Are the coloured coating as strong as the standard black?!

I could only believe that the Black and Dark Gray Skilhunt colors might be Hard Anodized, but I have not seen them in person.

Absolutely NoWay I can believe their Orange or Blue or Green are anything other than Type 2.

agree.. laughable!

they also claim the HD01 is Hard Anodized.

Trust but Verify, Google is known for mistakes (they quote MFG web pages, which are full of inaccuracies)

They explicitly state for the Slate Blue to be Type III, other colors of the same light Type II (oddly enough, even black).

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But isn’t this ‘type 2/type 3’ anodising just names for less thick and more thick taken from some US Army standard, and the process is less binary than they imply (as in some things are anodised better than others)?

This is Skillhunt E3A Slate Blue which I have used for 2 years. I don’t know it’s more durable than other colors.

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Type 2, vs vs type 3 is not just a matter of thickness.

From Google below:

Type II anodizing creates a thinner oxide layer for moderate corrosion protection and decorative applications, often dyed vibrant colors, while Type III, or hardcoat anodizing, forms a significantly thicker, harder, and denser layer for superior wear and corrosion resistance in demanding industrial applications. The primary differences are the oxide layer’s thickness, hardness, durability, and suitability for dyeing.

Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

Type II (Sulfuric or Decorative Anodizing)

  • Thickness: Produces a thinner oxide layer (typically 5-25 µm).

  • Appearance: Creates a porous surface ideal for dyeing to achieve a rich, metallic luster or vibrant colors.

  • Properties: Offers moderate corrosion and wear resistance.

  • Applications: Used for general commercial applications, decorative parts, and components requiring a good surface for paint adhesion.

  • Process: Often performed in a sulfuric acid bath at a higher temperature compared to Type III.

Type III (Hardcoat or Engineered Anodizing)

  • Thickness:

Generates a significantly thicker, denser oxide layer (often 25-100 µm or more).

  • Hardness:

Results in a harder, more abrasion-resistant surface (60-70 HRC).

  • Properties:

Provides excellent wear resistance, high durability, and superior corrosion protection.

  • Applications:

Suited for demanding environments in industries like aerospace, marine, and medical devices where heavy wear and tear are expected.

  • Process:

A specialized, low-temperature process that produces the thicker, harder coating.

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agree! thanks for helping :wink:

trust but verify:

thank you for sharing your first hand experience and photo

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I have 2 Skilhunt E3A in state blue and green colour body.
I use it about 3 years and usually carry it in little pocket of jeans trousers as backup light and state blue is like new, green one has a few light schratches, so green anodization can be a little weaker.

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Type II and type III are different processes using different chemicals and procedures. Type III generally results in ~2x the anodize thickness.