Rockwell testing?

[Omega Leather Works]

I posted this question in another forum, but I'm not sure I'll get an answer.

Basically I'd like to know what all is involved in the testing. Roughly what does it cost, and who could I send a knife to? Can the test be done through a coat of cerakote, and if not is the tang a suitable testing area?

Any additional information is very much welcome.

I'm very curious as to the hardness on my Contegos cpm-m4

Thanks guys

 

[David Martin]

There is Much info. on this subject if you'll just google it and read. It is complex and different RC testers test to different points ( 1or2). They have to maintain calibration to within 1+/-. The better units can do this the less expensive ones cannot. That service is available you'll have to hunt for it and the tang area is fine for a thump. Phoenix Heat Treaters did do it at one time. DM

 

[eKretz]

There are several different testing methods, all are equally accurate if used correctly. One involves pressing a diamond penetrator into the steel and measuring how deep it goes, one presses a round form into the steel and measures the width of the impression, and yet another drops a hardened steel ball from a set distance then measures how high it bounces. Testing through a coating of any thickness will skew results, causing them to be inaccurate, more or less so depending on the testing method. You can test the tang but if the blade is differentially hardened, you won't learn/know anything about the hardness of the cutting edge. You will need to test as close to the edge as possible on a blade that isn't through-hardened. Obviously if your blade is through-hardened you can test anywhere. If you want to find a local place look up heat treatment vendors in your area. They must verify the hardness of the parts that they harden, and I'm sure one or another might be able to help you out. I'd try to be friendly and maybe they'll do it for nothing.