Is a DLC coated pm2 with k390 steel and green canvas micarta basically the quintessential folding knife?

[Paraguy]

I know triple b has said that spyderco’s k390 is probably their best preforming folfing knife steel if you don’t take stain resistance into account. And I think I’d have to agree with him… Which got me thinking why can’t we just dlc it and make it perfect?
(Micarta or g10, it doesn’t matter)
P.S. I’m also speaking hyperbolically

[Wandering_About]

I'll take my K390 uncoated, and still prefer G10 on a PM2.

[vivi]

no. knife is small and corrosion resistance matters.

[Rinzler]

I vote no.

Having had a factory micarta pm2, I wholly prefer the g10 version over the micarta.

I also don’t like coated blades.

Green G10 k390 uncoated pm2? Hmmm… bento box sells that, or sold that combo.

[WilliamMunny]

I know triple b has said that spyderco’s k390 is probably their best preforming folfing knife steel if you don’t take stain resistance into account. And I think I’d have to agree with him… Which got me thinking why can’t we just dlc it and make it perfect?

From what I understand DLC is porous still allowing rust. I am guessing it has to help some but it also might hide the rust and even get under the coating.

[Paraguy]

no. knife is small and corrosion resistance matters.

I have some dlc coated 4v and those knives rust about as easily as uncoated cts xhp for me.

Edit: Sometimes I forget how non-mainstream your knife views are! Most people would consider the pm2 to be a big knife. It’s always interesting hearing your perspective though.

[Paraguy]

I know triple b has said that spyderco’s k390 is probably their best preforming folfing knife steel if you don’t take stain resistance into account. And I think I’d have to agree with him… Which got me thinking why can’t we just dlc it and make it perfect?

From what I understand DLC is porous still allowing rust. I am guessing it has to help some but it also might hide the rust and even get under the coating.

^

[Paraguy]

I'll take my K390 uncoated, and still prefer G10 on a PM2.

The g10 is not the important part I just threw that in because I thought it would be a popular choice. Do you just prefer to see a nice patina? I find dlc to be very practical. Though I prefer non coated esthetically.

[vivi]

I know triple b has said that spyderco’s k390 is probably their best preforming folfing knife steel if you don’t take stain resistance into account. And I think I’d have to agree with him… Which got me thinking why can’t we just dlc it and make it perfect?

From what I understand DLC is porous still allowing rust. I am guessing it has to help some but it also might hide the rust and even get under the coating.

From my understanding DLC is chemically bonded and it should be impossible for rust to form between DLC and the steel.

Either way DLC makes a massive, massive difference in corrosion resistance. I treat DLC folders with coated hardware like Salts basically. Never saw rust on my DLC Manix XL or Yojumbo despite putting them through harsh use.

I've made a bunch of threads on it. The thread detailing me intentionally putting a DLC M4 Manix XL in corrosive environments is a good summation of my results - viewtopic.php?f=2&t=87786

[Paraguy]

I know triple b has said that spyderco’s k390 is probably their best preforming folfing knife steel if you don’t take stain resistance into account. And I think I’d have to agree with him… Which got me thinking why can’t we just dlc it and make it perfect?

From what I understand DLC is porous still allowing rust. I am guessing it has to help some but it also might hide the rust and even get under the coating.

From my understanding DLC is chemically bonded and it should be impossible for rust to form between DLC and the steel.

Either way DLC makes a massive, massive difference in corrosion resistance. I treat DLC folders with coated hardware like Salts basically. Never saw rust on my DLC Manix XL or Yojumbo despite putting them through harsh use.

I've made a bunch of threads on it. The thread detailing me intentionally putting a DLC M4 Manix XL in corrosive environments is a good summation of my results - viewtopic.php?f=2&t=87786

I’m just surprised that they haven’t used dlc on a steel like k390. Although I could imagine that having a nice patin could be a selling point if you’re in a less harsh environment…
So Vivi, I understand that you’re a police fan what about a dlc coat on your k390 police?

[Wandering_About]

I'll take my K390 uncoated, and still prefer G10 on a PM2.

The g10 is not the important part I just threw that in because I thought it would be a popular choice. Do you just prefer to see a nice patina? I find dlc to be very practical. Though I prefer non coated esthetically.

I do prefer to see a patina, and I've just always preferred uncoated steel. I've tried a couple coated blades but got rid of them and currently don't own any and do not intend to ever buy any more coated blade knives. Admittedly it's a personal preference, but it's a rather strong one.

[vivi]

I know triple b has said that spyderco’s k390 is probably their best preforming folfing knife steel if you don’t take stain resistance into account. And I think I’d have to agree with him… Which got me thinking why can’t we just dlc it and make it perfect?

From what I understand DLC is porous still allowing rust. I am guessing it has to help some but it also might hide the rust and even get under the coating.

From my understanding DLC is chemically bonded and it should be impossible for rust to form between DLC and the steel.

Either way DLC makes a massive, massive difference in corrosion resistance. I treat DLC folders with coated hardware like Salts basically. Never saw rust on my DLC Manix XL or Yojumbo despite putting them through harsh use.

I've made a bunch of threads on it. The thread detailing me intentionally putting a DLC M4 Manix XL in corrosive environments is a good summation of my results - viewtopic.php?f=2&t=87786

I’m just surprised that they haven’t used dlc on a steel like k390. Although I could imagine that having a nice patin could be a selling point if you’re in a less harsh environment…
So Vivi, I understand that you’re a police fan what about a dlc coat on your k390 police?

I think a DLC K390 Police sounds very nice. One in FRN with coated hardware would make me carry a Police again.

Most folks aren't aware of, or actively dispute the fact that DLC improves corrosion resistance. It's not something a lot of people even know about.

[metaphoricalsimile]

I’m just surprised that they haven’t used dlc on a steel like k390. Although I could imagine that having a nice patin could be a selling point if you’re in a less harsh environment…
So Vivi, I understand that you’re a police fan what about a dlc coat on your k390 police?

Most of Spyderco's K390 comes from Seki City, and it's my understanding that Seki City is set up for TiCN coating, but *not* DLC coating, which is probably why we haven't seen DLC K390.

[Eli Chaps]

No.

I'm not a fan of the compression lock and DLC sucks.

For me, a smoothed-handled Endela in bare K390 is the current king. I was cutting half-inch shrubs branches today with nary a hot spot and still a fine looking edge.

[abbazaba]

I have green micarta scales on my PM2 in 10v DLC so I think I know what you mean. Definitely not for everyone, but I would agree with anyone that thinks K390/10v is the most enjoyable pocket knife steel to use.

[kennethsime]

Today, I finally noticed a bit of surface rust on my K390 PM2 (which happens to be wearing Green Canvas Micarta scales from RGT). First time I've had any trouble at all with it in two years - I guess I put it away wet, or something. I got most of it off with an alcohol pad, and will try a scotch brite pad tomorrow. If that doesn't work, I'll try some flitz metal polish. All in all, not much of a big deal.

Anyway, I voted "yes" here. I think that the knife you suggest would tick a lot of boxes for some folks (myself included). However, if the very similar Blade HQ Shamans are any indicator, a satin version may prove more popular - the Satin M4 Shaman sold out relatively quickly, whereas the DLC version is still in stock today.

Man, that's a sweet knife.

[Bemo]

I say it depends how the heat treat is done. There's evidence out there that Seki's heat treat is a few points higher than the K390 Golden has released. So I'd say if the heat treat rival's Seki's then I'm in. I'd love a Native 5 in this combo but I'll take what I can.

[Doc Dan]

I don't care for the PM2, though it is a really good knife. Put that combo on an Endura and I'd be interested. The DLC (not in Japan) would have to be on the back spring and all metal parts.

[Fireman]

On a PM2 I would want a tougher steel. I like K390 though. I would love to see it DLC treated.
I have seen a reviewer who liked the Japanese heat treated K390 over the Golden K390 but I have not done a test myself.
I consider the PM2 with its thinner tip better suited to the likes of Magna Cut with G-10 or carbon fiber. I would like to see a frame lock sprint run with thin scales.

[nerdlock]

No, because I've grown to dislike PM2's in general.