Ebb, I think anyone taking it as gospel would be a little irresponsible
Exactly. And there are plenty of people out there willing to do exactly that. You included as proved by your next sentence.
t's not scientific and to me it only concludes a few general things that may or may not hold true over a bigger sample.
So, according to you, it's not science and what you find out may or may not be true. You are finding out
general things...such as debunking one myth with another, since what you do isn't science.
might even give us some ideas on how we can provide better testing.
When you say "us" do you mean you and the rest of the BYKBs or the knife industry in general?
I think the knife industry in general has a handle on what works and doesn't.
It's interesting to me though how many forumites will claim destructive testing has no real world value when a member here does it, but when a company does it they're only respected more.
I haven't claimed that destructive testing has no value.
I have claimed that backyard knife testing, with no controls, countless variables and in samples of one, have no value.
A company like Spyderco (no I don't own one) has the means to do controlled testing in large samples.
An ABS smith has control of the variables and the means to keep track of them.
There is a huge difference between you chopping on a branch still connected to the tree and Spyderco's test equipment.
Oh and one more thing.
It is one matter to go and break production pieces. They are mass produced and there is always the question that it was a bad apple in the barrel. Big Al at grinder three could've had a bad night. Vinnie in heat treat could've left a blade out...A production company can absorb the negative impact and the cost of replacing the blade.
It is a whole 'nother matter when one starts this nonsense with a custom maker.
Quality aside, you are dealing with a single man's reputation, work and livelyhood.
Consider putting you're own career on the line against some internet 'expert'.
An expert who deals in theory, not science and who deals in concepts that may or may not hold true over a bigger sample.
If he makes a crappy knife the community will know.
The community doesn't need BYKS.