First Toothpick Test - TJ Schwarz Overland Sport

I came up with this test while messing around with an ultra-thin knife that microchipped while trimming my thumbnail. I looked at my desk, saw some toothpicks, and figured that material was probably denser than my thumbnail. The purpose of the test is simply to show knife durability outside of a CATRA test. It is another data point based on a practical use case. In everyday cutting, you apply force and may hit dense materials. My thinking was that if you are using high-end steel at high hardness with a thin BTE, you probably are not planning to cut into concrete or hardwood. That is why I used cardboard as the backing. It is a very simple test anyone can do, and it can be eye-opening. Extra hard and extra thin may not be practical for everyone. Some smaller makers seem to push the idea that this is the only correct approach, and I think that deserves more scrutiny. There is a tool or specialist for every job. One is not necessarily better than the other; they are simply different. This test is meant to show that thin BTE and high HRC may not be as durable as some makers (or people) believe.