RC hardness explanations

[Justin King]

I use a slightly different version of the brass rod test which I think demonstrates these concepts reasonably well, although it is slightly destructive to the edge of a newly sharpened knife. I place the edge of the blade across the brass rod with the edge inclined 45% or so into the rod, and put downward pressure (with no movement) until the portion of edge contacting the rod either bends or chips. The amount of pressure needed and the type and extent of the edge failure can tell you a lot about edge stability. Not a test that you want to do to every knife in your house unless you feel like doing lots of sharpening, but I have tested a number of blades this way and it seems to be useful.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Just when I thought I understood the hardness and toughness terms. . . . . . So, should I anneal and re HT since I haven't tempered yet?