FAQ
- Can I supply you with the handle material for my knife?
- No, I’m sorry I do not use any customer-supplied materials for knives. I’ll be happy to try to find a suitable handle for your project.
- If I Sign-up for the J. Hoffman Knives Newsletter, are you going to sell my information?
- No, unless you want me to! 🙂 Any information you provide is completely private and will not be shared with anyone. The only information I need for the newsletter is your email address.
- What is the difference between stainless steel and carbon steel?
- Stainless steel is less likely to rust or stain. Stainless steel needs less maintenance and care. Carbon steel needs to be cleaned and dried when you are done using it. It will also build a patina with use. The patina will help protect the steel from rusting.
- Why would someone want carbon steel? Carbon steel is a more traditional steel, it is usually pretty tough, holds a good edge and is easy to resharpen. It is also cheaper than stainless steel.
- Modern stainless blade steels are very good, but come with a higher price.
- What is your maker’s mark?
- My maker’s mark is a highly stylized “h.” My great-grandfather was raised by the Hochgreve family in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Hochgreve family owned a popular brewery from 1858 until it closed in 1949. My maker’s mark is the “h” from their logo. I chose the “h” to represent my last name, but also to pay respect to my ancestors and family history.
- What is the best blade steel?
- This is a hard question to answer. It depends on what you want to do with the knife. I compare it to buying a new vehicle. You cannot get a vehicle that will haul your family of nine, tow your camper, do a six-second quarter mile, and get 35MPG. You have to make compromises. A steel that is easy to sharpen is not usually going to hold an edge. A steel that holds an edge for a long time may be more prone to chipping.
- If you have a knife in mind, contact me and we can discuss choosing the proper steel.