Forging vs. Stock Removal

A

Adamantium

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
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Okay, Since I've been into knives I've heard alot of people say that forging is better. And quite a few people say that it doesn't really matter wether or not you grind it or pound it to shape. So I was wondering if someone with alot more knowlage and experiance could shed some light on the issue.

Sincerely,
Adam
 
Don't forgers use stock removal as the final step - grinding/polishing after the blank has been forged to shape? I've heard that forging is 'better' too, but I've never seen any concrete proof.

I'm curious about this one, too.

Mike
 
Forging can be better under certain circumstances, but normally the heat treat is far more important. Forging is just more fun. The idea of it being superior is based on stressing the crystaline structure on the edge and convincing the grain to flow in certain directions. There is a technique call aus-forging. That does improve the strength but is harder to do.
 
I've used knives for over 30 yrs. and IMHO the forged blades are much better for a "using" knife.
You hear lots of guys talking about how easy it is for forged blades to rust, I have never had any forged, or stainless, blade to rust in my life...I just clean & dry the blade after using it. If it is to be stored over winter I will then use oil to wipe down the blade.
 
I have been forging knives for 15 years. Some steels do better by forging some do not. While forging the control of the heat is the most important thing relating to how the knife stands abuse. Forging the distal taper and the grind has to do with the performance and depth of cut.
Carbon steels are better forged. Stainless steels which I have forged are no better after forging. IMHO.
Once they are forged you then stock removal the excess metals. Hopefully as little as possible.
 
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