You may have heard of this popular type of knife – forged. But do you know what it means? And do you know the difference between forged and stamped knives? Well, let’s find out.

What is a knife bolster?

One easy way to identify a forged knife is if it has a bolster. A bolster is a wide lip on the end of the blade, right where it conjoins with the handle. The bolster is really the defining feature of a forged knife and what sets the forged knife apart from either knives and especially from stamped knives. The bolster is helpful in that it helps to balance the blade by adding some weight to the knife, near the center. Forged knives are often used for cooking because cooks like the feel of a weightier knife, and forged knives are also easier to grip.

What is a full or partial tang?

Another distinguishing feature of a forged knife is a full or partial tang. A tang is an extension of the metal blade that reaches up and into the handle. Some good indicators that the knife has a tang are if the knife has metal rivets or if you can see the metal as it attaches to the edge of the handle. Custom forged knife collectors enjoy a tang because it is a symbol of durability and also of quality, which are things people look for when purchasing a custom forged knife. However, there are some knives that are not forged, or are in fact, stamped, that have tangs.

What is a stamped knife?

So what is a stamped knife? A forged knife is a knife in which the blade is cut out from a large sheet of steel and then is honed and heat-treated. This is very different from the process of creating a forged knife, by which a craftsman will heat and pound a bar of steel into shape. The process by which a forged knife is made allows for more creativity and custom features than a stamped knife creation does.

Where to buy custom forged knives

So have you learned what to know about forged knives? The process of making a forged knife is more expensive and time consuming. And the professional knife forgers that are behind some of the world’s most beautiful, custom forged knives speak for themselves. You simply cannot get the quality and custom nature of a forged knife from a stamped knife. However, you want to make sure you choose the right knife, whether it be forged or stamped. So how do you know which is the right knife for you? Well, it’s best to choose a knife based on how it feels when you hold it and how easy and comfortable it is to use.

And also its easier to choose a good knife when you are working with a high quality custom knife dealer. Exquisite Knives has some of the best custom forged knives around. You are sure to find a knife that not only works for you, but is extraordinarily beautiful and ornate as well.