually get scratched up and the knife's looks will suffer. However, I understand that knives are tools and will get 'character lines' on them from use. That's just what happens when you use 'tools,' they get wear marks on them.

If the DLC really doesn't offer a real advantage for a regualr joe who use his knife for general pocket knfe duty, I'm leaning towards the satin blade. I just want to make the right choice.

Thanks again guys.
 
DLC will help out with rust. It is tougher than most blade coatings, I have an older scallion that has seen at least six years of off and on use with not a single scratch. In fact, if you scrape it with a penny, it will leave copper lines where it wears off some of the penny:eek:.

I say go for whichever is more visually appealing to you, as long as rust isn't an issue (shouldn't be a problem anyway for that knife). I like DLC, and if I am faced with your delimma, I would chose the DLC, but it ultimately depends on what tickles your fancy most.
 
If you live with high humidity or you perspire a lot, I'd go with the DLC. Satin gets scratched up too, and DLC gets scratched up much less, so I'd go with DLC. IONBOND knows their coatings.
 
judging from your screen name (and if you're already leaning towards the satin), I think you'd be happiest with the limited 0350CB; it looks like it has shark fins.
 
Thanks guys. I went with the DLC. I figured it's my knife, so if the sheeple don't like it...oh well. Besides, when I use my knife at work, I try to be somewhat low key about it. Use it, then put it back in my pocket. Good point about the satin blades getting scratched too. I guess the DLC will just add a bit of extra protection.
 
sharkattacksw said:
Thanks guys. I went with the DLC. I figured it's my knife, so if the sheeple don't like it...oh well. Besides, when I use my knife at work, I try to be somewhat low key about it. Use it, then put it back in my pocket. Good point about the satin blades getting scratched too. I guess the DLC will just add a bit of extra protection.
Click to expand...

Quite a bit, I'm sure you'll love it. Post pictures when you get it! :thumbup:
 
I hate black coatings, but it's nice to remember that you can always remove them later if you want.

That said, the shark fin CB is definitely where I'd be.
 
DLC can generate surface rust, or what appears to be surface rust. You can rub it off with your thumb or a q-tip pretty easily with no marks left. I thought my Offset had rusted out through the DLC until I rubbed it pretty hard and it just came right off.
 
Diamond like carbon (DLC) is the best blade coating to have if any IMO. With a Rc in the 70's its not one to wear easy.

I like others have blades with years of use that look only weeks old.

Good choice, it has a AO so you won't notice but the coating does add smoothness to the action.
 
I have a DLC's 0350 I carry here in the Everglades of Florida to cut bait and odd chores while fishing. In the right conditions, it can start to rust by day's end. Still, it is my beater and has performed and worn very well for what I have asked of it. It may actually be my favorite EDC over my XM-18 and BM mini-barrage G-10.
 
Of all my kershaws, my dlc coated blades are the only ones I have never had a spec of rust on.
 
Well.................I changed my order and endedup going with the satin finished blade. I just like the appearance of the blade better. I have several older knives that have been used for years, some decent ones and some cheaper ones, and none of them have rusted so far. I guess I was maybe reading too much into it. As long as I keep the blade clean, I think I'll be fine.

I just didn't want to get the knife and always wish that I got the satin blade. I know that knives are tools, and they do get worn, but they are also nice to look at and admire. I think I'd always be wishing that I had the satin blade if I got the DLC blade.

Oh well. I'm just beginning my journey into learning more about knives, steels, collecting, etc. so this will be a learning experience for me.

Thanks again for the help guys.
 
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