This is getting a littlle, okay, a lot funny.
or is it a durability thing?
Yes.
[Normally, my blade strikes are really light, just a nick to the tips because I normally get it shut down before it happens
That is exactly what the covering is for, protecting the blades from "light" tip strikes plus to help keep the blades from warping due to temperature.humidity, etc.
I don't feel like buying more tools and supplies to ultracote blades
Then don't. A household iron works fine , and most hobby people have an x-acto knife or can buy a box of single edge razors for a dollar.
I will have them painted and dry by later today and let everyone know how they do.
There won't be a lot of suspenseful hand-wringing.
We already know. They will look hideous without a bunch of primer and sanding and multiple coats of paint, which addds a ton of weight. You'll have a pair of blades that look like crap with no resistance to weather,lwarping or "light tip strikes". Can't wait.
I can buy them for $12 a set or get a set of cheapies from Hong Kong off ebay if that is the case.
Again, widely known and a good idea in this case.
The classic movie 'Bull Durham' comes to mind-The veteran catcher to the young,talented but dim-witted pitcher :"Don't think. You''ll hurt the ballclub".
Buy some blades.[
Doug