Our Process

Forging – Born in Fire

Forging is the process of heating the metal to its critical temperature (1100F-2300F) and then forming it to the desired shape with a hammer and an anvil. It’s a process as old as time. For ages, a Blacksmith was central to the civilized world; everything from tableware to door hinges and horseshoes were made this way. Historically, the fire in the forge would be fueled by either coal or wood. In our forge, we choose to use a propane. The primary reason for this choice is that propane allows us precisely control the temperature in the forge. An accurate and consistent temperature is critical to the quality of our finished product.

Forging – Born in Fire

Forging is the process of heating the metal to its critical temperature (1100F-2300F) and then forming it to the desired shape with a hammer and an anvil. It’s a process as old as time. For ages, a Blacksmith was central to the civilized world; everything from tableware to door hinges and horseshoes were made this way. Historically, the fire in the forge would be fueled by either coal or wood. In our forge, we choose to use propane. The primary reason for this choice is that propane allows us precisely control the temperature in the forge. An accurate and consistent temperature is critical to the quality of our finished product.

Tools – Ahhh, the tools

Overlook Forge works with many different tools of the trade. We work with basic tools such as hand hammers, tongs, vises, swage blocks and anvils. In addition to basic tools, we also employ modern conveniences like a hydraulic press, pneumatic power hammer, MIG welder, oxy/acetylene and plasma cutter, electronically controlled heat-treating kilns, band saw, table saw, chop saw, drill presses, blasting cabinet, belt grinders and buffing wheels.

Tools – Ahhh, the tools

Overlook Forge works with many different tools of the trade. We work with basic tools such as hand hammers, tongs, vises, swage blocks and anvils. In addition to basic tools, we also employ modern conveniences like a hydraulic press, pneumatic power hammer, MIG welder, oxy/acetylene and plasma cutter, electronically controlled heat-treating kilns, band saw, table saw, chop saw, drill presses, blasting cabinet, belt grinders and buffing wheels.

Materials – Only the finest will do

At our core, it’s really basic. We use steel for the blades and wood for the handles. But there’s more to it than that. We select our steel specifically for how it will be used in the end. Our axes are made from 4140 high carbon alloy steel that is very tough and tolerates heavy impact well. Our knives are primarily made from 80crv2, 1084 or 5160 (depending on the application.) Our Damascus steel is made in house, from 1084 steel combined with 15n20, which provides great layering contrast. Axe handles are made from hickory, ash or white oak. Knife handles vary from synthetic material like Micarta to a stabilized burl wood.

Materials – Only the finest will do

At our core, it’s really basic. We use steel for the blades and wood for the handles. But there’s more to it than that. We select our steel specifically for how it will be used in the end. Our axes are made from 4140 high carbon alloy steel that is very tough and tolerates heavy impact well. Our knives are primarily made from 80crv2, 1084 or 5160 (depending on the application.) Our Damascus steel is made in house, from 1084 steel combined with 15n20, which provides great layering contrast. Axes handles are made from hickory, ash or white oak. Knife handles vary from synthetic material like Micarta to a stabilized burl wood.

Heat Treatment -Separating Hobbyist from Highest Quality

Our heat-treat process is second to none. We complete it all in-house using a digitally controlled vertical air bath kiln. The kiln is programed for each specific heat-treat function, steel type, temperature set point and duration. Our process of forging, normalizing, quench hardening, and tempering guarantees consistency and accuracy in every product we make.

Heat Treatment -Separating Hobbyist from Highest Quality

Our heat-treat process is second to none. We complete it all in-house using a digitally controlled vertical air bath kiln. The kiln is programed for each specific heat-treat function, steel type, temperature set point and duration. Our process of forging, normalizing, quench hardening, and tempering guarantees consistency and accuracy in every product we make.

Fit and Finish – Until the End and Then Some

The fit and finish is high on our list of priorities because if the axe or knife doesn’t look good and feel good when you hold it, it’s not going to be used. We take pride in the way our products feel in your hand and we like to say “pick it up and see if it grabs you back”. A lot of trial and effort has gone into making our shape just right. Our metal finish is generally of the handmade variety, in other words it’s “forged to finish” rather than a machine finish or high polished. All of our products are made to be used and although many of our clients choose to display what they buy, every product we make is guaranteed for your lifetime and beyond. If one of our products ever fails to function, send it back. We will make it right.

Fit and Finish – Until the End and Then Some

The fit and finish is high on our list of priorities because if the axe or knife doesn’t look good and feel good when you hold it, it’s not going to be used. We take pride in the way our products feel in your hand and we like to say “pick it up and see if it grabs you back”. A lot of trial and effort has gone into making our shape just right. Our metal finish is generally of the handmade variety, in other words it’s “forged to finish” rather than a machine finish or high polished. All of our products are made to be used and although many of our clients choose to display what they buy, every product we make is guaranteed for your lifetime and beyond. If one of our products ever fails to function, send it back. We will make it right.

Questions about our process?

We’d love to hear from you.