Tactical = Black?

M

MHall52

Joined
Oct 18, 2008
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92
Just checking. I know there are still lots of bead blast or satin finish knives but whenever I do a google search for tactical folders or similar, a huge percentage seems to be black. Is this just an increasingly popular trend or is there a general concensus that most tactical or combat knives should be black? Not trying to complain, but I have had unhappy results with the black blades I have purchased in the last few years, with the black getting scratched up pretty fast.
 
It makes people feel like ninjas or special ops.
There's no need for one, unless you happen to like the looks.
It isn't going to help you in a defensive situation.
 
a novel trend more than anything, and in many cases much cheaper to produce. I like coatings on rust-prone carbon steels, since it has a function. . . but for stainless, I can do without.
 
I've read that a black or similar coated blade reflects less light then a shiny metal one and therefore is more concealable. I guess that applies if you equate tactical with self defense. Dunno, just what I've read.

The only time I want a coating on my blades is for a carbon, fixed blade knife to help resist rust.
 
Meh, most coatings only offer a cheaper way to produce them. As for being non-reflective, I guess if you're quick enough you wouldn't need to worry about it.
 
The only tactical reson for a black blade i can come up with is if you are some recon/sniper in a ghillie suit, and a reflection from the sun off a blade while using it could mean your life. I however do not like it. All it seems to do is add years to your knife looks-wise after some use...
 
Neither of my favorite "tactical" knives are black, one is silver in color (AG Russell Folding Spear Point) and the other is gold in color (Browning Ice Storm). I do own a couple of black knives but seldom carry them because I like the design of the ones I mentioned better. Of course I don't carry them for "tactical" reason for the most part, I just like having a good one hand opening knife on me.
 
tacsar said:
Meh, most coatings only offer a cheaper way to produce them. As for being non-reflective, I guess if you're quick enough you wouldn't need to worry about it.
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Non reflective ain't gonna make it easier to stick someone. They'll still see your arm.
Remember the adage that you should treat every punch the same way you would a stab? It's because you aren't likely to see the blade, shiny or not, unless the assailant is a fool and waves it at you to threaten.
 
stabman said:
Non reflective ain't gonna make it easier to stick someone. They'll still see your arm.
Remember the adage that you should treat every punch the same way you would a stab? It's because you aren't likely to see the blade, shiny or not, unless the assailant is a fool and waves it at you to threaten.
Click to expand...

I think we're saying the same thing stabman. As for the mall ninja view of it, a non reflective coating will not make the user invisible. And you're right, because most people who have been stabbed thought they were being punched. They had no idea they were getting stuck.
 
tacsar said:
I think we're saying the same thing stabman. As for the mall ninja view of it, a non reflective coating will not make the user invisible. And you're right, because most people who have been stabbed thought they were being punched. They had no idea they were getting stuck.
Click to expand...

Glad we're on the same page.:)
 
Desert tan = new tactical black
Desert tan = new OD camo.

You got old tactical :D :D :D
 
I agree with kirko, The purpose a black blade is to have a non-reflective blade. So, as far as I see, there is not much practical use for one outside of a military situation. A lot of people think they look cool, but in reality, who's trying to sneak up on a cardboard box, or today's mail ?

(BTW I do own one)
 
There is no question that matte black will not draw the eye as readily as silver. So if it is advantageous not to draw someone's eye to your blade, then black is advantageous.

Granted, few of us will ever be in that situation, but then few of us will ever actually use a knife for self defense, so by that logic we may as well not even have a knife other than for cutting string, food, etc. For that matter, few of us will ever need a gun for SD, so why have a pistol?
 
I personally like a dull blade over a shiny blade. Ever tried using a flashling in tight quarters with a shiny knife, not the best. My newest Strider has digicamo finish and I love the look at matte finish even though it's S30V. But to each his own!
 
Fact is black is more easily an accepted color by the vast majority of people at any given day, than say... a shade of ocean blue, shocking pink or flaming orange.
Henry Ford's Model T proved that.
In some circles, black is thought of as devoid of having "color", as is white.
But of all the colors on a used car, it has been said that silver has the fastest resale value.
Depending on the type of finishes placed on a blacken knife, black oxide offers the truest tactical flat finish but unfortunately isn't a hardwearing material.
On top of that, I've seen some rather strange coatings for tactical black finishes which appear to be entirely glossy that it never fails to pick up every reflection and mirrors all light right back.
Military Specifications are quite clear about coatings being non reflective in nature. Check out your bayonets, all metal parts are dulled down entirely right to the snap buttons and hooks.
No noise and no reflection is the key to battlefield survival; and this applies to a hunter of wild game as well. So, we certainly don't want to give away our positions now, do we?!
 
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I'm a mall ninja so i can't take this thing seriously. Black or shiny, it depend of the handle, the design of the bade, the mood, the trendy... but not a tactical choice !

N.B. unfortunately i sweat too much, so when i carry ITW, i preffer black for AUS8, or high carbon steel
 
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