Test knife

Looks like an awesome user knife. Good luck.
 
Looking good Joe. That is a winner. I agree, the 5160 from Al is good stuff, that is what my test knife was made out of. Good luck and let us know. I think the 2x4's and rope should be scared. We will see you at Blade.

Brion
 
AAARRRGH!!!!! It broke up near the tip at about 80 degrees!!! Back to the old drawing board.
 
Damn it Joe, that sucks ass! :(

Is there enough time between now and the show to retest? 6 months right?

Just don't let it get you down Joe! I've heard a lot of the most famous smiths in the ABS broke their blade on the first testing attempt.

It will just make it that much sweeter when you get it next time. :)
 
Well crap. I've been on the road working all day. I got in late, as you can tell by the time of my post. Before going to bed, I came in to check on your results. Hopefully, you'll have time to retest before Blade.
 
Bumber, Joe. But Nick's right - when you get it done, it'll be all that sweeter!
Take three deep breaths.
Happy thoughts - happy thoughts.
See you in Atlanta, friend.
 
Bummer Man, sorry to hear it.

Knickmeyer and I tested a guy last year that I was certain was goin to pass.
I was shocked when his blade broke cleanly in two. He just recently pass on his
second go.

On your next one, think thin, then make it thinner...
 
Don Hanson III said:
Bummer Man, sorry to hear it.

Knickmeyer and I tested a guy last year that I was certain was goin to pass.
I was shocked when his blade broke cleanly in two. He just recently pass on his
second go.

On your next one, think thin, then make it thinner...
Click to expand...

The edge geometry and blade profile were spot on. It cut great and after I did the 2 x 4 chop, Bailey went out and showed a customer who was at the shop what a chopper could do by cleanly whacking a 1 1/2 inch pine sapling about 5 times. He said that up until the point where the blade snapped, it was bending in a nice, full curve. The problem is that the blade showed grain growth. The grain wasn't huge, but it was way too big. Also, when we put it and another W2 blade I had on the Rockwell machine, they both measured much softer than they should have. So.........I have some basic technical problems to address, including but DEFINITELY not limited to whether or not my Paragon is working properly. In hindsight, I was about 5 degrees of bendway from passing, but if I had, there is the distinct possiblity that I would have likely been putting a flawed product in the hands of some customers. Better to find out this way. Anyone know how much a used Rockwell testing machine costs?:D
 
Joe,

Nice to see you taking the results with such a positive spin. :) I agree that the hardness results and analysis of the blades were worth the trip and the time you put in towards the test. If you find a source for cheap hardness testers call me before you post it. :D
 
Sorry for the bad luck Joe. Do you have any idea as to what caused the grain growth? A good learning experience though. I was pulling for you. I guess you need to find a way to calibrate your Paragon, maybe one of the infrared handheld thermometers. You will get it next time. Keep up the good work.

Brion
 
ironbikemike said:
Here's a Bench mount Hardness tester I found on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=350155619011 I don't think it's too bad a deal so far. :)
Click to expand...

I put in a maximum bid of $300 on that earlier to test the waters and got outbidded. Soemone must have a fairly high maximum, so I am going to hold off until the end. Even if I don't get this one, there is a seller who has 6 new in the box ones with the full accessory kits for around $750.
 
Ouch! tough break, I still have a bit before I have to make mine. So I'm gonna learn from all the mistakes I can make and go from there. again sorry to hear about the bad news.
 
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