Patina or no patina?

[txjigen8]

Hey guys,

I'm getting an Izzy in a few weeks, and I was wondering: should I put a patina on it?

If so- what are the advantages

If not- what are the disadvantages

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

From what I understand it helps with rust prevention. So sounds like a good idea to me.

 

[R.A.T.]

But if you leave the coating on that also protects against rust

 

[byrd687]

A patina is not as rust-proof as the coating that comes on it.

I can think of no "practical" reason to strip and patina a knife other than the desire to strip and patina a knife.

If you question whether its a good idea, may as well start on a cheap knife like an Izula to see if you like it.

 

[shotgunner11]

I prefer the coating, no muss, no fuss, no worries.

But once the coating is worn to the point that it's no longer protecting the bare metal I normally strip the blade, put clear nail polish where the scales are going to go and put on a patina.

I don't like patinas, think they look like shit, but they do protect the blade from light surface rust forming.

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

I prefer to leave the coating on until it is removed by use but a lot of people claim the coating causes unwanted friction when cutting. I can't imagine it makes that much of a difference. Or does it?

 

[shotgunner11]

I prefer to leave the coating on until it is removed by use but a lot of people claim the coating causes unwanted friction when cutting. I can't imagine it makes that much of a difference. Or does it?

It does to an extent but it flattens out alot with moderate use and then it's a moot point.

 

[huntmol]

I prefer to leave the coating on until it is removed by use but a lot of people claim the coating causes unwanted friction when cutting.

I prefer a little friction

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

It does to an extent but it flattens out alot with moderate use and then it's a moot point.

That's what I figured. When the coating gets really worn I have stripped the blade but always leave the handles the way they are so there is no corrosion under the handles themselves.

 

[JV3]

are you going to use it a lot on wood? if yes i'd recommend leaving the original coating on. my bhk bushcrafter doesn't have any coating so i used a vinegar patina to protect the finish. after 2-3 hikes/processing camp fire wood with it a lot of areas don't have the patina anymore...i have to maintain it a lot more than my esee's because of it. i wish i could get the esee coating on all my knives.

 

[txjigen8]

I appreciate the input guys.

I think I'll wait for the coating to wear down quite a bit from my use, and then put a nice patina on.

 

[The Z]

Personally I think coatings are kind of ugly so I see where you're coming from, but I have come to appreciate them on my ESEEs because it's just so practical and is very durable. But in my opinion they look better than those weird patina patterns. "In a perfect world" I prefer a traditional plain looking blade.

 

[monk3yfist]

I put a patina on my 3 because I carry a lot and use it on food and in the kitchen. I just don't like the idea of the coating mixing w my food. Just my .02

 

[FunkMasterFlex]

..snip..I don't like patinas, think they look like shit..snip..

Dude really? Well like they say, there's no accounting for taste.

I think it's worth it personally, just look at this :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[RJ79]

The original coating is a better protection from rust than a patina. I usually wait untill the coating has worn off to patina them. But a patina oiled occasionally or with ren wax used is pretty damn good at fighting the dreaded red rust. But as long as you use the knife and care for the steel properly, I have never had an issue with a HC blade, and I only own HC blades. Actually I have one knife in stainless besides my kitchen knives and that is a Landi snake bull in 1/4in 154cm.