Blade coatings and the view from the other side

[Starfish]

Hi all,

This weekend I embarked on a project to remove the black coating from my Cold Steel Recon Scout. After I had done so, my wife happened to walk in and commented that the knife looked "scarier" now than before. This opinion was backed up by my son (12 year old), and by my brother-in-law later. It seems that the appearance of all that steel (it's a 7.5" bowie) is the culprit.

Thinking about it, it seems to me that as much as we all dislike blade coatings for the scratches that appear, perhaps there is some advantage for EDC use. I can see how the blade coating might make for a more subtle presentation, masking the true size of the blade.

On the flip side, this input was received from those who were able to do a comparison - it could be that the average passerby wouldn't see things in relativistic terms

What are your experiences?

Thanks,

Matthew

 

[m_calingo]

I personally believe most people become sheeple when they see knives outside of a kitchen environment.

I've heard people make comments about my Spydie Meerkat at work. The edge on this knife runs about 1.75 inches. Maybe because it's got a shiney surface? Who knows?

 

[Starfish]

I don't experience that much here - perhaps due to the fact that I live in South Carolina. People generally tend to be more laid back about such things here

However, I'm pushing this topic BTTT to see if we can get more than a sample of two responses

Matthew

 

[Runsalone]

Im getting ready to EDC a Buck-Strider SP full SP, ............Sheeple???? Flock - em

 

[kevtan]

I think that the black coating makes the blade look like plastic therefore like a toy, non threatening. On the other hand the flash of refelction from shiny bare steel seems to the blade bigger and deadlier. YMMV