RAFFIR Forged Blades: Origins and Philosophy

RAFFIR is a Danish company founded by Jacob Ravn, a former cutler who transitioned to becoming a designer and supplier of premium materials for artisanal cutlery. For over a decade, RAFFIR has established itself in Europe as a key player—first in composite materials (mammoth ivory, stabilized wood, engineering resins), and then by taking on an ambitious challenge: to develop a high-quality Damascus steel, conceived in Europe and meticulously crafted to be accessible to artisanal cutlers without compromising on performance.

Properties and Technical Characteristics

RAFFIR Damascus blades are made from a high-carbon, multi-layered steel. The Damascus forging process produces a distinctive veined pattern, visible after a chemical etching treatment that highlights the contrast between the different steel shades. Each blade is delivered:

• revealed (the Damascus pattern is visible and stabilized)
• sharpened on a water wheel according to Raffir standards
• blunted (tip secured for safe handling in the workshop)

Hardness and Strength

The hardness of RAFFIR blades is around 58–60 HRC [À VÉRIFIER selon référence], which ensures good edge retention while still allowing for regular resharpening in the workshop. The blade profile—primarily drop point—is suitable for hunting knives as well as artisanal kitchen knives and folding knives.

How to Choose a Forged Damascus Blade for Your Knife?

Before choosing a RAFFIR Damascus blade, you should determine the knife’s intended use:

• Fixed-blade hunting or bushcraft knife: Opt for blade lengths between 90 and 120 mm, a drop-point profile, and a spine thickness sufficient to withstand lateral forces.
• Handcrafted kitchen knife or chef’s knife: slimmer profiles are suitable, with a uniform steel composition for a long-lasting edge.
• Folding knife or collector’s knife: RAFFIR’s small blades (60–80 mm) offer an ideal balance of aesthetics and performance for prestigious pieces.

For novice knife makers, RAFFIR’s ready-to-mount blades are an excellent starting point: they eliminate the hardening step and allow you to focus on crafting the handle. Experienced knife makers will appreciate the consistency of the profile and the finesse of the Damascus pattern for exhibition-quality creations.

Mercorne and RAFFIR blades: the sole official retailer in France

Mercorne has been the official and exclusive retailer of RAFFIR forged blades in France since their launch on the European market. This direct partnership with Jacob Ravn guarantees the authenticity of the products, the availability of the most in-demand items, and priority access to new releases. All blades are stocked in our warehouse in France and shipped the same day your order is received. Returns accepted within 15 days; free shipping on orders of €90 or more. For any questions about selecting a specific item or its compatibility with a particular project, Olivier will respond personally.

Frequently Asked Questions About RAFFIR Forged Blades

Are RAFFIR blades truly ready to assemble?

Yes. Each blade is delivered with the edge exposed, sharpened, and deburred. Simply drill the rivet holes according to your handle design and proceed with assembly. No additional heat treatment is required.

What is the difference between a RAFFIR Damascus blade and a hand-forged Damascus blade?

Damascus steel hand-forged by a master cutler is a one-of-a-kind piece, often with a more irregular pattern and greater heritage value. RAFFIR blades offer highly uniform Damascus steel, designed for large-scale production with consistent quality across every piece—ideal for workshops that produce several knives per month.

Can a RAFFIR blade be resharpened like any other steel?

Yes, RAFFIR Damascus steel can normally be resharpened using a water stone, leather, or fine grinding wheel. Its hardness of around 58–60 HRC [À VÉRIFIER] makes it compatible with standard workshop sharpening tools.

Does RAFFIR offer other products at Mercorne?

Yes. Mercorne carries the entire RAFFIR line: composite materials (fused mammoth ivory, dinosaur bone, Calceon, etc.), stabilized natural materials, and forged blades. It is one of the most comprehensive RAFFIR catalogs available in France.