5000 Years Old Khopesh (Bronze Cast)

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Invest in blue-chip art for the very first time by signing up for Masterworks: masterworks.art/blackbeardprojects

[@louisdebacco3217]

i was literally just going to ask if bronze work hardens but then you literally answered it right after

[@louisdebacco3217]

i imagine that the kopesh actually held up better then most blades of the time because even tho it was a soft metal the shape helped keep it in one piece longer and esp if they gave the outside edge a raised area around the entire blade

[@davenunyabusiness4893]

what was 5000 years on exactly? The scan you used to 3D print the mold? Beautiful piece of work regardless of that.

[@Melicoy]

na invest in real estate. dont gamble

[@Melicoy]

Wasnt the sharp blade on the INSIDE?

[@konsyjes]

what's crazy to me, is that these lines and measurements were done by someone 3500 years ago. These are another man's lines drawn by his hand and now retraced by yours. You are collaborating with another craftsman across millenia.

[@jachin5177]

@@mac_attack_zach Where is the sarcasm in this comment? It seems pretty sincere to me.

[@CyrusL]

@@mac_attack_zach it dosent sound like sarcasm man you need to look up the definition and some examples bro

[@z34rk79]

There's always that one guy trying to find fault in everyone's words

[@connorvanzant594]

Nothing more surreal or indescribable than seeing or touching pieces of the past.

[@Mark_nobody3]

Fun fact, Ancient Egyptian were very well teach in Mathematics, poetry, medicine, social studies, economics, politics, hieroglyphs, language and much more. They didn’t lazy around why else would they become the greatest civilisation for nothing 😏

[@8-7-styx94]

The riveted handle is just... elegance. I have no other words to describe how beautiful you made this sword by just doing such a simple thing.

[@securitynvrnvr7776]

I was a Fitter and Machinist, and his Peening with the round part of the hammer was impeccable, you hit the Wood once and its all over a permanent dent in the wood

[@themelancholyofgay3543]

*sickle

[@djay6651]

I think the one found in Tut's tomb had a handle that was affixed with hide glue.

[@mathieustewart3905]

There is one exception to its elegance, that's not very comfortable for your hand. There is a reason why rivets are generally flush on handles

[@EllAntares]

@Армяненко Веер-Термосович Мойва Дякуло де ЗЮиКО Phoenicians, Persians, Macedonians happened before. There are 1200 years or so between last kopesh users and Roman empire coming to Africa.

[@SilntObsvr]

Throughout the Bronze Age, these were the most effective and most desirable weapon for infantry or individuals after the spear. The shape makes them more durable than a sword of similar weight, because the curved edge keeps the khopesh from bending the way a straight sword (like a broadsword) the same length would if made from tin bronze.

[@step670]

No armor or relatively bad armor which did not stand properly against slashing/crushing blows by that time. Armor improved - weapon changed towards piercing or crushing. Khopesh is quite a hybrid of an axe and a curved sword with improved cutting/slashing properties. Even if khopesh fail to cut through - crushing damage will be still dangerous. Very interesting bronze age technology.

[@12-343]

With the long handle and the wide blade, it looks like it may be a bit more like an axe than a sword.

[@SilntObsvr]

@@12-343 Handling wise, you might be right. Maybe someone should get Skallagrim to test one (ideally one made from bronze) against a broadsword and a bearded axe or crescent blade axe.

[@ReaderOfThreads]

They didnt have broadswords in the bronse age.

[@SilntObsvr]

@@ReaderOfThreads Of course not, but a broadsword is the closest one-handed "sword" to a khopesh in terms of reach and weight.

[@canadianreserve]

I wish the Khopesh got more attention than it does. It may not be the best sword ever made, but it certainly is one of the most unique. Really cool lines.

[@Hagashager]

It *was* the best side-arm for Bronze. The shape of a Khopesh keeps its edge and frame longer than a traditional longsword. It is, however, harder to shape and forge, hence why come iron it was largely abandoned or relegated to farming (sickles) Of course, no one can ever deny the superiority of the humble spear. Truly, a weapon so great it's still in use today by way of bayonet knives afixed to M16s

[@Kamamura2]

@@Hagashager The spear was cheap and easy to use, not superior (a HEMA myth). European elite fighters - the knights in the apex of their power - used swords and shields.

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

@@Kamamura2Yet the magnificent knights were brought down by armies of landsknechte using pikes and halberds.

[@JerryXavierRedgrave_1999]

I agree, the katana is a good sword. However, the khopesh reaches over a shield & pulls it away with one side,then the otherside of the sword hacks limbs. This sword should be in more media, movies, games etc

[@shaundouglas2057]

@@Kamamura2 Spears were cheaper and required less training to use, true! But well trained spearmen was a highly valuable addition to any army, an untrained spearmen was next to useless. The spear was king of the battle field and it certainly is not a myth that they were superior to swords. Anyone with any clues upon this topic knows that polearms were the first choice for a weapon upon the battlefield especially when fighting upon foot and that applied for the knights as well.

[@landrecce]

Bronze is sooooo beautiful in the sun! The khopesh is such a beautiful blade!

[@larsnystrom6698]

Seeing it finished, I can sense the proud owner, 5000 years ago!

[@jordansenna752]

I have always liked the design of this ancient sword/short sword. The straight middle section between the handle and the curved cutting edge acts as a very study shield, you can block an opponents blow while likely dulling their blade, but without having to chip or dull your own blade. It's also aesthetically pleasing, it looks sleek but also viscious

[@GusCraft460]

I agree that this kind of sword is super cool. Unfortunately it is super difficult to forge steel into that shape, it can only really be cast, so once steel weapons became the norm the khopesh kind of died out. Cast iron is too brittle for use in weapons, and casting steel requires way hotter temperatures than they could achieve at the time.

[@MrHeiska01]

I love all curved swords, but I also think it has likely been a tool of terror. Designed mostly to cut down unarmored (peasants) targets, not actual enemy warriors.

[@035gogmofo6]

@@MrHeiska01 why would they? Why would they make a gruesome sword for some unarmed civilians? Make no sense

[@joefish6091]

@@035gogmofo6 KIngs and their minions rule by terror. unspoken if not actually done. Ask yourself what happens to a person who refuses to pay taxes. repeatedly refuses.

[@johnpauljones9310]

An angry peasant with a sharpened rock at the end of a spear would make quick work of anyone with a kopesh. Spear is king on the battlefield.

[@survivalskills7184]

This job requires high precision and you did it, thank you for sharing the video

[@ehkuh]

so where was the precision needed?

[@jaysmithdesign]

@@ehkuh to precisely press the keys for the computer to do the work.

[@TuberoseKisser]

@@ehkuh properly pouring and molding requires precision. Proper polishing and sharpening requires precision, literally everything in the video. A tiny chip in the blade can mess up the whole thing over time.

[@caspiaraa5281]

it not hand made

[@Schrodingers_kid]

@@TuberoseKisser not really

[@parksnewbornportraiture4989]

I’m not in any way knocking your hard work on this piece. You’ve done an amazing job. But I just want to sit back and marvel at the fact that someone thousands of years ago made pieces like this without the use of power tools and laser cutting for precision. You put a ton of work into this, but it’s incredible to think that someone did this millennia ago without modern tools.

[@DavidDavidunderthebridgeChampi]

Lots and lots of students, slaves, and sub workers.

[@Diogolindir]

Bronze age civilizations were very sophisticated.

[@dragonniz]

Wow that is cool. I've always imagined bronze weapons to be softer and maybe even flimsy - now I see how wrong I was. Thanks to your recreation and demonstration!

[@joaolemes8757]

It's always good to be reminded that bronze is the next best thing after steel.

[@theravenousrabbit3671]

Well, you can spot the deformation at the end when he strikes the log.

[@michaelrenper796]

Good steel is better than bronze, but good steel was hard to come by for most of human history. Also, alloying steel was not a reproducible process (required the sheer luck of having ores of alloy metals available a the right oncentration) in pre-modern times, while Bronze could be made to alloyed to exact specifications from (by the standards of the time) pure copper and tin. But then steel was so much cheaper.

[@celem1000]

​@The Ravenous Rabbit it's more elastic than iron so that flex was expected, but doesn't hold an edge as well. The properties of bronze actually lend more to armoursmithing than edged weapons, it would probably make decent plate

[@totallifechangeacademy5261]

"The blade itself evokes the war"...great work of art. Always wanted to have one...could not imagine that anyone would forge one...well done. Great job!

[@AldebrandLudenhof]

Where is the quote from?

[@totallifechangeacademy5261]

@@AldebrandLudenhof I think it might be Seneca but Iam not absolutely sure, but the saying and the message is 100% true...as it is true for modern day's weapons too!

[@gamilton1972]

Absolutely stunning workmanship. I know how many many hours of work you'll have done but not shown on the video. My wife is a silversmith/jeweller and hand makes all her jewellery. I love giving her a hand when she's casting a piece. It's exactly the same process as you did just on a much smaller scale. Take care 👍

[@zuperzoniko6365]

Your wife needs to stop making jewelry and start making Kopesh! This is where the REAL money is my lad! Who wants jewelry? 😔

[@Charlielizard]

That was a beautiful pour. Almost thought there wouldn't be enough to fill the mold, but turned out perfect. Always look forward to your videos. You put in a lot of work creating, taping, editing and posting. Thanks again and wish you the best. 🙏👍

[@zzzires5045]

Glad I wasn't the only one thinking it was a short pour. I love that he actually hardened the edge properly! Really makes me wanna get a furnace again hey.

[@Vulturefist]

Hey, I was looking for this comment! 👏🏻

[@francobuzzetti9424]

same here , i'm wondering if he already knew the volume of the sword , i think the cad program for the cnc can tell you that , but i'm not sure ,either way that was such a perfect pour!

[@devashishdahiya4446]

@@francobuzzetti9424 obviously

[@robinwilliam4526]

I also thought the pour was'nt enough 😁😁

[@p3pable]

10:55 this is mesmerizing, The pins are secured beautifully.

[@josephmarsh5031]

This has always been my favorite style of sword. Bonus points for making it from bronze! 😀

[@BigRedDog-mz3or]

Such a beautiful weapon used mostly by Pharoh's, soldiers and guards and sometimes merchants, often buried with Pharoh's. These weapons were finished using stone to take off excess metal after forging.

[@Apathymiller]

The kopesh is one of my favorite swords, done well they are just brutal. I like when they make em with a point so they can also stab well. Very well done.

[@JohnThorpe1623]

Gorgeous sword. I love the historical builds.

[@RedHood001-KA]

Oooooooh, that is beautiful!! I've always loved the curved design of the Khopesh. Very well done!!

[@RedHood001-KA]

@@mitchelldkirby Awesome!!

[@generalalpha1]

@@mitchelldkirby uhhh that's kinda deadly

[@chadparker1283]

I think that piece is absolutley stunning. It is freaking gorgeous anyone would be thrilled to have that in their collection. I'm actually envious. Great job and wonderful work

[@adnaanu]

I want a mini version to use as a kitchen knife. It will make every meal prep feel epic.

[@SkechArt]

Nice job man as always. Enjoying watching your videos. Stay AWESOME!

[@GeneralE1000.]

Ever since I first learned about the khopesh, I was fascinated, and wanted one for myself. I love swords, and hopefully, as a metalworking artist, for which I'm studying art, majoring with metal as my preferred medium, I will make some swords in my future.

[@brianb8003]

Those cuts tests were really really impressive for a forged copper sword. I was really shocked at the abuse it put on the wood. Absolutely amazing craftsmanship.

[@benglaser1345]

This looks great! I remember attending a webinar from ASM International about reverse engineering these, and how they determined that sand casting was likely the method used for production (as opposed to other tools which used permanent molds, molds that we have not found for the kopesh)

[@erikdavidantonio5368]

A hug from Brazil, extraordinary sword, I can imagine the satisfaction for this art!

[@jimtaylor6663]

That's a beautiful creation! I've often considered making bronze weaponry and you've inspired me.

[@leociresi4292]

The ultimate monster eradication if you’re in the Back Rooms!

[@HereticalKitsune]

I was waiting for the work hardening of the edge, thanks for including it and explaining it! The "ricasso" area looks like it would be perfect for more decoration of all sorts.

[@CAMB2010]

Thank you. There's something about metal working, specially weapon making, that appeals to me since childhood

[@FrostByte_proto]

I know just about nothing when it comes to swords, all I know is that this is one of the most visually pleasing swords I’ve ever seen. Amazing work :)

[@kelvinsparks4651]

I've seen many examples of bronze age edge tools here in the UK and what amazes me is the precise hammering of the cutting edge, its so neat and done only a few millimetres wide .

[@lewissammons]

I'd love to see more of those custom pins you used to fabricate from brass tubes getting incorporated into these builds, they always kicked it up another notch!

[@horstszibulski19]

Yes they were great, a nice addition! :-D

[@СергейБелый-н2ш]

By the way, for bronze, as well as for steel, heat treatment, hardening and tempering are used. It would be great to make it for this magnificent blade

[@GerManBearPig]

It depends of the bronze alloy, some mixtures can be hardened with heat treatment but not all of them

[@СергейБелый-н2ш]

@@GerManBearPig the video shows the process of making tin bronze, this type can be heat treated

[@christianshisler8966]

Dude, I was genuinely so surprised when you started to work harden that. I was thinking about it in my head that I'd do it and then you proceeded to do so. I'm impressed 👍

[@Between_Scylla_and_Kharybdis]

The khopesh is such a beautiful weapon, easily my favourite

[@jeremydean4363]

Any restoration/creation video in 2x speed is so fun to watch ✌🏾

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

FINALLY someone makes one of my favorite historical swords! Well done my man 😁👍🏽

[@mzmadmike]

There are several smiths who've been making them, they just have lengthy backlogs.

[@georgeguevara9502]

Wow MAESTRO! Very beautiful work with that sword, and incredible workshop and tools you have there. Excellent video and very instructive. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Jagdtyger2A]

You might try using aluminum bronze with, if you can find it, 1-3% beryllium in the alloy. Such an alloy will be as strong as tool steel and an awesome sight

[@carny15]

I work with bronze objects on a daily basis. It is a beautiful material to work with and it looks truly amazing when polished to perfection. Great video, you've earned yourself a subscriber.

[@derrickgreen8769]

watching this video made me smile soo much great job i was completely amazed

[@stephenbridges2791]

Very nicely done, sir. The historical aspect is true to form. Good job!

[@mercurywoodrose]

bronze is one of the great underrated inventions of mankind. making items from copper is easy, once you have hot enough fire. figuring out alloys is tougher. it really moved us forward.

[@nathanielb3510]

Don't think I'd call it "underrated", it's pretty rated. There's an entire Age named after bronze. People use the word "underrated" too much.

[@mantasjoniskis]

@@nathanielb3510 your comment is way underrated lol

[@hochigaming14yearsago90]

@@nathanielb3510 true

[@bcarss1970]

Beautiful weapon! Khopesh "evolved" from an axe. Were used to cut through enemies wicker and wooden shields and of course the enemy too. Apparently its use died out with advancements in armor using metal like the ancient Greeks.

[@richardskinner4198]

That was a joy to watch ,you are a true artist and it would be a joy to own a Khopesh of that quality and beauty. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@XSHADOWXorg]

What a legend respects the material he is working with keep the great work king

[@jasoncdebussy]

Wonderful work! The handle was so simple but looked stunning 👍

[@robertsnearly3823]

I've often wondered how efficient bronze implements could be. After watching this, I'm convinced I have no more worry. 🙂

[@trolltalwar]

Its no where near as good as iron or steel, but make no mistake, you can severely injure or kill with bronze weapons

[@GeneralE1000.]

That is such a gorgeous sword! I love it!

[@Kopie0830]

I was shaking my head when he hit the wood with the sword with 12:25, the edges would be nicked for sure...

[@dreamseeker2346]

That is a beautiful piece! I always loved the golden looking swords from The Mummy (Brenden Fraser) as a kid, it's so awesome to see a real one.

[@fredrichardson9761]

That cast came out really well! I kept thinking you'd need sprues or some kind of exit holes but you really didn't. I was also surprised how well particle board is suited to making a form with a CNC machine - that worked brilliantly. Really nice sword and appreciated the explanation of work hardening the edge. I kept thinking "forging beats casting" for a sword, but this isn't steel so maybe not. Great video and awesome result! 👍

[@crusader9576]

That handle is amazing, with the wooden scales fitting into the recessed part of the tang and the pins peened instead of glued. I've never seen anyone else do it like that.

[@daddyduke126]

Becouse it's does not any fucking sense.

[@crusader9576]

@@daddyduke126 why not?

[@pinecone4610]

I always thought this was one of the most inefficient swords every made, but also one of the coolest looking ones

[@ironhead2008]

If you want a weapon that is as good at stabbing as it is slashing, then yeah, it's inefficient and likely prone to getting caught on bones, armor, and such (thinking of that back end hook, there are examples where its less pronounced, Canaanite variants IIRC ). But if the focus is slashing (considering how soft bronze is, a likely possibility), I suspect it's a fairly effective weapon.

[@desertsmeagol7073]

Well technically it was designed to trip opponents by catching on armor or limbs then slashing their throats lol. Pretty efficient at that

[@ironhead2008]

@@desertsmeagol7073 Huh, I didn't know that. So what seems like a deficiency from our European/East Asian Martial Arts influenced perspective is a conscious design decision informed by Second and Third Millennium B.C. Egyptian and Middle Eastern Martial Arts. It makes sense though, just like a reduction of that hook would make sense if the local style was to take advantage of the broader shape as a way of hooking your opponent and not rely the sharp curve near the tip.

[@iamjakt]

Its a superior weapon because of it's cutting edge, it's balance, and it's curve that can disarm and trip. Khopesh is badass.

[@SachsVDE]

Certainly an Anti-Pinch Sword..🌟

[@philipwedlock7838]

My brother that's great you keeping the great art of forging blades ...alive bro big fan

[@Jack908r]

No idea why this came up in my feed but that was pretty amazing. Good job. And very cool to see something rarely done like an Egyptian sword.

[@DBCraftWorld]

I always admire how easy metal casting looks on your videos! Another amazing project Black Beard:)! Someday I'll make brass casted Gladius! This video is definitely helpful! Thanks for that Man 👊

[@johnemmons9087]

Really really nice. I always loved bronze. I use it decoratively whenever I can. How about making a bronze willow leaf Celtic short sword? They are also very stunning polished. Thank you!

[@1st508thAirborne]

Beautiful! 👍🙂

[@brianwilliams3260]

Not heavy enough or balanced. Will buckle if tried hard enough. Should have smashed that wood. Great paper weight.

[@jayrohumbertoguzmanvalenci1351]

Man, you have the patience of a chinese jeweler or a swiss watchmaker. It's a gorgeous sword. A really piece of History, and a really masterpiece. Congratulations for a beautiful work, Mr. Black Beard. Greetings from Guatemala, the Land of Quetzal Bird, simbol of Freedom.

[@Bivoladi]

That was awesome. I was worried you weren’t going to harden the edge, then not only did you harden it, you explained how you hardened it. I loved the end product, such a beautiful piece.

[@ab-cj3up]

just a gorgeous piece of art you crafted there, congrats. was wandering how the blade survived ,especially the wood torture?

[@redtsun67]

most interesting thing to me about this weapon's design is that it evolved from the crescent war axe

[@jbaker895]

this is my second watch on your channel, and feeding the little tin cookie to the furnace is my favorite part

[@Wazguu]

that khopesh has been imbued in pure passion. i do not regret investing time in this art.

[@-Deena.]

I didn't even know they had CNCs 5,000 years ago! Wow! 🧡

[@okname5335]

this video is from modern times not 5000 years ago lol

[@micahherrick8601]

This was so cool to watch you make! Maybe you could do a series of researching and making all kinds of ancient and medieval weapons?

[@coreymbonge9532]

this piece is absolutely gorgeous. I have always wanted a high quality Khopesh made to accurate historical specifications. Is it possible for me to commission that you make one for me? How much might it cost?

[@martikomoody1172]

only good thing is your last name is bong

[@coreymbonge9532]

@@martikomoody1172 do you have a learning disability or something?

[@briancrets5211]

You are an absolute craftsman. Thoroughly enjoyed watching you transform metal into a work of art.

[@louis-philippesavard742]

Awesome, I'm curious how you calculate the amount of bronze needed 🤔

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Hey there! I decided to reply to this question with a short video. Hope you can find it! Cheers!!

[@georgeofhamilton]

@@BlackBeardProjects lol Maybe you should link it for him.

[@thomasbastarache1391]

everything was perfect except one thing. Right after you melted the Tin, you put in a bit too much sea salt. I suppose that could be personal preference, but the blade wont taste right in the end.

[@December428]

don't want to overpower the bronze

[@electronicscaos]

I'm sure there is umami mixed with it. That's why the quantity seems bigger. It'll not affect the final taste.

[@KrautGoesWild]

00:35 - what did you add to the melting pot? (My grandpa was a hobby blacksmith but he is... unavailable... since 1996 😅)

[@atiqansariansari1662]

Me toh sahi ho jao ga Koch din mein par Saab apnaa soch lenaa mujhe pareshaan krne walo 😁 Jafar Bhai k 2bache hai 1ladka ladki or dunya gol he Aliza ki bhi umar ayi gi

[@reedthebean8672]

prob borax

[@p4our587]

I always enjoy your videos. I'm super glad that I found your channel. While I can't create many of the things that you make videos of… I love the ideas that you give me for things that I can. Thank you, for sharing! Your English is coming along perfectly!

[@graveyardrumblers]

That's pretty neat making a differential hardness throughout the blade by peening it... Awesome job.

[@jtomally9681]

5,000 years old my foot. LOL

[@robdavis5233]

Wow! What a shine! I didn't know it could look so shiny. Nice!!!

[@craighann4449]

Unbelievable that is a work of art by a true Craftsman artist...

[@danielbenfreeman]

I worked with bronze on a couple of jewelry pieces, and was surprised by how heavy and hard it was. Moses was believed to use a scythe sword in battle. Nice work!

[@paulsimmons5726]

Fine craftsmanship is the same, from one millennium to the another! Thanks for posting!

[@NeBuLiSt]

Beautiflu work, such an under rated sword!! and Bronze is such a magical material!!!! lasting thousands of years longer than iron and steel...

[@jasmingeorge753]

It's not about what your weapon does to the pineapple but what the pineapple does to your weapon. Amazing work, thanks you sharing.

[@motauman1372]

This was Educating and ASMR at the same time, thank you for this video

[@logansfury]

The finished product was an absolutely beautiful weapon. Most impressive work from start to finish!

[@isaacmansoor7284]

Kopesh is an amazing sword. Excellent work.

[@billskinner623]

I like the way you shaped the inserts for the handles. That's a very neat idea.

[@callumleask2907]

Now that is really very cool. This has been the most beautiful tool work I've seen. Thank you.

[@darkraven0dd1tee96]

THAT is a beautiful blade!

[@andrelordello]

Incredible work! Just amazing! 😁🏆😁 Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@alfaresmahmoud5705]

Free palestine

[@patrickmedeiros9000]

Hope if you get it back there won't be new religious idiots to replace

[@wildiconphotography3979]

This is an amazing cast to polish build of an incredible knife!

[@chelseesanders400]

11:21 this is what makes me satisfied. Visual satisfaction is what I call it. For some reason when I see shiny objects it's satisfying to see.

[@kennyhagan5781]

Very sweet. I can picture Pharaoh using it in battle. I do believe that it qualifies as a piece of art, it's that pretty. It's MORE than just a bronze kopesh. Yatta Hey!

[@thealchemist851]

Watching videos like these always gives me a positive energy .. you can feel the Vibs of a great skill, the art, & the love of the craft just by watching. Great work bro.

[@davidhill1268]

I just saw this video. I love it. That is my favorite sword design. Beautiful

[@Jawnyx3456]

I love the look of the kopesh it has always been my favorite weapon form the ancient times. The Egyptians were great at making pyramids and weapons.

[@samuelmuldoon4839]

El mango de tu cuchillo es muy bonita. The handle of your knife is very pretty. I like the dark (obscured) color of the wood. Me gusto la madera obscura en el mango del Khopesh

[@thewrongaccount608]

What a beautiful work of art and I like how you hammered the edge. Most modern sword makers just grind the edge out very few hammer it. What do you do with them when finished? Sell them?

[@thomastaylor2450]

OMG... that anvil is fantastic, wow!

[@ats-3693]

Beautiful, I'd be proud to have that on display in my home.

[@thebenforever]

Same. Hoping he makes more.

[@aFascinatingMind]

You are a very talented artist. Your pieces are so beautiful.

[@fuzzball130]

Wow, I love your 5000 year old Milling Machine! :O