What makes a blade sing?

[2brothers]

They always "sing" when we break them.

sal

You sure that isn't crying you hear?

 

[C.S. Graves]

If I recall correctly, I think my HI Tibetan produced a slight ring when slicing through stuff... it's quite long, thick, and a bit on the hollow-forged side. The blade would flex side to side during strong cuts through fibrous material.

 

[Jason B.]

I had some thick A2 and INFI ring on my XXF diamond hone, not sure why but it sure did hurt the ears.

 

[Sparljo]

the blade shape and stiffness (material property of the metal) are the most important factors, followed by how much damping is present both in the system (especially the handle) and in how it is held (boundary conditions in technical speak).

This is good stuff, thanks.

So natural frequencies are a result of shape and stiffness. Both of the blades in question were pretty flexible. I recall sawblades being played as instruments by rapping and bending them... cant remember where though.

Could you guys post the dimensions and stock witdth of some of the knives you mentioned? Its interesting that a tapered tang, hollow ground knife would ring like this... I assume the flex is nil in this one.

 

[kevtan]

I remember that hand wood saw have been used as a violin.

 

[C.S. Graves]

Its interesting that a tapered tang, hollow ground knife would ring like this... I assume the flex is nil in this one.

The hollow grind brings to mind other blades known for ringing: straight razors. Their spines are relatively very thick, but the extreme thinness the edge tapers to could vibrate if rubbed in a lateral way without much damping contact.