iKnife Collector
A Sharper Review Group
A group to be used for discussion of standards, suggested knives to review, submission of known attributes for a knife and general discussion regarding planned knife reviews. Formal knife review results will be posted in Forum/Sharper Review
Testing or reviewing of knives?
I see the terms "testing" and "reviewing" often used as if they're the same thing. To me they're not. Let me explain:
Reviewing:
Checking if things are up to standard. You have certain expectations and you're checking if they're met. This can be done with things like:
Fit and finish:
Are there any scratches? Are there any gaps? Is there bladeplay? How is the polish?
Sharpness:
How sharp was the knife from the factory?
Used materials:
What kinds of materials are used and would they be of good quality?
And then there's
Testing
This would be exploring, pushing the limits. Checking things that can only be found through use like:
How many 2x4's can it chop through and still remain sharp?
How many times can it open and close before the spring loses it's (pardon me) spring?
How much force can be punt on the blade before the lock fails?
I guess that for me...a review can be done on a knife that's new or close to new...if the reviewer is objective and critical.
But a test can't be done as a "tabletop review".
What's your view on this?
Kit Adams
As far as field testing standers, you would have to break it up per knife "group", and what roles the knife is going to play. You wouldnt take a toothpick style folders and go thrash on some trees with it like you would for something like a kukri. It goes the other way too, you wouldnt take a large fixed blade survival type knife and just do some paper cuts with it and call it a day. I think you got to look at what the knife will primarally be used for. Good tests for pocket knifes and edc style blades could be what they will be used for. Go cut some cardboard with them, some paper, some packing tape, maybe torque the blade a bit cause we all have used a knife to pry something open (or as a screw driver)
Jul 30, 2012
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
That's a good point, Kit.
Jul 30, 2012
johnny twoshoes
I judge a knife with two reviews and countless tests.
When I first get a new knife I'll judge it on it's immediate fit & finish, fresh from the factory. (say that 10xs fast). Polish, edge, snap, open and close, lock up if it's a lockback, fit from scale to bolster, things of that nature.
Testing a knife for me is just using a knife and taking note as to how it holds up. Edge retention is a big factor for me, but that relys on steel and heat treat mostly. Some knives get to shine more after tackling tough jobs, while others are counted for their ease of carry and their people friendly statures. I don't buy a knife then slice through 10 cardboard boxes, 3 2x4s, a concrete block and a slice of paper. I don't buy a knife for those kind of things.
The final review is at the end of my test, which is usually after the blades sports a decent patina from a month or so of work. Again, everything is checked over to see how the knife has held up. Blade play is a huge annoyance for me and after putting a knife through some tough cuts I am always impressed that it's held it's own.
I'm not against the way anyone tests a knife and just because I think a knife is fantastic and is perfect for my chores, it doesn't really mean that it's for everyone, or that I think you should all go out and buy one. If you read my opinion and you feel we have the same uses for a knife, than chances are you might like the knife I reviewed.
Jul 30, 2012