Blades - Black Coating vs. Plain

H

Hypermole

Joined
Aug 23, 2012
Messages
662
Hello,

For the most part I will buy a Black Coated blade as a collectable. If I'm going to use and carry a knife, I prefer a plain blade just because a Black blade shows use more and it tends to make them look like crap when they get all scratched up. (IMHO)

Is there any reason, other than non-reflective at night, where this is not true?

Also, if you carefully remove the black coating on a blade, will it cause it to have negative consequences?

Thanks
 
Some find that some types of coatings increase the friction when cutting or batoning. Personally, I like having a black blade and it showing usage. It's like a badge of honor sort of thing for me. Stripping the coating off a blade will not harm the steel. Just make sure to wash it off with soap and water thoroughly after.

Edit: Also coating a carbon steel blade is often used to prevent rust on the majority of the blade. If the blade is uncoated and has a spine that is a sharp right angle it is better for throwing sparks with a firesteel.
 
I have 2 main reasons I buy black coated knives,

1. The knife looks better in black.

2. The steel on the knife is rust prone.

I'm not in the military, nor do I have any need for my knives to have a black coated blade (for the most part)
 
I'm a little different than you.
I LOVE when my black coated knives show wear, it just makes it seem more worn in to me.
However, I do prefer non coated on most knives just because it looks better to me.
There are a few I want with coated blades though. Most of them are Benchmades. Benchmades just look good in black lol.
 
I don't like black blades at all. They're not visually appealing to me. I prefer a satin or stonewashed blade any day. Much nicer looking. I guess if you are in a really corrosive area all the time then I definitely would.
 
I love black coated blades mainly because they look cool with wear. I like to think it gives my knife character.
 
I only have a few coated blades and they are all high carbon tool steels so its great for keeping rust off. I did buy my lionsteel SR-1 with red handle and black blade it looks great but when i buy the mini version im getting a non coated. For the majority of knives satin/stone washed looks incredible
 
I prefer plain blades over black. If I needed a blade for tactical missions, I'd choose black so there's no reflection from the blade.
 
9blades said:
I have 2 main reasons I buy black coated knives,

1. The knife looks better in black.

2. The steel on the knife is rust prone.

I'm not in the military, nor do I have any need for my knives to have a black coated blade (for the most part)
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i second this, however where i work its a little wet. Knives are stored wet used with wet hands and cut wet things. when im in a rush i never have time to maintain the blade until i get a day off because of the long hours worked

i almost exclusively buy black blades. i have owned others but none have stuck around for long
 
kwazyjuice said:
I don't like black blades at all. They're not visually appealing to me. I prefer a satin or stonewashed blade any day. Much nicer looking. I guess if you are in a really corrosive area all the time then I definitely would.
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I feel the same way. The only reason I buy black blades are for collection purposes or if I have no choice. The all black knifes tend to fetch a higher return as collectables (I've never sold a knife). Taking the black coating off is something I've never tried to do but am thinking about it.
 
Hypermole said:
Hello,

For the most part I will buy a Black Coated blade as a collectable. If I'm going to use and carry a knife, I prefer a plain blade just because a Black blade shows use more and it tends to make them look like crap when they get all scratched up. (IMHO)

Is there any reason, other than non-reflective at night, where this is not true?


Thanks[/QUOTE

I like black blades for many practical uses. I agree uncoated looks nicer, but many times I have been using a knife in bright daylight, and the very bright sun has reflected into my eyes:(
I also use my knives at night and my flashlights reflect into eyes too. I hate rust, and sometimes im a little neglectful and leave water on my blades. I also like that it stands out less when using it somewhere a little less knife friendly.
My 2cents on the sometimes difficult decision.
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No coatings and plain edge for me on a folder. The only time I want a coating on a blade is for rust protection on a high carbon fixed blade.
 
Liked black coatings before on fixed blades , but now like uncoated better. No matter the coating , it always wears off or gets scratched up. I don't mind if my blades look used, but a scratched plain blade looks better to me than scratched or worn coated blade. One plus is you can buff scratches out if you want on an uncoated blade , whereas on a coated one your stuck with it . Coatings sometimes interefere with sharpening also.

Corrosion resistance is a non- issue for me as far as coatings go. I clean and lube my knives anyways.
 
I like black coated blades. I too like it when the coating shows wears marks. :D I also like plain blades. It really depends on the knife; some look amazing with a black blade, while others look better plain.
 
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