hand forged knives

Q: Which hand-forged models work best as a camp knife, hunting knife or skinner?

Compact Fixed as Forged – 3 mm spine, 9 cm edge, 75 g; excels at field dressing and food prep. XL Fixed as Forged – longer reach for camp chores or quartering game. Lock-Back as Forged – folding EDC with rear-pump lock and clip-sheath option; ideal when hunting weight matters. All three share drop-point geometry, forged carbon steel and Morta or mammoth-ivory–inlaid handles that withstand daily use in the wild.

Question 1

What sets a Couteaux Morta hand forged knife apart in terms of craftsmanship?

Answer

Every blade is hot-forged from 90MCV8 high-carbon tool steel on a traditional anvil, then oil-quenched, double-tempered and hand-ground. The hammer texture (“brut de forge”) is left visible, giving each knife a one-of-a-kind soul and hardness of 59-60 HRC for superior sharpness and easy resharpening.

Question 2

Do you make damascus knives, or only forged carbon-steel models?

Answer

Yes—alongside the forged-carbon range, Couteaux Morta offers stainless damascus knives (120 layers, ~60 HRC) for chef, folding and XL formats. If you want the moiré patterns of damascus steel plus the historic Morta handle, choose the dedicated damascus collection; forged-carbon models remain the core of the “as-forged” series.

Question 3

Are there chef knife or kitchen knife versions of your hand-forged line?

Answer

The workshop’s kitchen catalogue currently centres on damascus or Sandvik 14C28N blades for chef’s knives and paring knives. While these share the same ergonomic Morta handle and 59 HRC heat-treat, the true hand-forged process is reserved for outdoor, EDC and table companions—for now.

Question 4

Which hand-forged models work best as a camp knife, hunting knife or skinner?

Answer

Compact Fixed as Forged – 3 mm spine, 9 cm edge, 75 g; excels at field dressing and food prep.
XL Fixed as Forged – longer reach for camp chores or quartering game.
Lock-Back as Forged – folding EDC with rear-pump lock and clip-sheath option; ideal when hunting weight matters.

All three share drop-point geometry, forged carbon steel and Morta or mammoth-ivory–inlaid handles that withstand daily use in the wild.

Question 5

What are your best sellers among hand-forged knives?

Answer

The Solid Morta “as forged” folder and the Compact Fixed lead sales thanks to their pocket-friendly size, unique fossil-oak scales and optional blue fibre liners or leather sheath upgrades.

Question 6

How does your folding lock-back differ from the fixed drop point blades?

Answer

The lock-back integrates 304L liners, Teflon washers and a 9 cm forged blade that tucks away to 12 cm closed, whereas fixed models run full-tang with exposed forged spines for maximum torsional strength—both use the same high-carbon steel and drop-point profile.

Question 7

Can I order a fully handmade / hand-made engraving or other custom touches?

Answer

Absolutely. Standard or premium laser engraving, blue vulcanised-fiber liners, and mammoth-ivory inlays are offered on every forged piece—turning each knife into a one-of-a-kind heirloom.

Question 8

Do the knives ship with a leather sheath, and how should I protect blade and skin?

Answer

A snap-fit leather or clip sheath is an optional add-on (≈40 €). Carbon-steel edges should be wiped dry and oiled lightly after use; avoid prolonged food acids on the blade and keep the handle out of water to protect both the Morta wood and your own skin from irritation caused by rust particles.

Question 9

Do you forge Japanese-style profiles like a nakiri, or specialty shapes such as a skinning knife?

Answer

The current forged lineup emphasises Western drop-points and utility shapes. Kitchen-specific forms—nakiri, santoku, chef’s knife—are available in damascus or stainless lines rather than the brut-de-forge series, ensuring the right steel for food hygiene while keeping forging capacity focused on outdoor models.

Question 10

What knife making steps distinguish hand-forged knives from stock-removal blades?

Answer

Hand-forged production starts with heating a bar, hammer-shaping to near-net geometry, normalising, oil-quenching and tempering before any grinding occurs. Stock-removal knives are laser-cut from sheet steel and then heat-treated. Performance hinges on heat-treat quality, but forging allows integral bolsters, visible hammer texture and grain refinement that many collectors prize.

Question 11

Why do hand-forged knives patina, and how do I keep their sharpness?

Answer

Unalloyed 90MCV8 forms a blue-grey patina with use; this natural oxide layer protects the blade and tells the story of every meal or field task. Maintain razor sharpness by touching up at 15-25 ° on a natural whetstone and strop lightly—routine care endorsed by Morta’s own bladesmiths and journeyman craftsman Jean-Henri.

Question 12

What makes a hand-forged knife from Couteaux Morta unique?

Answer

Each hand-forged knife from Couteaux Morta is a masterpiece of artisan craftsmanship. Our blacksmiths employ traditional bladesmithing techniques to transform high carbon steel into blades that are not only super sharp but also sturdy and durable.

The hand-forging process ensures each knife is a bespoke piece, unparalleled by mass-produced knives.

Question 13

How do I maintain my hand-forged chef's knife to keep it super sharp and in good condition?

Answer

To care for your hand-forged chef ‘s knife, clean it thoroughly after each use, especially when cutting acidic foods.

Regularly sharpen the blade to maintain its sharp edge. Store it in a dry place, preferably in a handmade leather sheath to protect the blade.

Question 14

Are Couteaux Morta's hand-forged knives suitable for professional chefs?

Answer

Absolutely. Our hand-forged knives are crafted to meet the exacting standards of professional chefs. They offer exceptional sharpness, balance, and durability, making them ideal for any professional culinary use.

Question 15

What is the advantage of a full hand-forged knife?

Answer

A full design, where the blade extends into the handle wood, offers better balance and sturdiness. It ensures that the knife can withstand heavy-duty use, making it ideal for both kitchen and outdoor activities.

hand forged knives

Le Morta EDC

Morta Knife Lock Back as Forged

Compact fixed knife as forged

XL fixed knife as forged

Mini solid morta as forged

Solid Morta as forged

XL Solid Morta as forged

THE ART

OF FORGING

THE FORGE

AT ATELIER JHP

THE DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

OF A FORGED KNIFE

Frequently asked questions