Recommendation? DLC or hot black oxide coating services

[Noah Sackett]

making my first knives and want to do a coating that's more durable than bluing or cold black oxide (at least I've heard that cold black oxide isn't very durable). I'm looking into sending them someplace to have them DLC or hot black oxide coat them. any places yall'd recommend? also, are there more durable in-shop options I should look into?

 

[Nick-D]

making my first knives and want to do a coating that's more durable than bluing or cold black oxide (at least I've heard that cold black oxide isn't very durable). I'm looking into sending them someplace to have them DLC or hot black oxide coat them. any places yall'd recommend? also, are there more durable in-shop options I should look into?

What sort of knives for what intended use?

Ceracote is probably the easiest in shop that's pretty robust. Obviously not for kitchen knives though.

You could try a rust blued finish if you need somthing food safe.

AFAIK DLC is expensive and I doubt you will find a shop to do just one or 2 knives with any sort of economy. Hot bluing I don't know enough about but I wonder about its suitability for blades given the heat that is used.

The old KISS is a great idea on your first knives imo, do somthing simple and work on nailing the basics before worrying about to many adjournments.

If you want a nice dark finish(I love this aesthetic too personally) then I would recommend using 1084 and doing a ferric etch follow by a coffee etch. It won't be bullet proof and will wear but thats all part of a carbon steel knifes charm anyway

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Chad Buie a Club Custom Guns does titanium nitride coating.

 

[killthelights]

The company EPI just put out a new cold black oxide product they claim is similar to the hot product. You can get a sample for $25-50. I used their original cold oxide with good results.