Brass Rod test question

blgoode

blgoode

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
7,147
I have read a little on the brass rod test. Am I basically looking to see if the steel does not chip and flexes back to straightonce I see that it has flexes on the rod?
 
Yup.

Btw I found a neat way to make a tester. get a piece of 2x4x4. First drill a hole in a wood block near an edge that just fits your brass rod. Then hit the center of the block along that edge with the sander so the hole is exposed in the middle, but not on the ends.

Now drive the brass rod thru the drilled whole and out the other side. The center section with the brass rod is exposed. Now you can put the block in the vice and test away without the rod moving on you.

Steve
 
how hard do I push? I just watched for edge flex but wasn't sure about how hard to push.....
 
this is how I test all my blades after tempering. I draw the blade useing enough pressure that you can actually see the steel (cutting edge) raise and lower along the entire knifes edge. if it rebounds back to straight you've got a darn good edge, if it rolls over and stays, your draw temp was to high, back off 60 degrees and start back up again at 20 degree intravals until no chipping, and yes you will have to reharden first. If it chips raise draw temp 20 degrees and check again, still to hard, raise another 20 degrees until you achieve the flex and rebound with no chipping. This is just my techique, but it makes for a darn good cutting edge, and once you find the right quenchant, along with the same draw temps you should have it nailed down pretty close for each steel you use. Just check them after tempering to be on the safe side.

Good luck

Bill
 
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