Why no more FDE coating?

[JuPaul]

I was looking at the k390 pm2 today, thinking how nice it'd look with the FDE coating like on the River's Edge para 3. That got me wondering...why don't we see more of that blade coating? I guess it wasn't dlc...but can dlc be done in other colors aside from black? Anyone else interested in seeing some new color schemes with an FDE blade?

Edit for clarity: I'm specifically asking if anyone is interested in the flat dark earth color as a blade coating. This was done with pvd coating on the REC para 3. But I'm also curious to know if dlc can be done in this color, and what are the differences between dlc and pvd coatings?

[glutofknives]

Definitely interested in fde. I think Fde and brown scales would look good too.

[Dazen]

I was always wondering the same as well. It looks awesome and we need more of it.

Needed a pic

[JuPaul]

Definitely interested in fde. I think Fde and brown scales would look good too.

It definitely would. And with most any green. I also think it'd look awesome with all the blue-gray and darker blue scales we've seen lately.

[Mushroom]

FDE is an acronym for "Flat Dark Earth" - The color of the coating on the Rivers Edge Exclusive.

The coating used on the Rivers Edge Exclusive is called a "PVD Coating." (Physical Vapor Deposition)

As far as I know, there is a range of metallic colors possible with PVD coatings. I'd definitely be interested in seeing more knives with PVD coatings.

[JuPaul]

FDE is an acronym for "Flat Dark Earth" - The color of the coating on the Rivers Edge Exclusive.

The coating used on the Rivers Edge Exclusive is called a "PVD Coating." (Physical Vapor Deposition)

As far as I know, there is a range of metallic colors possible with PVD coatings. I'd definitely be interested in seeing more knives with PVD coatings.

Yes, sorry I wasn't clear in the OP. It's the flat dark earth color that I meant in my OP, but I did realize it wasn't dlc on that REC para 3. I asked about dlc because I wondered if maybe people didn't like pvd, and maybe that's why we haven't seen more. Maybe dlc would be preferable if it could be done in fde? I don't know. But cool to know that the pvd can be done in other colors as well...so why don't we see any of them? Side question: Does pvd provide any protection from corrosion?

[legOFwhat?]

Curious about this as well, and really like the looks of it. Is it harder to coat than dlc and does it hold up as well?

[steelcity16]

An unbuffed matte black micarta Shaman with FDE PVD coated Delta 3V blade would make even the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich seem easy to get! :eek:

[RadioactiveSpyder]

What makes you think there won’t be a REC PM2 in this configuration? It is my understanding that this is a near certainty to have been ordered as an exclusive. If it hasn’t been ordered yet, I’d be flabbergasted!

[TkoK83Spy]

Curious about this as well, and really like the looks of it. Is it harder to coat than dlc and does it hold up as well?

Me too, always wondered about this coating during use...but with the Para 3 version catching INSANE amounts of money on Ebay, something tells me that knife is a safe queen. I'm yet to see it even posted anywhere, or hear a single person talk about it.

[Doc Dan]

I’ve been asking for flat dark earth knives for years. Flat olive drab would be nice, too.

The only bright colors I like, really, are orange and yellow for hiviz. I prefer earth tones like fde, od, flat dark olive, flat dark earth brown, and grey. I also like earth toned blue.

[JuPaul]

What makes you think there won’t be a REC PM2 in this configuration? It is my understanding that this is a near certainty to have been ordered as an exclusive. If it hasn’t been ordered yet, I’d be flabbergasted!

I hope there is! I hadn't heard about it. But I also want more!

[JuPaul]

Curious about this as well, and really like the looks of it. Is it harder to coat than dlc and does it hold up as well?

Me too, always wondered about this coating during use...but with the Para 3 version catching INSANE amounts of money on Ebay, something tells me that knife is a safe queen. I'm yet to see it even posted anywhere, or hear a single person talk about it.

Wasn't there some issue with a bunch of those? I always assumed that's why there weren't more around. But I'd love to see another run.

Edit: looking ibto that, I can't find anything. Maybe I'm remembering something else. But anyhow I see these on IG every once in a while, and I'm always jealous.

[JuPaul]

No one else has love for the flat dark earth blades??

[TomAiello]

I'd like to see a blade in FDE paired with black scales and liners.

[Tucson Tom]

No one else has love for the flat dark earth blades??

Nope. Doesn't do a thing for me.

I wonder though. "FDE" just describes the color, not the technology used for the coating. I am quite impressed with DLC, as on my M4 Paramilitary (which I was carrying and using today, by the way). But I have no idea what the nature of the FDE coating is. It may look cute, but will it hold up?

It was specified by whoever contracted for the exclusive. I am confident that Spyderco wouldn't use anything that wasn't up to a decent level of performance, but .... I won't settle for anything less than DLC if I get a coated blade. At this point, anyway.

[TomAiello]

PVD is a type of process. DLC can be applied using the PVD process.

It's not two different things. PVD is a process used to apply DLC.

More info here: https://www.razoredgeknives.com/services-fees/dlc/


DLC can be done in various colors, as well.

More info also here: https://www.ionbond.com/technology/dlc- ... ke-carbon/

[JuPaul]

PVD is a type of process. DLC can be applied using the PVD process.

It's not two different things. PVD is a process used to apply DLC.

More info here: https://www.razoredgeknives.com/services-fees/dlc/


DLC can be done in various colors, as well.

More info also here: https://www.ionbond.com/technology/dlc- ... ke-carbon/

Thanks, that's what I was wondering. If DLC can be done in fde, or other colors, I'd love it.

[Doc Dan]

FDE DLC is a must.

[Sumdumguy]

Eww. No thank you.

I would be interested in more abstract colors. To me, this blade screams "stolen valor". It would go great with a set of fatigues from your local surplus store... if that's what you're into. XD

Now, if they were to make a gaudy purple one or maybe a solid white one, I would be a buyer. Make it suitable for church in Atlanta :p


Also, I too thought there was a problem with the PVD that caused them to reevaluate their usage of that process.