Who to ask for opinion?

dsgibbs1

dsgibbs1

Joined
Nov 1, 2005
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First, my cpu crashed. My phone-fo sucks. So if you would, forgive any grammer blunders.

I was wondering who would be a good person to ask to test ones work. By this, I do not mean destroy. I think its passable. So who on the forum would be a good person to ask this of. I would ship it to them with the understanding that in 30 days they ship it back. Then ther post their findings here, good or bad. Any thoughts on a good tester?
 
Personally I would look locally. I'm sure you know someone who is an avid hunter or outdoorsman that uses knives frequently. I think if you found someone who is not super careful with their knives it would be more real world type testing. Most non-knife people use their knives in an incorrect manner and if it can hold up to this then chances are it is a decent knife. Do plan on the finish being messed up and it showing signs of abuse. As with any testing, count on the knife being destroyed, maybe not in a 90* bend test, but maybe a broken tip, chipped edge (easy enough to fix), worn or cracked scales, and scratches all over. If it didn't come back like that I would question the user if they really put it through enough use. I am assuming it is a utility/hunter type fixed blade you are talking about and not something specialized like a chefs or rigging knife.


-Xander
 
What are you wanting tested about it? An overall evaluation, including design, materials and execution, and cutting performance/durability in the blade? Just blade performance?

If you do not want it destroyed, but want a bending test, I'd do that in house to avoid issues. Or agree with the tester about maximum bend angle.

I'd think that cutting and maybe edge durability would be the main point of outside testing. If so, you'd have to expect the edge may be chipped during testing.

A couple of names come to mind around here for objective cut testing against known blades/steels- but I won't volunteer anyone. Perhaps one of them will chime in.

I think it might be cool if there was a blade testing service one could send knives to for impartial evaluation. Like an outsourced QC for custom makers.
 
It is more of a hunting style knife. What I meant is dont kill it. Use it like a knife. I have forged several and found them to be great knives. I was wanting someone else, primarily knife knowledgeable, to use it. Then tell what they think is good and what I need to tweak. This is a forged knife. I bend test every one. Not 90° just to around 15/20°. Scratches are fine. Nothing a few minutes at the grinder will not fix.
 
I would love to see something like this too, maybe competition style. :P

5 makers send in a knife, and then they get tested though a set of tests with pictures. For a fee of course.
 
Look up ABS journeyman or mastersmiths, and KnifeMaker's Guild voting members in your area. They are used to this sort of thing (both groups require peer-review before you can become a full member). Most will be happy to look over your work and critique it for fit/finish, design, test the edge and so forth. If you find one close enough they may ask you to bring it yourself so you can talk it over with them. A visit to an ABS or KMG member's shop is a great opportunity to learn. Bring a piece of their favorite steel and a box of donuts :)
 
Personally I would be reluctant to do this, but if you post a picture of the knife you may get more interest.

- Paul Meske
 
You are in an area full of very talented knifemakers. The NC Custom knifemakers Guild is all around you.They have hammer-ins and classes at several locations, as well as regular meetings. Yes, Troy and Clyde are a 3-4 hours away, but passing around your knife and getting it critiqued by Tommy McNabb and folks like Dr. Batson is worth a Saturday now and then.
http://ncknifeguild.org/

You can also test them yourself, as far as usability. Chop some 2X4s in half, cut some rope and plastic water bottles,slice up a cardboard shipping box.......then see if the edge is chipped and if it is still hair shaving sharp. Use a 10X magnifier to examine the edge.
50% or more of a knife's usability is in the edge geometry, 49% is HT..... 1% is in the looks.
 
Thank you for the information and all. I was told about a workshop/hammer in coming up near Amelia, Va. If work allows, I may be able to make it. Once again, thank you.
 
What are the details about the Amelia hammer-in/ Do you have a link?
I spent a lot of time, years back, hunting amethyst and other gems in and around Amelia.
 
I will get the details on friday. I will post whatever informatipn I get. I just hope all goes well and I can make it.
 
Bladsmith. Its the Va. Blacksmith asso. Cannot confirm a date as af yet. Will post it when I can find out.
 
Hmmm,
The CVBG and TBG had a joint " Gathering of the Blacksmiths" in Courtland in May.I couldn't go, unfortunately.
If it is in Amelia, it is a BGVA event.
BTW,There are quite a few blacksmith guilds in VA for some reason, ODBA, and BRBA come to mind.
I didn't know there was any organized hammer-in in Amelia this July ( they don't meet in July). Let me know what you find out. Email is best.

For those looking for anvils, the blacksmiths have them aplenty. At the last get together I attended, there were twenty or more anvils for sale. Most were a great deal.Due to the difference in size of object and amount of steel moved, blacksmiths consider any anvil below 100 pounds a door stop.It is not uncommon for a 700 pounder to be for sale and sitting in a truck bed or on a trailer at a Guild meeting or event. Other needed tools are always at the tail gate area.
 
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