2025-Mercer-Culinary-Catalog - Flipbook - Page 7
Forged vs. Stamped
There are many choices in professional cutlery. Choose the best option for your needs.
Forged
One complete piece of steel, from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle.
Forged knives are made from a single piece of steel. The metal is heated to a high temperature, rearranging its
molecular structure which provides excellent strength. This results in a cutting edge that stays sharper longer and
is easier to maintain.
Forged knives have a bolster, the center support piece between the blade and the handle. This adds weight and balance
to the knife and protection for your fingers. Forged knives also feature a full tang, the portion of the metal enclosed by
the handle.
Stamped
Machine cut from one large strip of steel.
A die is loaded into a press to cut the knife shape from the steel blank. The blade is tempered, sharpened, and finished.
This manufacturing process makes the knives more cost effective to produce. Stamped knives are usually thinner and
lighter, offering an economic alternative to traditional forged cutlery.
Given their lighter characteristics, more downward force may be required compared to heavier forged blades. Because
of their thinner profile, blades may also require regular maintenance more often than forged cutlery.
Knife Metals
Steel is the heart of the blade. The choice of blade materials is a huge component of knife performance.
Heat treatment, blade geometry, edge grinding, and handle design also contribute to performance.
In deciding on the right knife, consider the following blade attributes:
> Strength – hardness/ability to take a load without permanently deforming.
> Wear Resistance – ability to withstand surface abrasions.
> Edge Holding – ability of a blade to hold an edge.
Blades contain a variety of elements which contribute to the above attributes:
> Carbon – all steel contains carbon, which adds hardness to the blade.
The more carbon, the harder the blade.
> Chromium – adds hardness, but also allows the knife to hold an edge and
contributes to rust-resistance.
> Vanadium – allows a knife to retain an extra-sharp edge.
> Molybdenum – contributes strength and wear-resistance.
> Manganese – contributes strength and wear-resistance.
Brand
MX3
Strength
Wear Resistance
Edge Holding
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BPX
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ZüM
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Renaissance
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Damascus Style
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Millennia
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Praxis
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Ultimate White
CUTLERY SELEC T ION GUIDE
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