files for RC testing

C

Cliff Stamp

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I did some searching for a RC tester awhile ago and quickly concluded that I will not be getting one for awhile. I was just recently informed that you can get a set of "test files" for RC testing. These are basically a set of files of varying hardness which you can use to estimate the RC hardness of a blade by seeing if the file will scratch it. I checked around locally and just got blank looks - does anyone know were I can get these and how useful they are?

-Cliff
 
Cliff:
MSC Industrial supply has a set listed, 6 file set test ranges from HRc 40 - HRc65 that costs about $90.00. The phone number is 800 645-7270. I've not used the files for testing but it looks like each file covers five points of the scale and they are imported. Not much help but it'll give you someplace to start.

------------------
P.J.
YES,it is sharp, just keep your fingers out of the way!
www.silverstar.com/turnermfg


 
I had Patton Knives treat a few of my blades and they had the file set. When I asked what RC they tempered them to they pulled out the files. My temper showed ~56 with the files. Both of us were concerned so they pulled out their treatment log and double checked the process. The knives should have come out at about 59-60 according to their treatment.

Needless to say we had them tested with a real tester and they were indeed at 59. Don't know what else to say but I don't trust the files.

Steve
 
I dunno ... seems to me the files would wear quickly being used on steel of nearly the same hardness and sometimes harder than the file. Seems to me it might be accurate when the files are brand new but what about after you've used them a few times?

-Cougar Allen :{)
 
Paul Bos, IMHO the leading heat treater in the country for commercialy heat treated knife blades, used to make a set of Rc tester blades.

The set consisted of three small blades with a diagonal cut point and cutting edge.
Each blade was heat treated to exactly Rc56, Rc59 and Rc62. You can test the hardness of a blade by using the cutting edge of the tester to try and cut a place on your finished blade. This will tell you within 2 points what the hardness of your blade is. Example: If you try the Rc59 tester on your blade and it just slides off, then your blade is over Rc59. Then uese the Rc62 tester and try again. If it bites right in then it is under Rc62. Therefore your blade is Rc60-61.

This is obviously not real exact, but knowing within two points is certainly in the ball park, and useful information. For more accuracy than this you'll have to have access to a real hardness tester. But remember that even a real hardness tester can be misleading if it is not calibrated correctly or used properly.

For the tester blades I mentioned you might contact PAUL BOS and see if he can be talked into making some more of these. I have had a set for about 5 years now and been very pleased with the system. I don't have contact info. for Mr Bos handy right now, but you can look him up in any of the "KNIVES" annuals for a phone number. He is a real gentleman and very helpful..

Hope this helped instead of confusing.

GARY B
 
Guys: IMHO, knowing the hardness within only a few points is only 1/2 the answer. I agree- Save your money for a real tester. the imported ones work fine is you calibrate them from KNOWN test specimens.

RJ Martin
 
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