Is This A Hardness Test?

Stumps

Stumps

Joined
Feb 9, 2011
Messages
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I was getting this Buck 110 ready to list for sale when I noticed what I think is a steel hardness test dimple.

I know there are fellow members here that know quite a bit about the hardness test and thought I would ask for verification.

I've handled hundreds and hundreds of Buck 110's. This is the first I've noticed with a dimple on the pile side of a blade.

I have been getting thoughts together to start a couple displays for some future shows. It will fit in the display nicely if this is indeed one that has been tested.

I posted lots of photos at different angles. Your thoughts?





























 
Rockwell test performed for me by an engineer produced two dimples in the blade steel. Your knife may have another dimple hidden by the bolster.
 
Mark thats very interesting! Ive never seen that either. If I was a betting man Id say that isnt factory but someone may humble me yet. I cant wait for DM to chime in on this ;)
 
Yes…I would love to hear NM Dave's thoughts and maybe Jeff Hubbard. Might send a link to this thread to Jeff to see what he has to say about it if I don't get definite answers here.
 
I am as dumb as a mud fence on this. But, my gut says - Yes, it is a factory dimple.

I swear there is a old thread with some of this dimple stuff in it.............300
 
It's been a few years since I've ran a Rockwell tester, but I don't remember the dimples in any material I tested being that small. But then again, it could be from a different machine than what I used, of course.
 
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Stumps, yes, it absolutely is a Rockwell hardness test mark. The testing method and the dimple result is available to study online. I would say your knife was fairly unique which makes it quite interesting. Thanks for the visual. You will have an interesting story when you show this knife.
 
I have an old Case daddy Barlow I am putting on the market right now with a dimple like yours. I have no idea how common they are.
 
Stumps, I have a few blades with dimples on different areas on the blade...
and a few knives... I was told they are test marks... :)
 
Stumps, I've had a number of my blades 'thumped' thru the years and have done several myself at a machine shop. I would say for certain that is a hardness test divot. The location is correct to perform the test and it looks to be the correct size. I'm sure Mr. Boss would have them tested periodically as that's common but to find one is indeed rare. As every heat treated will have a batch tested. It's rare to see it on a Buck. DM
 
Dimples,,, its been many years back, but there was a thread once about another dimple. I don't think it was ever called a hardness test, rather some variation marking. Just interesting is all. I think several of us have one like this one.

csc_1120b.jpg


csc_1120.jpg
 
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A hardness test is different than a more precisely placed dot or dimple as you see in a stamp. A hardness test divot cannot be conducted except on a very flat spot on the metal. Thus, on a folder you'll see them near the pivot hole. On a fixed blade they could be hidden under the handle and we'd never spot them. What Stumps is showing is different. DM
 
That one is definitely going into my display when I build it.

Thanks everyone!
 
Now you guys have me digging through this box of ancient old 110's looking for dimples. :eek: :D
 
That 529 dot mark was from a change in the knife... Could be the lock bar or the spring holder or what ever... :)
 
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