The process of creating and maintaining a sharp edge on a knife, which involves a fascinating combination of physics and metallurgy, is something the brothers at Arno Bernard Knives deeply understand. This knowledge not only heightens our appreciation for this ancient tool, but also informs our choices in selecting, using, and preserving our knives more effectively.

The Physics of Sharpness

Sharpness is fundamentally about concentrating force. A knife edge is sharp because it tapers down to a very thin edge, allowing the force applied during a cut to be concentrated over a smaller surface area. According to the basic principle of pressure (P) defined as force (F) divided by the area (A) over which it is applied (P = F/A), a smaller area results in greater pressure for the same amount of force. This is why a sharp knife cuts more easily than a dull one; it requires less force to penetrate or slice through a material.

We take great pride in our precision engineering. The Arno Bernard iMamba® metallic tolerances are incredibly precise, less than 1/100th of a millimeter - that's a tenth of the thickness of a standard piece of paper. Our knives stand as a testament to meticulous attention to detail and precision engineering.

The Metallurgy of Knife Edges

Metallurgy plays a crucial role in the creation and maintenance of a knife's edge. The choice of material, its hardness, and the method of tempering are all vital.

1. Material Selection: Most knives are made from steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, with potential additions of other elements like chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum to enhance specific properties. The type of steel determines the knife's overall strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
2. Hardness and Toughness: Hardness (measured on the Rockwell scale) is critical because a harder steel can be ground to a sharper edge and is less likely to deform. However, if the steel is too hard, it becomes brittle and more prone to chipping. Toughness is the material's ability to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracturing, which is also important for a knife's durability.
3. Heat Treatment: The process of heat treating involves heating the steel to a high temperature and then cooling it under controlled conditions. This alters the microstructure of the steel, affecting its hardness, toughness, and wear resistance. Proper heat treatment is essential for balancing these properties to create a knife that is both sharp and durable.

We utilize premium raw materials. The excellence of the Arno Bernard iMamba® begins with the selection of high-quality components. Its blade is made from RWL 34 stainless steel, renowned for its durability and longevity.

Maintaining Sharpness

Maintaining a knife's sharpness involves regular honing and occasional sharpening, processes that realign and reform the knife's edge, respectively.

4. Honing: Using a honing steel realigns the microscopic teeth on the edge of the blade without removing significant material. It's a maintenance task that should be done regularly to keep the knife performing well between sharpenings.
5. Sharpening: Sharpening, on the other hand, removes material from the blade to create a new edge. This can be done using a variety of tools, including whetstones, sharpening rods, or electric sharpeners. The angle at which the knife is sharpened is crucial; a more acute angle results in a sharper but more fragile edge, while a larger angle yields a more durable edge. We manually sharpen our knives at a 22.5-degree angle.
6. Care and Storage: Proper care, including cleaning and drying the knife after use and storing it in a way that prevents the edge from contacting hard surfaces, also helps maintain sharpness.

Related article: Classic Slip Joint Folding Knife: Care and Maintenance 

In conclusion, the creation and maintenance of a sharp knife edge is a complex interplay of physics and metallurgy. By understanding these principles, we can choose the right knives for our needs, use them effectively, and keep them sharp and durable for years to come.

The Arno Bernard iMamba® folding knife is a top-notch masterpiece, showcasing exceptional materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. It is not just a tool but also a work of art, reflecting the passion and dedication of the Bernard brothers. The iMamba® is widely recognized as the "Best Knife" due to its outstanding quality, innovation, and commitment to craftsmanship.