manufactured edge [8]. The specimens were conditioned in standard conditions
(20 2 8C and 65 4% R.H.) for 24 h [9]. Fabrics have been shown to stabilise after six
laundering cycles, therefore these specimens had been laundered by Kemp et al. [4] for 6
or 60 cycles in an Electrolux Wascator (FOM7MP-Lab), then dried flat [10], reconditioned
and had been impacted using a specialist fitting on an impact rig, this being less variable
than impacts from human participants [4]. Damage from two knife types was examined:
the kitchen knife (length = 150 mm; height = 31.5 mm; thickness = 2 mm, tip angle 648;
mass = 40.42 g) and a Phillips head screwdriver (150 mm long; tip diameter of 6 mm;
mass of 39.51 g). For this follow-up study each specimen (n = 32, two fabrics, two
weapons, two levels of pre-laundering; 200 1 mm 200 1 mm) the severance on
both the technical face and rear was photographed under standard conditions. The
specimens were then laundered once more, re-conditioned and the severance on the
technical face and rear of each specimen again photographed (Nikon camera, Durst
Reprostand and Lighting powder ABFO No. 2 scale).
Ten judges, experts in visual assessment, assessed both sets of photographs.
Participants were asked to compare the damage evident in the photographs of
specimens before and laundering, using the assessment schedule (Fig. 1). Participants
were seated at a visual assessment booth, using both TL84 and D65 lights to simulate
artificial light. The statistical significance of any differences observed was identified
through ordinal regression on each question [11]. Differences between the types of
weapon used, the two fabrics, the technical sides of the fabric, and the number of pre-
washes was recorded for each question on the visual assessment.