The wonderful blackout DLC/PVD coating

[Syph007]

I was admiring the MTO blackout wenger that I had not really taken a close look at before.  That PVD coating is so perfect looking.  Well I got to thinking and went over to talk to my electroplater guy and brought the knife with me.

He looked at it with much interest and said he was looking for a new process to try out.  I really hope that was enough of a seed to get the idea started.  I suggested it was a great service to have as coating stainless steels by BO is not that perfect.

If anyone knows a place that can do it, Id love to get a quote to have some done in the mean time.  The only places I found were large scale operations, and not willing to work with a little guy.

[Thunderpants]

Awesome awesome awesome!

I don't know anything about electroplating but black blades are totally irresistible.
(Have you seen the Trailmasters which as far as I know are only available in Italy/France? http://www.coltelleriacollini.com/victorinox-trailmaster-black-pvd-v-0-84-63-m3-3-coltello-multiuso/)

[Jailbird]

You can try contacting a company called Pioneer Metal Finishing. They do all kinds of different anodizing and plating. I use them a lot at work. Another place to try is called Professional Plating in Brillion, WI. We use them for electroless nickel plating, but I know they do other stuff too. I have no idea if either have minimum orders, but it might be worth a call.

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[Syph007]

You can try contacting a company called Pioneer Metal Finishing. They do all kinds of different anodizing and plating. I use them a lot at work. Another place to try is called Professional Plating in Brillion, WI. We use them for electroless nickel plating, but I know they do other stuff too. I have no idea if either have minimum orders, but it might be worth a call.

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Thanks I will have a look.    I know it will be a more expensive process than black oxide, but the quality is so much nicer and it doesn't rub off.  I have to figure out what I think it would be worth per custom for that service though... adding up to $50 per SAK for a high end one would be doable but beyond that I think it would probably be too much.  Right now BOing a SAK springs and parts runs me about $20-$25.

My local guy has the knowledge, but not the setup yet.  Setup is simple enough, high vac, argon, negatively charge part and sputter away.  The particles hit the metal with such velocity they embed right into the steel. But dialing in the right parameters are what the trick will be. 

[sticktodrum]

I was going to recommend IonBond, but I believe they're one of the big companies you mentioned. Not sure if they do small runs of items.