Black blade v.s. Regular steel

[savage-man]

I was also wondering if the black finish on a blade gives any advantages over the standard finish?? Or is this simply for cosmetic reasons. I do have to admit it looks really sweet on a Para-Millie!! I think I might get a Paramilitary for my needs, looks like a mini-manix and will cut like a much larger knife!!! :D

[bowarrow2000]

Mainly for looks, supposed to give some rust protection. The black is the first thing I remove from a blade if I can't get it in plain finish. All you need to do most of the time is to keep your blade clean and maybe wipe it down with a dab of oil or rust preventative once in a while if it becomes a problem. The Para Military in either finish will make you a good knife.

[Joe Talmadge]

Completely depends on the finish, I'm not certain what Spyderco is using these days. Some finishes provide extra rust resistance, some do not.

[vass]

doesent reflect light and gives you that secret agent feeling :cool:

[Civilian]

It does protect the metal seehere (http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10387&highlight=Diamond+coating)

[Rob]

It should protect the steel to some degree and prevent the blade from being reflective. Fact is, that almost every coating wears off sooner or later (I think the only exception is Boron-Carbide) and the formerly nice looking knive will look like sh... ummm... errr... like a well used knife :D

That's why I prefer a nice satin finish.

Cheers, Rob

[LONE WOLF]

you get a shiny knife for your right hand. when in a fight, you pull the shiny one. keep their attention on that. now pull the black bladed one and stick it in their neck.

If in a fistfight at night, use a black bladed knife. your opponent might not see it till it is in his gut. plus, it will look like all you had was fists if there are witnesses.

[Jimd]

you get a shiny knife for your right hand. when in a fight, you pull the shiny one. keep their attention on that. now pull the black bladed one and stick it in their neck.

If in a fistfight at night, use a black bladed knife. your opponent might not see it till it is in his gut. plus, it will look like all you had was fists if there are witnesses.

LOL, I'm assuming you're kidding(?) :p

I recently learned (thanks Sal) that the black coating that Spyderco uses on their knives is DLC (Diamond-Like Coating). Very hard stuff!!

It protects the metal from rust. Despite that, when opening the knife, it's not quite as smooth as a non-coated blade, as the coating creates a bit of friction between the handle and the coating. No big deal for me, really.

[Vincent]

Good to know. I always Liked Black blade but now I am staring to like regular.

[Joe Talmadge]

It does protect the metal seehere (http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10387&highlight=Diamond+coating)

Civilian, are you citing this quote:


3. Chemically inactive. Excellent corrosion resistance

I think that means the DLC is corrosion resistant. Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe DLC is porous, and rust can occur underneath it.

[Mr Blonde]

you get a shiny knife for your right hand. when in a fight, you pull the shiny one. keep their attention on that. now pull the black bladed one and stick it in their neck.

If in a fistfight at night, use a black bladed knife. your opponent might not see it till it is in his gut. plus, it will look like all you had was fists if there are witnesses.


LOL! Too funny, I might just have to get a black paramillie just for that! :p



Wouter

[Joe Talmadge]

Be sure to be wearing your 5.11 pants and Oakley glasses, or the whole thing might not work.

[LONE WOLF]

Black knives were originally intended to be a trick. They are so commonplace now, that their original purpose is often forgotten. They aren’t black to look cool and tactical, they are tactical because they can’t be seen at night. This is Dissimulation. Have your polished blade in one hand, and your black blade in your other. Odds are the decisive cut (if not the killing cut) will be scored with the black knife, before the enemy realizes its there.


Source: http://donrearic.com/sass1-sleightofhand.html

[Dodge]

What about the old Endura w/ TiNi?