Hardness Test Chisel Set, 50-64 HRC

Hardness Test Chisels, 50 - 64 HRC

Full set of 8 hardness test chisels from Dragon Breath Forge in Connecticut, USA.

Unlike hardness testing files that have a very wide gap between the files (often up to 5 HRC between files),

these are more accurate with only 2 HRC between each one.

The hardness test chisels test the actual cutting edge rather than the flats of the blade or ricasso for a more realistic measurement.

In addition these do not wear out like the files, as they can be sharpened again and again when becoming dull or chipped.

• 8 x chisels to scratch the edge with
• Each chisel is precision heat treated to a specific HRC hardness
• Each chisel has the hardness in rockwell engraved on the chisel
• The chisels can be sharpened on a sharpening stone when needed for long life

These are not a replacement for a proper hardness testing machine - but many consider these better than the less accurate files, and easier to bring away from the shop.

How to use the hardness chisels

• After heat treatment, grind the edge to reveal new steel
• Start with a high hardness chisel, carving into the edge at an angle
• If the chisel cuts into the blade, the chisel is harder than the blade - go to the next chisel lower in hardness
• Repeat this step until the blade is harder than the chisel
• The blade hardness is between the chisel cutting into the blade, and the last chisel
• The 8 chisels are in hardness 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 HRC which are the most relevant for knife makers

 How to re-sharpen:

When needed the chisels can be sharpened again and again for years.

Note they must be kept cool to not affect the temper, only sharpen on a whetstone or diamond plate, not on a grinder or motorised sharpened if there is risk of heating the blade.