Surface finish of knives

Knife Blade Coating

Blade coating is a surface treatment where a layer of protective material is applied to a knife blade to enhance its properties. The main purposes include corrosion protection, glare reduction, and abrasion resistance.

Types of Coating

Coatings are categorized into organic and inorganic layers:

• Organic coatings: Teflon^®, Black-T, Blackfast^®. Effective against moisture and everyday wear.
• Inorganic coatings: Manganese phosphate, oxidation, titanium nitride (TiN), DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon). Known for superior hardness and durability.

Historical Background

Coating techniques date back to early use of carbon steels, which were highly prone to corrosion. Traditional methods included bluing, blackening, or precious metal plating. Modern approaches introduced parkerizing and later TiN and DLC coatings.

Importance

A well-chosen blade coating enhances tool longevity, protects against environmental damage, and improves overall performance—especially for carbon steel knives.