DLC Coating

stevejams

stevejams

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Jun 27, 2018
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What’s up bf. Hope I’m not in the wrong thread but I was just curious on everyone’s opinion of dlc coating on blades in general. I have a few dlc blades that I have not used at all (automatic, folding, fixed) and while they all look sharp as hell (pun intended) I know once there’s some work put into them they will look like a mess. I suppose this theory can be put to all knives but in the case of dlc, any mild use can look like serious abuse. Knives are tools and meant to be used (unless they’re reaaaaaalllyyyy pretty :rolleyes:) but I’m just curious if this just comes down to preference or maybe there is a real pro to dlc?? I do not know much about these things
 
Are you confusing black blade coating, and DLC coating? Vast majority of blades don't use DLC coating. DLC coatings are extremely tough and after mild use should only show very little wear, if any at all. Below is a picture of a used XM-18 I sold awhile back and the DLC blade coating as you can see was still in perfect condition.
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Depends on the manu/coating/price. But yeah, I think manus use the term DLC loosely.
Coatings like true PVD are tough as hell, but very expensive and I highly doubt most “DLC” knife coatings are anything of the sort. This is one case where “you get what you pay for.”
 
Gideons said:
Are you confusing black blade coating, and DLC coating?[/QUOTE
Click to expand...

Ahhh yes probably! As I said, I don’t know anything about this really so I’m glad you can clarify! This post is directed mainly at my kershaw leek
 
I personally prefer it. I only have 1 knife I EDC that isn't DLC or black coated.



 
Most carbon-steeled blades benefit from a coating as it helps prevent rust. A coating on a blade will also camouflage a cheaper fit/finish as it will hide manufacturing marks that would otherwise need to be smoothed out on a bare blade. Finally, the aesthetics of a coated blade appeals to the look associated with tactical/military tools, so it helps sell more of certain designs.

It wears off with use, of course, and while the aesthetics of such wear is always up for debate as far as actual detriment to the blade it realistically only damages the resale value (other than rust issues).
 
Kershaws coating is really weak stuff, you sneeze and it flies off. The DL(Coating) on the ZT's is really tough, I tried to remove it from some screws with a media blaster, didn't work, had to use rough sandpaper and then go a higher grit.
 
DLC is tough stuff. I've had a hard time wearing it off my ZT knives sporting it. Epoxy/paint is another story. Kabar, Gerber, Condor, Cold Steel, etc I remove it. To me, "ugly" raw steel is preferable to a ho-hum coating.

I like the look of raw carbon steel over painted.
 
DLC comes in different thicknesses and harnesses... In other words, all DLC is not the same. I have checked out over 15 different pvd (dlc and CrN/others) coatings from companies all across the US and some don't wear well at all.
 
It has it uses but it does look like crap when you manage to knock some of it off on your knife. For carbon steel blades I’d take it any day of the week, stainless steel not so much .
 
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