Your thoughts on black blades, please?

[HorserloverFat]

I have decided to give consideration to a black blade version of my next Manix 2 knife which may be a XL. The first thought that comes to mind is that all black would be more appropriate to a tactical folder such as the Paramilitary 2. I'm not aware of any other reasons for a black blade other than tactical purposes...

[78lilred]

Aesthetics. Can make the knife look good and can also "show" that the knife is a user if you cut abrasive materials. Sometimes dlc is handy in daylight, if the blade is uncoated and you catch the reflection just right it could hurt sensitive eyes.

[Evil D]

I love Spyderco's DLC. If it were available on every blade/steel, most of mine would probably have it. Many will tell you that it makes them more tactical and like a weapon, and while that may be true in some aspects, my experience has been that the black subdues the presence enough that it cuts down on the non knife people scare factor. A couple years ago I had a long EDC run of two Para 2's back to back, first was a digicam/satin and second was a DLC version. I carried both knives exclusively for many months, and it was immediately obvious that the black one drew less stares from the people I worked with. I believe there's a direct connection between the reflection of a knife blade and the intimidation that a knife can have, and I think having a black blade helps to eliminate some of the scare factor. All that aside, I too like a black blade that shows some wear and character. To me, a battle worn black blade is much more interesting than a scratched up satin/polished blade.

[bornagainprimative]

I usually prefer no coating honestly but it can add to the look depends on the blade.

[HorserloverFat]

I love Spyderco's DLC. If it were available on every blade/steel, most of mine would probably have it. Many will tell you that it makes them more tactical and like a weapon, and while that may be true in some aspects, my experience has been that the black subdues the presence enough that it cuts down on the non knife people scare factor. A couple years ago I had a long EDC run of two Para 2's back to back, first was a digicam/satin and second was a DLC version. I carried both knives exclusively for many months, and it was immediately obvious that the black one drew less stares from the people I worked with. I believe there's a direct connection between the reflection of a knife blade and the intimidation that a knife can have, and I think having a black blade helps to eliminate some of the scare factor. All that aside, I too like a black blade that shows some wear and character. To me, a battle worn black blade is much more interesting than a scratched up satin/polished blade.

All excellent points, Mr. D. I was just thinking of the same thing : if I were to draw a Manix 2 XL with DLC in my local cigar shop in order to cut the wrapper then I would probably receive less stares from the other customers. LOL.

[opusxpn]

I think they are alright, I only have one the Endura4 all blacked out, and the only other black blade I might purchase in the future would be a Para2. But I prefer satin finish.

[Evil D]

I've mentioned this before on a lot of threads like this, but think about any horror movie you've ever seen where there was a bladed murder weapon. You almost always get that movie shot of the blade reflecting light. It's a cultural thing that's been burned into peoples mind. It's the same with switchblades forever being branded as a gang weapon due to the classic knife fight type movies that glorified them as such.

[Holland]

I really like the look of it on most knives, especially the southard. The thing holding me back from buying a blacked out knife if the fact that it looks more dangerous and more like a weapon. I'd be happier buying a blacked out blade if the handle was a lighter colour

[Evil D]

This thread made me think of this lol

[opusxpn]

:D ssshhh they might ban you from the forum

[Evil D]

LOL, I know that might seem like a race related thing, but that goes back to another gun that's available in "hunting trim" and in a "tactical version" and one is banned and the other is not, and being black is part of it. Somewhere along the lines being black made things more of a weapon. Maybe we have Glock to blame for it, who knows.

[MacLaren]

With a polished edge they are wicked imo. I would like to have a Military Camp/Black...

[RealKnifeUser]

My first and only is my DLC black g-10 millie. I like it a lot for most of the reasons mentioned above, and the only thing that has caused visible wear to it was an aluminum can. It left prominent scratches through the coating and show the bare steel beneath it.

[Surfingringo]

Never liked em until I tried Spyderco's. Their DLC is superb and looks really nice IMO.

[calemerson]

Dont like on Spydercos, or Al Mar's, can live with it on an Emerson, but prefer not to. Dont like on BM either.

[HorserloverFat]

My first and only is my DLC black g-10 millie. I like it a lot for most of the reasons mentioned above, and the only thing that has caused visible wear to it was an aluminum can. It left prominent scratches through the coating and show the bare steel beneath it.

Great quote.

[HorserloverFat]

I really like the look of it on most knives, especially the southard. The thing holding me back from buying a blacked out knife if the fact that it looks more dangerous and more like a weapon. I'd be happier buying a blacked out blade if the handle was a lighter colour

So you think that a black blade appears more menacing? Interesting...

[xceptnl]

Early in my knife collecting when butterflies caught my eye the most, I sought after Plain edged, coated blades. Now I prefer to see the grind lines or a stonewashed finish. I still prefer a coated blade to a bead-blasted, flat finish..... those finishes look so bland and vanilla to my eye. YMMV

[RealKnifeUser]

Also, an all-black knife will appear smaller to the eye than it actually is when compared to satin and lighter handles. Another benefit IMO is that your blade can be put away filthy or wet, or sweaty, and you won't have any problems, even if left that way for a long period of time. YMMV of course.

[DRKBC]

I am a fan of DLC and I don't really find the black too tactical looking. I think on some knives when they have all black hardware it just looks right. I also like the look of the logo and the lettering against the black, it really stands out. On the negative side DLC cuts a little weird there is a bit of stickiness that you don't get with a polished blade but that isn't a big deal on most things.