A method for testing an edge of a rotor blade that has been hardened is disclosed. A shallow notch is created in the edge of the blade using a laser and the blade is then tested using an HCF process. If the blade passes the test, a deeper notch is imparted into the edge of the blade and the blade is retested. If the blade passes the second test, a third notch may be imparted into the edge of the blade and the blade is tested again. Any test failure may provide assistance in modifying the parameters used to harden the blade. The blade may be initially hardened using an LSP process.