Emerson's black coating? Yes or no?

TheseusTheDestroyer

TheseusTheDestroyer

Joined
Nov 4, 2012
Messages
175
Hey guys I've been looking into buying myself an Emerson Combat Karambit and although I like the tactical look if the black blade version, it's much more expensive for some apparent reason.

Should I invest more on black or stick with the nice satin look?

What are some ups and downs to consider?

Thanks for all your input!

-Theseus
 
Are you seriously asking this? I think between the two choices the answer is obvious.

I've had about 20 Emersons throughout my knife collecting career. Needless to say the black coating kind of sucks. At first it looks decent but after a month of usage it looks like complete crap.

Definitely go with the stonewashed finish. It's more bang for your buck considering both finishes are the same price. And on top of everything it will hide the signs of use like scratches and scuffs since they blend in with the stonewash.
 
My ka-bar dozier ruined the allure of DLC coated blades to me. After the first cardboard box I cut up it chipped the DLC coating in a first 1in of the blade. After that I try to stay away from DLC coatings if possible. They look good when their intact but if it ever chips it looks like crap.

The emerson is not a ka-bar, and they may be using something else that coats it better or I may have had a faulty blade coating. But it still stands they just look horrible if they start to chip off.
 
In order to keep an effective blade geometry after repeated usage, one must thin down the blade by grinding and polishing the sides. I did not always know this, but since I have learned it, I will never by another coated blade again. I will only be grinding it off in the future. It does provide a degree of protection from rust on large knives, but eventually it has to go. If you never use the knife, it probably does not matter.
 
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Well considering the combat karambut isn't a utility knife I'd say go for the black one. I personally like the coating EKI does. Even with use it still looks good and I like the worn look a lot. That said the sw finish is beautiful. I got both but for me the real winner of the blade finishes EKI does is the satin one on the customs.
 
I'm not a fan of coated blades, but there's also the point that Emerson does one of the most attractive stonewashes in the business. Most of the time a stonewash just ends up looking vaguely dirty, theirs is pristine and almost looks like slivers of diamond have made their home on the flats of the blade. Go for the stonewash.
 
I prefer stonewashed for looks. If I was in the business of sneaking up on bad guys in the dead of night, or getting that slight edge on a draw that you lose with the flash of the blade, I'd go with black. Doesn't really make that much difference. Blade and handle geometry are far more important.
 
Bob6794 said:
My ka-bar dozier ruined the allure of DLC coated blades to me. After the first cardboard box I cut up it chipped the DLC coating in a first 1in of the blade. After that I try to stay away from DLC coatings if possible. They look good when their intact but if it ever chips it looks like crap.

The emerson is not a ka-bar, and they may be using something else that coats it better or I may have had a faulty blade coating. But it still stands they just look horrible if they start to chip off.
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Ka-bar pretty much uses paint on there Dozier line, I own one and it's a great user but what they use can't hold a candle do actually DLC coating. :)
 
Insipid Moniker said:
I'm not a fan of coated blades, but there's also the point that Emerson does one of the most attractive stonewashes in the business. Most of the time a stonewash just ends up looking vaguely dirty, theirs is pristine and almost looks like slivers of diamond have made their home on the flats of the blade. Go for the stonewash.
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This, EKI's stonewash is stunningly beautiful, as are the naked grinds. Truly showcases one of the most positive elements of a Emerson knife - the blade grinds.

But, a ninja application begs for black, and it shouldn't be any more expensive so shop around.
 
Will you be using this knife as a backup to your primary utility blade? If yes, then i say go black. The utility blade will take all the scuffing and the k-bit's coating will still look pristine. If youre planning on using the k-bit as your primary utility blade, then no. Some people like the "worn" look that the coated emerson's receive after usage, but i am not one of them.
 
it is all about what YOU like , where i s no difference only how it looks .
Black coating on Emesons easy to scratch and your knife will have some character after some use .
 
ExtremAddiction said:
it is all about what YOU like , where i s no difference only how it looks .
Black coating on Emesons easy to scratch and your knife will have some character after some use .
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This is about right. Makes no difference in performance, the karambit has a pretty specific intended use. The blade steel is pretty much corrosion resistant anyway. Buy what you like and can afford.
 
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