Would people be interested in seeing PMI results on knife steel?

Maxaem

Maxaem

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I have access to PMI (Positive Material Identification) equipment, including, but not limited to: XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence), LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, which is a form of OES, optical emissions spectroscopy), hardness testers, non-destructive yield and tensile strength testing, and potentially access to destructive lab testing. I would be happy to discuss anything listed more, but XRF and LIBS are basically two different methods of spectroscopy that allow us to get chemical compositions of alloys using non-destructive methods. Oversimplified, they look at light/energy signatures given off by different elements to determine composition.

I've been thinking about looking at some of the specimens I have since Larrin Larrin so kindly posted alloy composition in his knife steel comparison. Typically when I'm testing other materials I am looking for elements to fall within specific ranges, but I should be able to track down some datasheets to fill in other info as needed. I don't have access to all the knife steels out there, but I have a few and would continue to add as I got more. LIBS would have to be done in an inconspicuous part of the steel as it leaves a very small mark, and both methods of spectroscopy require clean surfaces free from coating or other contaminants. OES can provide carbon values, whereas XRF cannot, but the difference in other alloying elements should be a good start.

Would you all be interested in seeing some of the results?

Edited to include a little more info.
 
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I’d love to see some results. Specifically of the higher priced knives.
 
It would be interesting. At the same time, one's personal knife would have to be tested to really learn the steel composition.
 
Who's going to vet the tester, the equipment, methodology and the results?

(Just kidding, sort of...but it's a legit question if being done for more than fun and curiosity.)
 
Blues said:
Who's going to vet the tester, the equipment, methodology and the results?

(Just kidding, sort of...but it's a legit question if being done for more than fun and curiosity.)
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A qualified lab should already be certified to do these tests. Joe Schmo in his garage, less so. It is a legit question if you want accurate results.
 
Sure sounds like a good time!

I'd be interested to see some of the results from certain overseas manufacturers that get accused of misrepresenting blade steel composition.
 
SharpBits said:
A qualified lab should already be certified to do these tests. Joe Schmo in his garage, less so. It is a legit question if you want accurate results.
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Thanks Captain Obvious. ☺️

My reply was meant tongue in cheek, but calibrating the day of, and all the other attendant factors beyond certifications were a big deal when we presented evidence.

But I agree it would be fun...taken with a grain of salt.
 
Blues said:
Thanks Captain Obvious. ☺️

My reply was meant tongue in cheek, but calibrating the day of, and all the other attendant factors beyond certifications were a big deal when we presented evidence.

But I agree it would be fun...taken with a grain of salt.
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Not everyone knows so it is less obvious to them. No slight meant to you, I was agreeing with you.
 
Blues has brought up a valid point as very real damage can be done to companies who invest large sums ( large to me anyhow) getting product to the stores as well as the retail establishments who have ordered products to sell.
 
The Mastiff said:
Blues has brought up a valid point as very real damage can be done to companies who invest large sums ( large to me anyhow) getting product to the stores as well as the retail establishments who have ordered products to sell.
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The check is in the mail. ☺️
 
Absolutely! LuvThemKnives has been doing this for a while via his YouTube channel, both in videos and in a spreadsheet collecting results. He only does so much at a time though.

He and others have been attacked, as have people doing cut tests with different degrees of control, for all sorts of reasons. However, any data point is just that and quite welcome, provided the source is trustworthy, the methods and conditions are reasonably controlled, and that they and any other relevant information is shared along with the results.

The biggest reveals in the past have been (1) unscrupulous companies not using the steels that they claim, and (2) companies not running various steels to ideal or optimal hardness. While 1 has mostly involved clones, counterfeits, or obscure Chinese brands selling on Amazon or AliExpress; 2 has been more widespread and includes both popular and premium brands. The steel printed on the blade and expectations about heat treatment go a long way for some consumers trying as they make decisions amidst a crowded market. For instance, is the extra $100 worth it when deciding between the same model in N690 versus Elmax? Those steels have different properties but the realization of some of those properties will come down to heat treatment. For instance, what if they were both at 58 HRC?
 
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