Powder coating was developed in the mid- the 1960s. Powder coating is applied using the electrostatic principle. The parts to be coated are given a negative charge and the powder coat is given a positive charge and sprayed on. The dry coated parts are then baked in an oven or furnace, where the powder melts and fuses into a hard, protective finish.Powder coating is an acceptable and aesthetic treatment for light use blades. The black coatings are usually a black oxide or Teflon type coating. Blades are coated black, Flat Dark Earth and tan. Types of powder coating include Dura coat, Gun Kote, and various powder coats and oxide finishes. A coated blade offers protection, non-glare and striking looks.

Knives generally are coated to provide anti-glare surfaces and provide wear resistance, as well as to add additional corrosion resistance. The materials used in powder-coating are color powder, powder-coating gun, electric Oven, toaster oven, or powder coating oven, air compressor, acetone, gloves, paperclip/wire hanger, cloth/towel, handle scale and dust mask or respirator.

The process begins by dissembling of the knife which keeps the blade and other hardware away from the powder. The residual paint and rust is removed by sandblasting. The handles are then cleaned with acetone. The oven is pre- heated to the temperature indicated on the powder coat container. The part being powder coated is then hanged and put in the oven for 10 minutes. The handles are then cleaned and the coating of the handles begins using the powder coating gun. The handle is put back in the oven and as it comes up to temperature, the powder will melt and change from a dry look to a wet look. The instructions on the powder container should tell you how long and what temperature to put it in for.

Carbon steel coating uses electrostatic spray process that causes powder particles to adhere to the steel. The coated steel goes through four stages to complete the process: melt, flow, gel, and cure. The powder is applied with an electrostatic spray gun. The powder is fluidized to separate the individual grains of powder and improve the electrostatic charge. It is then sent to the gun in a more fluid state. Because the powder particles are electrostatically charged, the powder wraps around the back of the part as it passes by toward the air off-take system. The powder-coated items are placed in an oven and heated to temperatures that range from 160 to 210 degrees Celsius. This gives the final solid, tough, abrasion – resistant coating.

Black Traction Coating uses an epoxy hybrid base containing polyester. It is electrostatically applied in its dry powder form, and it goes on the blade. The knives are then put into an oven and baked at over 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 17 minutes, depending on the thickness of the material.