Blade Styles and Construction Techniques
Traditional WesternWestern knife design has centered on various forms of fixed blades where the handle and blade are fused into one unit. From the full, partial, and hidden tang to the straight, clip, and drop point the variations are nearly endless but one thing remains. The handle is fused to the blade. There are benefits to this construction, but also some drawbacks and they vary depending on the style.
At Mockingbird Hill Forge the fundamental is quality. To me that means a knife that is strong, reliable, fits well in the hand, and holds a is to be used. While some may regard a blade as a piece of art to placed on a shelf and admired, all our knives will be built to be used regardless of the aesthetics. |
Japanese Style ConstructionThe Japanese Katana is shrouded in myth and legend, but what is not spoken of as often is the utility. The design of these blades, the techniques used to construct them were all done with functionality in mind. Rather than permanently fixing the blade to the handle, the blade was fashioned is such a way that it was held securely to the handle and retained with a simple bamboo pin. The fittings all serve a purpose and are replaceable in the event they became damaged or were broken. This construction also facilitates cleaning and sharpening of the blade far better than other construction techniques.
Borrowing from these designs and techniques and fusing them with more western aesthetic design elements I add my own twist to a classic. |