I'm new around here, so there is no long history of good advice from me, but I've been a toolmaker/machinist/moldmaker for 15 years. I know a little bit about working with metal.
That Ames tester is a wonderful tool.
I can see from the title of this thread that you pasted the info off an ebay auction. I can give you a little rundown on the Ames.
The only reason it is listed as a "B" scale tester is because they don't have the Diamond penetrator for the "C" scale. They are available.
That model tests B and C with the right atachments.
"B" scale is really kind of worthless for hardened steel, it's more of an Aluminum, Brass, or cast iron scale.
I recently bought one of these on ebay, and love it. I've used them in the past, and knew they were a good tool.
Easy, convenient, small, and accurate.
Keep an eye out on ebay, they show up on auction pretty often. I paid $161 for mine, and it came with B and C penetrators, and 3 virgin standards. I scored well.
I've been keeping an eye on them, hoping to win one for a friend, but they've all gone over the price he want's to pay.
The guy called the one I won a "B" scale tester, so no one really bid on it. There were "B" scale instructions printed on the box from a previous owner, so he assumed it was just a "B" scale tester.
The Diamond was in the box though, and that's a $425 item.
Like I said, it was a good score for me.
Here's a
LINK for the one that I won. Patience on ebay will often score you a fine deal like I got. And ask the seller questions. I asked if there was a diamond in there, and what standards came with it. Without that info, I would have just assumed it was limited to B scale, and not bid on it.
If you heat treat any of your own steel, a tester is a necessity. If you use a reputable heat treater, they aren't necessary, just nice to have.
I feel these Ames testers are ideal for a knifemaker, but keep in mind, I've made less than 20 knives.
