French knives manufacturing
Handcrafted cutlery
Cold or hot forging ? The verb ‘to forge’ refers to the metal’s deformation at both high and low temperature. A craft dating back to the discovery of metal, rendered popular in the Middle Ages. Weapons, jewellery, statues and currencies passed through the blacksmith’s hands. After crushing the mineral, he melted it in a furnace with the aid of bellows, beat and hammered it and recast it. He then added other components to it. For instance, bronze comes from adding tin and copper.
Did you know ? The Eiffel tower is made of wrought iron using the puddling technique.
While the temperature rises in the gas forge, the cutler concentrates on preparing the essential tools for the confrontation awaiting him. Return to the Iron Age ! The hammer blows resonate throughout the workshop. The heat from the forge spreads and everyone feels sweat beading to the beat of the hammer. While the steel takes shape, heats, cools, ignites again and plunges into the oil, the cutler already imagines the emerging blade and delights in combining it with Morta, the black oak of Brière. The steel reddens, blackens, hardens and ends up accepting its new hardness. But it’s only with the Atelier JHP stamp that it finds its true personality.
Traditionally linked to ironwork and building hardware, wrought iron fits in perfectly with the art of cutlery. A real forged knife presupposes it was made from a hot forged steel bar. That notwithstanding, the market offers knives entirely or partially hot or cold forged. How do you recognize them ? A forged blade is meant to be heavy and solid, with no welding point. It requires less sharpening. The proof comes with time. In the meantime, seek advice from your artisan cutler.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, at Couteaux Morta, we offer bespoke hand-forged knives. You can personalize your knife by choosing specific features like adding custom engraving.
Our collection includes various blade types, such as forged chef knives, and more. Each blade is hand-forged and designed for specific culinary tasks, ensuring high performance and durability.
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.
We recommend using a quality sharpening stone or honing rod. Follow the blade’s angle and gently sharpen it in a consistent motion. Regular sharpening is important to maintain the blade’s super sharp edge.
Leather sheaths are often included with our hand-forged knives. They provide a safe and stylish way to store and protect your knife, ensuring it remains super sharp and rust-free.
These handcrafted leather sheaths add a touch of elegance and tradition while effectively protecting the blade.
Creating a hand forged Damascus steel blade involves layering different types of steel and forging them together. This process, known as creating a Damascus steel billet, results in a blade with unique patterns, exceptional toughness, and excellent edge retention.
Our skilled blacksmiths master this ancient art, producing blades that combine beauty and functionality.
With proper care and maintenance, your hand forged knife can last a lifetime. High carbon steel blades, when properly cared for, maintain their sharpness and integrity for many years.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning, sharpening, and proper storage, will ensure the longevity of your knife.
