Russ Andrews MS Performance Test - Cutting

canineforge

canineforge

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Nov 21, 2005
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I was priviledged to get to witness Russ take his MS performance test at Sunfish Forge yesterday. Observed and administered by Don Hanson MS, Russ went through the performance steps in quick fashion with a finely-tuned knife. I will be brief and let Don and Russ fill in where they would like. This thread will be the cutting photos, then I'll follow with the bend test.

Russ' 352-layered 1084/15N20 test blade was so sharp, and Russ was so quick, I missed the actual cut of the rope:

RussMScut2.jpg


Humm, that edge geometry is pretty good!

RussMScut3.jpg


Outside for the 2 X 4 chopping:

RussMScut5.jpg


Russ made the knife talk, the toughness showed:

RussMScut7.jpg


Don checking edge retention, while Russ was telling him to be careful, that blade is hot!:

RussMScut10.jpg


Russ shaved off what seemed like a handful of arm hair next.

Back inside, next post...


- Joe
 
Nice. I would love to see pics of the knife :)
Don, you sure do live in a pretty area.

Russ, if any of your 5 MS test knives are unspoken for, please let me know.
 
Joe,

One fantastic new/old Master observing another new/old one coming on. Both these guys have been at the top of the game for a long time. Nice to see them supporting the ABS.

Fun for you, too.

John
 
Back inside, we have Don measuring the blade to test for the 90-degree bend part of Russ' MS performance test. 1/3rd from the tip of the blade:

RussMSbend1.jpg


Russ explaining his preparation for this critical part of the test, heat treatment of the blade:

RussMSbend2.jpg


I'll let the pictures talk here:

RussMSbend5.jpg


RussMSbend7.jpg


RussMSbend9.jpg


Russ' knife performed admirably!

And, after all the dust, smoke and chips settled:

RussMStest3.jpg


I appreciate Russ and Don letting me be a part of this, and congratulations, again, Russ. :thumbup::thumbup:


- Joe
 
Thanks for the peek! Nice goin Russ!
 
excellent, love these pictures! congratulations, russ!

best regards,
hans
 
Cool thread.

Congrats to Russ Andrews ! :thumbup:






On a side note: The ABS MS testing criteria states. . . .


*NOTE: The Master test knife must be forged with a "stick" or hidden tang handle. A full tang is not acceptable as a test knife.
Click to expand...


Can someone explain why "a full tang is not acceptable as a test knife?"
 
Congrats Russ - well done! Thanks for posting these up Joe.

Here's a closer look at the knife:

orig.jpg


Roger
 
Congrats, Russ. It was a good cuttin party and ya did real good. I hope to see you in Atlanta.

Joe, it was good having you out and thanks for the good photos.

Gig, hidden tang knife for MS, is to show you can design, build and heat treat a hidden tang that will pass the test. It's easier done with a full tang.
 
Congrats Russ
Thanks Don For Hosting and Joe for documenting
Wicked Temper line on that cutter and a Danbo sized grip
 
I love to see this stuff. Congrats to Russ. Don that shop looks so roomy. Thanks for photos Joe.
 
Joe,thanks for the story and pics. :thumbup:
Don,nice place. :thumbup:

Russ,congratulations! Whatta' knife! :thumbup: :cool:

Doug
 
Thanks Joe, Don and Russ for sharing the event. This is a tough test and is by no means a sure pass. Congratulations Russ you sure deserve it. :thumbup:
 
jonathan brand said:
I love to see this stuff. Congrats to Russ. Don that shop looks so roomy. Thanks for photos Joe.
Click to expand...

It was a pleasure getting to observe and take photos of this. Happy to post these for everyone. Plus, glad Russ was willing to have these posted. Nice for everyone to see what those doing the ABS testing have to prepare for.

Jonathan, as to Don's shop being roomy...you sure have to watch your step in there. You are more likely to trip over some W2 than not if you aren't careful! ;)

- Joe
 
Thanks Don, for the time and willingness to administer
the test, And Joe, thanks for posting up the thread and
photos...

Anthony.....Thanks, I'm tryin'....maybe someday..!

It's quite a relief to have this part done....

I think Don's right about FT/NT question.....A narrow
tang is more difficult.....it's also more appropriate,
since most forged blades (especially damascus) are
narrow tang construction.

Pic of bent knife attatched...
 

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