Some materials exhibit a rising K-R curve, while the K-R curve for other materials is flat. The shape of the K-R curve depends on material behavior and, to a lesser extent, on the configuration of the cracked structure. The K-R curve for an ideally brittle material is flat because the surface energy is an invariant material property. However, the K-R curve can take on a variety of shapes when nonlinear material behavior accompanies fracture. Five different hot-rolled thin plates are tested to investigate K-R curve behavior. A special experimental apparatus is used to prevent specimens from buckling.