It does not appear hand forged to me. The lettering and the inset areas around the words would have to be laser etched due to the details. Wich is not consistent with a hand forged blade. Still very cool blade. I would take a piece of sand paper or sharpening Stone and or a file and try sharpening it. Depending upon how easy or hard it is. Will give you an idea of the carbon content. And thus quality of it