Imagine hand forging knifes and swords without the benefit of modern power hammers. My arm hurts just thinking about it. Blacksmith used to all look like Popeye.
Euclides Netto It's one of his trade secrets. He won't share this information because it would lower the value of his work if others could produce similar results. If you are looking to purchase a Damascus kitchen knife, check out some the more reasonably priced makers (Iseya, Miyako, Yaxell, Takayuki) and buy directly from Japan to save even more. Some of these can be purchased for $100 or less and they have beautiful hammered and layered patterns, whereas this colored damascus produced by Saji is made as ordered and cost. thousands of dollars.
Mindofmyown no, I have a few from Saji, R2 Blades, Diamond Patterns, Collored Damascus with Birds painted saya and handles etc. I was just curious of the process. Was not aware it was a secret. Thank you
Mindofmyown a ok, I'm a collector. Myself, I have a few blades from other blacksmiths like Kurosaki, Konosuke, Takeda, Masakage, Takamura, Shibata and others. I was wondering how these Collored Damascus where done. Thank you for you answer
Euclides Netto No problem, each of the Masters have their secrets about folding steel, heating and cooling temps and metal blends etc. that they pass down through generations of their families. I collect them too but clearly nothing compared to the fortune you must have spent. If you haven't already you should consider visiting Japan to some of the side streets of Kappabashi (I think it's called) and you can see much of this stuff up close beforehand and you will also get the best prices.
There are wonderful knives being made right in your own backyards. Find local people. Many of them do brilliant work, which doesn't carry a superstar price tag.
I hate the music... the video would better be served without it. It detracts and distracts from watching the master craftsman at work. I happen to believe that he too would hate the music soundtrack. I had to quit because it's so loud, distracting and really crappy music that does NOT fit the genre of this documentary film.
