DLC or Satin?

[BLUETYPEII]

I do prefer satin to DLC but I do like DLC. I own a DLC PM2 and I have experienced the streaking on the blade. Unfortunately I have a scratch on the blade... I think I’m very careful and I’m very conscious of cutting next to staples and things like that so I don’t scratch the DLC but honestly have no idea how it happened.

[Rpp]

I don’t really prefer coated blades but the Spyderco DLC is so perfectly even. It’s impressive.

[Texan42]

I just bought a stonewash DLC knife, only my second black bladed knife......this thing is beautiful. Finish is slightly reflective, not matte black, and very slick to the touch.

[TkoK83Spy]

I just bought a stonewash DLC knife, only my second black bladed knife......this thing is beautiful. Finish is slightly reflective, not matte black, and very slick to the touch.

What knife would that be?

[spyderHS08]

Another vote for dlc because it looks cool and adds another layer of protection. Sweaty kansas summers suck for satin blades

[weeping minora]

Much prefer the look, feel and maintenance of satin blades, though DLC ups the maintenance for those high corrosion prone steels in areas that are hard to keep clean/dry constantly.. Especially during sweaty pocket summertime :eek:. I feel the option is worth the admission for pocket knives, however if we're talking fixed blades, I'd go satin all the way

[ladybug93]

i chose dlc. i prefer darker blades that attract less attention. i also would prefer a stonewashed or acidwashed finish to satin. i don’t understand why everyone likes perfectly shiny blades that show scratches and fingerprints like crazy.

[vivi]

Much prefer the look, feel and maintenance of satin blades, though DLC ups the maintenance for those high corrosion prone steels in areas that are hard to keep clean/dry constantly.. Especially during sweaty pocket summertime :eek:. I feel the option is worth the admission for pocket knives, however if we're talking fixed blades, I'd go satin all the way

Agreed on fixed blades. Pocket sweat isn't an issue riding on my belt in a sheath, and coatings can prevent you from using the spine to scrape tinder and ferro rods.

[rabbitanarchy14]

satin is the way to go. hated dlc for so long. they get scratched up the first time you use them and you cant fix dlc as far as i know.

[rabbitanarchy14]

What's interesting about the tactical aspect of it is, I've found in places where knives may be frowned upon, my old DLC Para 2 seemed to draw far less attention and got less reactions from my coworkers. I assumed it was because it simply didn't get noticed as much. My theory is that people have a mental programming to associate reflective blades with weapons. How many horror movies have you seen where the killer's blade shines in the moonlight etc? I'm sure if you whip it out and wave it around like Rambo it'll be different but in casual use the coating really seemed to subdue the presence of the blade which is ultimately the goal.

i Believe the issue they had was that the pm2 is a big knife if you had a lil native/dragonvly size or even a para 3 in satin ill bet most ppl wouldnt care. its not the color as it is the size.

[murphjd25]

Satin.

The only DLC knife I have now is a Hinderer Stonewash DLC Battle Black and it is simply stunning to look at.

[91bravo]

I like em both. It all just depends on the handle color, whether I want DLC or satin.

[Evil D]

What's interesting about the tactical aspect of it is, I've found in places where knives may be frowned upon, my old DLC Para 2 seemed to draw far less attention and got less reactions from my coworkers. I assumed it was because it simply didn't get noticed as much. My theory is that people have a mental programming to associate reflective blades with weapons. How many horror movies have you seen where the killer's blade shines in the moonlight etc? I'm sure if you whip it out and wave it around like Rambo it'll be different but in casual use the coating really seemed to subdue the presence of the blade which is ultimately the goal.

i Believe the issue they had was that the pm2 is a big knife if you had a lil native/dragonvly size or even a para 3 in satin ill bet most ppl wouldnt care. its not the color as it is the size.

I went from standard satin Para 2 to the DLC, it was a day and night change. I had also did that job with Ladybugs and Dragonflies but the black blade definitely drew less attention.

[vivi]

I think knife forums are the only place where people think a half inch of blade is the difference between there being a problem or not, haha. I think it comes down more to how you present yourself than anything. Flicking vs a regular opening, using it for something practical VS spydie dropping a Tatanka to clean your nails at the customer service counter, etc.

I used the Para 2 at a lot of different jobs and never had any issues. But then again I've had the same experience with the Police, Millie and even my Szabo folder.