New ZT 0350, DLC coating scratching off, is this normal??

Tactical Gear Tactical Lights, Lasers & Knives
1

Hey folks, I’m just looking for some opinions here.

Last week I ordered a new Zero Tactical 0350st and just received it today, and it’s an amazing knife. I own two dozen Kershaw and Ken Onion models and this is, by far, my favorite.

Earlier this evening, I clipped it into my pocket and went out to dinner.

When I returned home and removed the knife from my pocket, I notcied that the black DLC coating had been scratched multiple times on the spine or back area of the blade. Scratched all the way down to the metal.

Evidently, just being in the same pocket as my car keys had scratched off the supposed “resistant” DLC coating.

I tested this and found that even a light rub with a metal key or object would completely remove the black DLC, and I know this can’t possibly be normal.

I’ve already contacted ZT and an hoping they’ll exchange this with a properly functioning knife. I’m just wondering if anyone else here has any experience with this and, if so, this is actually normal?

I’ve owned several “black” Kershaws, many of which were less than half the price of the ZT, and have never, ever seen this sort of fragile coating.

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

BO

2

It’s not the coating. What you are seeing is the metal coming off the keys and leaving marks on the blade.

3

Spins, thanks for pointing that out. I think you may be right.

Can the DLC coating really chew up stainless steel?

I’m rubbing my fingernail over the scratches and the slighter ones have disappeared. My fingernail is also eroding like I’m rubbing on a file. Is this what the DLC coating does?? The larger scratch is still there, but much less visible.

I never would’ve imagined it.

4

DLC stands for “diamond like coating” and it is insanely hard. yes it will rub metal off of softer materials…which is about anything.

give the knife character…no worries.