After testing many knives now. I have narrowed down a testing procedure. This procedure will be followed for all up comming knives.
First off: For some who don't seem to understand. The knives I test are heavy use work military,tactical,combat knives. These are not SHOW knives They are meant to be USED. Individuals determine the USE of their knives. Not I and not public opining.
Destruction Testing procedure as follows.
The test is goal oriented. However many times it takes to cut, chop, hammer is what it
takes to complete the objective. Example: When one is in the field they chop as many times as needed to get through the log.
Some will perform this task easier and quicker then others without a lot of energy on the users part.
Cutting tests:
I will begin slicing an orange and a tomato and peeling an apple to see how the knife can handle delicate tasks. Next cardboard. Then to 10,000 pound
webbing and Manila rope.
Batoning: I will baton using wood. 4 14" 4x4s will be attempted. Some people don't understand 4x4's come from trees. Unbelievable !
Chopping:
I will attempt to Chop 3 2x4s .If the first one is to time and energy consuming
This can be the case with smaller knife. I will move on to the next test. Time to chop through and energy are the main factors here.
Tip: I will attempt to stab into a 2x4 and tear a hole all the way through.
If the tip survives this them I will move onto Sheet metal penetration.
Concrete:
This is where alot of controversy occurs. The Concrete test reveals simple questions about the steel. Does it dent does it chip is it brittle or not. It is not about concrete blocks attacking the user. Funny
I will use Cinder Blocks no rock is present in them. I will attempt to chop through
one side.
Hammer:
Another controversy on this one. The bottom line is you can pound one the back of most work knives with wood all day long. Their is only so much it will reveal about the knives toughness. The Metal Hammer very quickly revels impact toughness. I will place the knife edge on a 2x4 and Hammer the Spine using the 3 lb Steel mallet. Attempting to cut through the 2x4 only one 2x4 will be attempted.
Concrete again: The controversy just doesn't go away.
I will Hammer the tip in to a concrete block attempting to break the concrete into small pieces. I will attempt to hammer the back of the spine edge first splitting the cinder block. Tons of fun to do.
Flex:
First the blade will be hammered tip first into a 2x4 1.5 inches deep and placed in the vice and using all my human strength. The blade will be flexed to the sharpest angle I can. Then the blade will be placed in the metal vice 1.5" and the test repeated.
Metal on metal: This is the toughest thing that can be done with a knife. Most break during this. But if the Knife survives all of the above it must be pushed harder.
First using the 3 lb mallet on the spine. I will attempt to cut through a 1/8"x 2" piece of mild steel flat stock. If it passes this then I will move up to a 1/4"x 2" mild steel and attempt to cut through it. If the knife chips or tears out but the blade is still intact then I will hit the spine on the back of the vice to see if the blade fully breaks.
Tang to blade toughness and handle:
I will place the blade in the vice where the edge stops. I will then hit the side with the 3 lb mallet. How much can it Take ? If the handle survives then I will move up to the 15 lb sledge. You should understand that synthetic handles have shown to be very tough. In most cases they are tougher then the knife itself. The 15 lb Sledge gives a very quick result on what handle material can take for before total failure.
If the knife can survive all of this then it is declared a TRUE SURVIVOR. Then it's anything goes. Whatever I can find to destroy with this MONSTER, I will.
Is this tough for a knife ? You better believe it is. Hard use knife users should know what their knife is fully capable of doing, If they are to have full coincidence in what they carry and use.
Who will Survive and what will be left of them ?
This testing procedure is subject to change depending on the knife and how far it gets to the end of the destruction test.
