Splotches on REC PM 2 PVD coating??

[Striple765Rider]

I just got my REC “Avocado” Para 2 yesterday and love it. The only problem is the PVD coating on the blade keeps getting horrible splotches in it. It’s like anywhere that you touch it it gets almost a splotch that looks like a dirty oily stain. I’ve cleaned it with Dawn dish soap and it’ll kinda clean it up a bit and then it’s almost instantly back if you touch the blade at all. Did I get a bad one with a screwed up coating? I’ve never had this PVD but I’ve had DLC before and I’ve had other coatings and I’ve never seen anything like this before. I don’t mind a user look but I’m not crazy about a knife that looks like it’s been handled by a dirty mechanic hand constantly. Is this coating super sensitive or something? I thought it’s supposed to be a very tight coating. I’ve included a couple pictures of the botches. It definitely shows up more in the picture of the non clip side.

[RustyIron]

It looks like pretty much any other clean and shiny surface that has fingerprint smudges. You can wipe it with whatever oil or protectant you use. Or if it really upsets you, use wax on the exposed metal. There are waxes made specifically for guns and knives, or you can use a product made for wood finishing.

[TkoK83Spy]

Bet a microfiber cloth would take care of that, or a little Flitz.

[ladybug93]

it's just easier to see on the tan blade. it rubs right off. i thought it was strange back when i got my manix too, but it's not hard to remove.

[Striple765Rider]

The microfiber towel doesn’t touch it surprisingly. The only thing I’ve gotten to get rid of it for a minute or two is Dawn dish soap. I guess it’s like you said and just because it’s that light tan color shows everything bad.

[Striple765Rider]

It looks like pretty much any other clean and shiny surface that has fingerprint smudges. You can wipe it with whatever oil or protectant you use. Or if it really upsets you, use wax on the exposed metal. There are waxes made specifically for guns and knives, or you can use a product made for wood finishing.

It’s not a shiny or satin blade. It’s the PVD coated blade on the REC exclusive. It’s supposed to be a flat dark earth color. It’s on the light side to be that imo though. Still a gorgeous looking knife.

[Vamais]

Don't you know? Avocados oxidize and turn all dark and splotchy not long after opening them up. That's just normal.

[Enactive]

Don't you know? Avocados oxidize and turn all dark and splotchy not long after opening them up. That's just normal.

[RustyIron]

It’s not a shiny or satin blade. It’s the PVD coated blade on the REC exclusive.

Sooo... you used gun/knife wax and it didn't protect the finish from your fingerprints?

[Striple765Rider]

Don't you know? Avocados oxidize and turn all dark and splotchy not long after opening them up. That's just normal.

lol I never thought of that.

[Striple765Rider]

It’s not a shiny or satin blade. It’s the PVD coated blade on the REC exclusive.

Sooo... you used gun/knife wax and it didn't protect the finish from your fingerprints?

No, I’ve never even heard of gun/knife wax before. I generally don’t worry about fingerprints on my knives. This is more than fingerprints though. It’s huge oily blotches on the blade that look more like used motor oil than fingerprints.

[WilliamMunny]

I found on a Manix I had that the PVD picked up everything and shows it. I remember trying to clean oil from fingerprints off it using a pair of jeans I had on and sure enough where I rubbed the blade picked up some blue. Now the oily fingerprint spots had a nice blue hue to them. I feel like PVD coating is like 10000 grit sandpaper where DLC is smooth.

Not a good or bad thing, cleans easy enough but not the coating for you if you want your knife to look clean.

DLC is also a bit tougher of a coating than PVD, but PVD is still very good.

[Doc Dan]

Rub some Vaseline on it and then wipe it off with a towel or tissue, no soap and water. Those splotches will simply disappear.

[Giygas]

I found on a Manix I had that the PVD picked up everything and shows it. I remember trying to clean oil from fingerprints off it using a pair of jeans I had on and sure enough where I rubbed the blade picked up some blue. Now the oily fingerprint spots had a nice blue hue to them. I feel like PVD coating is like 10000 grit sandpaper where DLC is smooth.

Not a good or bad thing, cleans easy enough but not the coating for you if you want your knife to look clean.

DLC is also a bit tougher of a coating than PVD, but PVD is still very good.

PVD (physical vapor deposition) is a process, not a specific coating type. DLC is a specific coating type that is applied by PVD.

The blade finish prior to application of the coating can significantly affect the resulting texture/finish.