fire damaged knives

[marty161]

hi
I have five BUCK knive that i would like to repair myself. The knifes were in a fire and the handles are burned off. Before I put alot time and money in the knife how can I tell if the blades are damaged ? They still look good to me. and their still sharp. Can I test the knives just to be sure the blades are not damaged. I hope you can help me. thankes

 

[FK]

My suggestion is to find a machine shop with a Rockwell "C" scale hardness test machine. Have them check the "Rc" numbers,,,,the fire may have exceeded the factory tempering temperature and softened the steel.

Regards,
FK

 

[Crayola]

Rockwell testing would be best.

but, if you have a file at home (newer one is better), you can check the blade out yourself. Clamp the knife to a work surface. Then, try to file the edge (as if you are sharpenign with the file). A file is in the lower 60's on the RC scale. So,you should feel the file skate over the knife, or just barely scratch it. If you feel the file really bite the metal and you have removed soem metal with the filignaction, then the knvies are too soft and need to be heat treated.