Timbercrest Forgehaven™ Damascus Kitchen Cleaver – Densified Wood Handle

The Timbercrest Forgehaven™ Damascus Kitchen Cleaver combines traditional handmade Damascus steel craftsmanship with a densified wood handle and a compact cleaver-style blade.

Measuring 10 inches overall, with a 5.5-inch blade and 4.5 mm blade thickness, this limited-edition kitchen cleaver offers a distinctive option for home cooks, kitchen knife enthusiasts, and collectors of handcrafted cutlery.

Its patterned Damascus steel blade is made from 1095 and 15N20 steels, with a supplier-stated hardness of 55–58 HRC. A fitted cowhide leather sheath is included.

Handmade 1095 & 15N20 Damascus Steel Blade

The Timbercrest Forgehaven™ features a handmade, pattern-welded Damascus blade combining 1095 carbon steel and 15N20 nickel-containing steel.

The layered construction creates the distinctive visual patterns associated with traditional Damascus steel knives.

The 5.5-inch blade provides a compact cutting length for kitchen preparation, while the 4.5 mm thickness gives it a substantial cleaver-style profile.

According to the original supplier, the blade is rated at 55–58 HRC on the Rockwell hardness scale. Actual cutting performance also depends on edge geometry, heat treatment, sharpening, and care.

For a deeper explanation of different blade materials, read our 1095 vs D2 vs Damascus Steel Guide.

Densified Wood Handle

A defining feature of this handmade Damascus kitchen cleaver is its densified wood handle.

Densified wood is processed to create a more compact wood-based material, offering a distinctive appearance while retaining the visual character of wood.

The handle provides a warm contrast to the patterned Damascus blade and gives the knife a traditional handcrafted look.

Because this handle is described as densified wood, it should not be confused with natural walnut, rosewood, or an acrylic resin handle.

For a cleaver featuring natural walnut wood, explore the Walnutforge Hearthwarden™ Handmade Damascus Cleaver Knife.

Compact Cleaver for Everyday Kitchen Preparation

With its 10-inch overall length, the Timbercrest Forgehaven™ offers a compact alternative to larger Serbian-style kitchen knives.

Its broad cutting profile is suited to general food preparation, including:

1. Chopping vegetables and fresh herbs
2. Slicing boneless meats
3. Preparing ingredients for everyday meals
4. General cutting on a suitable kitchen board

The knife is not specifically rated for chopping hard bones or frozen ingredients.

For a larger Damascus kitchen knife with an 8.5-inch blade, compare the Emerald Mosaiccrest™ Damascus Serbian Chef Knife.

Limited-Edition Handmade Cleaver Design

The Timbercrest Forgehaven™ is based on a supplier-designated limited-edition handmade kitchen cleaver.

Its patterned steel blade, wood-based handle, and compact proportions create a traditional appearance suitable for kitchen knife enthusiasts and collectors.

The limited-edition designation comes from the supplier and does not indicate a confirmed numbered production run.

Cowhide Leather Sheath Included

The Timbercrest Forgehaven™ includes a fitted cowhide leather sheath.

The sheath covers the blade during handling and transportation and provides protection when the knife is not in use.

The supplier describes its custom-fitted sheaths as featuring a vertical-carry belt loop.

Always dry the blade completely before placing it inside the leather sheath. For extended storage, keep the knife in a clean, dry location outside the sheath to reduce moisture exposure.

Timbercrest Forgehaven™ Specifications

Model Name: Timbercrest Forgehaven™
Knife Type: Handmade Damascus Kitchen Cleaver
Blade Steel: 1095 & 15N20 Pattern-Welded Damascus
Blade Length: 5.5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Blade Thickness: 4.5 mm
Blade Hardness: 55–58 HRC (Supplier-Stated)
Handle Material: Densified Wood
Sheath Material: Cowhide Leather
Construction: Handmade, Pattern-Welded
Edition: Limited Edition (Supplier Designation)
Brand: Woodsman Forge

Damascus Kitchen Cleaver Care Instructions

To maintain the Damascus blade and densified wood handle:

1. Hand-wash with mild soap and water after food preparation.

2. Dry the blade and handle immediately after cleaning.

3. Apply a thin layer of food-safe mineral oil to the blade when appropriate.

4. Avoid dishwashers, prolonged soaking, and harsh cleaning products.

5. Store in a dry environment, preferably outside the leather sheath for extended periods.

Proper maintenance helps preserve the appearance of the Damascus pattern and handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steel is used in the Timbercrest Forgehaven™ Damascus Kitchen Cleaver?

The blade is made from pattern-welded 1095 and 15N20 Damascus steel. The supplier rates its hardness at 55–58 HRC.

What is the handle material?

The handle is made from densified wood, a processed wood-based material. It is not identified by the supplier as walnut, rosewood, or another specific wood species.

Can this Damascus kitchen cleaver chop bones?

The manufacturer does not provide a specific bone-chopping rating for this model. It is best used for general kitchen preparation and boneless ingredients rather than hard bones or frozen foods.

Explore More Woodsman Forge Cleaver Knives

Browse the Woodsman Forge Cleaver Knives Collection to discover more handmade Damascus and carbon steel kitchen cleavers.

For another compact Damascus option with a decorative handle, explore the Prismforge Mosaiccrest™ Damascus Cleaver Knife.

You can also compare the Rainforge Emberstone™ Raindrop Damascus Cleaver Knife, featuring a 512-layer raindrop-pattern blade.

For a plain carbon steel alternative, discover the Ironwood Hearthforge™ 1095 Carbon Steel Cleaver.