What is the difference between single piece, laminated, folded and carbon blades?

These are the different types of blade construction that we offer. As you go up in quality through our ranges you go from a simple single piece construction, then on to the laminated 3 layer blades, and then our multilayer folded steel blades.

The handmade ranges sit at the very top as these are handmade multilayer folded steel blades.

Carbon steel knives are in a separate category due to the extra TLC these blades require but the same goes for these; some are 3 layer laminated and some are multilayer folded.

Single Piece Knives

These knives are made up from a single piece of 8A stainless steel. This stainless steel has a high carbon content which is proven to sharpen easily as well retain a good egde. Although there is carbon within the blade these knives do not contain enough carbon that they will oxidise / rust. These knives will not require oiling.

Laminated Knives

A laminated knife blade is a blade that is constructed with three layers of steel. The outside layers are stainless steel but the core is a slightly different alloy, a high carbon steel stainless, that is better suited for cutting and sharpening. A laminated blade is by definition stronger than a single piece construction and also allows a better steel to be introduced to the core. Although there is carbon within the blade these knives do not contain enough carbon that they will oxidise / rust. These knives will not require oiling.

Folded Steel Knives

A folded steel knife is a knife with a blade that is constructed of many layers. This construction is called damascus steel. The layers have been heated, folded and hammered many times. In the same way that the laminated knives have a different cutting steel core the folded steel blades also have a central core of high carbon steel. The reason that the Japanese make knives in this fashion is that it creates a beautiful blade, a strong blade and a blade with the best performing steel in the core. Although there is carbon within the blade these knives do not contain enough carbon that they will oxidise / rust. These knives will not require oiling.

Carbon Steel Knives

Carbon steel is the material that all knives were originally made from. The reason that it was used is that it is easy to sharpen and achieves a very sharp edge. In recent years knives have mainly been made out of stainless steel. This method of production is not the best way to make a knife but manufacturers favour this material as it is a simple construction and makes a shiny knife. Carbon steel knives will oxidise and discolour. This is not a fault, it is a nature of the material. Carbon steel knives can be sharpened to a razor edge. They must be dried after use and periodically they will need cleaning with rust eraser. Traditionally they are treated after use with camellia oil which inhibits the oxidation process. If the fact that carbon steel requires a little bit more maintenance is of concern then one of our other constructions should be considered.