Surface Finishes
Guide
Compare common blade and handle finishes—balance looks, durability, corrosion protection, and cost for your knife manufacturing needs.
How to Choose the Right Finish
Key factors to consider when selecting surface finishes
Wear & Scratch Hiding
How well daily marks disappear in the texture and surface pattern.
Corrosion & Maintenance
Protection barrier against sweat, humidity, salt exposure and ease of care.
Friction, Glare & Cost
Cutting performance, visual aesthetics, and manufacturing process efficiency.
Surface Finish Catalog
Satin
Brushed linear grain for a classic premium look.
- • Clean, low friction cut
- • Easy upkeep and maintenance
- ⚠ Watch-outs: shows directional scratches
Stonewash
Micro-pitted matte from tumbling media—great at hiding wear.
- • EDC favorite; hides scuffs
- • Consistent across batches
- ⚠ Watch-outs: can soften laser marks
Bead Blast
Uniform matte blast for low glare tactical applications.
- • Professional tactical look
- • Even, consistent texture
- ⚠ Watch-outs: micro-texture can hold moisture on non-stainless
Blackwash
Dark coat + tumble = aged look that hides wear exceptionally.
- • Excellent wear camouflage
- • Popular on EDC knives
- ⚠ Watch-outs: keep recipe consistent across lots
Mirror Polish
High-gloss reflective finish for premium showpieces.
- • Ultra-low cutting drag
- • Luxurious premium appearance
- ⚠ Watch-outs: fingerprints and scratches highly visible
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)
Hard, low-friction carbon coating with deep black finish.
- • Premium wear & corrosion protection
- • Smooth, effortless cutting feel
- ⚠ Watch-outs: requires precise adhesion prep; higher cost
PVD (TiN/TiCN/TiAlN)
Vapor-deposited thin films offering functional colors.
- • Color accents with protection
- • Consistent results at scale
- ⚠ Watch-outs: specify thickness/color tolerance carefully
Cerakote
Polymer-ceramic coating with broad color palette options.
- • Excellent corrosion barrier
- • Great for custom graphics
- ⚠ Watch-outs: thickness control, chip resistance under abuse
Acid Etch / Etch & Tumble
Chemically darkened surface; often tumbled for texture.
- • Rugged, low-glare appearance
- • Hides wear patterns well
- ⚠ Watch-outs: chemistry control, thorough rinse/neutralize
Anodizing (Al/Ti)
Electro-coloring for aluminum or titanium components.
- • Vivid or subtle color options
- • Perfect for lightweight parts
- ⚠ Watch-outs: prep/voltage affects color; not for steel
Quick Material Pairings
Semi/Non-Stainless (D2/1095/SK5)
DLC · PVD · Blackwash · Etch & Tumble
Plus regular oil maintenance
Stainless EDC (14C28N/154CM/440C)
Stonewash · Satin · PVD Accents
Versatile everyday carry options
Premium PM Steels (M390/20CV)
Stonewash/Satin · DLC Selective
High-end performance combinations
Titanium Handles/Frames
Bead-blast + Anodize · Stonewash + Anodize
Lightweight with color options
Aluminum Handles
Hard Anodize · Milled Texture
Durable everyday solutions
Low-Glare Tactical/Rescue
Bead-blast · Stonewash · Blackwash · Dark PVD/DLC
Professional field applications
QC & Production Notes
- • Documented surface prep with grit sequence and polish stages
- • Color/gloss targets with comprehensive batch cards
- • Coating thickness & adhesion verification where applicable
- • Strategic laser marking timing (pre/post) for optimal clarity
- • Corrosion testing per agreed specifications and hours
- • Process repeatability through media age and chemistry logs
Care & Maintenance
- • Wipe dry after use; apply light oil film on etched/non-stainless blades
- • Avoid abrasive cleaners on polished and anodized surfaces
- • Sharpen carefully without overheating coated blade edges
- • Store in dry environment to maximize coating lifespan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which finish hides wear best? ▼
Stonewash and blackwash finishes camouflage daily scratches and wear marks exceptionally well due to their textured, matte surfaces that blend minor imperfections into the overall pattern.
Best choice for coastal humidity and salt exposure? ▼
Stainless steel blades combined with DLC, PVD, or Cerakote coatings offer superior protection against corrosion. However, regular maintenance and proper care remain essential regardless of finish choice.
Can steel be anodized like aluminum? ▼
No, anodizing is exclusively for aluminum and titanium materials. For steel coloring and protection, use PVD coatings or DLC treatments which provide similar aesthetic and functional benefits.
What's the most cost-effective finish for large production runs? ▼
Satin and stonewash finishes offer the best balance of cost-effectiveness, durability, and aesthetic appeal for high-volume manufacturing while maintaining consistent quality across batches.
Ready to Spec the Right
Finish for Your Line?
Our OEM/ODM support covers everything from concept development to final delivery. Let's create the perfect surface finish solution for your knife manufacturing needs.