This finishing style intentionally preserves the textured, blackened surface created by the anvil, hammer, and fire. Instead of grinding and polishing the entire piece flat, the smith only grinds the primary bevels and the cutting edge. It proves the piece was hand-forged, reduces the time spent at the grinder, and leaves a protective layer of iron oxide scale on the flats.
Heard on the job
I'm leaving the spine brute de forge so the customer can see the hammer texture from the rough forging.
Insider tip
While it looks rugged, a true brute de forge finish requires precise hammer control because you cannot grind away your mistakes on the flats.
Also heard as
- forge finish
- as-forged