Method for measuring fiber cutting force

1. A method for measuring the cutting force on a fiber, said method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a blade having an edge;

b. providing a fiber mount for holding said fiber;

c. providing at least one sensor connected to said fiber mount;

d. moving said blade toward said fiber and cutting said fiber; and

e. measuring the cutting force on said fiber with said sensor.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said fiber mount comprises a fiber outlet.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said fiber outlet has a shape selected from the group of circular, square, triangular, oval, and rectangular.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein said fiber extends from said outlet by a distance from about 0.01 mm to about 2.0 mm prior to being cut.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said fiber mount comprises a trough.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said trough is able to hold a fluid.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein said fluid is able to modify chemical or mechanical properties of said fiber.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein said fluid is water.

9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing a blade mount to hold said blade.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein said blade mount can be moved to cut said fiber with different portions of said edge.

11. The method of claim 9 , wherein said blade mount holds at least two blades.

12. The method of claim 9 , wherein said blade mount can hold said blade at different angles with respect to said fiber mount.

13. The method of claim 9 , wherein said blade mount heats said blade.

14. The method of claim 9 , wherein said blade mount provides an electrical charge to said blade.

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein said apparatus comprises multiple sensors.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein said sensors measure cutting forces in multiple directions.