AFTE Store - Characteristics of Knife Cuts in Tires

This study was conducted to demonstrate the different characteristics expected to be seen in tire punctures resulting from different styles of knives. The process of showing the differences in the characteristics is fairly straight forward. Different styles of knives were selected; a single edge blade knife, a double edged blade knife, a single partly serrated edge blade knife, and a single scalloped edged blade knife. More than one knife of each style were used if available. Punctures were made in tire sections supported on a partially opened bench vice. In addition several inflated tires, still mounted on the cars, were punctured with different style knives. Once all the air escaped, the tires were again punctured with the same knives. Also presented are some general observations made during this study.