It took decades of expensive research by large cutlery manufacturers to develop the right combination of alloys to produce the best grade of professional cutlery stainless steel that is used today. X50CrMoV15 is the ideal combination of high carbon stainless steel, containing the alloys, Chromium, Molybdenum and Vanadium.  It is crucial to use this very specific grade of steel to insure forging, tempering and hardening to the ideal 57±^o1 HRC can be achieved.

A Rockwell hardness of 57±^o1 assures a high quality blade that needs very little maintenance to perform perfectly every time. These key ingredients are of utmost important because they will dictate the durability, strength and longevity of the blade, as well as resistance to rust and corrosion.

The Special Recipe

The way in which the knife is forged and tempered is as important as the quality of the steel used. The hot drop hand forging process is the ultimate production method used to produce high quality cutlery. It combines the best of the old with the new. The old is the master cutler’s skill and expertise and the new is the latest in advanced steel processing technology. Master cutlers must hammer raw cutlery steel into the desired blade shape. This is just the beginning – the knife will go through many more different processes before it is finished.

The forged blank is re-heated to red hot, and then hardened, tempered by re-heating and various other means such as ice tempering. Specialized techniques, like ice tempering, creates a hardened blade that will help sustain its sharpness for prolonged periods and give the desired effect for easy re-sharpening. Blades are ground individually to refine the taper and produce the final form of the quillon/guard and bolster. The handle is attached and riveted with special compression rivets and the blade is ground to its final shape. Ground blades are then cleaned and dried ready for trademarks and logos. Final steps include sharpening, honing, cleaning and finally packaging.

Today’s cutlery steel manufacturers have fully integrated operations, computerized processes and control procedures that enable them to yield the highest quality medical and cutlery grade steels. Some of these operations involve almost 100% hand work and the dedication and skill of a true craftsman able to blend his skills with modern technology.

CCI delivers the Perfect Knife

Key ingredients and a special recipe are essential in order to create and the perfect knife. CCI can guarantee to deliver on all these levels.

• Crafted in Europe from the highest grade of German cutlery steel
• X50CrMoV15 steel used on ALL blades, from the smallest to the largest
• One piece hot drop forging by master cutlers in Europe
• Dependable customer service and experience

Take the time to educate yourself before making a purchase. A high quality knife is an investment that should support your culinary passion and give you years of enjoyment and confidence! For more educational information, please visit our website USA or Canada.