A question about Import Forgings

[Schilly]

I've never really thought about Japanese Irons much aside from Mizuno, but I do know that the Japanese in general are wizards with metal forging. Is that a fair assessment of Japanese forged Irons and Wedges too? I'm going to be looking at new wedges in the next year or so, and forged is vital to me.

[shuttle1]

This has been debated heavily here many times.

 

There are many excellent products offered by both Dom./Imp. Companies.

 

However, it is my opinion that the Japanese forgings AND the advanced technology offered by many of the Japanese Manufactures are the best offered in the World.

[shuttle1]

Find a forging company in China or Japan and you can buy any plank wedges you want for around $15 dollars a pop. The more you buy the less you pay, I know some one who is about to come out with a new wedge in 2009 that bough 10,000 and paid $3 dollars a head blank meaning no rooves no polish. All the club companies get 90% of their heads from overseas, then the grind them, cut grooves, and polish. Tom stites started this trend because he new some many of the forging companies in Japan, and China. Every on went with it because the cost is nothing and the product can be done quicker and cheaper.

 

 

????

[Schilly]

Find a forging company in China or Japan and you can buy any Blank wedges you want for around $15 dollars a pop. The more you buy the less you pay, I know some one who is about to come out with a new wedge in 2009 that bough 10,000 and paid $3 dollars a head blank meaning no Grooves no polish. All the club companies get 90% of their heads from overseas, then the grind them, cut grooves, stamp logo and polish. Tom stites started this trend because he new so many of the forging companies in Japan, and China. Every one went with it because the cost is nothing and the product can be done quicker and cheaper.

That's not quite what I was asking.

[rge]

Schilly:

 

Yes, the japanese forgings are deserving of their reputation. This is not to say that U.S.-made or U.S.-branded clubs are not good. I would venture to say that many if not most of the forged U.S brand clubs are done in China and Japan. I believe this is even true for the castings. I think part of the "mystique" of japanese clubs also has to do with the metallurgy. Many of their premium brand forged clubs use very soft carbon steel. 1025, 1020, 1018 carbon steel while the U.S. brands have a preference of soft stainless steel for their forgings. Is one better than the other? This is highly debatable but the feel and sensation of the clubs with different metals is surely noticeable. I prefer the Japanese forgings but there are probably just as many that prefer the U.S forgings. It has been my experience that the "buttery" sensation one feels when hitting a forged club is directly related to the softness of the material used. Just my 2 cents.

[Duffy19]

Which golf brand(s) still uses US forging? Ping (cast) is still made in the US but not sure about any other.

[xxio]

Not so much that their material is better, but their quality control is better at least for the irons that have US counterparts.

 

Just like GSS is the same as 303SS. Japanese S20C is the same as US 1020 carbon steel.

 

Choice of finish also helps improve feel. Notice that Japanese forgings gravitate towards satin? Some companies scrimp on finish and this gives the clicky feel.

 

Just to add. The Japanese aren't afraid to experiment (spend $$) with designs in their forgings, putting the slightly ahead of the design curve. Undercut forgings and waffles to improve feel were out in Japan 10-12 years ago.

[golftech]

I don't think there are ANY forged irons or wedges still done in US! Hoffman was the best (and I belive last) in the US and they're no longer making any.

[Bobcat 2]

All US product with rare exceptions, Callaway X from Endo is one , are China forged and are not of the same high quality of the Japanese product. Also, the tolerances are much wider on China product. Its easy for them to be off in weight and face angle. A set of irons may have essentially two 6 irons, etc. Too bad the Japanese stuff is so expensive, probably more so than its really worth.

[stage1350]

While the forging/finish will determine feel, the sole grind is much more important in wedges.

 

Take a look at Scratch wedges. You have plenty of grind and finish options and they are forged from 1018 carbon steel.

[golftech]

While the forging/finish will determine feel, the sole grind is much more important in wedges.

 

Take a look at Scratch wedges. You have plenty of grind and finish options and they are forged from 1018 carbon steel.

 

 

Yes, Scratch makes great wedges and are Japanese forged!!

[inthecup]

Who forges the Scratch irons? I would love to know, IMO they have great feel.

 

Bill

[golftech]

Scratch are forged in Hemiji Japan from 1018 Soft Carbon Steel.....Great feeling wedges