What This Tool Does
Steel Hardness Lab helps you create professional hardness certification cards for knives and other steel items you have tested. You can fill in the test details, see a live preview of the certificate, and then print them out on index cards or regular paper.
Getting Started
When you open the application, you will see two main areas:
- On the left is where you enter all the information about the item you tested.
- On the right is where you can see what your certificate will look like, and where you manage your print queue.
If you are using a phone, the entry form will appear at the top and the preview will be below it.
Filling Out a Certificate
Step 1: Enter the Item Information
Start by filling in the basic details about what you tested:
- Brand - Type the manufacturer name (like Spyderco or Benchmade)
- Model - Type the model name or number
- Steel - Type the steel type (like S30V or M390)
Step 2: Set the Test Parameters
- Punches/Side - Select how many test punches you did on each side. The default is 5.
- Verification Block(s) - Check the boxes for whichever verification blocks you used during testing. You can select more than one if you used multiple blocks. If you used a block with a different value, type it in the text field at the top of this section. Separate multiple custom values with commas.
- Machine - Select which testing machine you used from the dropdown list. If your machine is not listed, select "Custom" and type in the machine name.
Step 3: Add Documentation Details
- Date Tested - This automatically shows today's date. If you need to change it, click the calendar button and pick the correct date.
- Technician - Enter the name of whoever performed the test.
Step 4: Enter the Hardness Result
This is the main result of your test. You have two ways to enter it:
- Use the slider - Drag the circular handle along the colored bar to set the value.
- Type it directly - In the "Manual" field below the slider, type in the exact hardness value.
The Live Preview
As you fill in the form, the certificate preview on the right side of the screen updates automatically. This shows you exactly what your printed certificate will look like.
Creating Certificates
Option 1: Add to Queue (Recommended for Multiple Certificates)
Click the "Add to Queue" button when you have finished entering a certificate. This saves the certificate to your queue, clears the form so you can enter the next one, and shows the item in the queue list.
Option 2: Single PDF (For One-Off Certificates)
If you only need to print one certificate right now, click the "Single PDF" button. This creates a PDF file immediately without adding anything to the queue.
Managing Your Queue
The queue section shows all the certificates you have added. Each item displays a number, the brand and model name, and the hardness value.
- Removing Items - Click the X button next to an item to remove it from the queue.
- Clearing the Queue - Click the "Clear" button to remove everything. You will be asked to confirm.
- Saving Your Queue - Click the "Save" button to save a copy of your entire queue that you can bring back later.
Restoring a Saved Queue
Click the 📁 folder icon in the top right corner to see your saved queues. The application keeps your last 8 saved queues.
To bring back a saved queue, click the "Restore" button next to it. To permanently delete one, click the "Delete" button.
Printing Your Certificates
Style Options
- Color - Prints with the navy blue color scheme (recommended)
- B&W - Prints in black and white, which uses less ink
Paper Options
- 3x5" - Each certificate prints on its own page sized for standard index cards.
- 8.5x11" - Fits up to 4 certificates on a standard letter-size page with dashed cut lines between them.
Click "Export All" to create a PDF file containing all the certificates in your queue.
Copying Data to a Spreadsheet
- Copy button - Copies the current form data
- Copy All button - Copies all items in your queue
After clicking either button, go to your spreadsheet, click in the cell where you want the data to start, and paste.
Other Features
- Light/Dark Mode - Click the moon or sun icon in the top right corner to switch themes.
- Auto-Save - Your work is automatically saved. If you close the browser or refresh, everything will be right where you left it.
- Reset - Click the "Reset" button to clear all fields and return them to default values.
Tips for a Smooth Workflow:
- Enter all your certificates first, then print them all at once using the queue.
- Click "Save" before you export, just in case you need to reprint later.
- Always check the preview before adding to the queue to catch any typos.
- Use the 8.5x11 option for large batches to save paper.