In my quest to find the perfect kitchen knives, I stumbled upon The Forged Blade, a brand that had been making quite a buzz in the culinary world. Promising a delicate balance between quality, functionality, and affordability, The Forged Blade knives caught my attention. As an avid home cook and occasional outdoor enthusiast, I decided to put their knives to the test.
In this detailed review, I will share my personal experience with The Forged Blade knives, examining their most popular models, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately deciding whether they live up to the hype.
Table of Contents
What is The Forged Blade?
The Forged Blade is a kitchen knife brand from British Columbia, Canada. They focus on creating stylish and high-quality chef knives. They claim to use top-notch steel, have their own forging process, and offer sharp blades at an affordable price.
Learn more: best kitchen knives
Best-Selling Forged Blade Knives
1. Boketto – Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver
I tried the Boketto cleaver because it promised versatility in handling meats, vegetables, and bones. It also had a wide blade for food scooping, but this feature wasn’t as useful as advertised. Overall, it didn’t meet my expectations in terms of sharpness and functionality.
2. Katzen – Hand Forged Chef Knife
The Katzen Hand Forged Chef Knife caught my attention with its compact size and exceptional sharpness. It was great for precise cutting, but not ideal for tasks requiring a larger blade. The unique hole-in-blade design didn’t significantly improve my control over the knife.
3. Fenrir – Hand Forged Cleaver
The Fenrir Cleaver appealed to me as a tool for handling tough meats and vegetables. It claimed to be versatile and had a distinctive design. It did perform well for heavy-duty tasks like chopping bones, and its unique design added character to my kitchen. However, it might be too heavy-duty for camping or hunting trips, despite those claims.
Are The Forged Blade Knives Better Than Others?
My personal experience with Forged Blade Knives left me both intrigued and skeptical. Their marketing claims were bold and enticing, but I knew I had to put them to the test to see if they lived up to the hype.
Upon receiving a set of Forged Blade Knives, the first thing that struck me was their impressive craftsmanship. The knives truly looked like works of art, with elegant handles and beautifully designed blades. However, I couldn’t help but wonder if this aesthetic appeal would translate into practicality in the kitchen.
I decided to start with their claim of “unforgivingly sharp” blades. As I carefully unwrapped one of the knives, I could immediately tell that the edge was incredibly sharp. It effortlessly sliced through tomatoes, paper-thin cucumber slices, and even dense sweet potatoes with ease. This sharpness did make food preparation quicker and more precise, but it also raised concerns about safety. I had to be extra cautious while handling these knives, as a small slip could lead to a serious injury.
The knives also felt well-balanced in my hand, which added to the overall positive experience. I appreciated their weight and the ergonomic design of the handles, which made extended chopping and slicing sessions more comfortable.
However, the question remained: were these knives more than just showpieces? I put them to the test in my everyday cooking routine, chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and dicing herbs. They performed admirably, making my kitchen tasks efficient and enjoyable. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was using something more valuable than just kitchen tools.
The fact that Forged Blade claimed to conduct the entire forging process in-house did pique my interest. It implied that they had control over the quality of the materials used. But it also left room for doubts. Were they really using the “finest quality steel,” as they asserted? To answer that question, I conducted some research and compared their knives to similar products from other reputable brands. The results were inconclusive, as there were many variables to consider, such as the specific type of steel used and the forging process.
In the end, my experience with Forged Blade Knives left me with mixed feelings. They were undeniably beautiful and sharp, making cooking a pleasure. However, their extreme sharpness also raised safety concerns, and the balance between their functionality and their status as works of art remained a subject of debate. As for their in-house forging process, it was challenging to definitively confirm whether it resulted in superior quality.
In conclusion, while Forged Blade Knives had their merits, I would advise potential buyers to approach their claims with a critical perspective and carefully evaluate their needs and preferences before making a decision. The quest for the perfect kitchen knife is a highly subjective journey, and what works best for one person may not be ideal for another.
Pros of The Forged Blade
1. Unique and eye-catching designs
The aesthetic appeal of The Forged Blade knives is undeniable. They are truly unique and eye-catching, making them a standout feature in any kitchen. The intricate designs and craftsmanship add a touch of elegance to the cooking experience, and I found myself admiring them as pieces of art.
2. In-house forging for quality control
The fact that The Forged Blade handles the entire forging process in-house did give me a sense of assurance regarding quality control. It implies a commitment to maintaining high standards and having control over the materials used. This approach, in theory, can contribute to the knives’ overall quality.
3. Versatile knives for various tasks
I particularly enjoyed using the Boketto cleaver, which is marketed as a versatile kitchen tool. It indeed lived up to its claim, as it proved to be capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing through meats and bones. This versatility was a definite plus in the kitchen.
Cons of The Forged Blade
1. Discrepancy between marketing hype and performance
While The Forged Blade’s marketing paints a rosy picture, there were instances where the knives didn’t fully live up to the hype. It’s essential to approach their marketing claims with caution and not take everything at face value. Some features may not deliver the promised benefits in real-world use.
2. High price tag, potential value debate
The cost of The Forged Blade knives can be on the higher side. While the brand emphasizes cost savings through in-house forging, the value-for-money aspect can be subjective. Customers should carefully evaluate whether the knives justify their investment in terms of performance and longevity.
3. Compact size and questionable feature practicality
Some of The Forged Blade knives, like the Katzen Hand Forged Chef Knife, are described as compact. This may not align with everyone’s preferences, especially those who prefer larger knives for specific tasks. Additionally, certain features, such as the hole-in-blade design, may require further evaluation to determine their practicality in daily use.
4. Overhyped outdoor and camping suitability
The brand’s claims about their knives being suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and camping trips may be overhyped. It’s crucial for consumers to critically assess whether these features genuinely enhance the knives’ utility in practical scenarios or if they are more suited for indoor kitchen use.
Is The Forged Blade a Scam or Legit?
There’s no solid proof to call The Forged Blade a scam, but it’s wise to be cautious. Their marketing claims are impressive, but it’s crucial to do thorough research before buying.
While they have unique knife designs and boast about quality and in-house forging, look for unbiased reviews and comparisons with other trusted knife brands to gauge their real worth. Approach their products with caution and make informed decisions.
FAQs
1. Where can I contact The Forged Blade for support?
You can reach out to The Forged Blade’s customer support via email at [email protected] during their business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm PST.
2. Are there alternatives to The Forged Blade knives?
Yes, there are alternative options available in the market. One notable alternative is Amazon, which offers a wide range of kitchen knives that can compete with The Forged Blade in terms of features and quality. These alternatives often come at a more budget-friendly price point.
3. What should I consider before purchasing The Forged Blade knives?
Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to research and gather information about the specific knife you are interested in. Look for unbiased reviews, user testimonials, and objective assessments of the knife’s performance. Additionally, compare the pricing and features of The Forged Blade knives with other reputable brands to ensure you are making an informed decision.
4. Is extreme sharpness in a kitchen knife necessary?
Extreme sharpness in a kitchen knife can be advantageous for precise cutting and efficient food preparation. However, it also requires careful handling to ensure safety. Whether extreme sharpness is necessary depends on your cooking needs and preferences. Some users may prefer slightly less sharp knives for everyday tasks.
I purchased 4 different knives from TheForgedBlade and they are awesome knives. No regrets. They are razor sharp, thick, heavy, and they chop and slice like a dream. Might be too much knife for some people which would lead to a negative review.
The forged blade knives are junk. Their customer service is shit! They do not want to honor their guarantee! I WOULD OOVE TO BE ON ONE OF YOUR VIDEOS REVIEWING THESE SHIT KNIVES!