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Why are knives painted black?

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YIERCITY Cutlery
Why are knives painted black?

What is it?

Black oxide is a conversion coating formed by a chemical reaction produced when parts are immersed in the alkaline aqueous salt solution operated at approximately 285 degrees F. The reaction between the iron of the ferrous alloy and the hot oxide bath produces a magnitite (Fe3 O4) on the actual surface of the part. It is possible to oxidize non-ferrous metals under suitable conditions to form black oxides. It is possible to apply black oxide at room temperature, however it is not possible to achieve all of the benefits available from the “hot” oxide process to creat a black knife set. The cold black oxide process routinely shows color variation from part to part and the black material frequently rubs off in your hands. The cold process does not meet military or automotive specifications. Therefore the remainder of this article addresses the “hot” black oxide process.

Is black oxide toxic? What are black knives made of?

How to protect it?

Just like stainless, carbon steel is an alloy of iron, carbon, and a few other elements. Carbon steel kitchen knives are more prone to oxidation than stainless steel pieces. Most of us are familiar with oxidation in the form of rust, which carbon steel is particularly prone to if it isn’t kept dry and clean, but carbon steel is also susceptible to another type of oxidation that doesn’t affect stainless steel.

What is the advantages of it?

✦No hydrogen embrittlement: The black oxide process does not require an acid activation nor is it an electro-process; therefore, hydrogen embrittlement is not a factor. If the parts are scaled or rusty and an acid pickle is required, any hydrogen that may have evolved will quickly dissipate in the black oxide tank (running temp. 285 degrees F). Any remaining hydrogen will be completely dissipated within 48 hours after processing.

What is black knife made of?
What is black knife made of?

✦No white corrosion: The finished part does not have a “white-corrosion” state as some electro-plated parts exhibit over time. This makes black oxide an excellent finish for parts used internally on electronic components to become a basic kitchen knife. The small white corrosive flecks are conductive and may cause an electrical short.

✦Weldable: Welding black oxided parts does not produce noxious fumes nor hamper the ease with which a part can be welded as may be encountered by welding plated or painted parts.

Why are knives painted black?
Why are knives painted black?

WHY CHOOSE YIERCITY

● We have a huge selection of authentic professional knife sets.

● Excellent customer service before and after sales.

● Return guarantee on all products.

● Free shipping and tax/custom clearance service.

● Made of premium high-quality materials to ensure safety and durability.

●Continuously optimize the manufacturing process and design style, and pursue product innovation.

● We listen to our customer’s needs and adopt their feedback.

We are an official basic knife vendor who are verified on the knife forum with lots of third party five star reviews…and not one negative review to date.

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