zt 0566 stonewash vs blackwash

luke86 · Apr 10, 2015

Hey guys I'm about to get a 0566. I'm trying to decide between the stonewash or the blackwash finish. I'm mainly concerned with the longevity of the blade rather than the looks. What are you guys experiences with both? Does the blackwash offer any more corrosion resistance over the stonewash? This is going to be my edc so I was mainly concerned which one would be the best over time. I'm not concerned with aesthetics. Just wanted some opinions. Thanks guys.

Spiggles · Apr 10, 2015

Only have the stonewash, so can't compare, but it's the berries.
Get the one that you prefer, the colour is irrelevant as the make-up of the knife is the same.

Great knife, very nice for edc, but I can recommend de-assisting as it will be smoother. YMMV

JuJu- · Apr 10, 2015

Neither is going to make your blade last longer than the other. Blackwash does tend to hide the wear a little better though. If you keep your knife clean, away from salt water and those type of things it should last you a long time! 0566 is a great knife regardless. I'd say pick which one you like best aesthetically because that's the only difference.

grownstar · Apr 10, 2015

I have to agree with JuJu.

The blackwash has a DLC coating that's tumbled to give it the worn look. It will definitely hide scratches, marks and normal wear and tear better.

Just to let you know, I've had 2 stonewashed 0566s and 1 blackwashed. The stonewashed versions flip better de-assisted. That's been my experience, anyways.

Pick which one you think looks coolest.

luke86 · Apr 10, 2015

Thanks. Does the blackwash offer any corrosion resistance above what the stonewash would?

grownstar · Apr 10, 2015

Yes, I would say so. I mean, it's a full coat of DLC over the steel.

timwilso · Apr 10, 2015

They prob both perform about the same. Blackwash looks awfully cool though and hides wear better IMO.

utahsam · Apr 11, 2015

My 566 blade is stonewash and I use the crap out of it and rinse it frequently, and it doesn't show any signs of wear or corrosion. But I do love the look of the blackwash. +1 recommend de-assisting this kinfe. Takes 60 seconds.

timwilso · Apr 11, 2015

Yes absolutely de-assist your 0566

flash900 · Apr 11, 2015

Blackwash is the new stonewash.

KAI used to do a lot of beadblasting, particularly on imports.
Both BW and SW are a big improvement. Choose whichever looks good to you.

Re deassisting: I prefer the 566 deassisted but have both configurations. Both are cool.

It's a bit of a crapshoot whether your deassisted model will work to your satisfaction. Worth trying, IMO.

flarp · Apr 11, 2015

I think it is just an aesthetic difference. Both are "stonewashed", only one is first given an DLC coating before tumbling.

I don't believe the DLC does much in terms of corrosion resistance. The DLC material itself won't rust, but my understanding is that it isn't there to provide a water-tight seal.

As for de-assisting, I tried that on mine. It worked fine, but I liked the feel of the 0566 better as an assisted-opener. Just a matter of preference. Also keep in mind that the knife was designed to be an assisted-opener, so there's no assurance that it can be converted (I recall seeing some people say theirs didn't have a detent hole drilled) or that it will work properly with the torsion bar removed. It's a simple enough thing to try though.