Tai,
The test was explained to me in this way.
Thin enough to slice a rope in a single pass, heavy enough to chop through a two by four twice and still hold an edge good enough to shave without losing some skin. After that, bend to a 90 degree angle and release. The blade should not break or crack over half way through. Most of them will not even crack the hardened part, a few of them do.
It may not be in writing but performing the test will indicate that it will hold an edge with a given thickness and edge geometry. Several master smiths have had the test applicants go back and chop some more and then cut the rope some more before seeing if it will still shave. Most of them will. This is after the testor has already passed everything except the bend test.
It works for me and I am sure that you would also have no problem with passing it. For the beginner, and that is who asked the question, this is a goal worth seeking.
After that, who knows what his knives will be able to cut and for how long.
The test was explained to me in this way.
Thin enough to slice a rope in a single pass, heavy enough to chop through a two by four twice and still hold an edge good enough to shave without losing some skin. After that, bend to a 90 degree angle and release. The blade should not break or crack over half way through. Most of them will not even crack the hardened part, a few of them do.
It may not be in writing but performing the test will indicate that it will hold an edge with a given thickness and edge geometry. Several master smiths have had the test applicants go back and chop some more and then cut the rope some more before seeing if it will still shave. Most of them will. This is after the testor has already passed everything except the bend test.
It works for me and I am sure that you would also have no problem with passing it. For the beginner, and that is who asked the question, this is a goal worth seeking.
After that, who knows what his knives will be able to cut and for how long.
