The two types of knives are made in different ways, which results in the distinctions in their characteristics. 

A forged knife is usually made from one single piece of steel. It is heat treated, and hammered/pound into its shape. A stamped knife, meanwhile, is cut out from a large sheet of steel. It’s made in a same way a handmade cookie is cut using a cookie cutter.

Forged knives are typically thicker and heavier than stamped knives. Most of the time, they come with a full tang running all the way through the handle, and a bolster in the middle, which adds even more weight and more balance to the knife. Stamped knives, meanwhile, due to their thinness, are more flexible. They’re also more lightweight, and usually come without a bolster. Stamped knives are usually more affordable than forged ones.

Some people prefer forged knives because they like the weight in their hands, as well as the firm, sturdy feeling when doing heavy duty cuts. The heaviness also means you don’t have to apply so much force to cut something firm. The thickness and the weight of a forged knife also makes it easier to rock it on a cutting surface. That is why many prefer it for mincing job.