Smooth coating stamped models versus rougher coating laser etched models?

SALTY

SALTY

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Stripped it probably doesn't make much, if any, of a difference and the rough coating can get smoothed out from use but I have some smooth finish stamped models and the newer laser etched models with the rougher coating that haven't been stripped or used much and was wondering what the thoughts are of the brain-trust in regards to each iteration.

My 5's are either stripped or smooth; I do not own a laser etched rougher coated 5.

In other models, I have been, in some instances, fortunate enough to have one of each and question whether or not the older stamped models with the smooth finish are deserving of any sort of semi-retired status.

So, if you had two of a particular model - one smooth coating and stamped and the other laser etched and rough coated, what would you do?
 
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You use this as rational to buy two more and use one of each, while saving the best two.

I may be new, but I catch on.
 
Use one, sell one...or...use both, sell none...or...I don't know.

I guess it's just a personal preference really.
I usually strip mine anyway, so I've never given to much thought to the coatings.
If I were made to use my knives with one of the said coatings, I'd probably choose the smooth. The rough coatings seem to hold more material and require a bit more cleaning and care.
 
Jonny1280 said:
If I were made to use my knives with one of the said coatings, I'd probably choose the smooth. The rough coatings seem to hold more material and require a bit more cleaning and care.
Click to expand...

Basically this. If it is a knife I plan on stripping I don't care too, too much (although the stamped logo looks better than the etched when stripped), but if it is a knife I want to leave the coating on, I much prefer the smooth. Slices a bit more efficiently and easier to clean off than the rough.
 
My preference is to strip my user, regardless of covering. If I had to choose one of the two, it would be as follows,
User = laser
Safe = stamped
For no other reason than I saw (only) two BK9s pop at the stamp, not definite but possibly due to a stress riser.

I like to know I can use a Becker without worrying about what I am going to do to it. I don't baton cinder blocks or bricks, I try not to cut on bare ground (use a stump or another piece of wood to elevate), and I try to use common sense, though I agree that it tends to be in short supply...
 
Bootzon, you do catch on, don't you!

Bill, et als; I'll probably stash the stamped one and use the newer laser etched one until the coating gets to where I have to strip it. I wish that I was on to an easy way to polish the stripped ones.
 
As far as kitchen duty, the smooth are better slicers and clean easier. Whether slicing roast, or chicken, or cheese the stripped or smooth are easier to cut with... Also slide through tough wood easier IMO
 
If you are going to cut food, strip the coating regardless.

The new laser-etched models have less stress in the blades, so I'd pick that one. In fact if I wanted two, I'd get two etched models. But then I don't an obsession about the marking history for a mass-manufactured item that is still in production if it doesn't mean that it's overall better (which the stamped one is not, AFAICT).
 
Agreed on the possible stress riser on the stamp. The BK21 has the best of both worlds... laser etch and smooth coating. Portent of things to come? One can hope.
 
I'll keep the stamped one on the safe and use the laser etched unless i have two stamped versions of the same model, then i guess i would buy me a third one with the rough coating just for the fun of removing it [emoji41] [emoji41] [emoji41]
 
The rough coating is easy enough to smooth down...
This is a Camillus but still was rough about the same as Ka-Bars...

 
NCSlice said:
The rough coating is easy enough to smooth down...
This is a Camillus but still was rough about the same as Ka-Bars...
Click to expand...

That's a creepy photo, and one nicely fisked 7.
Was the Camillus coating similar in texture to the NEW Ka-bar coating?
Love the high grind on that thing, and I'm glad Ka-bar brought that geometry back to the 7!
 
NC,
What is that blue and white thing behind the knife?

BTW: Sweet looking knife - unique compared to stock or stripped.
 
Looks like a wrangler, a soft top TJ I believe.
 
Bill, I think you are right.

Believe it or not, I thought it was a small aircraft door. Shows where my head is at!:foot:

Only now that you mentioned Wrangler soft top do i see the Eisenglass.

Knice lookin' knife either way.
 
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