Benefits of DLC coating?

J

James Y

Joined
Feb 18, 1999
Messages
6,504
I'm thinking of getting a second Military (I've had an old 440V versions for many years), and I'm having a difficult time deciding between the standard satin-finished blade, or the DLC-coated blade. Whichever it is, I plan on getting PE.

I have heard that the DLC coating does not add any corrosion resistance, but am wondering if it has any benefits to it besides making the blade non-reflective? Does it enhance surface blade hardness, etc.?

I'm actually leaning towards the satin version, but would appreciate any comments.
Jim
 
i would go for the satin finish. mainly because it doesnt show wear as bad as coatings do. i also think the satin finish looks better.
 
Hi, gundude73.
Thanks for the reply.
I am feeling in the long run the satin finish will be overall easier to maintain. Though I hear the DLC is very durable.

I'm curious about any experiences others have had with this finish, esp. as it relates to the Military (or even Para).

BTW, I am using a very old computer, so if I happen to not reply for a while it would be because logging in is a bit tricky right now; it's not that posted and 'bailed'. :)
Jim
 
lol ok, well i have a BM 530 that has coating on it. and it shows a lot of wear. the thing with coatings is that they are not designed to last.
 
I know that the DLC coating will show more wear eventually, but what I wonder is does it show fingerprints, water spots, smudges etc. as much as a satin blade??
 
James Y said:
I'm thinking of getting a second Military (I've had an old 440V versions for many years), and I'm having a difficult time deciding between the standard satin-finished blade, or the DLC-coated blade. Whichever it is, I plan on getting PE.

I have heard that the DLC coating does not add any corrosion resistance, but am wondering if it has any benefits to it besides making the blade non-reflective? Does it enhance surface blade hardness, etc.?

I'm actually leaning towards the satin version, but would appreciate any comments.
Jim
Click to expand...

I have one of each. I would think that a coated blade would offer some protection against corrosion, while maybe minimal (there is a physical coating on the blade, this gets hit first by water, dirt, food, etc. rather than the bare blade). I maybe wrong, but it seems logical at least.

The coated blades have a slight advantage in the aesthetic department, they look pretty cool when tehy get worn out a little. The 4th post by powernoodle shows what it looks like eventually.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=706122

The satin finish on the other hand may look a bitworn on the corners over time, it's like a hazed out appearance. I found this within a mont h of carrying my paramilitary. I don't mind it at all. It's almost as if whatever laminate the blade has (if any) is taking damage from pocket time and general use. My advice is to go with whatever strikes you most, you should try something you do not currently have, for the sake of variety if nothing else. Hope this helps.

C
 
gundude73 said:
lol ok, well i have a BM 530 that has coating on it. and it shows a lot of wear. the thing with coatings is that they are not designed to last.
Click to expand...

Do you have any DLC Spydercos? The Benchmade coatings are not typed as DLC and should not be expected to perform in a similar manner. They're closer to durable paint/powder coatings.

There's no comparison between that coating and Spyderco's current DLC. The Benchmade BC1/BK1 coatings are thick, like a kind of matte paint almost, and scratch/show wear very easily. Actual DLC-type coatings such as those found on Spyderco and Kershaw knives are significantly better in this application and are designed to last.

The current DLC from Spyderco is extremely durable and very hard to damage. It will eventually show wear through use but it does take a while. I carried a DLC'ed USN Endura for a few months of use and the finish looks almost the same as it did when I got it.

For the average user the DLC finish is more of an aesthetic choice, it doesn't really add any functional benefit. It sure looks cool though. :D
 
spoonrobot said:
Do you have any DLC Spydercos? The Benchmade coatings are not typed as DLC and should not be expected to perform in a similar manner. They're closer to durable paint/powder coatings.

There's no comparison between that coating and Spyderco's current DLC. The Benchmade BC1/BK1 coatings are thick, like a kind of matte paint almost, and scratch/show wear very easily. Actual DLC-type coatings such as those found on Spyderco and Kershaw knives are significantly better in this application and are designed to last.

The current DLC from Spyderco is extremely durable and very hard to damage. It will eventually show wear through use but it does take a while. I carried a DLC'ed USN Endura for a few months of use and the finish looks almost the same as it did when I got it.

For the average user the DLC finish is more of an aesthetic choice, it doesn't really add any functional benefit. It sure looks cool though. :D
Click to expand...

well from my experience they act about the same.
 
DLC stands for Diamond Like Coating. Since diamonds are very hard, it takes a lot to scratch it since most things are going to be a softer material. It is not your average coated blade.

If you are looking at a stainless blade then corrosion shouldn't be much of an issue. I don't currently have a DLC blade but the ones I have had have a neat look to them. It almost looks metallic but dark. That being said I am not a fan of coated blades. I would go with the satin finish personally, but if you are going to get a coated blade, DLC is the way to go.
 
To me the grind lines in metal are like wood grain: Why cover up all that beauty?

There's no coating no matter how tough that will not eventually show wear. And as far as corrosion resistance, unless you're actually using in a marine environment, a quick wipedown with lube after use will protect well.

Black does give the knife a kind of tacticool look, but you can't beat the glint of light reflecting off the satin finish.
 
Good replies, all.
I think the DLC would probably be the best black coating, as far as durability is concerned. However, for now I'm pretty sure I will be going with the satin-finish Millie. I don't mind some scratches through good use (by myself) on a satin finish, and I think that FFG satin-finish on the Millie is beautiful. But I'd been curious for some time about the DLC coating. Thanks, everyone.

Regarding the Millie, I'm pretty sure the updated, S30V-bladed Millie is a bit thicker, at least at the scales, than my older 440V one. I'm not sure whether the locking liner has been made a bit beefier or not. Of all my G10-handled knives, I've always found the Millie's G10 texture to be the most comfortable and the least abusive to pocket material. It's also light enough to simply carry down in the pocket like a pocket knife; amazing for a knife of its size.
Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top