Question 1

What makes a truly hand-forged knife so special?

Accepted Answer

A real hand-forged knife is born from a steel bar heated white-hot and hammered on a traditional anvil, creating metal fibers that follow the blade&#8217;s shape. At Couteaux Morta workshop, each knife carries the visible marks of this craft: those distinctive forge marks and slight undulations that tell the story of its creation.
The result? A heavy, solid blade with exceptional density that requires less sharpening and stands the test of time with elegance. More than just a tool, it&#8217;s a piece of history taking life in your hands!

Question 2

What steel do you use for your forged blades and what's its performance?

Accepted Answer

Our blacksmiths work exclusively with 90MCV8 carbon steel, forged traditionally at our workshop (with help from our friend and fellow craftsman Frédéric Marchand for some blades). This high-carbon steel is a proven performer!
After forging, it develops a beautiful blue-gray patina over time that protects the blade and tells your story.
The steel offers excellent sharpness, easy resharpening, and that authentic character loved by those who appreciate materials that bear the marks of time and use.

Question 3

What "As Forged" knife models do you offer in your collection?

Accepted Answer

Our hand-forged collection features three exceptional companions:

the Compact Fixed perfect for versatile outdoor tasks and game preparation;
the XL Fixed for heavy-duty camping work;
the Lock-Back folding knife ideal when you need a compact EDC that slips into your pocket.

All share drop-point geometry, forged 90MCV8 carbon steel blades, and those magnificent Morta handles, sometimes enhanced with mammoth ivory inlays or elegant blue vulcanized fiber accents.

Question 4

How do I maintain and sharpen my hand-forged carbon steel knife?

Accepted Answer

Carbon steel is a living material. Clean the blade with warm water and a soft sponge after each use, then dry immediately to preserve the steel. For the Morta handle, just use a dry cloth, this fossilized wood spent 5,000 years in wet conditions and now prefers staying dry!
Sharpening? Less frequent than regular knives thanks to the forged structure. Use a natural whetstone with consistent angle strokes for optimal edge retention.
That blue-gray patina forming naturally? It&#8217;s your blade&#8217;s protection and badge of honor!

Question 5

What's the traditional hand-forging process at your workshop?

Accepted Answer

At Couteaux Morta, we honor ancestral cutlery craft! Our forging method involves heating the steel bar, hammering it on the anvil to shape it, then normalizing, oil quenching, double tempering, and hand grinding.
Under repeated hammer blows, the steel densifies, gains resistance, and develops that unique structure impossible to achieve through machining.
The &#8220;as forged&#8221; finish preserves the natural look straight from the forge, with its gray nuances and fabrication marks. Each knife bears the JHP stamp, signature of our master craftsman.

Question 6

Do you offer other blade types beyond hand-forged carbon steel?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! While our forged carbon range remains the heart of our &#8220;as forged&#8221; series for outdoor and table knives, we craft a wide range of premium cutlery.
Our Damascus knives feature stunning 120-layer stainless steel (RWL34/PMC37 at 59 HRC, or M690/Nitro-B at ~60 HRC) available in folding, chef, and XL formats.
For kitchen knives, we also work with Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel (59 HRC) offering superior rust-resistant performance and easy sharpening. Each collection showcases different craftsmanship while keeping that authentic Morta handle!

Question 7

Are Couteaux Morta knives suitable for professional use?

Accepted Answer

Without hesitation! While our hand-forged knives excel in outdoor, hunting, and table use, our kitchen knife collection serves professional chefs and passionate home cooks alike. Chef Éric Guérin (Michelin-starred at La mare aux oiseaux in Saint-Joachim) cooks with Morta knives!
Our chef&#8217;s knives in stainless steel or Damascus offer that winning trio: exceptional sharpness for precise cuts, perfect balance, and unbeatable durability. The ergonomic Morta handle provides superior grip during long culinary sessions.
Whether preparing fish, trimming meat, or tackling diverse kitchen tasks, our knives deliver premium performance!

Question 8

What makes your forged knives versatile for different uses?

Accepted Answer

Our hand-forged Morta knives are true multi-purpose tools! The forged blade&#8217;s sharp edge and quality steel handle everything from outdoor adventures (cutting rope, preparing game, camping tasks) to everyday meals at the table.
The Compact Fixed excels at precision work, while the XL Fixed tackles heavy-duty jobs.
The Lock-Back folder? Perfect EDC that goes from pocket to picnic basket seamlessly. Thanks to full tang construction extending through the handle, you get exceptional grip, balance, and durability whether you&#8217;re in the kitchen prepping meals or in the wild.

Question 9

What's special about Morta wood and why does it matter for knife handles?

Accepted Answer

Morta is 5,000-year-old fossilized oak extracted from the marshes of Brière, no other cutlery maker works this material! This millennial wood creates handles with unique caramel veins sculpted by black and brown peat, offering superior grip and exceptional durability.
Each handle is one-of-a-kind, impossible to reproduce industrially. Carefully oiled at our workshop, it develops a patina with the warmth of your hand over time.
Philosophically, pairing a hand-forged blade with this ancient material marries fire and time, your knife becomes more than a tool, it&#8217;s a tribute to nature&#8217;s patience and artisan craft. Pure Brière heritage in your pocket!

Question 10

How do I choose between your different knife types and collections?

Accepted Answer

The best knife depends on your passion and purpose! For outdoor enthusiasts and hunters, our hand-forged collection offers robust performance with that authentic &#8220;as forged&#8221; character.
For culinary adventures, explore our chef&#8217;s knives and paring knives in premium stainless steel or Damascus, perfect for home cooks and professional kitchens alike.
Love versatile tools? Our folding knives work beautifully both at the table and outdoors. Consider the material: carbon steel develops that lived-in patina, while stainless offers rust-resistant performance.
Every Couteaux Morta knife features meticulous attention to detail, handcraft quality, and that signature Morta handle. Your knife should reflect your style and needs, that&#8217;s the art of choosing!

Question 11

What makes Couteaux Morta knives authentically artisanal and premium quality?

Accepted Answer

Each knife is a handmade masterpiece born from generations of cutlery tradition! Our workshop in Brière combines time-honored forging techniques (heating, hammering on the anvil, oil tempering) with finest materials: 90MCV8 carbon steel for forged blades, premium stainless Damascus, and that unique 5,000-year-old Morta wood sourced locally.
The JHP stamp guarantees authentic workshop fabrication, far from mass production! From selecting quality steel to the final edge geometry, every step reflects our passion and craftsmanship.
Whether it&#8217;s forged blades with visible hammer marks or precision-ground kitchen knives, our commitment to superior quality and artistry shines through.

Hand forged knives

Morta Knife Lock Back as Forged

The Morta EDC

Compact fixed knife as forged

XL fixed knife as forged

Mini solid morta as forged

Solid Morta as forged

XL Solid Morta as forged

THE ART

OF FORGING

THE FORGE

AT ATELIER JHP

THE DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

OF A FORGED KNIFE

Frequently asked questions