Quality Testing Pen Knives

Chris Crawford

Chris Crawford

Joined
Apr 14, 2001
Messages
380
Does anyone here have a good process for quality testing small folders? I mainly make pen knives, or small pocket knives, like the one under my username.

I wouldn't think that you could put a pin knife through the ABS tests, so what kind of things can I do and look for to test the quality of my knives.

Thanks -chris
 
Chris, send one to me and I will be glad to test it for you. I like the design ofr your knives
 
Chris,

These are just my own thoughts and I don't know any official tests, but.......

This type of pocket knife usually is not a hard use knife, at least for me.

I use mine constantly for opening things, boxes, envelope, cutting out coupons and articles. So I would think that extensive cutting of the type objects that you envision you knives being used for would probably be the way to go.

You also introduce the blade/spring interface, so you could just become a machine, opening and closing to test for wear and slop.

Your knives look GREAT and thanks for the tutorial on the slip joints.

Bob Sigmon
 
Chris,

I use and carry a small folder everyday. The number one issue I have is BLADE SHARPNESS RETENTION! I can excuse almost anything, but if a blade won't stay sharp, its of no use to me. If it were me, I would include this as one of your top three considerations.--P.S. keep up the good work-great lookin' knives and a cool shop!--Dan
 
Dan's sharpness concern is certainly one of the most important issues. I'll bet you don't have any trouble there if you're using O1 and other carbon steels.

Another important task I would ask of a small pocket knife is light prying of small objects. It does come up from time to time and I've broken off my share of tips.

Also, cleaning and scraping of dirt from under the fingernails. I use a small knife for this almost always and some blade shapes are better than others. Some are effectively useless.

Keep up the good work and don't stop entertaining us with your great pictures!
 
All good ideas so far but the biggest concern I have with a small folder it being able to clean pocket lint and grit from it.
 
Good suggestions so far..I would include fit and finish, though I'm sure you already pay attention to that. Little things like sighting down the blade and making sure the grinds are perfectly centered left to right, or checking the swedge grind and making sure that is even on both sides, make a big difference in my evaluation of a blade. Don't get me wrong, how a knife works is my most important criterion, but after that fit and finish make most of the difference between a carefully constructed hand-made piece, and something I can get from a factory for half the price.
 
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