KA-BAR Product Testing

One of a handful of machines like it in the world, the CATRA tester uses controlled pressure, stroke length, number of cycles, and a certified sand-impregnated paper to determine the sharpness and edge-holding capabilities of a blade. 

*CATRA stands for Cutlery and Allied Trades Research Association.

KA-BAR Rockwell tests its knives to determine the hardness of the steel. A diamond brale presses into the blade and makes an indentation. The harder the steel is, the higher the Rockwell reading. Rockwell is reported in ranges and is often identified with the letters HRC or RC. e.g., HRC 60-61.

A goniometer uses a laser beam to measure the edge angles of a knife. The laser beam is aimed at the cutting edge of the blade and is split by the honed edge onto a protractor that reads the edge angles of the blade.

KA-BAR puts prototype knives and sheaths through vigorous field tests to find and eliminate problems before introducing new products to the public.