hardness testing

[Hmathews]

Here is a question for the collectors and knife buyers, but anybody feel free to add their two cents worth. How do you feel about seeing a dot on the blade where the hardness was tested?

 

[Lorien]

I have a Puma with a dot on the blade from testing. I have a lot of respect for that knife due to the individual test.

Personally, I'm more concerned that the knife is made to perform, (most times, and at least with the type of knives I can afford) than whether there's a little divot from the maker's hardness testing apparatus.

 

[Gabe Newell]

Hardness testing dots are good.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I've never had a knife with a test indent on the blade. Where would it normally be located?

 

[T.K.C.]

I've never had a knife with a test indent on the blade. Where would it normally be located?

Ditto.

 

[SharpByCoop]

I'm with Gabe. At first blush it sounds like a credible way to authenticate exactly what this blade has been HT'd to. Now, wouldn't the hardness differ from ricasso to edge?

Curious how you go about the mark and where you test it. Smart.

Yes there might be an instance(s) where it would draw undo visual attention.

Coop

 

[Charles Vestal]

I've never had a knife with a test indent on the blade. Where would it normally be located?

Keith, the fighter I made for you has a testing dot under the guard.

I think it is better to keep the dot hidden if at all possible.

 

[Doug C]

Anything that gives more information on the blade steel is a good thing, imo.
Visually, I see Charles' and Coops' points.

Doug

 

[Hmathews]

We usually test blades under the handle in the guard area. Our tester doesn't work on surfaces that are not parallel so the handle area or recasso is usually best. They can be tested on the blade if there is a flat surface close to the spine. We have checked, on a test ground blade, the difference between the ricasso and the thinner edge and found no measurable difference between the hardness in the steel we use.

On differentially hardened blades the test dot is on the ricasso in the area that is hard and one in the area that is softer. These disappear in the polishing of the blade.

We try to check them all. We have found a blade made from some steel that was marked incorrectly from the manufacturer and didn't harden properly. A problem with our oven was also identified by checking the hardenss of the heat treated blades. It was immediately evident when we didn't hit the number we were looking for. We also check the blades if we have them heat treated by Paul Bos. Every one has been dead on the money.

We have had people ask if we test the blades and if we would we leave a visual indication. I was just wondering if it makes any difference if it is visable or not. I would personslly rather it be tested, but be hidden and that is the way we usually handle it.

 

[hardheart]

Now, wouldn't the hardness differ from ricasso to edge?

Not if the blade had a full quench and temper. The test has to be done on a flat surface perpendicular to the force of the indenter.