Where to test hardness?

[Stromberg Knives]

Where on a newly heat treated blade do you guys test for hardness when using an actual hardness tester?

If you grind post HT you can test almost anywhere on the blade, but where do you punch it when there are bevels?

And how many spots do you test?

 

[Ken H>]

Well, you have to decide if you wish the punch marks showing on finished knife. If not, then you've got to check on the tang so it will be covered with scales. Typically an average of 3 readings are taken.

 

[Cody Hofsommer]

I check under the guard on my hidden tangs and check at least 3, if there isn't much variation, I'll call that good, if there is a little "noise" I'll take more and average.

 

[scott.livesey]

you can check anywhere that is not beveled. if there has been grinding, i check directly above the grind, then closer to the spine. i like to do a minimum of six, three per side. if not ground, three per side where the edge will be, one in the middle, then one near the spine. when i state blade hardness, i list the highest and the lowest. using thin stock, 3/32 or less, i usually see a variation of 1 point or less. if you change your heat treat routine, do the first blade unground and do at least 10 spots.
scott

 

[Stromberg Knives]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your help.

 

[Willie71]

I do a lot of differential hardening, so I test wherever I can find a flat fully hardened spot. The area near the top, middle of the blade, and near the ricasso if possible. I don't worry about the dimple S it is not as deep as the amount of steel I leave to clean up and adjust for warp. On fully hardened blades, I use the tang.