Abstract: Objective To establish a feasible evaluation index and method to identify composition of remaining metal particles on ferrochrome kitchen knife. Methods The small samples of remaining metal particles were rubbed from the knives using filter paper. The composition of remaining metal particles was detected by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer （SEM-EDX） and GSR particle analysis function, using mathematical methods to calculate the ratio （relative amount） of Fe and Cr in remaining metal particles. Results The ratio （relative amount） of Fe and Cr of remaining metal particles had significant differences among most ferrochrome kitchen knives （P<0.05）. Conclusion Using GSR particle analysis function to quantitatively detect the ratio （relative amount） of Fe and Cr of remaining metal particles on ferrochrome kitchen knife, which can establish the feasible evaluation method to estimate such injury tool.

Key words: forensic pathology, metals, chromium alloys, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer