Carter Cutlery

While in Japan, I lived across from the actual battle field where the historic battle of 1877 shown in the movie, "The Last Samurai," was depicted. I forged the outer Damascus of this knife using shrapnel from real cannon shells that were actually fired during this battle.

This knife was featured in the classic epic, "The Last Kajiya"

I normally construct my Damascus with low-carbon steel, Gokunantetsu, and pure nickel sheet for the outside layers, and then forge weld a core of White Steel #2 in the center for optimal cutting performance.

In some cases, I forge weld Blue Steel #2 with White Steel #2, making a billet with over 200 layers, and then use this material for the center core.

Hand-forged musket barrel behind

All hand-forged knives are created with the standard tests of the American Bladesmith Society uppermost in mind. The basic tests of blade competency are as follows:

1. The blade must sever in one stroke a length of free-hanging 1" diameter hemp rope.
2. Then the blade must be able to chop in two a wooden 2x4 twice.
3. The edge must remain sharp and undamaged after the above tests.
4. The blade must not break when the tip is clamped in a vice and bent 90 degrees from straight.

2001 Mastersmith Knife
(15 inches OAL)

Listed are the choices the customer can make when ordering a custom-made hand-forged knife:

Below you will find some pictures of working knives that I have made for customers: