Definition

• Knife Cut.  A cut into the edge of a numismatic item to ascertain the base composition; comparable to the British term chisel cut. Such knife cuts observed on coins and medals are more harmful than informative, having been performed by an amateur. Any knife cut where metal is removed from the surface is considered damaging.  See test cut.
                                      Caution
        Never perform a knife cut to the edge of a coin or    
   medal. This drastically lowers the value and such an     
   item is considered damaged. If you are seeking the       
   identity of the base metal or under composition it is    
   best to perform a nondestructive specific gravity test.  
   If this is inconclusive, then have a professional perform
   a file cut for a microscopic examination of the base     
   metal. Do not do this yourself!                           

  excerpted with permission from

  An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

  For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

  COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

  Roger W. Burdette, Editor

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