Forged vs Stock Removal in Small Knives

S

SDouglas

Joined
Jan 6, 1999
Messages
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Because of my work environment I am predominantly limited to knives with a blade of 3" or less.

The vast majority of knives in this size range seem to be Stock Removal rather than forged even from Bladesmiths.

Are there any benefits to forging this size knife?
 
I'm no expert by any means, but a three-inch blade doesn't have as much stress put on it as a larger blade. The advantages of having a forged blade wouldn't probably matter in a blade that size because there will not be any chopping or a lot of impact and stress put on it. Primarily, a blade like that is made for one thing -- cutting and slicing, and stock removal blades can do that just fine. Either way, a well heat-treated ground out blade can be an efficient tool, from small skinners to large choppers imo.
 
I have a pair of Ed Caffrey EBKs which are forged. I see no reason why small knives shouldn't be forged before being taken to the grinder for a touch-up.

caffrey.jpg


Roger
 
Forging is going the extra mile.
Some folks do, some don't.

It takes extra time and effort, so they tend to be higher in price.
Some think it's worth the extra cost, some don't.

:)
 
Yeah, but it's cool to take a 2" X 2" X 1/4" hunk of leftover steel and weld it to a handle and forge it into a nice 3" EDC blade. That's when forging outshines stock removal in my opinion. And that's especially true with damascus. What are you going to do with all those left over pieces? Forge them puppies into small blades! There are good reasons to forge and good reasons to just do stock removal. I do both but 99% of the time I forge because for me, it's easier. And I can use all of my stock all the way down to the nub. Just another side of the coin and my opinion only, of course.
 
If you have a proper set of tongs, you could forge out a small knife from a left-over bar too small to stock remove a decent knife from. Also, forging out small integrals is something I want to get onto - you'd be removing plenty of steel otherwise if just stock removed. (Eg.- the Little Hen small integrals)

In the end, don't most smiths forge because they do and because they can, and love it ...? I know guys who forge all their folder blades too !! ason.
 
Thanks for the replies.

As I said I haven't seen many forged blades in that size range.

I am hoping to go to the Hammer In and Blade Show in Frederick, MD in October.

Maybe I will find a nice little forged fixed blade there.
 
Muller Forge in missouri forges their own damascus and also a variety of small knives. Muller Forge is a father and son outfit. You can see some of their work on the AG Russell site and I believe Bladeart or Knifeart. AG Russell sells what appears to be set patterns. However, outside of the AG Russell offering, at shows, Muller Forge appears to make what they want with virtually every knife on their table being different.

Their small blades run from about $150 to 500. Jody Muller is an also an engraver, the higher priced knives have engraved blosters or handles. Most of their work comes with natural handle material. They are also listed on one of the knifemaker sites with both a phone number and e-mail address. I have a 3" blade with 3" handle, their own 1095/L60 100 layer damascus, forged to shape, finished with minimal stock removal. It has served me well as an every day user. Came with a fine edge which has held up.
 
I second Muller's Forge -- I just saw some of their stuff at a local knife show and almost walked away with a $150 small damascus knife. I've got their card if you would like to contact them.
 
Originally posted by SDouglas
Thanks for the replies.

As I said I haven't seen many forged blades in that size range.

I am hoping to go to the Hammer In and Blade Show in Frederick, MD in October.

Maybe I will find a nice little forged fixed blade there.
Click to expand...

I would be willing to bet on it.

My opinion is, if forging adds to the quality of steel through improved grain structure, then it will do so for a 3", 6", 12" or bigger blade.
 
I haven't done as well with Long Distance orders as I have with shows lately and I am looking forward to possibly SECKS in September and the Bill Moran Hammer In in October so I need to start saving my money.
 
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