3 Ways To Test Your Knife’s Blade Sharpness

When you are in the wild, either alone or with your companions, the last thing you want is a dull blade that doesn’t even cut a rope, let alone save you from an animal attack. A quality survival tool, like a new Smith & Wesson knife, is a must when you are in the wood; it comes in handy many times - from splitting wood to starting a fire to skinning an animal. But if the blade of the knife is dull, you can’t use it efficiently. Today, we have shared some ways to test the sharpness of your survival knife before you begin backpacking for a wild expedition. 

Slice a paper 

An easy way to find out whether the blade of the knife you own has lost its sharpness or not is by slicing a paper. If the knife is effortlessly cutting the paper, its edge is sharp, and you can use it without any worries. You can also use glossy paper from a magazine which is more difficult to slice. If the paper doesn’t fold when you try to cut through it, your knife’s blade is in good shape and doesn’t require sharpening. 

Check on a fingernail

Perhaps you are already in the wild and have no access to paper. In such a scenario, you can use your fingernail to check the sharpness of your knife’s blade. Carefully lay the edge of your blade perpendicular to your fingernail and gently slide around. If the blade is effectively slicing the fingernail without any pressure, it’s ready to use. You can also shave your arm’s hair to test the sharpness of your knife’s blade. 

Visual inspection 

The smoother the edge of the knife, the sharper is its blade. So, if you notice any visible bent or chipped edges on the blade of your knife, it needs sharpening. If your knife is old and beyond repair, you must purchase new Smith & Wesson knives, especially if you’re going on a wild adventure.