SMLE Wire cutters - Originality

[Peter Laidler]

The acid test as to whether your wire cutters are original...., as in 1915 original or 'made in Vietnam original' is in the material. The pressings will be mild steel (? but I haven't tested any I have to admit.....) but my guess is that the rivetted-on cutting edges will be high carbon steel, relative to 1915 of course, on the originals and mild steel on the fakes.

How do I tell? Simple. Use a fine file and take a few cuts across a small hidden part and see how simply it cuts. Then do the same across the blades and it should just slide across. I appreciate that this isn't University metallurgy lab. stuff but a good rough and ready test for the wary.

What about the clamp screw threads?

Anyone think of a simpler, easily accessable test for the blade and frame pressing materials?

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