Yeah - plain ol' carbon steel just discolors. Rowan's chemically-stinky-for-awhile (hot bath?) black oxide seems to have entirely disappeared up to the handles on my 2, whereas in some other forum photos the original BO patina still lingers. Why so different? Is mine now pretty much just 1095? And what about Leatherman's BO? Anyone a chemical metallurgist or metallurgical chemist?
All I can say for Leatherman's is that it is messy at the beginning, then when the excessive BO is wiped out it is fairly durable, but must be some sort of paint, because the steel underneath is "stainless", although it would rust rather easily for stainless. The BO does provide a bit of protection. Perhaps ESEEs is something like ferric trichloride bath? I had it on a 1095 Becker a while ago and it disappeared over time.
never handled one, it has held up great, slicked up a little but on those rare occasions I clean it you can still see the finish grabbing up some oil. It's gotten some patina but I like that. When new; Now, 3 1/2 years of box cutting, dandelion stabbing, flower cutting type every day duties. Just like my firearms, I never over clean
Do II's count here? Mine hasn't left my side since I got it a year ago. Keep contemplating on some black g10 handles for it.
They're actually just dirty canvas micarta. When clean they are a whole lot lighter in color. It's always carried so they're dirty more often then clean and nice looking lol
Keep em dirty and enjoy the blackness. You can also use a dye but sometimes it comes off on clothing etc.
I cleaned it up and gave it a sharpening.. just rookie free hand sharpening. Came out damn sharp though.
The BO was more expensive and someone took the OD Green before me, so a regular black II will be in my possession tomorrow
Congrats! I thought the zula II was to small at first and then realized its amazingly perfect for so many things. Never leaves my side now. I prefer using cord for attaching it. Really locks it down solid and easy to slip on and off the belt.
Im sorry you got involved with this lot. There likely is no cure until you buy them all. The IZ2 is one of those no frill just works well knives. Its not flashy at all. It looks underwhelming. But damn if it just works and fit the hand well.
I try to grab a few knives during the cold months as once it gets warmer it's MTB only 6HM and RB3 are next on the list, no hurry - they will arrive sooner or later. I carried the Izzy today, it conceals perfectly under a t-shirt. Loving it!
I've always loved that it disappears and I dont feel/notice mine at all. I always say they make darn good edc for these reasons. Glad your loving it as much as I do!