Jerry Busse
Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 20, 1999
- Messages
- 11,716
We have tested hundreds of blades throughout the years and always test several blades from every batch of steel.
Destructive testing of knife steel is only relevant if it is repeatable from blade to blade with the same level of impact, same angle, same firmness of grip, etc . . .
For those of you who have done your own destructive testing, also known as "beating your knife stupid when in a drunken rage", you know the huge difference that a minor change in the angle of impact can make. Couple this with how consistently tight you're holding the knife when swinging for the fences, and your favorite blade could be headed for an early grave!
Any knife can be broken, that's not big news.
However, the fairness factor is only there if the tests are done more scientifically and mechanically to ensure repeatability.
That is why there are Izod and Charpy impact testers used in metallurgical labs instead of these tests being performed by hand.
If you want to know how different steels with varying Rockwell hardnesses, bevel geometries, and edge angles hold up under impact, you must have knives made with the same bevel and edge geometry in order to compare them. Otherwise, your comparisons in knife steel will carry very little weight with those who truly love and use knives.
So, what can be done? We are currently putting several tests together that will highlight these differences.
These tests will show the areas where a variety of knife steels excel and which steels perform better for different applications.
This will take a lot of time, testing, and effort to put together, but it should be worth it. So, stay tuned my friends!
Let's Drink!
Jerry
.
Destructive testing of knife steel is only relevant if it is repeatable from blade to blade with the same level of impact, same angle, same firmness of grip, etc . . .
For those of you who have done your own destructive testing, also known as "beating your knife stupid when in a drunken rage", you know the huge difference that a minor change in the angle of impact can make. Couple this with how consistently tight you're holding the knife when swinging for the fences, and your favorite blade could be headed for an early grave!
Any knife can be broken, that's not big news.
However, the fairness factor is only there if the tests are done more scientifically and mechanically to ensure repeatability.
That is why there are Izod and Charpy impact testers used in metallurgical labs instead of these tests being performed by hand.
If you want to know how different steels with varying Rockwell hardnesses, bevel geometries, and edge angles hold up under impact, you must have knives made with the same bevel and edge geometry in order to compare them. Otherwise, your comparisons in knife steel will carry very little weight with those who truly love and use knives.
So, what can be done? We are currently putting several tests together that will highlight these differences.
These tests will show the areas where a variety of knife steels excel and which steels perform better for different applications.
This will take a lot of time, testing, and effort to put together, but it should be worth it. So, stay tuned my friends!
Let's Drink!
Jerry
.