when to test your blade?

[Sammy Mickel]

Okay guys here's where I'm at, I've made a blade with 1095 heat treated it and for my first time etched it. My question is should I go ahead and start the handle procces or should I put an edge on it and see how it holds up? By the way it's a small utility/hunter style of knife. Would the rope cutting and brass rod flex tests be good enough?

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[Bruce Bump]

I would put a temperary sharp edge on it and do the brass rod test at least. If it wont pass the rod test, it wont make a decent using blade. Ive had trouble getting 1095 fully hard. It needs a brine quench instead of an oil quench for a small knife. The brass rod test will tell the tale. My thoughts, Bruce