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