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PCL

Joined
May 25, 2012
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I'm going to purchase a ZT 0350. But what's the best finish? Stone Washed, Black DLC, or Tiger Stripe? Any suggestions?
 
I have a TS 301, briefly had a black DLC 350, and now have a stonewashed 350. Definitely like the stonewashed the best, TS second, and black a distant third.
 
Ever since I saw the tv character Leroy Gibbs on NCIS use his tiger striped folder on that show I am leaning towards it, but I wanted opinions on finish wear issues anyone may have had.
 
TS is a very good option go ahead, its very aesthetic. Email Kershawguy he has some good prices!
 
I like the stonewash the best. It looks awesome and from what I have heard ZT does a great job with the stonewash
 
I personally have a preference for uncoated blades since DLC slows down deployment for a while until you break it in and I think it just never gets as smooth as uncoated especially stonewashed!

However, since this is an assisted blade i don't think it will affect it that much so tiger stripe would be my second choice!
 
What exactly does stonewashed mean? Is it just another word for stainless or is it a process?
 
Its the finish on the blade.. Bead blast is like Satin silver...stonewashed is a tumbled finish. And its great on knives as it hides alot of the wear that would be visible on beadblasted or other finishes
 
This is what a stonewashed finish looks like ..

DSC01002.jpg
 
I have the S30V Black Blur in the stonewash, just wasn't completely sure of the reason for the name.
 
Arriving at work this evening I had the oportunity to handle a ZT 300. Great knife, heavy and solid lockup, but I quess being spoiled with the two Blurs I own and the Scallion I will go with the assisted opening.
 
PCL said:
I have the S30V Black Blur in the stonewash, just wasn't completely sure of the reason for the name.
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You quite literally "wash" the blade with stones. The marks that create the finish are the small marks that the media (usually ceramic) leaves on the steel.
 
Stonewash will mask marks from usage. Short of any really deep scratches, a worn stonewashed blade and new one will look about the same. The DLC coatings are very tough, but they will take on signs of wear very easily. Pretty much all those are just surface marks on the DLC though, and not actual damage to the coating or blade. I cut a tin can in half the other day with my 0550BLK, and the looks and sound of the sharp/jagged metal edges scraping against the side of the blade were horrible. But, there was no damage to the DLC itself. In fact, many of the marks simply rubbed off when I ran my finger across the flat of the blade, and the entire surface still feels smooth (no feel of any scratches). The marks are much more visible on the black DLC than the tiger striped.
 
flarp said:
I cut a tin can in half the other day with my 0550BLK, and the looks and sound of the sharp/jagged metal edges scraping against the side of the blade were horrible. But, there was no damage to the DLC itself. In fact, many of the marks simply rubbed off when I ran my finger across the flat of the blade, and the entire surface still feels smooth (no feel of any scratches).
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That's by far one of the worst noises I've ever heard. Ruins an edge too :eek:

I agree that the DLC is quite tough, and more often than not, marks will rub off after use.
 
Actually, it didn't do squat to the edge. In fact, after a little bit of steeling, it was still sharp enough to make vertical slices through cardboard when I was done (which is actually how I rubbed off most of the tin marks off the DLC).

 
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flarp said:
Actually, it didn't do squat to the edge. In fact, it was still sharp enough to make vertical slices through cardboard when I was done (which is actually how I rubbed off most of the tin marks off the DLC).
Click to expand...
Guess I'm just rough :p
 
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