The effect of knife blade profile on penetration force in flesh simulants

Abstract

A series of stab-penetration tests were carried out using model knife blades with different degrees of sharpness. Target blocks of flesh simulant were penetrated by the knife blades at constant low velocity and the penetration force was monitored. PSDB 10/93, a test protocol for stab-resistant body armour, recommends a modelling clay (Roma Plastilina) as a flesh simulant. From the stab-penetration tests it was found that Roma Plastilina has poor resemblance to flesh, and a simulant such as gelatine is more realistic. Bowie knife blades are specified in the test protocol while kitchen knives appear to be the most common in real incidents. More importantly, no required blade sharpness is specified in the test protocol, an aspect that could lead to inconsistencies in test results.