![]() ![]() It can get a little confusing, but just know that the ratings themselves are the same - no matter how the knife maker abbreviates the scale! No matter how it's written about knife steels, they all refer to the same scale (c). There are several different abbreviations a knifemaker may use when referring to the scale: HR, HRc, HR C, RC, Rc, C on the Rockwell Scale, Rockwell Hardness C Scale, Rockwell C scale. Lots of abbreviations, but just one scale Having these three factors in proper balance allows them to produce a knife that will take a sharp edge and then keep that edge under a range of conditions without damage to the knife.īuy a high quality knife and you'll experience the lasting quality and pleasure of use that comes from a knife with that properly executed balance. The Rockwell test helps knifemakers balance the three most important factors that can affect the quality of their finished product: hardness, flexibility, and toughness. The knife with a lower hardness might dull more quickly but it is more likely to survive intact.īecause hardness varies based upon intended use, there is no one "good" or "best" hardness for all knives. A knife that could chop trough bone, hard woods, dig and pry needs to be durable first and foremost. On the same note, a survival knife that you are going to put to extreme, rugged, brutal, near-abuse would benefit from a rockwell hardness of 55-58. ![]() Since pocket knives and hunting knives aren't generally used for chopping wood, they benefit from a harder steel that will take, and keep, a good sharp edge for slicing and cutting. Most axes and chisels use a softer steel that can withstand the impacts they encounter in their everyday use. The softer steel is more durable, but won't maintain an edge for as long as the harder steel. Some kitchen knives with high hardness require extreme care so that you do not damage the thin edge. However, that same harder steel is less durable and more prone to chipping or even breaking. For instance, a harder steel with a RC of 58-62 will hold an edge better than a softer steel. The hardness of a knife is very important as far as its performance and durability. So, why does a knife's Rockwell rating matter? What is a good rockwell hardness for a knife? Each different steel alloy has its own optimum range that balances hardness with performance and the intended use. ![]() The steel used in making a knife also has a great deal to do with how well that knife will hold an edge. In fact, if it's really hard, it can shatter just like glass on concrete! #Rockwell 15 year moneyclip knife crackThe highest RC rating is not necessarily the bestĪ harder steel will generally hold an edge better than a softer steel, but it's also more likely to crack or fail. Scale C is specifically used for rating the steel used in knives. There are several different Rockwell scales each one is used for a different material. A particular metal's rating is important to the knife maker because a harder steel will hold an edge better than a softer steel. The Rockwell scale is widely used by metallurgists to define just how hard a piece of steel is: the higher the number, the harder the steel. HRc refers to the Rockwell Scale of Hardness, part C. Have you ever wondered just what that rating means? If so, you're not alone! If you're looking at buying a quality knife, you may have seen something like "this knife has an HRc rating of X", where X is the rating value. ![]()
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