Benchmade Cerakote not all that great.

heavyfoldersarebest

heavyfoldersarebest

Joined
Nov 8, 2012
Messages
776
I decided to cut through a aluminum can to see how well the blade would hold up and sure enough the M4 is astounding good but as for that Cerakote, not so good, some of it has come off already. It has that worn look though, which I like although it kinda ruins the "limited edition" written on the blade.

Does all Cerakote come off this easily? Like come off, not get scratched.

Any way here's a picture of that can, it didn't stand a chance, 4 guys + 1 knife = Dead can


 
Good news is there are lots of Cerakote applicators around the country, if it starts looking too bad you can always have it recoated.

RE
 
I cut the tops off pop cans to make a spit cup every day. I have yet to see a coated knife blade that it won't scratch
 
I think at least some of that will come off with metal polish.
 
heavyfoldersarebest said:
Does all Cerakote come off this easily? Like come off, not get scratched.
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Cerakote does wear off with use, but not as bad as BM's regular BK coating.. Having used both, I prefer cerkakote (if I have to use a blade w/ coating).. When reading about cerakote on past forums (when it was first being used on knives), people made it sound like the grail of all coatings - probably a "new-user bias."

Having used both the BK and cerakote BM offers, I now stay away from all coatings because blades end up looking horrible IMO.. I know some will say, "It gives the knife character." But the fact is, blades look bad, and turns me off for using them on harder jobs - the feeling I don't get using uncoated.

So to answer your question, it does come off pretty easy, however, not as quick as the regular BM coatings.. Those just suck. I think I've read in the past that even if cerakote scratches, it has a clear-coat as well... So it is slightly better than the BK coats..
 
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Also, cerakote has "Teflon" type composition (IMO), meaning - liquids, oils, and moisture can't penetrate. Basically everything you throw at it will just "bead-up" and roll off.. Which makes it good for M4.
 
I'm sorry to read you cut a can to test the coating on a fairly hard to come by knife. But yes, at least the Cerakote does protect the M4 tool steel blade; even if the blade takes more damage over time it's (CK) bonded to the surface and will continue to serve you well. On the other hand, I own a 710BKD2 that shed the (BK) coating and after many hours of hand-work it polished out...and at this point It's a keeper.



But (as a result) unless it's absolutely necesssary, and delivered in high carbon tool steel like M4, I go for satin blades only. I also think applying WD-40 will make your blade look better, let us know how it turns out please.
 
I think what you are looking at here is the remnants of the aluminum that rubbed off on the blade. Those are not likely scratches. Cerakote is extremely tough when done right. A is the case with black DLC, the material you cut through is usually always softer than the DLC which in turn can Rc test at 70+.
 
Right there with you. My cerakote came right off. Its not some mark that can be rubbed off its deep scratches... Its not that tough when you cut abrasive material.

Good for you for actually using your knife.

Kevin
 
What kills me, is that M4 really does not rust all that easily.
Been pushing for BM to give us uncoated M4.
But the feeling is that someone would not understand, ignore it and sent it back as defective.....
Argh,,,,,,,
 
MCM said:
What kills me, is that M4 really does not rust all that easily.
Been pushing for BM to give us uncoated M4.
But the feeling is that someone would not understand, ignore it and sent it back as defective.....
Argh,,,,,,,
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True that :mad:

Seeing pics of the butterfly logo etching rust and my first thought is WTF? I’ve shut my 940-121 wet and forgot and no rust :confused:

jkarp_53 said:
I would opt for uncoated M4 and enjoy the natural changes involved.
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Yes please! I’m sick and tired of stupid coatings
 
I think that's most of the problem for me. When I'm working I use my thumb to open the knife and who knows what else is on my hands learning to do these flooring applications. If I may give a reference my satin EKI knives in 154cm used to get a little rust from the oils in my hands. The weird part is I am in awesome shape and always have been. I drink a ton of water and a good diet so I don't know why exactly my chemistry is still so wacky.

I really wish I could just force a patina on the etches.

RevDevil said:
Body chemsitry can also aid in rusting knives.
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For another reference on the days I have carried this knife in the office or bumming around zero rust has shown up.
 
The logo on mine is also getting a strange color too. I ended up wiping it with a Tuf Cloth. Did you try some cold blue or mustard on the logo?
 
No luck forcing a patina. I never thought I would have to go past the easy ways but maybe acid etching would do it?
 
I like mine without the coating.
I got it like this in a trade.
VTJiThO.jpg

Cheers
 
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