Manufacturing Manual


 

Industrial Precision. Human Finish. Enduring Excellence.


1. Material Selection

Every Fire Forge blade begins with a meticulous selection of high-performance steel alloys.
The core is made from high-alloy powder steels, such as VG-10, 14Cr14MoVNb or ST650, known for their exceptional hardness (above 60 HRC) and superior wear resistance.
The outer layers are composed of 316 or 316L stainless steel, renowned for its corrosion resistance and visual purity, forming the body of modern stainless Damascus steel.

This combination creates the perfect balance between rigidity, flexibility and durability, which is essential for a high-performance blade.

2. Billet Formation

Fire Forge Damascus blades are created using the pattern-welded forging method, also known as layered welding.
Multiple sheets of metal are alternately stacked (using alloys with different levels of carbon and nickel), heated to high temperatures and pressed until they fuse into a single homogeneous block.

During this process, the layers are folded, twisted and reforged multiple times, forming the iconic wave pattern visible on the blade.
Each fold is precisely controlled to ensure structural and visual consistency.

3. Consolidation and Forging

Fire Forge employs high-precision industrial presses to forge under controlled thermal conditions.
This ensures that the fusion between the metallic layers occurs uniformly, eliminating microcracks and air pockets.
The process is automated but always supervised by specialised metallurgical engineers.

The result is a solid, cohesive and stable metal base, the foundation for every Fire Forge blade.

4. Precision Cutting and Machining

Once consolidated, the billet is cut and shaped into individual blades using high-precision CNC machinery, which defines the profile, curvature and thickness of each model.
Full-tang knives are sculpted from a single continuous piece of Damascus steel, while hybrid models use 316L stainless steel tangs welded to the blade using laser diffusion bonding, ensuring perfect balance and structural strength.

5. Heat Treatment

Each blade undergoes a rigorous vacuum heat treatment that guarantees a uniform microstructure and ideal hardness.
Certain models are also subjected to cryogenic tempering, a process of controlled submersion at extremely low temperatures that relieves internal stress and enhances edge retention.

The result is a hardness rating between 60 and 63 HRC, offering both durability and stability.

6. Grinding, Sharpening and Etching

After heat treatment, the blade enters the grinding and sharpening stage, where the geometry and cutting angle are defined.
The blade is then chemically etched to reveal the Damascus pattern, the visible expression of the metal’s fusion and structure.

This stage requires extreme precision, ensuring that the etching process affects only the surface without altering the steel’s integrity.

7. Hand Finishing

The finishing process is entirely performed by hand.
Each blade is polished, sharpened and inspected individually by experienced craftsmen.
It is during this stage that Fire Forge ensures that every knife is not only functional but also worthy of admiration.
Every blade must meet strict internal standards of balance, weight and smoothness before being approved.

8. Handle Assembly

Handles are crafted from noble woods and premium composite materials, such as ebony, acacia, olive wood and G10.
Each piece is cut, sanded and polished by hand, respecting the ergonomic and aesthetic design of the blade.
All timbers are sourced from certified suppliers and, when applicable, bear the FSC seal of sustainable forestry.

9. Quality Control and Certification

Before reaching the customer, every piece undergoes cutting, resistance and visual tests.
Selected batches are audited by independent laboratories and certified according to international standards:

CE – European conformity

LFGB – Food safety compliance

SGS – Quality control and inspection

FSC – Responsible forestry certification

These certifications ensure that each Fire Forge & Knives product fully complies with European and global premium market requirements.

10. Fire Forge Manufacturing Identity

Every blade carries an invisible signature, the equilibrium between metallurgical science and artisanal artistry.
The use of automated technology does not remove the human touch. It enhances it.
Fire Forge believes that perfection is achieved through the union of technical precision and human sensibility.


Conclusion — Our Manufacturing Commitment

Producing a Fire Forge knife is more than forging metal.
It is transforming raw material into lasting heritage.
Each model is designed, tested and refined to embody Precision, Purpose and Permanence.