I'm just wondering why you's want a coated blade SK5 to begin with. Ontario powder coats their carbon steel blades for corrosion resistance, but many folks remove the powder coating anyway because it's rough and adversely affects cutting performance. The SK5 has a stainless steel blade which doesn't need the coating.I'm considering getting an Ontario SK5 Blackbird Noir.
Does a powder coating on the blade prevent it from sparking up a fire steel? If so, I'll just get the uncoated version. I imagine I need actual steel contact, right?
First, Ferrocerium rods are scraped, not struck. It's not going to hurt a quality knife to scrape its spine down a ferro rod. If you're trying to protect a knife you shouldn't be carrying it the field to start with.My thought is, if you are going to carry a fire sparker, carry a steel to use on it!
Like an old file or something.
And save all the abuse to your good knives from whacking them on hard stuff.
carry a steel to use on it!
Like an old file or something.
My understanding is that the "spark" from modern ferro rods is actually the ferrocerium shavings igniting from the friction as they're scraped off. I had no problem getting a Light My Fire brand Swedish Fire Steel to "spark" when I used the spine of a black coated Benchmade Griptilian to verify this.Powder coating on blades is polymer. It can't throw a spark.
But You won't if you have ever fell through the ice duck hunting and need a fire 'Ratch Now'!!
I still contend you can carry a new BIC lighter, a candle stub, and probably 50 or so waterproof Life Boat matches in the same size container.
:banghead:Maybe if you ditch the candle stub