Arcos cutting tests: how to know if a knife really cuts well and lasts
In any professional environment—whether food industry, hospitality, or specialist retail—the difference between a knife that cuts well and a mediocre one is far from a minor detail: it impacts productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction. Arcos ensures that its professional knives undergo rigorous cutting performance tests in line with the most demanding industry standards, guaranteeing measurable, comparable, and reliable results.
What is the cutting test according to ISO 8442-5 and what does it involve?
The international standard ISO 8442-5 defines the specifications and procedures for testing blade sharpness and edge retention in cutting tools. Its goal is to objectively assess cutting performance and durability—that is, the real cutting power of a knife and how long it can maintain that level of performance.
The test involves subjecting each knife to a fixed number of cutting cycles on a calibrated and controlled paper medium:
- For plain-edge knives: 60 cycles.
- For serrated knives: 200 cycles.
During each cycle, the knife cuts calibrated paper sheets, and the total thickness cut on each pass is measured. These measurements are then used to calculate two key parameters: Minimum Initial Cutting Performance (CIC) and Cutting Edge Retention (RFC).
Quality parameters: CIC and RFC
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CIC (Minimum Initial Cut): This value indicates the cutting power of a freshly sharpened knife. It is calculated by adding the thickness of paper cut in the first three cycles of the test. A minimum of 50 mm is required for both straight-edged and serrated knives.
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RFC (Cutting Edge Retention): This measures the durability of the cutting edge. It is calculated by adding the thickness of paper cut in all cycles performed (60 for straight-edged knives, 200 for serrated knives). The minimum values required to pass the test are 150 mm for straight-edged knives and 1,500 mm for serrated knives.
These parameters guarantee that every Arcos knife that passes through the laboratory possesses both optimal cutting capacity and superior durability, ensuring efficiency and savings in professional practice.
Why trust the “Catra Test”?
The FSC certificate means that Arcos:
- Produces FSC-certified wood for handles and scales.
- Can subcontract processes such as machining, riveting, and packaging, always under the supervision and traceability guidelines established by FSC.
- Ensures that professional clients can consult the scope of the certificate, validity dates, and each product group directly on the official FSC website.
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