Standards For Testing Knives

Since I have several knife reviews coming up, I thought I would share some of the tests that I feel are important. Some may not agree with how I treat knives. But I feel that most knives are tools not objects to hang on a wall or look at in a drawer. There are a few exceptions that I make though. Maybe a knife has sentimental value, is an art knife, or is very collectable and to use it would significantly reduce its value. For me those are valid reasons not to use a knife as it was made to be used. Other than that it is a no go.

One of the big standards for me it that a knife should be able to make a split wood fire. All the way from battoning to making scrapings. It should also be able to strike a firesteel with the spine of the knife.

Improvising is another big one for me. Is the knife able to make fine cuts, notches, and splits.

Toughness, is this knife going to stay together when I really need it. If I have wet and cold students, am I going to be able to beat this knife into wrist size trees to improvise a shelter or get to dry wood?

Ease of sharpening. Once I am done for the day can I use simple sharpening tools to touch up my edge.

This is not the total thought process that goes through my head. There are several other standards that I use, but that is for another time.

TB