Brass Rod Test. IT WORKS

[DANA HOLMAN]

Guys, can y'all give me some advise on this test. I've been testing my knives on a piece of wood after tempering and final grinding. Should I do the brass rod test? Is one better then the other?
Thanks
Dana

[Cody D Works]

I think it would be good for someone to do a how to on tests such as the brass rod test and sticky it up top. On the brass rod test how thick of rod? And what depicts the correct hardness?

[prarieboy]

I wanna see too!

[DANA HOLMAN]

Does anyone do this test? Or has anyone done this test?
Thanks Dana

[Lin Rhea]

Yes, I'm sure several have, me included. I just dont have the pics.

I use about 5/16 round brass rod held firmly horizontal. Some guys JB Weld it into a board with about half of it exposed. You lay your blade perpendicular to the rod with the cutting edge laying almost as if you are going to try to shave the rod. Press down and slide it across. The goal is to actually see the distortion in the cutting edge as it flows over the rod. You will need a light on a low angle to see the distortion. If the edge bends (not flex), it's too soft. If the edge chips, it's too hard. If the edge flexes and returns, it's good. This is just a rough rundown and not accurate instructions, but it gives you the idea untill we have something better to go by. Lin

[DANA HOLMAN]

Thanks Lin

[Lin Rhea]

Is it understandable? If not, I'll try to expound on it.

As with any testing of the blade, it needs to be done before the guard and handle is put on. This will allow the chance to make the corrections if needed.

[DANA HOLMAN]

Lin, I understand, I've been looking at some on the Internet and was just wondering if some guys were using it here. I've been using Osage to test my blades with, I will try this and see if my blades are good.
Thanks
Dana

[Bobby Urban]

Have not looked but I imagine there is a youtube vid or(10) already out there showing this method.  Find a good one and sticky that up top

[DANA HOLMAN]

Well guys it passed the brass rod test, I'm working on a test knife and thought it would be a good time to test. I did the test 5 times just to be sure, everytime it just rolled over the the rod. You could see the blade flex. It was kind of scary the first time then it was fun.
For new guys like ME, do the test, I think it's worth you time to find out if your blade is as good as we think they are.
Just my thoughts
I took pic but I don't think you can see the edge flex
thank
Dana