How to Test Knives

Put a knife through various tests to determine if it is right for you.

Knives are classified as being either a folding knife or fixed blade knife. Beyond that, there are survival knives, fishing knives, gentleman carry knives, chef knives, self defense knives and so on. Choosing the right knife can be largely dependent on personal preference. Testing a knife is the best way to simulate the use to which the knife will be subjected to determine if it is a good fit for a particular user.

Things You'll Need

• Tomato
• Gloves
• Wood block
• Rope or cord

Instructions

1. Examine the materials and overall assembly of the knife. Determine if bolsters and grips, for example, are securely attached to a fixed blade knife. Open and close a folding knife several times, check the locking mechanism and determine if there is any horizontal or vertical movement in the blade when it is locked open.

2. Sharpen the blade with a whetstone, ceramic rod, sharpening steel or other method. Observe the ease or difficulty involved with honing the knife edge and if a sharp, fine edge can be created.

3. Place a tomato on a surface that is suitable for cutting. Cut the tomato with the knife, making both thin and wider cuts to test the sharpness of the blade and the control with which cuts can be made.

4. Put on a pair of leather work gloves. Place a piece of wood, such as a short length of 2-by-4 lumber, on a sturdy surface. Hold the knife handle firmly and drive the point of the knife into the wood at least 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep if possible. Apply pressure to the wide side of the knife blade to determine if the tip of the blade will rip through the wood or bend.

5. Cut rope, twine or cord with the knife and note the difficulty or ease at which the blade cuts. Perform any other cutting tasks to which the knife may be subjected based on personal use.

6. Remove the leather gloves and examine the knife blade, looking for signs of damage including bending, chips and nicks. Check the edge of the knife to determine how it held up under use. Sharpen the blade once again to determine if the sharp edge on the blade can be restored.

References

• M1911: Knife Use Test