Knife blades and blanks
- Item out of stock
A knife blank is more than just a semi-finished blade – it is the starting point for a tool that you can shape according to your own vision. Whether you want to build a historically inspired everyday knife for the medieval market or are looking for a sturdy Sax-style blade for your early medieval re-enactment: Hand-forged blade blanks made from carbon steel or Damascus steel give you the freedom to choose the handle material, shape and appearance yourself. Anyone familiar with early medieval knives knows: the blade defines the character – and working on the blank is the heart of building your own knife.
What is a blank? – Basic concepts for knife making
A blank – also known as a blade blank, knife blank or raw blade – is a finished forged blade without a fitted handle. All three terms essentially describe the same thing: a blade whose geometry, thickness and length are already defined, but which does not yet have a handle, a handle block or a full-tang handle. This is precisely what appeals to anyone who wants to design their own knife from scratch.
The difference from a finished knife blade lies not in the quality of the steel, but in the stage of manufacture: a finished knife already has a handle attached and is ready for use. The blank is still waiting for your personal touch. This makes it the preferred choice for DIY projects, for re-enactors who wish to combine historical materials themselves, and for visitors to medieval and Viking markets seeking a unique piece.
There are two common methods for attaching the handle: with the full tang (also known as a tang), a continuous steel extension of the blade is resin-bonded or riveted into the handle – this results in a very stable connection and is the standard solution for simple wooden or horn handles. The rat-tail tang is narrower and is used with handle scales that are fitted on both sides and secured with rivets or screws. Both variants are found in historical examples and are suitable for different handle designs.
Legal aspects of knife blades: what is permitted and what is not
The possession of knife blades and knife blanks is generally legal in Germany. The Weapons Act (§ 42a WaffG) does not regulate possession, but rather the carrying of knives in public. Fixed-blade knives with a blade length of more than 12 cm may not be carried in public without a legitimate reason – this also applies to finished blades, but not necessarily to handle-less blanks that do not constitute a ready-to-use knife.
Which knives may be owned but not carried? In practice, these include fixed blades of 12 cm or more in length in public spaces, as well as throwing knives – the latter fall under the category of prohibited items within the meaning of Section 42a of the Weapons Act if carried in public spaces. A Damascus steel blank that can be used as a throwing knife is subject to the same carrying restrictions as any other throwing knife. Here too, the rule applies: possession is permitted, but carrying in public is not allowed without a valid reason.
Important note: This information does not constitute legal advice. For binding information on specific cases, please contact the relevant authority or a specialist lawyer for weapons law.
Price ranges and what you get for them
Hand-forged carbon steel blades with a rustic forged skin finish. Ideal for first DIY projects, market stalls and anyone who wants to try their hand at knife-making. The blades are untreated and will develop a natural patina over time.
Slightly longer or specially shaped blades, such as in Sax format or as a blued high-gloss blade. The bluing gives the blade a distinctive look and some protection against oxidation – attractive for costumes and market appearances where the knife needs to look the part.
Damascus steel blanks with a characteristic thread pattern made from multi-layered steel. Suitable as a prestigious collector’s item, high-quality re-enactment accessory or – where permitted – as a blank for a throwing knife. The price and effort involved reflect the complex manufacturing process.
Blade shapes at a glance: from the short blade to the sax
Short blade · approx. 10 cm
The 10 cm version is the most versatile entry-level option: as a carving tool, belt knife or small everyday knife on the market. Thanks to its compact shape, a simple handle can also be quickly made by hand.
Standard blade · 16–17 cm
The most frequently chosen blade blank in this category. The length corresponds to the typical medieval utility knife and is suitable for most historical handle designs – from a simple wooden handle to horn.
Sax blade · long
The Viking sax was both a tool and a weapon in everyday life during the Early and High Middle Ages. The long blade for a sax or peasant’s sword provides the ideal basis for historically informed re-enactment projects – with a straight spine and typical point geometry.
Steel makes the difference: carbon steel vs. Damascus steel
- Rustic forged surface
- Easy to sharpen, easy to rework
- More susceptible to rust – regular oiling required
- Develops a protective patina over time
- Ideal for beginners, market-style and historically inspired projects
- Price range: €13–20
- Characteristic thread pattern due to multi-layered production
- Highly recognisable as a collector’s item or focal point for re-enactments
- Requires more maintenance – regular treatment recommended
- Good edge retention due to steel combination
- Also suitable as a blank for throwing knives (observe safety guidelines)
- Price range: €74–100
Turning the blank into a finished knife: basic steps in DIY knife making
The choice of handle material determines the overall character of the knife. Wood (oak, walnut, fruit woods) is the most historically common solution and is easy to work with. Deer antler or stag horn has a more rustic appearance and is well documented in early medieval sources. Leather – wrapped or layered as a so-called leather tang – is a robust alternative documented across many periods. Combinations of different materials with brass or copper inlays give the knife a unique appearance.
With the full tang, the wide blade extension is inserted into a hollowed-out handle and fixed with epoxy resin or two-component adhesive. Optionally, a rivet through the handle and tang can provide additional security. With the rat tang, two handle scales are fitted onto both sides of the narrow tang and joined with rivets or screws – typical for knives with a flat, slender handle.
The grinding angle determines the sharpness and durability of the cutting edge. An angle of 15 degrees results in a very sharp but more delicate cutting edge – suitable for carving or light cutting tasks. 20 degrees produces a more robust, longer-lasting cutting edge that can withstand even heavier use. The steeper angle is recommended for kitchen use, whilst the flatter angle is better for delicate woodwork. Whetstones with different grits are suitable for sharpening, ideally combined with a strop for the final finish.
Carbon steel blades should be lightly oiled after sharpening and after each use – a neutral vegetable oil or gun oil is sufficient. Over time, a darker patina forms, which protects the blade from further rusting. Damascus blades react similarly, but display the thread pattern particularly beautifully after etching with ferric chloride or an acidic medium. You’ll also find matching accessories for medieval knives and cutlery sets in the shop.
Whether it’s your first knife-making project using a simple carbon steel blank or a prestigious Damascus knife as the centrepiece of your re-enactment kit – choose the blade that suits your project and design the rest yourself. In our range, you’ll find hand-forged blanks in various sizes and steels, along with matching accessories for medieval knives and ready-made early medieval knives for those who’d rather get started straight away.
Frequently asked questions
A knife blank is a fully forged blade without a handle attached. It already has its final shape, length and blade geometry, but is still waiting for the individual handle design. This makes it the ideal basis for DIY projects where you want to choose the handle material, shape and appearance yourself.
In Germany, fixed-blade knives with a blade length exceeding 12 cm may generally be owned, but may not be carried in public without a valid reason. This also applies to throwing knives. The ban on possession generally applies only to prohibited weapons as defined by the Weapons Act – for definitive information, it is advisable to seek advice from the relevant authorities or a specialist lawyer.
A grinding angle of 15 degrees results in a sharper but more delicate cutting edge – ideal for fine carving work. 20 degrees produces a more robust cutting edge that lasts longer under heavy use. For historical everyday use and re-enactment knives, an angle between 15 and 20 degrees is a good compromise.
Hand-forged carbon steel blades are available from around €13–16 and are well suited for beginners. Those looking for a longer blade or a special finish, such as a blued high-gloss surface, will find options in the €17–20 range. Damascus steel blanks with their characteristic thread pattern cost between €74 and €100, depending on the design.
Carbon steel is easy to sharpen, has a rustic forged finish and is ideal for beginners and the medieval market look. It rusts more quickly and needs to be oiled regularly, but develops a protective patina over time. Damascus steel is more labour-intensive to produce, features a distinctive pattern and is suitable for more demanding projects and collector’s items. The choice depends on your project, budget and desired look.