Quick history of blade smithing
Knife forging dates back millions of years. The oldest known knives were made by humans 2.5 million years ago and consisted of rock, bone, and flint. These materials were brittle, and blades often fractured. So over 6,000 years ago, humans turned to more robust materials, including copper and later iron.
In the Roman Empire, iron was the most common metal for bladesmiths because of its strength and wide availability. Today, modern bladesmiths use steel, forging it themselves or working with a pre-made flat bar of steel to create their knife. Traditional blade smithing declined with improvements in steel production during the Industrial Revolution.
But the art of blacksmithing and blade smithing, in particular, has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. Modern equipment, including power hammers, gas forges, and electric grinders, has changed the way we forge blades.
Our Time-Tested Process
A Proper Fit – We begin this process by taking a measurement of your hand to determine sizing and fit, which is key to ensuring proper comfort when using the cutlery. This will include the size and shape of the grip as well as the overall shape of the knife.
Blade Design – We will select the proper blade design based on the blade’s intended purpose, including knife blade characteristics, beveling, and tang construction.
Hardening and Tempering – Heating the blade to an exact temperature and quenching it in oil forces the steel into its strongest state and lends to the longevity of the cutlery. We then temper your blade to the right hardness and toughness with absolute precision.
Steel Finishes – We then polish the blade with emery paper, starting with a large grit, then working our way down to a fine grit until your blade has reached your desired finish.
Handle construction – The handle is the most distinct characteristic of any knife. Bladesmiths utilize woodworking knowledge in constructing knife and sword handles, from selecting a wood type to peening pins. We offer a wide variety of wood types, from standard hardwoods like oaks and maples to much more exotic woods. Selection of a wood that best suits your taste is all part of creating a knife that is custom crafted just for you. Remember the handle is the interface between the knife and the user – we make sure it is comfortable and gorgeous.
