Stonewash
The stonewash finish on knives is created by mechanically processing the blade in a rotating drum, where the metal comes into contact with abrasive media, most often small stones or ceramic particles. Repeated impacts and friction cause a finely irregular pattern that resembles naturally worn metal. This gives the surface a matte, discreet appearance with characteristic small marks that give it an industrial and authentic look at first glance.
A blade treated in this way reflects less light, reducing unwanted glare. In practice, this is appreciated by outdoor users, soldiers, and hunters, for example, because the blade does not attract attention and is inconspicuous. Another advantage is that the surface texture can partially mask minor scratches that inevitably occur during use. This means that the knife remains attractive for a long time and does not require constant polishing.
Manufacturers often combine stonewash with a previous treatment, such as etching or sandblasting, to achieve a deeper contrast and a more interesting visual effect. This allows the blade to have both decorative value and practical durability. In addition, the process does not reduce the mechanical properties of the steel in any way, so the knife remains strong, sharp, and ready for everyday and extreme use.
