Edge Retention/Rolling Test Stand

[EOU]

We don't expect the edge to crush but rather to roll (bend) to one side or the other. We understand and appreciate fully the theory of crushing in light of how the test is to be conducted but our experience indicates that sharpened edges act otherwise if allowed to do so. This is demonstrated by the ability to return rolled edges to at/near their original sharpness levels by simply straightening the edge. So what do we mean by "if allowed to do so"? It is easy to imagine that the edge would be become somewhat "stuck" on the surface of the hardened rolling strip once the weight of the piston/edge is released. If the edge is to "roll" then the body of the knife has to be allowed to move laterally at least a few thousandths of an inch. In other words we need a little designed in "slop" in the piston guide assembly to facilitate this lateral movement. This may be exactly how edges are rolled in the real world. The edge bites in and the knife blade moves to the side.

For us the test for success is going to go like this; we measure a sharpened edge, we place it in our test stand and intentionally roll the edge 50 - 200 points and then return the edge, via edge straightening means alone, to at or near it's original sharpness level. If we can do that then we will likely believe that we have constructed a viable test apparatus.