Finish question

F

forcemultiplyr

Joined
Oct 12, 2011
Messages
38
Just wondering, almost every post I read here people don't like or strip the factory finish from their Beckers, why do they keep using it? It would seem to me if they eliminated the coating or at least offered a non-coated version of each knife it would save people time and/or money? Forgive me if this has been asked and answered, I'm new here.
 
Last edited:
Well....I'm new too...so I'm going to assume that the finish is to help prevent rust, as the blade is high carbon. It also gives it a "tactical" look. I have seen plenty of people keep their coating on. I personally prefer my fixed blades to be coating free.....and honestly, it's kind of fun stripping the stuff off. I felt more bonded with my knife after I made modifications.
 
It's really more about personal preference. Some say they don't like the coating, some don't like the way it looks as it is wearing off, others want to go for a different look. With my older ones I usually left the coating on them and let it wear off naturally, but the new ones get stripped of the coating pretty quick since it is so grippy. Also if you are doing any modifications to the knife itself you tend to mar up the coating so it looks nicer to go ahead and remove the rest of it. I like to square the spines on my knives so they can scrape shavings off of wood or strike a ferro rod nicely, but the finish looks pretty bad after that is done and needs to be stripped, from the blade area at least.
 
The coating does not protect the area most prone to rust, the edge.

The question of why they are all made with coating has been raised before. There was no response.
 
My guess is that knife companies have to cater to the lowest common denominator. I. E. the fools who buy a blade, butcher a deer, then re-sheath the knife without cleaning it. Generally, the members here are a notch or ten above the LCD idiots.
 
SpikeHawk said:
My guess is that knife companies have to cater to the lowest common denominator. I. E. the fools who buy a blade, butcher a deer, then re-sheath the knife without cleaning it. Generally, the members here are a notch or ten above the LCD idiots.
Click to expand...

I think there's a difference between uneducated and idiot. ;) Anyone can be taught to care for a knife.

I think that those of us who like to use our knives for woods/hunting use like the plain blade. To me, it feels like the blade cuts more smoothly, and any advantage is helpful. I used my BK15 with the coating on for a long time, but ultimately it came off and I find I enjoy using it much more now. I'm not sure if it's a perceived change or real change, but either way, the coating is staying off. :)
 
Also happens to be a lot easier and less expensive to coat over the grind lines and any minor imperfections than make everything pretty.
 
I got my 2 on Xmas day with the intent to leave the coating on, however, after I split some wood, dug out a big chuck of railroad tie, and then threw it at tree (yes, yes I know Sacrilegious :rolleyes:) the coating was all chewed up. I stripped my 2 the day after Xmas and finally it had some personality.:D
 
All except for one of mine still has the coating, I guess I just rather leave it on. Mine are all pretty plain but I like them.
 
In answer to the OP, the original "black wash light" coating is phased out, and a new rough epoxy ESEE like finish is now coming on newer production knives, along with laser etched logo/markings as opposed to the older roll stamped markings. I really like the new finish which I believe will be infinitely more durable than the older finish. That said, I would like BK to sell more knives unfinished/in the raw, especially for those who have plans for extensive metal modifications, like adding jimping, finishing in other colors, and for those who want a high polish knife.
 
Skystorm said:
Also happens to be a lot easier and less expensive to coat over the grind lines and any minor imperfections than make everything pretty.
Click to expand...

This.

After stripping the coating from my 7, I could see all the grind lines and imperfections. Personally, I think it adds character to the patina. But receiving it like that, some may think it rather "unfinished." Plus, the coating looks uniform and helps prevent corrosion on most of the blade - and under the scales.
 
Its put there because it is freaking cool and because thats what the blueprints tell them to do.
 
for every knife you see someone posting about stripping, there are 100s more knives sold to general "non-knife-knut" users who it would never occur to.
 
Chameleonbear said:
All except for one of mine still has the coating, I guess I just rather leave it on. Mine are all pretty plain but I like them.
Click to expand...

I am with you brother, I stripped one or two, just to do it and played around with patinas just for the experience, but all of my other ones are still coated, I like the look of when the coating comes off on its own. Says that the knife has been used and isn't a safe queen. IMO
 
I think it's a combination of rust protection and hiding the ugly grinding marks. It's likely cheaper to coat the knives than to make the knife look decent naked.
 
Tactical protocol demands it. What ugly grind marks? :p

P1050613.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top