Microtech Does DLC coating color fading?

R

rangersmiku

Joined
Mar 5, 2018
Messages
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I had a DLC version Microtech SOCOM Elite and carry it in my pocket every day. I used to oil it with Tsubaki(https://www.amazon.com/KUROBARA-Tsubaki-Japanese-Maintenance-Camellia/dp/B00362HBPQ) to prevent from my sweat's corrosion(which can make m390 steel rust). But when I clean it with a tissue to get rid of the dust drawn by the oil, I find the tissue is with some color which looks like painting falling. It's clear that the dark color is from the DLC coating, but I thought that DLC is extremely hard and it's made of carbon element so it's impossible to be hurt by tissue or dissolved by organic oil. How could this happen?
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Before cleaning
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After cleaning
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The color on the tissue
The color may be not so clear in the photo but it can be noticed at once with eyes. This doesn't bother me too much, just makes me curious because I never thought oil can dissolve DLC. Thank you if you have any idea!!
 
The dlc coating should protect the blade from sweat that can cause corrosion. M390 has decent corrosin resistance too.

The color may be dirt and dust that the oil is catching and holding
 
Some loose particles may come loose if it's brand spanking new freshly coated but don't worry about it. DLC is some tough sh!t. I have had several DLC coated knives and when I was new to DLC I thought the coating was wearing off when I cut things because I saw discoloration on the blade but in fact, the stuff I was cutting through was being abraded by the DLC and rubbing off and getting stuck on the blade. After a scrub with some Bar Keeper's Friend and a dish scrubber the DLC looked brand new again.
 
eKretz said:
Some loose particles may come loose if it's brand spanking new freshly coated but don't worry about it. DLC is some tough sh!t. I have had several DLC coated knives and when I was new to DLC I thought the coating was wearing off when I cut things because I saw discoloration on the blade but in fact, the stuff I was cutting through was being abraded by the DLC and rubbing off and getting stuck on the blade. After a scrub with some Bar Keeper's Friend and a dish scrubber the DLC looked brand new again.
Click to expand...
Great hint, never thought about this, thank you!!
 
I have two Cold Steel Pendleton Hunters; one is the Mini.
The Mini has a much thinner DLC coating from the factory almost as if it were smoked chrome if you have ever seen that finish. The Larger knife had a much more robust coating. I have never noticed DLC fading beyond the appearance when new.
 
I know that this topic is really old, however that finish looks like Mircotech's Tactical paint and NOT DLC. The DLC would show the grain structure under the coating, where this doesn't seem to show it. The DLC coating almost has a metallic gray color, not solid black.
 
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