Materials
Titanium nitride coating
A thin, hard ceramic layer applied over stainless steel for colour and surface hardness.
A short history
Titanium nitride (TiN) coatings came into wide use on cutting tools such as drill bits from the 1980s, because the very hard, golden-coloured ceramic reduced wear. The same physical vapour deposition (PVD) process is now used for decorative and functional finishes on tools and instruments.
Composition
- Coating
- Titanium nitride (TiN) or related titanium compounds
- Process
- PVD — metal is vaporised in a vacuum chamber and condenses on the parts
- Thickness
- A few micrometres (thousandths of a millimetre)
- Base
- Stainless steel underneath
How it's hardened and tempered
The steel is hardened and finished first; the coating is applied afterwards in a vacuum chamber at temperatures low enough not to soften properly tempered steel. The coating adds a very hard surface skin but doesn't change the steel inside.
Why it lasts
- Very hard surface that resists scratches and scuffs.
- Even, consistent colour without paint or plating.
- Smooth, low-friction surface.
Care tips
- Clean with mild soap and water; avoid abrasive pads and polishes, which can wear the coating.
- Resharpening removes coating at the edge — this is normal and doesn't affect the steel.
- Coatings can wear at contact points over years of use; that is cosmetic finish wear.
Compared with cheaper alternatives
| Feature | PVD titanium coating | Paint / lacquer | Electroplating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Very hard ceramic | Soft | Moderate |
| Durability | Long-lasting | Chips and peels | Can flake |
| Thickness | Micrometres | Thick | Thin |
Available as a private-label finish option.
Every piece is backed by our Lifetime Warranty*.