JS Test

Whit

Whit

Joined
Dec 27, 2001
Messages
729
Now I'm not even close to being ready for a JS Test, but someone can help with this question I'm sure. Everyone seems to recommend 5160 for this test. I've been reading on here how tough L6 is. Someone wrote the other day about bending is several times to 90 degrees before it broke. So have many people taken the JS test with an L6 knife? How did it hold up? Is it tough enough for the bend test, but not any good at the other tests? Thanks.
 
Whit

In testing people in my shop.
5160 has passed more often than any other steel. L6, unless you are very careful has a tendency to air harden on the spine. Personally I think it is an excellent steel, to quote Sid Birt years ago "If I had the time I do belive I could sit down and whittle a railroad track in half with it" however unless you gottum mucho experience with it I would not use it for the JS test. My opinion.

I have had several people come to do their JS with a "new" steel for them, their JS test being the first time they tried the steel out. That never seemed to work out well.
jf
 
5160 is a spring steel and will make a really great knife with a spring back when heat treated properly..The L6 is also a great steel.It will pass the bend test if heat treated properly.You just need to learn the steel you are using and how to make it do what you want by experimenting and practicing...
Good Luck..
Bruce
 
I made two blades, forged them one after the other from the middle of the billet, Ground and heat treated the same. Tested in my shop with one, flexed it to destruction, then went to the Master Smith's shop for the test. I knew with as much probability and knowledge as backed my knives at the time that it would pass.
 
The above should read, I tested one of them, taking it through the standard test and more, then took the other one to the real test.
 
Great thread. I am testing next month with edge-quenched 5160. My question is this: Do I go for a sure pass with a so-called wimpy blade, or....?

John
 
John,I am testing next month also,I am using a normalized and then edge quenched blade,hust to lesson all variables of not passing.I have made two blades and did my own test here at the shop with one,and did the bend in both directions with out the edge even cracking..
I would rather keep my nerves in check than be wondering if I got the softened enough myself.
Bruce
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top