Hardness tester as next purchase?

B

Bltien

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Feb 1, 2017
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From getting a little extra cash and moving some Christmas knives, I’m really considering a hardness tester as my next purchase. I got an even heat this past fall and used it once, mailing a coupon from the batch to a friend to be tested. My thought is that reassurance the heat treat went well is at the top of the priority list, especially just getting started with my own heat treating and planning on using different steels, hardnesses, etc. I made about 20-30 knives this year and it’s only been increasing, so I feel it’s justified to buy one thinking about the long term.
I think I’ve seen some people had this one when I was looking into them before.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PHR-2-...m=270914040758&_trksid=p2056116.c100935.m2460
Any opinions about this one?? Or other input? Thanks!
Brady
 
Bltien said:
From getting a little extra cash and moving some Christmas knives, I’m really considering a hardness tester as my next purchase. I got an even heat this past fall and used it once, mailing a coupon from the batch to a friend to be tested. My thought is that reassurance the heat treat went well is at the top of the priority list, especially just getting started with my own heat treating and planning on using different steels, hardnesses, etc. I made about 20-30 knives this year and it’s only been increasing, so I feel it’s justified to buy one thinking about the long term.
I think I’ve seen some people had this one when I was looking into them before.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PHR-2-Small-Portable-Rockwell-Hardness-Tester-Sclerometer/270914040758?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=20180306143914&meid=100a81fc61d14c119aab1ca3320f8c9d&pid=100935&rk=2&rkt=4&sd=263905991537&itm=270914040758&_trksid=p2056116.c100935.m2460
Any opinions about this one?? Or other input? Thanks!
Brady
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I have one and I like it.
 
The durometer is an instrument that can not be missed if you are to temper your blades. I do not know what you have indicated. I use a certified durometer made in 1973 by Galileo Italia, and I must say that despite his age is still extremely precise.
 
Bltien said:
Do you think it lacks anything compared to the bench top models besides the weight/size?
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There is more room for user error, as you load the tension manually. If you are diligent, it’s not a problem.
 
I have an ames which is very similar. Look around for a test block if it doesn't come with one. The tester is great but a couple quality standards will give you a level of confidence. You can also do up some coupons and test them against your friends tester. Once you get a tester it's a good idea to do up coupons anyways to dial in you heat treat.
 
scott kozub said:
I have an ames which is very similar. Look around for a test block if it doesn't come with one. The tester is great but a couple quality standards will give you a level of confidence. You can also do up some coupons and test them against your friends tester. Once you get a tester it's a good idea to do up coupons anyways to dial in you heat treat.
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It looks like it comes with a few test blocks. And that’s the game plan! Now that Christmas is over I should have some time for some testing.
 
its good to know your getting accurate results but repeatable results are more important. If you know you tester gives results 2 points low (based on stds) you can still dial in your heat treat to get optimal results. A lot of people here say that"knife makers have done fine without them for years" but I like to eliminate variability and be able to say my blade is XX HRC. I think it's a selling point because you can compare to commercial knives.
 
Newbie here. I have an Ames. Same as I used at work for other purposes. They are small & accurate enough for Hughes Aircraft ... which is now Boeing or Rayethon depending. Military stuff. Works for me ...
+-1 rc ... I believe. Rebuildable too.
 
skillgannon said:
I need to get one too. Let me know how it is to set up.
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It's very easy. Check out this video from ames. The one you got is an ames knockoff i think so it should be exactly the same.

The key I find is when your rotate the dial to establish 0 set your eye line so the scribe line matches the 0. keep your eyes at this level for consistent accurate results. If you lift or lower your eye line you can slightly read different results. I clamp my tester in the vise and make sure the knife blade is not resting on the curved portion of the tester arm but i have also just held it in my knees which shows how easy it is. Once you get past the preload it should hold the blade in place but be careful the blade doesn't fall out when returning back to the set point. Any sideload on the blade will skew the results. I often rest the blade on my finger. You'll understand once you get it. It really couldn't be easier. Oh, also make sure the anvil and blade are free from debris as that will also give wonky results.

 
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