Hmmm, I have not meant to sound like Res-C would save the Ranger, rather that the Res-C should not be dismissed as not making a difference. Again though, this is most likely due to too many physics and engineering labs at school (which I do realize is not quite what Noss does).

Sharp, I should have clarified, but I was thinking of the impulse of the force. I am talking about the time span over which the force is applied. With the Res-C, the force is applied over a longer timespan due to the elastic qualities of the Res-C. I see the force being applied like a bell curve on a graph (with Res-C) vs. a sharp spike on a graph (no Res-C). To my knowledge, how a force is applied can effect damage that occurs. Also, the Res-C compressing actually does cause less force transfer to the blade. When the Res-C compresses, it absorbs some force, then it releases that force when it expands to the original shape. I do realize that I am talking about minute amounts of force being dissipated, but I just wanted to try to clarify my thought process.

To be quite honest, I don't really care that the Ranger broke. It broke far beyond any limit that I will push my knives to. The thing that surprised me was that the SOG Seal 2000 got a higher rating. I've got a Ranger and Seal 2000 and I'd part with the Seal long before I'd part with the Ranger.