Satin vs Black finish

[exernet]

Guys, what context do coated (black) knives make a lot of sense? Looking at some Fehrman knives. They offer them in Satin and Black finish. Sure the Black offers corrosion resistance, but would satin even be offered if corrosion was a huge problem?

Most handguns seem to come with black finishes that offer heavy-duty corrosion resistance. Should a "tactical" knife also be bought with black finish? What advantages/disadvantages does each finish offer? In what contexts does each finish do the best or make the most sense?

 

[rsngfrce]

I am no expert on this, but I think it is important to point out that are a wide variety of black coatings of varying durability, from plain black paint to DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) and others. To my understanding, they help protect the blade from corrosion and some increase the 'slipperiness' of the blade when slicing. I have to admit that personally, I just love the look of black blades though.

 

[exernet]

I am no expert on this, but I think it is important to point out that are a wide variety of black coatings of varying durability, from plain black paint to DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) and others. To my understanding, they help protect the blade from corrosion and some increase the 'slipperiness' of the blade when slicing. I have to admit that personally, I just love the look of black blades though.

To help focus any feedback, I'm interested in Fehrman knives coatings. Here's a photo:

http://store.fehrmanknives.com/images/view.aspx?productId=26&index=2

 

[o4tg]

They say black is "tactical" because your enemies won't see it as easy. Well, I guess it's "tactical" for me as the general public won't notice it as easy. Example give: I was at a family gathering for Xmas, and the FIL broke out his knife to help fight some evil wire ties. The entire room was instantly drawn to his gaudy Buck, and I sat there on the opposite side of the table popping away our hostile plastic fastener enemies without a one of them noticing.

The human eye is drawn to silver stuff, even if it's not shiney. Sometimes you just don't want people knowing you have a knife, even when it's for very untactical reasons.

Oh, and before anyone says blade coatings are to mask bad grinds as usual, Cerakote goes on microns thick. Literally, the oil from your skin that leaves a fingerprint is thicker than Cerakote.

 

[McVeyMac]

The problem that I have with coated blades is that in order to maintain a decent blade geometry after repeated uses and sharpening, you have to thin the blade by grinding down the sides and polishing them. This then removes the coating. I have no use for coated blades for this reason. Many look like crap after a few uses any way. There will be those that say it must be black for tactical reasons, but I never find myself in those situations. Even though I have some tactical gear. If I must ever darken a blade for tactical reasons, I will spray paint it black, then remove it later. The corrosion resistance afforded by coatings is a benefit, but the blade will corrode along the edge and wherever it is worn away. So this must be cared for and maintained even on coated blades.

 

[exernet]

They say black is "tactical" because your enemies won't see it as easy. Well, I guess it's "tactical" for me as the general public won't notice it as easy. Example give: I was at a family gathering for Xmas, and the FIL broke out his knife to help fight some evil wire ties. The entire room was instantly drawn to his gaudy Buck, and I sat there on the opposite side of the table popping away our hostile plastic fastener enemies without a one of them noticing.

The human eye is drawn to silver stuff, even if it's not shiney. Sometimes you just don't want people knowing you have a knife, even when it's for very untactical reasons.

Oh, and before anyone says blade coatings are to mask bad grinds as usual, Cerakote goes on microns thick. Literally, the oil from your skin that leaves a fingerprint is thicker than Cerakote.

Good points. So black finish cuts down on noticeability and improves corrosion resistance.

Are there any negatives to a black finish? Do it affect cutting performance or anything?

 

[rsngfrce]

To help focus any feedback, I'm interested in Fehrman knives coatings. Here's a photo:

http://store.fehrmanknives.com/images/view.aspx?productId=26&index=2

I have no knowledge of Fehrman blades, and you might have already read their FAQ, but just in case you did not:

Q: What is the difference in your "Coated" and "Satin" Blades?

A: Our "Satin" finish is essentially a "bare metal" finish. It is hand finished with 400 grit paper to give it a bright, good looking finish. The satin finish looks good but it MUST be oiled regularly to prevent rust. The "Coated" finish is a black powder crinkle finish. The coated blade offers more corrosion resistance and less light reflection if you have "tactical" concerns.

 

[mmarkh]

Good points. So black finish cuts down on noticeability and improves corrosion resistance.

Are there any negatives to a black finish? Do it affect cutting performance or anything?

Satin all the way on the examples linked. Black coatings get scratched too easily.

 

[o4tg]

Good points. So black finish cuts down on noticeability and improves corrosion resistance.

Are there any negatives to a black finish? Do it affect cutting performance or anything?

I'd say that depends on the finish itself, and I have no experience with the finish in question.

 

[exernet]

I have no knowledge of Fehrman blades, and you might have already read their FAQ, but just in case you did not:

Yes, good FAQ. But I found it interesting that even for Fehrman "tactical" blade "Cold Fury" they offer a Satin finish. Satin requires more maitenance and can give away position. So would someone buy the Satin essentially for esthetic reasions, they like the look of it basically? or does it offer something feature wise in performance that a black finish does not? I assume anybody in need of a tactical knife (like for military use) would see the value in the black finish because of the conditions it's used in. So is the Satin finish primarily an option given for esthetic reasons?

 

[monger4142]

either finish will get scratched and show wear. the most important thing is which finish you prefer the looks of.

 

[HwangJino]

I have one black coated blade, will be the last one I purchase.

Nowadays I won't even look at a knife that is coated.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have some Kabar Beckers that are black coated. If they were offered with a plain or satin finish, I would never have considered the black versions. All of these black coating finishes scratch or wear off partially with use. As mentimed above, they look like crap at that point as far as I'm concerned. I'll oil mine.

 

[PURPLEDC]

to me the only time a coated blade offers any advantage is

1. If you simply like the look
2. need superior corrosion resistance where the blade may get neglected
3. Need low reflective gear

Sure satin blades need a little more upkeep and care but both satin and mirrored blades are easier to repair scratches. Not so much with machine satin but again that is easier to convert to a hand satin than a coated blade and from there its fairly easy to restore if its gets scratched. Oh the only other time I think coatings offer a benefit is in bearing flippers. DLC coatings are incredibly slick and I find have less resistance than polished surfaces.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Good points. So black finish cuts down on noticeability and improves corrosion resistance.

Are there any negatives to a black finish? Do it affect cutting performance or anything?

It often does cut down on cutting performance. Rough finishes will affect your friction coefficient which will cost you a certain amount of slicing ability. Others are more akin to teflon to counteract that. Personally, I don't care for coatings either aesthetically or practically.

 

[exernet]

I have one black coated blade, will be the last one I purchase.

Nowadays I won't even look at a knife that is coated.

HwangJino, Why won't you look at a coated knife? Sounds like you have personal experience with one? Is it for the same reasons others are saying, cause of scratches and friction when cutting?

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Sounds like Satin offer a better overall performance even for Tactical use.

 

[Boozoo Chavis]

I have some Kabar Beckers that are black coated. If they were offered with a plain or satin finish, I would never have considered the black versions. All of these black coating finishes scratch or wear off partially with use. As mentimed above, they look like crap at that point as far as I'm concerned. I'll oil mine.

I'm with you 100% - Black coatings eventually wear off and look like hell. I would much rather have the satin finish, let develop a natural patina, and maintain the blade myself.

 

[PURPLEDC]

It often does cut down on cutting performance. Rough finishes will affect your friction coefficient which will cost you a certain amount of slicing ability. Others are more akin to teflon to counteract that. Personally, I don't care for coatings either aesthetically or practically.

The rough finish in most cases has nothing to do with the coating used and rather the finish in which the coating is applied to. Most knives you see that are coated are done over a bead blasted finish. Remove the coating and its still a rough finish.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

The rough finish in most cases has nothing to do with the coating used and rather the finish in which the coating is applied to. Most knives you see that are coated are done over a bead blasted finish. Remove the coating and its still a rough finish.

I'm not completely sure of that. The Busse group, for example, deliberately crinkle coats their blades to extend the life of the coating. A coating with more surface area will wear much better, but will cut significantly worse.

 

[TheChunk91]

Its doesnt really matter unless you prefer one over the other, or if you need more corrosion resistance or a knife that doesnt reflect light like for a soldier. I like the look of black coated blades but I have my fair share of black and satin blades, it just depends on the knife. I have noticed that dlc coatings and textured powder coating like on esee's increase resistance when slicing things like cardboard though.