Knife testing

C

cooks 7

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Jan 27, 2005
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I am in the process of making a couple of knives, my firsts really, except a throwing knife that is nearly indestructible. My question is this, what sort of real world tests should i perform on my knives before giving them out to people or trying to sell them in the future. I know about some of the ABS tests but they seem a little overkill for smaller blades. Anything in particular that you guys try with your blades to make sure they are worthy of distribution? Any input would be great.
:)
 
Hi there.

I like to cut stuff up. cardboard,rope,meat,vegitables,wood,or what ever I think the knife will be used for. as far as temper testing I like the good old brass rod test along with droppig the knife point first onto cement. I also like to cut up steel drums. its just fun.

I think it is important to stress saftey when testing. I've had a few close calls. so keep your head up.


have fun
jimi
 
Haven't made any for a few years but I used to have a couple tests. The concrete on is good; I also like to stab it into a 2x4 and then bend it over. You don't want to go in a half inch, but I used to go in more than 1/4", just to test the tip. I actually got to the point that I could make a 5160 knife that would tear the board up that way. It wouldn't bend or break, and it would hold an edge, and it would rip the 2x4 apart. I felt that was a pretty brutal test but valuable to make a knfe that holds up in camping or combat. But as noted above, whatever you do, always practice safety first. A flying blade or even a tiny splinter of steel can change your life forever, or even end it.
-jeramy
 
Do you remember the Samsonite luggage commercial years ago where they would 'prove' how tough their product was by tossing a Samsonite suitcase into a cage with a gorilla?

Well, I throw my blades (along with some Bandaids) into a cage with a gorilla :)
 
"Well, I throw my blades (along with some Bandaids) into a cage with a gorilla " OUCH!! :eek:
Were you testing the knife or the gorilla? :p

The point on the concrete, and brass rod are good test, I also like to hew on a piece of hickory a while to test edge geomitry, and just for edge holding cutting rope lets me know how it compares in cutting. I've heard it said that they never did skin to many pine or manilla game in the woods, but thouse two test give a good BASE line of where your at. Also a combat or camp knife gets a little tougher/differant workout than say a kitchen tomato knife, unless the owner sticks it in the dishwasher! One sure fire way to test a kitchen knife for me is to just give it to my mother. She likes to let it soak in the sink for days and when clean throughs it in a drawer full of utensils. If it survives her it's a pretty good knife.
 
thanks for the ideas, not to show my ignorance but what is the brass rod test? I tried searcing but the search function works for me about 1/4 of the time.
 
Take a 1/4 inch diameter brass rod and put the knife on the rod (clamp the rod in a vise) like it was a sharpener and push down until you can see the edge flex. Play around with lighting so you can see it. If the edge stays flexed it's too soft; if it chips it's too hard, and if it springs back it's just right.
Daniel
 
Loan it to my dim wit Uncle Gus. If he doesnt cut his finger off it will get a good work out. No actually just make one for yourself and take it camping, It will show its real self in no time. If you dont camp, loan it to somebody that does. Camp chores include chopping, digging, prying, throwing, stabbing, skinning, cleaning fish, killing bears and digging buckshot out of your buddies arse. You know just everyday stuff.
 
Bruce sounds like we go campin with the same crowd.

Nothing like an arse full of buckshot first thing in the mornin.


cya
jimi
 
That was a good review of you knife Brian. You're doing quality work all the way around, that's for sure.
 
Thanks Robert! Sure makes my nerves quite active untill the HT is tested ;)
Without this place I wouldnt be putting out good heat treated IN HOUSE 0-1 :D
Gotta love it!
 
If memory serves me you are a stock removal guy Brian. May I ask where you get the 5/32" O1? All I have found seems to be around a 1/4" and I would like to get some that is thinner. Thanks!
 
I get mine from McMAster Carr and some of the knife making supply places. MSC direct has Starrett 0-1 wich is supposed to be some of hte best.
 
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