Pet peeve of the day - blade coatings

I like the look of coated blades and clips that show they've had use. Just another form of patina to me. That said, by far most of my knives are not coated. In fact, you're looking at the only coated knives I own.Wear.jpg
 
that reminds me, I keep meaning to find out if the new d2 dozier version of this is actually a TiCN coating or similar?
does anyone know? if it was a proper 70+ hrc Ti coating I'd get it for sure, just to abuse

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I didn t like coated blades until I had a chance to handle a Cold Steel American Lawman and a Recon 1 for the first time in a local outdoor sports store 8-9 years ago. I was so impressed with the ergonomics, build quality, strength, and materials for the price (or for any price), that I came back to the store 2-3 weeks later and bought one of each. The dlc coated blades have held up well to heavy outdoor use. Now I don t mind dlc. I still prefer uncoated blades overall.
 
I have many coated and uncoated. I find that coated and or semi stainless allow lazy SOB's like myself to get away with less than ideal maintenance. I generally sharpen and oil after use, generally. But some in the tubs only get an annual oiling if not taken out.
 
This is how I feel as well about the Becker knives and some ESEEs. My carbon steel kukris are uncoated and have no issues with rust just yet.
 
midnight flyer said:
Think about what you are asking when you call the manufacturer and ask them for a special order.
You offer to pay more money.
Think how many hands have touched and how much time that takes..
Take a look at all the posts here from people that cannot put their knife back together correctly, damaged pieces, or even lose pieces.
I am in the customer service business. I can easily see why no one would want to deviate from the norm of their business model for an occasional customer that wants something just for themselves. It just isn't worth it.
These guys are all his business to make money.
Robert
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I'm always bemused by how people seem to think that they are owed something special, at someones elses cost. They have no idea how business, as well as customer service works. However, to be fair, companies have to share the blame as they keep trumpeting about how the customer is always right or that they are "king", but in reality, customers are just "necessary evils".

Companies (and I would presume, knife manufacturers even more so) are struggling to survive. They are in business to make money (first and foremost) and make the process as streamlined (or less cost) as much as possible. As someone above mentioned, if a person doesn't like something, then don't buy it and move on. Someone else is biting at the bit to get their wallet out.
 
First post - long time knife user since I was in Boy Scouts. Started with a good ole Buck knife. Still have my Eagle gift knife. I can respect people's no coating preference. All personal preference. I personally like the coating options for looks and helping with rust prevention. Still need to maintain the blade edge. I also like satin and stonewash.

Looking forward to many more posts...recently got back into my knife addiction. Wife is not happy - went on a spluge this month.
 
The only way I will consider buying a black coated blade is if the coating is DLC.
I've had this M4 Ritter Grip 11 years and it has been in my edc rotation the whole time.
Zero scratches through the coating. Zero Tolerance's PVD coating is holding up nicely on my 0609 pur. That's a raindrop on the blade.
This Anax is all DLC, blade and handle. I've had it 6 years no scratches.

oMA7YvH.jpg

ypDWdlw.jpg

FF81Sit.jpg
 
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grybsh7 said:
The only way I will consider buying a black coated blade is if the coating is DLC.
I've had this M4 Ritter Grip 11 years and it has been in my edc rotation the whole time.
Zero scratches through the coating. Zero Tolerance's PVD coating is holding up nicely on my 0609 pur. That's a raindrop on the blade.
This Anax is all DLC, blade and handle. I've had it 6 years no scratches.

oMA7YvH.jpg

ypDWdlw.jpg

FF81Sit.jpg
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Idk what DLC coating is, but I bet it's what was on my Benchmade/HK folder.....?

I would say that I Hate coatings too, I strip everything.
Most coatings are Crap.
Manufacturers say it's for rust preventing. That's marketing BS!

It's for covering up poor grinds, and it's a billboard for bright paint and flashy logos.... Think about All the colors you buy.... "Collect".
They Got you where they Want you....haha.


I will say, that folder I got had actually a quality coating (and finish underneath). It was very durable. I couldn't easily strip it off with Citra-strip..... I basically had to sand/buff it off.....and I'm Still not done.
It wasn't paint, but something else.... Much thinner, more durable. Almost part of the blade instead of Clinging to it....
 
Some blade coatings are down right garbage and actually hinder the performance of your knife imho. Much cheaper for the manufacturer than taking the time to do finish work on the blade.
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Owning a carbon steel knife just takes a little care. Slapping on a coat of paint won't change that fact , sorta like putting a band aide on cancer and expecting it go away.
 
I don't like them either and won't by coated knives anymore. I've also sold all the coated ones. It's just a way for knife companies to change the aesthetics to sell more knives. But, hey, choices are good. If you like them, buy them.
 
I don't mind blade coatings, although they're not all that necessary given minimal care. I keep my carbon and tool steel blades dry and wipe them down with BreakFree CLP from time to time. I have a Cabela's Grippie with a black epoxy type coating on its D2 blade, a Buck 110 in CPM-154 with some kind of grey, very hard coating (titanium aluminum nitride?) and a CS American Lawman with DLC. All are excellent knives and wouldn't be better without the coatings.
 
irsh said:
I agree, I have sworn off ESEE until they offer more steel options. I'll probably look to Bradford instead.
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I got the ESEE Izula in 440C as I prefer stainless and non=coated blades but yeah I don't look at much of their stuff as its all mostly carbon steal and coated but still respect them and their work in general.
 
I dont like coated blades because alot of them show wear/snailtrails and I cant trick people with NIB! or Brand New! when I've secretly been cutting alot.

In all seriousness, for me it's mostly aesthetic. It looks good on certain folders like the super freek, BHQ jade elementum, etc. Also theres a surcharge most times so I stick with plain blade...at least I know I can sand/fix scratches and marks.
 
FtlaudBlade said:
First post - long time knife user since I was in Boy Scouts. Started with a good ole Buck knife. Still have my Eagle gift knife. I can respect people's no coating preference. All personal preference. I personally like the coating options for looks and helping with rust prevention. Still need to maintain the blade edge. I also like satin and stonewash.

Looking forward to many more posts...recently got back into my knife addiction. Wife is not happy - went on a spluge this month.
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I see in your sig that you're a fan of spydy knives... you should definitely check out the gayle bradley 2 ; )
welcome back
 
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