Is the Forgecraft Hi Carbon Knife the Best in Its Class?

Forgecraft Hi Carbon Knives are vintage American kitchen knives made by Washington Forge from the 1950s to 1968.

Found a rusty old knife with “Forgecraft” stamped on it? You might be holding something valuable. These discontinued American-made knives are now collector’s items worth $40-150+, and they still outperform many modern blades.

Here’s everything you need to authenticate, restore, and use your Forgecraft knife.

Forgecraft knives were produced by Washington Forge in the United States during the golden era of American manufacturing. These weren’t fancy showpieces—they were legitimate working tools designed for butchers, professional chefs, and serious home cooks.

The secret? High carbon steel construction, specifically 1095 steel or similar grades. This material holds an edge retention that puts many modern stainless options to shame. The full tang construction means the blade extends completely through the handle, giving you a well-balanced knife that feels substantial without being unwieldy.

Washington Forge didn’t mess around. They repurposed sawmill band saw blades into kitchen cutlery, which sounds rough but was actually genius. This cold rolled steel had already proven its durability in industrial applications. When shaped into kitchen knives, it delivered precision cutting that professional butchers appreciated.

The company discontinued the Forgecraft line in 1968, making these knives a true collectible item with authentic mid-century craftsmanship. You can find historical discussions about Forgecraft’s manufacturing history on Kitchen Knife Forums.

Here’s where things get practical. Not every old knife with a wooden handle is a genuine Forgecraft. I’ve seen plenty of misidentified knives at antique shops.

Look for these telltale signs:

• Cold forge markings stamped directly into the blade
• “Forgecraft” branding clearly visible (spelling matters!)
• Brass rivets securing the handle—usually three or more
• Hardwood handle in walnut or hickory wood
• Full tang construction visible at the spine and butt
• Hollow ground or convex grind blade profile

The vintage Forgecraft knife typically has a thin profile behind the edge, which explains its exceptional slicing performance. When you hold one, you’ll notice the comfortable grip and ergonomic handle design that modern manufacturers try to replicate.

Washington Forge produced several models under the Forgecraft brand. Each served a specific purpose in professional and home kitchens.

Popular Models You’ll Find:

Forgecraft Chef Knife: The workhorse. Usually 8-10 inches, perfect for general prep work.

Forgecraft Butcher Knife: Heavy-duty performance for breaking down large cuts. The toothy edge grabs meat fibers efficiently.

Forgecraft Cleaver: Built for chopping through bone and dense materials. These are tank-like.

Forgecraft Boning Knife: Narrow, flexible blade for precision work around bones and joints. Boning accuracy is impressive.

Forgecraft Carving Knife: Long, thin blade for slicing roasts and larger cuts. Carving precision at its finest.

Forgecraft Paring Knife: Small but mighty for detail work and vegetable prep.

Forgecraft Utility Knife: The in-betweener that handles tasks too big for a paring knife, too small for a chef knife.

You’ll occasionally find a complete Forgecraft knife set at estate sales, though these are rare. More commonly, you’ll encounter individual pieces that previous owners used daily for decades.

Let’s be honest—vintage doesn’t always mean better. But with Forgecraft? These knives legitimately perform.

The high carbon steel (1095 or similar grades) delivers sharpness that seems almost aggressive when properly maintained. That thin behind the edge design provides food release and butchering efficiency that surprises people used to modern German-style knives.

Real-World Performance

I’ve tested my Forgecraft utility knife against contemporary options. The slicing performance through tomatoes, peppers, and proteins consistently impresses. The forged steel blade maintains its edge through extended prep sessions.

The convex grind and hollow ground profiles on different models each offer distinct advantages. The convex works brilliantly for push cutting, while hollow ground excels at slicing motions.

One professional chef I know uses his refurbished Forgecraft knife for breaking down whole chickens. “Nothing else feels this right in my hand,” he told me. That’s the kind of feedback you hear repeatedly in knife enthusiast community forums. Also i love Fillet Knife 7 Inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Knives.

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Here’s where I need to level with you. High carbon steel knives aren’t for everyone.

• Easy to resharpen compared to modern super steels
• Develops a protective patina over time
• Incredible edge retention when maintained
• Thin profile for precision work
• Made in USA quality that’s hard to replicate

• Rust-prone without care—seriously, dry these immediately
• Requires regular oiling for storage
• Patina development changes blade appearance (some love it, some don’t)
• Rust resistance is essentially nonexistent compared to stainless

If you’re suitable for home cooks who prefer low-maintenance, grab stainless steel. But if you’re preferred by professional chefs who appreciate performance over convenience? Forgecraft delivers.

Maintaining a high carbon steel knife isn’t complicated, but it is consistent. Skip these steps and you’ll have rust spots by next week.

Daily Maintenance:

1. Wash immediately after use with warm water and mild soap
2. Dry completely—and I mean completely—with a clean towel
3. Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil if storing for more than a day

For more comprehensive guidance on carbon steel care, Knifewear’s carbon steel maintenance guide offers excellent tips that apply to vintage knives too.

Regular Upkeep:

• Sharpen when needed using whetstones or knife sharpening services. I keep a Sharp Pebble dual-grit whetstone handy—the 1000/6000 grit combo works perfectly for carbon steel
• Inspect brass rivets for loosening
• Condition the hickory handle periodically with mineral oil
• Store properly in a knife block or magnetic strip (never toss in a drawer)

The patina that develops on 1095 steel actually provides some protection against deeper corrosion. Don’t scrub it off aggressively—it’s working for you.

The collector’s item status of these knives varies wildly based on condition and model.

Current Market Value Ranges:

• Excellent condition with original handle: $40-80 for common models
• Rare models (certain cleavers, specialty knives): $80-150+
• Restoration projects: $15-30
• Complete sets in good condition: $200-400+

I’ve watched vintage knife listings on Etsy Forgecraft knife pages and eBay Forgecraft knife auctions. Prices have climbed steadily as more people discover these tools. The affordable vintage option appeal attracts budget-conscious cooks, while serious collectors pursue pristine examples.

Knife collector forums suggest values will continue rising as supply dwindles. These are discontinued in 1968, remember—no new production exists.

Hunting for vintage kitchen cutlery requires patience and persistence.

Best Sources:

• Estate sales: Prime hunting ground, especially in areas with manufacturing history
• eBay and Etsy: Search “Forgecraft knife” specifically—eBay’s Washington Forge section often has listings
• Antique stores: Hit or miss, but occasionally you’ll strike gold
• Knife collector forums: Members sometimes sell duplicates
• Flea markets: Early morning visits yield best results

Pro tip: Most sellers don’t realize what they have. That rusty knife in the miscellaneous kitchen box? Could be a Forgecraft gem needing minimal restoration work.

Should you restore that beat-up Forgecraft, or leave it original? The knife enthusiast community debates this constantly.

For Users: Restoration makes sense. Clean up rust, refinish the handle, sharpen properly. If you’re tackling a rusty find yourself, a Flitz Knife Restoration Kit includes everything you need—polish, diamond sharpener, and lubricant. Otherwise, knife restoration services can handle serious projects.

For Collectors: Original condition often commands higher prices, even with patina and wear. Knife handle upgrades might decrease value to purists.

My take? If you’re going to use it—and these knives deserve to be used—restore it properly. These were tools, not museum pieces.

These vintage kitchen tools from the mid-century kitchen tools era aren’t for everyone, and that’s fine.

You’ll love a Forgecraft if you:

• Appreciate American-made chef knife heritage
• Don’t mind basic maintenance routines
• Value performance over aesthetics
• Enjoy the connection to culinary history
• Want an affordable entry into quality carbon steel

Skip them if you:

• Prefer set-it-and-forget-it maintenance
• Can’t commit to immediate drying after use
• Want modern stainless convenience
• Need dishwasher-safe tools

There’s something about holding a 60+ year old knife that still performs beautifully. The riveted hardwood handle fits your grip like it was made specifically for your hand. The forged steel blade moves through ingredients with efficiency modern knives rarely match.

Forgecraft represents a time when American manufacturing meant something tangible—quality that lasted generations. That’s why you’ll find these knives in active use in professional kitchens alongside $300 Japanese imports.

The highly sought after by collectors status continues growing as more people discover what previous generations already knew: these knives work.

Are Forgecraft knives still made today?

No, Washington Forge discontinued the Forgecraft line in 1968. All Forgecraft knives you find today are vintage pieces from the 1950s–1970s production era.

How do I know if my Forgecraft knife is real?

Look for the Forgecraft stamp on the blade, full tang construction, brass rivets in the hardwood handle, and overall build quality. Cold rolled forge markings are also indicators of authenticity.

Can I put a Forgecraft knife in the dishwasher?

Absolutely not. The high carbon steel will rust quickly, and the heat can damage the hickory or walnut handle. Hand wash and dry immediately after every use.

What’s the best way to sharpen a vintage Forgecraft?

Whetstones work beautifully with 1095 steel. Start with a 1000-grit stone for general sharpening, finish with 3000-6000 grit for polish. The steel responds well to sharpening—much easier than modern super steels.

Is the rust on my old Forgecraft fixable?

Surface rust? Definitely. Use fine steel wool or rust erasers with light oil. Deep pitting is trickier but often cosmetic. Even heavily rusted knives can become functional again with proper restoration projects.

Have you found a Forgecraft knife recently? I’d love to hear about your discovery and what model you’ve added to your collection. These pieces of American culinary history deserve to be appreciated and used.