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Brass Rod Test
- Thread starter Doug W
- Start date
- Joined
- Jul 23, 1999
- Messages
- 1,409
On the brass rod test.....
This test will determine if you have obtained the correct WORKING hardness for the given steel. This test should be conducted with the finished edge applied to the blade.
Place a piece of 1/4" brass rod, horitontally in a vise so that a portion of the rod is clear of the vise, and accessable.
Place the chosen blade's edge on the brass rod, at a 90 degree angle to the rod. With the knife lying almost flat. (like you are going to shave the bar) Exert enough down force on the blade until you can visually see the edge of the blade deflect over the rod. While maintaining this pressure, draw the entire edge across the brass rod. If the correct working hardness was achieved during heat treatment, the edge will deflect over the rod, and return to true. And edge that is too soft will roll over the brass rod, and remain bent. One that is too hard will chip as you draw the blade across the rod. A blade that passes this test will pass the chopping portion of the ABS tests, and generally will pass the rope cutting portion, provided the blade is of sufficient size, and the edge geometry is correct. I consider this test a must if your looking to make the best cutting, toughest blades you can. It's just one more part of the "Overall Package"
http://www.mtn-webtech.com/~caffrey
[This message has been edited by Ed Caffrey (edited 29 September 1999).]
This test will determine if you have obtained the correct WORKING hardness for the given steel. This test should be conducted with the finished edge applied to the blade.
Place a piece of 1/4" brass rod, horitontally in a vise so that a portion of the rod is clear of the vise, and accessable.
Place the chosen blade's edge on the brass rod, at a 90 degree angle to the rod. With the knife lying almost flat. (like you are going to shave the bar) Exert enough down force on the blade until you can visually see the edge of the blade deflect over the rod. While maintaining this pressure, draw the entire edge across the brass rod. If the correct working hardness was achieved during heat treatment, the edge will deflect over the rod, and return to true. And edge that is too soft will roll over the brass rod, and remain bent. One that is too hard will chip as you draw the blade across the rod. A blade that passes this test will pass the chopping portion of the ABS tests, and generally will pass the rope cutting portion, provided the blade is of sufficient size, and the edge geometry is correct. I consider this test a must if your looking to make the best cutting, toughest blades you can. It's just one more part of the "Overall Package"
http://www.mtn-webtech.com/~caffrey
[This message has been edited by Ed Caffrey (edited 29 September 1999).]
Thank You, Thank you!!!! Now it makes sense! I was using a microscope and putting pressure on the edge over the rod and flexing one spot at a time, watching it move then return. I made an edge I knew would chip and it didn't and I knew I wasn't using the test correctly. I will try it your way!
Doug
Doug