Well, I'm probably going to take my knife through the durability test then 90 degree bend this weekend. Anyone have any tips? I do not expect to pass because this is my first time trying, but I'm still pretty excited.
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Testing my knife.
- Thread starter Johnbeck180
- Start date
Good advice from Stan. Always think a little past "Positive"
If you set your mind to it, then it will happen.
Robert
If you set your mind to it, then it will happen.
Robert
make sure to blunt the edge before you attempt the 90* bend.
Good luck, and post pics of the carnage
Good luck, and post pics of the carnage
You guys are right, what I should have said was: my knife has Been made to the best of my knowledge and ability, if it fails then I will try to understand why an fix it. :0) thank you. I will reset my frame of mind.
Pics are a must, I'll try to take video to. Can we post videos on here or links to YouTube videos.
Keep as accurate notes as possible! use a torque wrench to see how much force is required to flex it. not just how well it cut, but how many cuts it took to quit shaving, then how many cuts to quit agressively cutting, on a bathroom scale to measure force for each cut. how many edge flexes and if the edge bent over or chipped out and on what number of fledge flexes it happened. test the tip by concrete floor test, hammering it into mild steel. anything and every test you can think of, but keep those notes in a place where you wont lose them.
As the others said, believe that it will pass! Not just one 90 degree bend, but several! dont forget to use wood blocks between the blade and the jaws of the vise, and your safety glasses!
As the others said, believe that it will pass! Not just one 90 degree bend, but several! dont forget to use wood blocks between the blade and the jaws of the vise, and your safety glasses!
Are you attempting the ABS Journeyman Smith Performance Test?
If so, did you make a knife to pass the test or are you puting a knife through the test? IMO, there is a big difference.
See edit in post#11
If so, did you make a knife to pass the test or are you puting a knife through the test? IMO, there is a big difference.
See edit in post#11
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I made the knife that I will use in the test. Im just doing it on my own to see if I can produce a good usable/durable/flexible knife. I'll have a friend of mine who has made knives for several years there to watch. It won't count towards anything except me saying: yup I did it or, me saying that one didn't work. I should have clarified this in the first post. Sorry about that.
Actally I should clarify my statement....
Did you make a knife to pass the test or are you puting a knife you made through the test?
The difference being that the JS Test was not made to test the quality of a knife but rather the skill of the maker. The fact that a knife can pass the test does not necessarily make it a good knife. The goal is to see if the maker has control over heat and geometry. To cut and stay sharp, the steel must be hard but tempered... For the knife to be flexed 90deg, it must be soft and ductile... Two extremes in one blade... THAT is the test. I know of only a few makers who see the JS Test as anything more than jumping through hoops to display specific skills to a board of bladesmiths.
All I am saying is please don't feel the need to judge the quality of your knives by this test. It is set up like this for a reason and that reason has little to do with what is expected from knives in the real world. Have fun but don't take it too seriously.
Rick: I completely understand what your saying. I just want to do this for my own understanding of what I need to do to produce a better knife. I'm just trying to hone my skills a bit better. BTW sorry for the delayed reply, I've been dealing with some. job related issues, unfortunately I lost my job today. I have a wife a two kids to watch over. Sorry all unfortunately I won't test my knife this weekend, I'll be looking for a job.(worried!!!!) :0(
BTW, had the privilege or eyeing you knives on your site. The Lore-snub it cool!
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Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
John,
Just to be sure you understand, making a knife that will pass the ABS test is not intended to make a better knife. It is to make a better smith who does his own forging and HT. The knife is made not to test the knife but to test the smith. The knives used to judge the quality of the maker's knives ( after passing the bend test) would not pass this test. Some disagree, but a well made knife should not pass this test.
Just to be sure you understand, making a knife that will pass the ABS test is not intended to make a better knife. It is to make a better smith who does his own forging and HT. The knife is made not to test the knife but to test the smith. The knives used to judge the quality of the maker's knives ( after passing the bend test) would not pass this test. Some disagree, but a well made knife should not pass this test.