FAQs

How long does it take to make a knife?

There are many variables associated with each individual knife. An approximate time of 20-50 hours is a good estimate depending on the knife and sheath.

Damascus-

Damascus steel exists in a completely different context compared to historical definitions. Today, steelmaking is a science. Knife makers understand alloy composition, heat treatment, quenching methods, and grain refinement.

Modern Damascus steel is forge welded and patterned steel, created by layering alternating types of steel before forge welding them all together into a solid piece of steel. This single piece of steel is then twisted and/or manipulated to create visible patterns after acid etching.

How old do I have to be to buy a knife?

Frog Paw Forge and Fabrication, LLC will only sell bladed items to customers that are 18 years old or older.

Are there special care considerations in regards to the knives?

Yes, a 'care instructions' sheet and care kit are included with the purchase of each knife.

Terminology

1084/15n20-

1084 steel- a high-carbon, plain carbon steel containing approximately 0.84% carbon, prized by bladesmiths for being easy to forge, heat treat, and grind. Its eutectoid composition makes it highly forgiving during heat treatment, yielding strong, versatile, and easily sharpened cutting tools.

15n20 steel- a high-carbon (0.75%), high-nickel (2.0%) alloy steel primarily used for forging knives, saws, and pattern-welded Damascus steel. Due to its high nickel content, it resists etching, making it the "bright" or shiny layer in Damascus, while adding superior toughness, edge retention, and easy sharpening to finished blades.

Resin Stabilized-

Stabilizing Resin is a premium, professional grade, heat cured resin for impregnating wood, rocks, minerals, and other porous materials to make them harder, more resistant to moisture, and to add integral color with dyes. Stabilizing resin does not significantly change the color of most woods.

Twist-

Refers to the pattern designed into the layers of alternating steel that emerges after final acid etching. This pattern is achieved by forge welding a high number of layers into one solid long rectangular piece, then twisting the whole piece several times. Finally, the billet is flattened and formed into the knife giving the characterizing twisting pattern displayed.

Raindrop-

Refers to the pattern designed into the layers of alternating steel that emerges after final acid etching. This pattern is achieved by forge welding a high number of layers into one solid long rectangular piece, then drilling several shallow divots into the surface of the billet. After the surface of the billet has been covered in divots it is reheated and flattened resulting in the characteristic concentric circles 'cutting' through the layers of the damascus billet.

Care Kit-

High carbon 1084/15n20 damascus steel requires care and maintenance. A care kit is included in the purchase of a knife containing directions for cleaning and care, a polishing cloth, and food safe wax to be applied to the blade itself per care directions.

What kind of 3D printer(s) does Frog Paw Forge and Fabrication have?

BambuLab H2D with AMS 2 pro and 2 HT AMS

What kind of laser engraver(s) does Frog Paw Forge and Fabrication have?

XTOOL F1 Ultra

(20W Fiber and 20W Blue Diode)

Ceramic nano-coating

These knives are made from high carbon steels, not stainless steel. A certain amount of patina is expected to develop over time. However, this coating has been applied to mitigate this effect. It is suggested to reapply every 6 months depending on use. This coating forms a covalent bond with the blade, creating a robust, abrasion resistant shield that is 2-3 microns thick providing an antimicrobial, hydrophobic, oleophobic, and UV-resistant surface. This advanced coating also protects the steel from environmental damage, preserving its condition and performance.