Materials Encyclopedia
Understanding the essence behind every blade.
Introduction
At Fire Forge & Knives, material is not chosen — it is studied, tested and mastered.
Each element, from the steel core to the handle finish, defines not only performance, but also identity.
Our materials are sourced from certified suppliers and selected for their proven mechanical stability, corrosion resistance and aesthetic harmony.
This page presents the steels, metals, woods and composites that shape our knives — the foundation of our philosophy of Precision. Purpose. Permanence.
1. Core Steels
These are the structural hearts of our blades — the alloys that determine hardness, edge retention and cutting integrity.
VG-10 (Japan)
A high-carbon stainless steel produced by Takefu, Japan. It offers outstanding sharpness, superior corrosion resistance and an ideal balance between strength and flexibility.
Used as the core in most premium Damascus knives.
AUS-8 / AUS-10 (Japan)
Japanese steels with high chromium and vanadium content, known for their fine grain and ease of maintenance.
AUS-10 offers slightly higher hardness and finer polishability.
14Cr14MoVNb (China)
An advanced Chinese powder steel with molybdenum, vanadium and niobium additions.
Designed for high hardness (>60 HRC) and precise edge retention under professional use.
10Cr15CoMoV / 10Cr15 (China)
Modern Chinese stainless steels inspired by Japanese VG series.
They combine high hardness, strong wear resistance and bright polishability, commonly used in chef series.
ST650 (Powder Steel)
High-density powder metallurgy steel with superior microstructure uniformity.
Chosen for heavy-duty knives and high-end Damascus cores.
M390 (Böhler, Austria)
One of the most advanced powder steels in the world.
Extremely high vanadium and molybdenum content grants exceptional wear and corrosion resistance.
Used in limited and collector series.
ZDP-189 (Japan)
Ultra-high-carbon powder steel (Hitachi Metals).
Reaches extreme hardness (65-67 HRC) and unrivalled edge retention.
Used selectively for precision-cutting applications.
9Cr18MoV / 7Cr17MoV (China)
Reliable stainless steels for everyday use.
Provide a balance of performance, easy sharpening and durability.
2. Damascus and Outer Layers
The beauty of our blades lies in the Damascus lamination process — the union of metal layers forged into harmony.
316 / 316L Stainless Steel
Marine-grade stainless used as outer cladding for its corrosion resistance and clean appearance.
It protects the powder-steel core and creates a balanced, durable structure.
Pattern-Welded Damascus (67 / 73 / 110 Layers)
Each layer is folded, twisted and forged under vacuum-controlled heat, producing the unique Fire Forge wave pattern — no two blades are ever identical.
Brass
Used as a decorative and transitional layer between stainless and Damascus steel.
Its warm golden tone and excellent machinability make it ideal for visual contrast, emphasising the handmade essence of each piece.
Purple Copper
A rare alloy of copper with subtle purplish oxidation, chosen for limited Damascus and signature collections.
It provides a refined colour depth and a distinctive reflective sheen, enhancing both the beauty and individuality of the blade.
1.4116 / 440C / Sandvik 14C28N
Occasionally used for outer laminations or single-steel models.
Recognised for stability and consistency, widely adopted in European production standards.
3. Secondary Metals and Decorative Alloys
These elements enhance structural precision and aesthetic refinement.
Brass — traditional metal for bolsters and pins, aged for tone and warmth.
Copper / Purple Copper — decorative alloy used in select premium series; symbolises balance and craftsmanship.
Bronze — occasionally used for ferrules and accents; provides an antique finish.
Nickel / Nickel Silver — corrosion-resistant metal with a bright tone, often used for spacers.
Titanium (Anodised) — lightweight and durable, used in reinforcement and decorative details.
316L Stainless Fittings — precision-machined bolsters and guards for endurance.
4. Handle Materials
The handle is where the human hand meets the forged edge.
Each Fire Forge handle is shaped for balance, comfort and timeless beauty.
Ebony / Rosewood
Dense, dark woods offering strength and a luxurious tactile feel.
Common in traditional Japanese and European series.
Olive Wood
Naturally antibacterial and uniquely grained.
Selected for its warmth and Mediterranean character.
Acacia Wood
Hard and richly coloured.
Used in both handles and presentation boxes — sustainably treated and finished.
Stabilised Wood
Natural wood infused with resin for enhanced stability and moisture resistance.
Resin / Resin-Wood Composite
A fusion of art and performance — offering bold visual patterns and high mechanical resistance.
G10
Glass-fibre laminate known for rigidity, water resistance and low maintenance.
Ideal for professional chefs and heavy use.
Micarta
Pressed layers of linen and resin.
Warm to the touch, elegant and durable — a symbol of handcrafted refinement.
POM (Acetal)
Technical polymer used in utility knives for its resilience and stability in kitchen environments.
Carbon Fibre
Ultra-light, ultra-strong composite used in exclusive editions.
5. Packaging and Presentation Materials
Presentation is part of the experience.
Each Fire Forge knife is delivered in packaging that reflects its authenticity.
Acacia / Hardwood Box — precision-crafted wooden case, often lined in velvet.
Reinforced Laminated Cardboard — protective packaging for secure shipment.
Velvet or Fabric Lining — adds elegance and safeguards the blade.
Foam Inserts — custom-cut for impact protection and presentation balance.
6. Metallurgical Processes and Finishing
All Fire Forge blades undergo a sequence of advanced treatments to ensure peak performance.
Vacuum Heat Treatment — stabilises the grain and maximises hardness.
Cryogenic Tempering — relieves stress and increases edge retention.
Pattern Welding — manual folding and forging of multiple steel layers.
Laser Diffusion Welding — joins tangs to blades with molecular precision.
Etching and Polishing — controlled acid etching to reveal the Damascus pattern, followed by fine hand polishing.
Hand Honing — final sharpening performed by master craftsmen.
7. Certification and Integrity
All materials used in Fire Forge & Knives products comply with European and international standards:
CE, LFGB, SGS, and FSC (for wood).
Our commitment is to ensure traceability, authenticity and safety in every component.
Conclusion
Every element in a Fire Forge knife — the steel, the wood, the metal, the polish — carries meaning.
We do not assemble knives.
We compose instruments of balance, forged by science, refined by art, and sustained by time.
Precision. Purpose. Permanence.
Fire Forge & Knives.