| We all agree. If a knife isn't sharp, what's the use, | | | | form the blade. As a result, forged knives are |
| right? The sharpness of the blade will make all the | | | | denser and heavier than stamped knives and |
| difference in the world. And sharpness is largely | | | | have better balance because of it. And while their |
| dependent upon the quality of the blade material | | | | tempering process results in a blade of extreme |
| from which the knife is made. You'll need to | | | | hardness, it is also more flexible. It usually has a |
| determine whether or not to get a forged knife | | | | nice thick bolster with a tang that is enclosed by |
| or a stamped knife. Let's make it clear. | | | | the handle and is usually secured with three rivets. |
| Stamped Knives. Stamped knives are stamped | | | | ▪ Advantages: Much better balance. |
| out of, or cut from, sheets of metal using a | | | | More weightier and so is more maneuverable. |
| template of predetermined size and shape. This | | | | Metal is stronger and can last many years. |
| process is called precision machining. As most of | | | | Requires less sharpening. Less risk of injury as |
| these stamped knives are generally flat and thin, | | | | less work is required from the user. Solid bolster |
| the process is done quite quickly. But because | | | | to increase safety. Secured, durable handles. |
| they are so thin, they aren't that dense and do | | | | ▪ Disadvantage: Costs more. |
| not hold their edges very long. Unfortunately, this | | | | Weightier. Critical Point. Maybe 10 years ago all of |
| means more frequent sharpening is required by | | | | the above would be undisputed. Not so today. |
| stamped knives than forged knives. | | | | There is quite a bit of dissent about the quality of |
| As a matter of fact, some stamped knives sets | | | | stamped knives and whether or not they rival the |
| claim that you needn't ever sharpen them. They'll | | | | quality of forged knives. Here are the popular |
| stay sharp for a lifetime, the package will say. | | | | points: |
| Please, don't believe that. All things change over | | | | ▪ Some stamped knives are made |
| time, including the sharpness of a knife's edge. | | | | with a high quality steel to begin with. |
| The blade of a stamped knife is usually fitted and | | | | ▪ Some knives are stamped initially |
| fastened onto its handle and is not, therefore, | | | | and then followed up with a forging process. |
| thought of as a solid piece of metal. A loose | | | | ▪ Today's manufacturing process |
| handle could easily result in your having to throw | | | | (especially involving heat) can produce stamped |
| the knife away. Such a waste. It's good to know | | | | knives that are just as good as forged knives, if |
| that not all stamped handles are this way. Some | | | | not better. |
| stamped knives have handles that are fitted over | | | | Just as good as forged knives, if not better. |
| the tang. | | | | That's quite amazing. Here's another critical point: |
| Stamped knives are also lighter, and have less | | | | ▪ Many prefer a forged knife |
| balance, than forged knives. So you'll have to grip | | | | because of its weight distribution, the resultant |
| it fairly tightly and have to use much more | | | | ease of maneuverability and the comfort and |
| pressure whenever you use them. Doing so will | | | | safety of the bolster. |
| increase risk of injury. | | | | What's it to be then? It seems fairly easy to |
| ▪ Advantages: Fairly inexpensive. | | | | decide. If you'd like some strong, long-lasting |
| Lighter in weight. | | | | knives, get forged knives. If you'd like something |
| ▪ Disadvantages: Usually unreliable | | | | fairly disposable that you'd prefer not to have to |
| handles. Requires more force, more ork from the | | | | maintain, get stamped knives. |
| user. Increased risk of injury during strenuous | | | | But if you've got the time, the means and the |
| jobs. Poorly balanced. Needs frequent sharpening. | | | | desire, shop around. There are high quality |
| Forged Knives. Forged knives are not stamped. | | | | stamped knives out there now. Some have good |
| They are carefully made with great attention to | | | | weight on them, too. They're relatively young on |
| detail. Steel is heated to extreme temperatures | | | | the market, so you're going to have to track |
| and set in a mold. It is than hammered out to | | | | them down. |