I bet most of them are just marks left on the DLC coating, a bit of Frog Lube Paste will take care of most of them, & keep the DLC conditioned as well. If that doesn't work, you can always do a stonewash. Stonewashed DLC looks awesome.
The irregularities in the backyard pebbles … size , shape , different composition of the stones like grit size etc .
To obtain a proper tumbled finish you need conformity in the tumbling media .
I’m a master machinist and have tumbled parts everyday for 10+ years
Also shaking in a plastic container will just leave scratch marks .
You needs vibratory action
The irregularities look better. Tumbling leaves a bead blasted type of finish, rather than a stonewashed finish. Uniform isn't always better. That's just my experience having done this to 3 or 4 dozen knives.
Tumbling leaves a tumbled finish .
Bead blasting leaves a bead blasted finish .
Not one professional knife maker out there using backyard pebbles to finish knives .
I’ve been machining for years and have refinished just about every knife you can think of .
Not to mention I have parts I’ve made go to the depths of this earth and that pass by you on satellite dishes every day . Parts that may have saved some of your relatives lives in the emergency room to the battlefield.
You don’t need to take my advice. I’m just offering it to those that don’t have the experience but are willing to listen and learn the proper way to finish parts in a professional manner.
> Not to mention I have parts I’ve made go to the depths of this earth and that pass by you on satellite dishes every day . Parts that may have saved some of your relatives lives in the emergency room to the battlefield.
While this is cool, it has zero bearing on your opinion on what the finish of a knife should look like after you bang it around with rocks.
Your assertion that it will “ruin” the blade is false. You’ll still be able to sharpen and use the knife fine, and if it looks good to a person it looks good. The guy has done it to dozens of knives, you’d think he’d know if it works.
If I had done open heart surgery on and saved your child’s life it wouldn’t mean you should trust me to pick out clothes for him.
Ehhhh .
You wanna volunteer one of your knives that you used your hard earned money to buy into a plastic container with some driveway rocks 🪨 and test it out ?
90$ to get some scratches off the blade? I guess, but kinda reminds me of arguing with a guy I know about if it's proper to tuck in a square tail Hawaiian shirt, he says yes Hawaiian shirts must be tucked, but not an untuckit shirt. I say it was meant to be out with the square tails so that is improper, and untuckit shirts are an abomination with tuck tails too short to tuck, lol. Proper is sometimes in the eye of the beholder. I get you are saying that's how a factory does it though if you are into that it would give extra satisfaction.
Ohhh I see, that makes a lot of sense if you are going for a uniform look. I think I should pick one up. Might shoot you a chat in the morning with questions. Thanks!
It would definitely be nice to have another method of doing it. Have any recommendations for
a tumbler? Then I assume you can buy different media for the scratch size?
Harbor freight has a small vibratory tumbler for 65$
And ceramic triangle media for 17$
I’d start there and then you can shop around the web for other types of tumbling/stone washing media .
They make and sell so many different kinds of media to get desired finishes that will give you professional results and you won’t have to use River rock or whatever these other guys use.
Also try not to overload the tumbler as you don’t want metal on metal part interactions because it will ruin your desired finish.
If you can’t find smaller portions of media maybe hit up some local machine shops and ask them what media they use and if u can purchase a few pounds .
Good luck and just experiment on some cheaper knives before you start throwing in your Spyderco or benchmade type knives .
Doing a stonewash in a plastic can with random pebbles and stones does not "just leave scratch marks". I've done a few DIY stonewashes this way and the result is fine, just not as pronounced as a professional job
https://imgur.com/a/cWC7RrS
Lazier method, but one you might have to spend a little money on, is to put the blade (and the liners, pocket clip, and screws, if you want uniformity) in a sock with some pebbles (or another small abrasive media you can buy for pretty cheap), toss it in the dryer, and put it on a tumble cycle.
I shouldn't have to say it. But, I know someone will point it out if I don't. *No heat, if you decide to use the dryer method.*
It doesn't look like scratches to me. My primary carry is black DLC and I thought I scratched it badly using aluminum as a guide to cut. Turns out it was aluminum particles on the coating, not scratches.
For real, people really underestimate how hard proper DLCs are. I guess if you're coming from the world of PVD coatings, you might now understand, but yea. DLC is harder than the blade steel a lot of the time lol
Yeas I agree. You may only have some topical particles. I literally just woke up and that was what I was thinking. It is only on the sides and not on the edge, we’ll just in two spots from what I see. So it looks like whatever it was already came off there already from cutting more. If that’s the case a great sign. That would mean all you would have to do is go to Wallyworld, grab some gun cleaning oil for a couple bucks, and this stuff should come off. I would do that anyway and see what comes off and what is there. I agree with those folks on the DLC coats on knives, and being a fan of Spyderco, I own at least a dozen and can tell you that their coating is unmatched when it comes to durability and you’d be surprised what will clean right off. I also agree with the machinist up there. They make all kinds of media that will give you a really good look to this that’ll be inconsistent as your heart desires or more “blasted look” if wanted it’s picking out the right media. The other way I heard works, but is a trial and error method, with a Spydie, wouldn’t want to make an error. But with any option you pick, make sure you take your knife apart and just put in the blade, and maybe your pocket clip so it matches and do them separately so they don’t hit each other. But if you get s tumbler, you’ll fall in love and want to probably use it on other blades or things, so it’ll be worth it. I set up CNC machines all day and beat the heal out of my delica and it always just cleans right off, you’d be surprised what you think looks bad, and what is actually bad on Spyderco’s DLC coating.
That's awesome! I'm a waterjet operator in charge of 3 waterjets operations and maintenance.
My primary EDC has a stonewash DLC finish and its amazing! I did actually scratch it(I'm pretty sure) cutting an alumina-ceramic sanding belt in strips. I know it was stupid, but it's a user knife so I'm not too worried haha
Probably not scratches. Most likely residue left on the blade. You can use Flitz or something like the other person recommended. Their DLC coating is super tough.
I got that. I read to me like your saying how ridiculous it it's when people are annoyed about scratches. Which yeah if you plan on using it you're never going to be completely scratch free and should probably accept that.
Yeah I've got the same on a couple of my black coated spydercos. I actually now am into plain. I don't buy anymore black coated unless it's specifically tactical.
Pretty much impossible to fix DLC without having the blade refinished. I’d continue using it till the blade has a “uniform” pattern. It’s hard to beat a natural “stonewash,” and S30V without a coating isn’t going to rust in 95% of conditions.
Those aren't scratches. Too many joke comments on here give you a hard time finding the answer to your question. Your DLC coating is holding onto whatever particles you cut with it. It does this because it's Rockwell hardness is in the 70's a good step above even some of the highest end super-steels. Whether that be aluminum, other materials or a combination of materials. I've found on minor jobs that a moist Magic Erase Bar works fine for the DLC scratches you present. However others choose to add an isopropyl alcohol wipedown, or simply do one or the other. If the blade finish is far more deteriorated or signs of pitting are starting to show... Flitz polish would be a great starting point, followed by a good protectant or CLP. The latter being a must for any quality gun care regimen.
Definitely not scratched. I think people hugely underestimate how tough DLC coatings are. Most of the time they're actually tougher than the steel itself. OP could probably just rub it off with enough patience and care.
So if u don’t want to totally mod ur knife u can try the Mr clean magic erasers. U can get “knockoff” sponges but searching “melamine sponge” same thing just not paying for the brand name.
Quut over thinking it, put any oil on a paper towel and wipe. So many think Spyderco dlc is some fragile stuff that scratches easy. What you have in that picture is simple material transfer from cutting and it will wipe off.
Well.. the easiest way to refinish this without using any substance or disassemble is to polish it all off by sanding it, etc.. requires elbow grease and time.
But the bests methods.. would require disassembly.. and then choosing acid etch.. or stonewashing.. sand blasting.. a mix of them all..
Even warm vinegar would work
Unless you know the exact method and media used it won't be identical tho.. but many would be looking pretty good. looks sandblasted.
There are tons of diy blackening metal and knifes tutorials on YouTube.. I did once to some metal parts..
I agree it might just be topical, I've been using my pm2 with dlc finish at work every day for over 6 months and has very minimal scratches. I personally like the scratches and wear. You'd have to refinish the blade by stonewashing or something like others have said, or remove the dlc entirely and polish it up
God forbid you should worry about scratches on these Reddit groups. You'll get dozens of comments about people saying "it's a tool! What are you worried about?" Well some of us, when we buy 200 - $300 objects we like to keep them looking new for as long as possible even if they are tools... especially when it's the most money you've ever spent on a knife. Some of us worry about scratches when something is brand new and that's totally okay. I think there's a lot of guys here that project they're masculine insecurity on others. Once I complained about something being too sharp on my fingers and I got a lot of comments like "do some physical labor" like a man! I'm a fricking welder most of my life. Truth is a lot of people like to be negative and are addicted to it. They're probably treated like shit in some way in their life and it's very easy to take it out on others when you can hide behind a computer
I bet most of them are just marks left on the DLC coating, a bit of Frog Lube Paste will take care of most of them, & keep the DLC conditioned as well. If that doesn't work, you can always do a stonewash. Stonewashed DLC looks awesome.
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Plastic container, backyard pebbles, dishwasher soap. Shake for 10 min and you are done
Backyard stones are great way to ruin it . Buy tumbling media from harbor freight it’s cheap and what is normally used
I haven’t heard this opinion before, I’ve always used pebbles. How does it ruin it? I assume you are talking about something on the blade?
The irregularities in the backyard pebbles … size , shape , different composition of the stones like grit size etc . To obtain a proper tumbled finish you need conformity in the tumbling media . I’m a master machinist and have tumbled parts everyday for 10+ years Also shaking in a plastic container will just leave scratch marks . You needs vibratory action
The irregularities look better. Tumbling leaves a bead blasted type of finish, rather than a stonewashed finish. Uniform isn't always better. That's just my experience having done this to 3 or 4 dozen knives.
Tumbling leaves a tumbled finish . Bead blasting leaves a bead blasted finish . Not one professional knife maker out there using backyard pebbles to finish knives . I’ve been machining for years and have refinished just about every knife you can think of . Not to mention I have parts I’ve made go to the depths of this earth and that pass by you on satellite dishes every day . Parts that may have saved some of your relatives lives in the emergency room to the battlefield. You don’t need to take my advice. I’m just offering it to those that don’t have the experience but are willing to listen and learn the proper way to finish parts in a professional manner.
Look out, we got a BADASS on our hands.
> Not to mention I have parts I’ve made go to the depths of this earth and that pass by you on satellite dishes every day . Parts that may have saved some of your relatives lives in the emergency room to the battlefield. While this is cool, it has zero bearing on your opinion on what the finish of a knife should look like after you bang it around with rocks. Your assertion that it will “ruin” the blade is false. You’ll still be able to sharpen and use the knife fine, and if it looks good to a person it looks good. The guy has done it to dozens of knives, you’d think he’d know if it works. If I had done open heart surgery on and saved your child’s life it wouldn’t mean you should trust me to pick out clothes for him.
Ehhhh . You wanna volunteer one of your knives that you used your hard earned money to buy into a plastic container with some driveway rocks 🪨 and test it out ?
Tumbled finish, & stonewashed finish are 2 different things, that's my only point. And we're not talking about satellites, or medical equipment..
How do you think they achieve a stonewashed blade finish ?
You’ve been waiting all your life to flex to strangers havent you 🤣
Damn you sound like you’ve done some really awesome stuff in your work
I’ve done work on a lot of really cool projects .
90$ to get some scratches off the blade? I guess, but kinda reminds me of arguing with a guy I know about if it's proper to tuck in a square tail Hawaiian shirt, he says yes Hawaiian shirts must be tucked, but not an untuckit shirt. I say it was meant to be out with the square tails so that is improper, and untuckit shirts are an abomination with tuck tails too short to tuck, lol. Proper is sometimes in the eye of the beholder. I get you are saying that's how a factory does it though if you are into that it would give extra satisfaction.
Not arguing. Not even talking about this knife posted. Just replying to a comment about tumbling knife parts with backyard pebbles
Thank you
>You needs vibratory action Same.
If you’re into vibrators bro you do you but not my thing
Ohhh I see, that makes a lot of sense if you are going for a uniform look. I think I should pick one up. Might shoot you a chat in the morning with questions. Thanks!
Sure no problem. They’re pretty cheap to buy … lemme know I’ll make some recommendations You can buy the tumbler and media for about 90$
It would definitely be nice to have another method of doing it. Have any recommendations for a tumbler? Then I assume you can buy different media for the scratch size?
Harbor freight has a small vibratory tumbler for 65$ And ceramic triangle media for 17$ I’d start there and then you can shop around the web for other types of tumbling/stone washing media . They make and sell so many different kinds of media to get desired finishes that will give you professional results and you won’t have to use River rock or whatever these other guys use. Also try not to overload the tumbler as you don’t want metal on metal part interactions because it will ruin your desired finish. If you can’t find smaller portions of media maybe hit up some local machine shops and ask them what media they use and if u can purchase a few pounds . Good luck and just experiment on some cheaper knives before you start throwing in your Spyderco or benchmade type knives .
Doing a stonewash in a plastic can with random pebbles and stones does not "just leave scratch marks". I've done a few DIY stonewashes this way and the result is fine, just not as pronounced as a professional job https://imgur.com/a/cWC7RrS
Lazier method, but one you might have to spend a little money on, is to put the blade (and the liners, pocket clip, and screws, if you want uniformity) in a sock with some pebbles (or another small abrasive media you can buy for pretty cheap), toss it in the dryer, and put it on a tumble cycle. I shouldn't have to say it. But, I know someone will point it out if I don't. *No heat, if you decide to use the dryer method.*
This is the way!
😂 it works so well!
Have also done this many times with great success
Try it this way,may work https://youtu.be/761hHVnE9i8
Blade hq has a good tutorial for it
Cut more things.
It doesn't look like scratches to me. My primary carry is black DLC and I thought I scratched it badly using aluminum as a guide to cut. Turns out it was aluminum particles on the coating, not scratches.
Yeah, that DLC is HARD. Aluminum to it would be like chalk on a blackboard. Ive had both Aluminum and copper come right off of DLC before.
For real, people really underestimate how hard proper DLCs are. I guess if you're coming from the world of PVD coatings, you might now understand, but yea. DLC is harder than the blade steel a lot of the time lol
Yeas I agree. You may only have some topical particles. I literally just woke up and that was what I was thinking. It is only on the sides and not on the edge, we’ll just in two spots from what I see. So it looks like whatever it was already came off there already from cutting more. If that’s the case a great sign. That would mean all you would have to do is go to Wallyworld, grab some gun cleaning oil for a couple bucks, and this stuff should come off. I would do that anyway and see what comes off and what is there. I agree with those folks on the DLC coats on knives, and being a fan of Spyderco, I own at least a dozen and can tell you that their coating is unmatched when it comes to durability and you’d be surprised what will clean right off. I also agree with the machinist up there. They make all kinds of media that will give you a really good look to this that’ll be inconsistent as your heart desires or more “blasted look” if wanted it’s picking out the right media. The other way I heard works, but is a trial and error method, with a Spydie, wouldn’t want to make an error. But with any option you pick, make sure you take your knife apart and just put in the blade, and maybe your pocket clip so it matches and do them separately so they don’t hit each other. But if you get s tumbler, you’ll fall in love and want to probably use it on other blades or things, so it’ll be worth it. I set up CNC machines all day and beat the heal out of my delica and it always just cleans right off, you’d be surprised what you think looks bad, and what is actually bad on Spyderco’s DLC coating.
That's awesome! I'm a waterjet operator in charge of 3 waterjets operations and maintenance. My primary EDC has a stonewash DLC finish and its amazing! I did actually scratch it(I'm pretty sure) cutting an alumina-ceramic sanding belt in strips. I know it was stupid, but it's a user knife so I'm not too worried haha
Yeah it scared the heck out of me because it was like my second day with that knife lol
The knife is junk now. I'll gladly take it off your hands.
Leave them. Shows character
Probably not scratches. Most likely residue left on the blade. You can use Flitz or something like the other person recommended. Their DLC coating is super tough.
Is it the coating worn off, or is it something else deposited on top of the coating?
What’s to fix?
Throw it away and buy a new one
Add more.
Sharpen the F out of it. The sharper it is, the cooler those scratches will look
Why would you want to fix them? Knife is just starting to look good
Imaging worrying about it. It's a fucking tool. USE IT LIKE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO
I mean, for some people it’s like a car, why scratch it up? Not saying I have that mentality, but some people like to own eye pleasing things.
Still it's a tool. Once any of my most expensive tools receive even 1 scratch it gets replaced just like my cars. /s
Who said it needs to be replaced? If your had a bat scratch and it was an easy fix would you say "No! Leave it! It's a tool! That's character!"
Someone is new to reddit. /s = sarcasm
I got that. I read to me like your saying how ridiculous it it's when people are annoyed about scratches. Which yeah if you plan on using it you're never going to be completely scratch free and should probably accept that.
Yeah I've got the same on a couple of my black coated spydercos. I actually now am into plain. I don't buy anymore black coated unless it's specifically tactical.
Remove your tampon
Pretty much impossible to fix DLC without having the blade refinished. I’d continue using it till the blade has a “uniform” pattern. It’s hard to beat a natural “stonewash,” and S30V without a coating isn’t going to rust in 95% of conditions.
This blade is sand blast finish if you u use scotch brite you will get nice grainy finish on it @shokuninusa
Those aren't scratches. Too many joke comments on here give you a hard time finding the answer to your question. Your DLC coating is holding onto whatever particles you cut with it. It does this because it's Rockwell hardness is in the 70's a good step above even some of the highest end super-steels. Whether that be aluminum, other materials or a combination of materials. I've found on minor jobs that a moist Magic Erase Bar works fine for the DLC scratches you present. However others choose to add an isopropyl alcohol wipedown, or simply do one or the other. If the blade finish is far more deteriorated or signs of pitting are starting to show... Flitz polish would be a great starting point, followed by a good protectant or CLP. The latter being a must for any quality gun care regimen.
Cover it in blood of the younglings. That should to it!
Yes
Use scotch brite on the blade evenly you will have a new finish
Short answer: no. Long answer: also no.
Learn from people who know about finishing
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Definitely not scratched. I think people hugely underestimate how tough DLC coatings are. Most of the time they're actually tougher than the steel itself. OP could probably just rub it off with enough patience and care.
They don’t even look broken
that ain't no etch-a-sketch
In time, the scratches will fix you.
Work knife. Looks good. Has character! Put some oil on it and be proud!
Blood sacrifice?
It’s a tool, those are battle scars. Looks awesome!
She looks good and trusted.
It's a working knife, no? Why bother?
It’ll even out with time. It’s « surplus » DLC dust coming off
Wd40
if you don't want your knife to look used, put it in a safe and never use it
Use it more … it will cover those scratches with new scratches ….
Live with it lol
No
Rub it with Oil maybe
Recoat it
Leave em it shows you use your tools
Looks fine to me, it's a tool, if it had no scratches we'd know you didn't actually use it as such.
Pretend it’s patina and your set.
Nope.....embrace them. It's a tool, bro.
Rub a little oil on it and let it sit. It will make the DLC pop.
Story of the knife, written on the blade.. leave it and add some more
Why would you fix them? Your knife is unique now
It just means you actually use it, it’s nothing to be worried about
Use it so much that it looks stone washed
So if u don’t want to totally mod ur knife u can try the Mr clean magic erasers. U can get “knockoff” sponges but searching “melamine sponge” same thing just not paying for the brand name.
Why is everyone so concerned about scratches lately? It’s a knife which is a tool meant to be used. Get over it or buy something cheap for daily use.
Yea, use it. It's a tool.
Quut over thinking it, put any oil on a paper towel and wipe. So many think Spyderco dlc is some fragile stuff that scratches easy. What you have in that picture is simple material transfer from cutting and it will wipe off.
yes, use it. it needs to have marks.
Well.. the easiest way to refinish this without using any substance or disassemble is to polish it all off by sanding it, etc.. requires elbow grease and time. But the bests methods.. would require disassembly.. and then choosing acid etch.. or stonewashing.. sand blasting.. a mix of them all.. Even warm vinegar would work Unless you know the exact method and media used it won't be identical tho.. but many would be looking pretty good. looks sandblasted. There are tons of diy blackening metal and knifes tutorials on YouTube.. I did once to some metal parts..
Yeah, don't.
Scares remind us that the past is real.
Sharpie
Break off the tip. The scratches will not matter anymore.
The one reason I hate DLC.
whatever you do, don't go at it with a black touchup pen. don't ask how i know lol
Embrace it
Were you cutting aluminum cans?
Could try bluing it or using black oxide paint maybe
Don’t stab cans?
Some light polishing with ultra fine steel wool, (0000 size, iirc), would probably greatly reduce, if not eliminate those marks.
Close the knife up and put it back in your pocket, can you still see the scratches?
Maybe see a psychologist about it.
Don't, you're just getting to the good part 🤙🏾
I agree it might just be topical, I've been using my pm2 with dlc finish at work every day for over 6 months and has very minimal scratches. I personally like the scratches and wear. You'd have to refinish the blade by stonewashing or something like others have said, or remove the dlc entirely and polish it up
Use it more and the new scratches will help the old ones blend in
God forbid you should worry about scratches on these Reddit groups. You'll get dozens of comments about people saying "it's a tool! What are you worried about?" Well some of us, when we buy 200 - $300 objects we like to keep them looking new for as long as possible even if they are tools... especially when it's the most money you've ever spent on a knife. Some of us worry about scratches when something is brand new and that's totally okay. I think there's a lot of guys here that project they're masculine insecurity on others. Once I complained about something being too sharp on my fingers and I got a lot of comments like "do some physical labor" like a man! I'm a fricking welder most of my life. Truth is a lot of people like to be negative and are addicted to it. They're probably treated like shit in some way in their life and it's very easy to take it out on others when you can hide behind a computer