Hardness Testing - Best Bang for the Buck

[Randale]

After researching this and other forums, I am still confused about the best hardness testers for the serious hobby knife maker.

Is the PHR-1 (Ames Model 1 knock off) accurate and reliable enough to be useful?

Are the Grizzly and/or HR150A machines more accurate - and accurate enough to be useful?

How much should I expect to spend to get an acceptable solution?

I understand that there are many anecdotes about finding a crazy good deal on craigslist. But, I doubt that is realistic for where I live and I doubt I have the knowledge to judge whether an older used machine is actually still in working condition.

So, I am probably going to purchase something new.

Thanks in advance for for any opinions.

Randale

 

[CDHumiston]

I know a guy who does NDI testing in the aircraft industry. He was using a tester very similar to the HR150A. When he upgraded I bough the old one from him. If it's accurate enough for aircraft testing it accurate enough for me.

Here is a picture of mine.