MHG Firmer Gouges are manufactured using a new forging process, which adds significantly to the toughness and elasticity of the blade, and allows for a surprisingly long-lasting edge. Through a combination of compression and heat treatment, the alloy-steel blades attain a level of performance that was up till now difficult to find outside of the highest-end hand-forged tools. The blades are hardened to 61 HRC (+/- 1) along their entire working length.