Building A $7,000 Dagger In 2 Months

We condensed over 2 months of work on this dagger knife into a short, full build video for your enjoyment. Watch as this 6” two-bar mosaic twist Damascus blade comes to life, featuring platinum wire inlays, a polished coffin-style maple handle, and domed platinum pins.
🚀 Make your first knife (only for beginners): Get lifetime access to my course today. 👉 www.learnknife...
Learn how to make knives: www.learnknife...
KZbin ~ / kyleroyerknives​
Instagram ~ / kyleroyerknives
Website ~ www.kyleroyerk...
#Knifemaking #DamascusBlade #CustomDagger

[@Deletirium]

That choice of wood for the handle is the chef's kiss.

[@Wave-p3u]

I find it extremely satisfying to watch a family that loves working together every day. I don't think most people realize how rare this is.

[@mmancino1982]

Nailed it

[@adamgramenz5544]

The fact I cannot respond to clear errors infuriates me !!!!

[@adamgramenz5544]

They are doing everything wrong, but I am blocked

[@rayafk8502]

@@adamgramenz5544you don’t seem blocked to me

[@mmancino1982]

@@adamgramenz5544 who's doing what wrong?

[@TrackpadProductions]

I'm always impressed that people are able to do this kind work as a career. Because frankly, if I made something like this, I don't know if there's _any_ price I'd be willing to sell it for.

[@thesilverdragon1963]

I made jewelry professionally for several years in my long-ago youth and was actually asked that question many times. For me, it was always the same two things in my answer. 1) you always know that what you are creating is for someone else and 2) no matter how perfect a piece comes out, when the creator looks at it the first thing we tend to see is the tiny things that didn’t come out exactly the way we wanted. That being said, if I ever win the lottery…. One of your pieces would be really high on that fantasy shopping list!😊

[@F0XD1E]

Any time I make something and people tell me "you should sell these" I have to explain that for the hours put into it, I would have to charge 10x what any joe schmoe would be willing to pay. You really do have to go all in on this kind of thing, I think.

[@csiebester]

You're the best knife maker I've found on youtube.

[@flotterwilli9040]

check out salem straub :) another outstanding maker

[@Bob-nv8ru]

Good to see you back.

[@archael18]

7k for 2 months of work is not enough for this insanely high quality of work. You are a master of your craft and should be getting paid as such.

[@GregDaCrack]

KZbin pays the Rest.

[@kyawthu2586]

I doubt he’s making just this 1 dagger throughout the whole 2 months

[@Lion_Hamza]

Surely not, he has many projects going on

[@DaClaptain]

Did you buy his dagger? If not why? You just said its worth the money...

[@MephiticMiasma]

@@kyawthu2586 judging from another comment he left, he's still working on that sword that he had in his last big series of videos.

[@Lilith-Rose]

You mentioned previously struggling to find higher grit sandpapers than the 3000 and asked if anyone knew a reliable source, so I thought I would let you know that I recently picked up some really cheap generic 9x3.6" wet and dry sheets online that go up to 20,000 grit and they have been holding up surprisingly well for my purposes (small jewellery work and restoration) I wasnt expecting much from them but was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to actually be a useable product However if you wanted guaranteed quality brand name stuff that goes higher in grit than 3m then I would highly recommend starcke matador who are a well known and reputable German company that make wet and dry paper up to 7000 grit. You should be able to get it in the states as far as I'm aware

[@GenghisKhanrad]

I would have done a few things differently; all of things would have ruined this dagger because I have never made anything from metal before and have no idea what I'm doing.. Exquisite craftsmanship!! Proud to be a subscriber.

[@uavmech03]

😂

[@patrickstar3715]

I would be utterly shocked if someone said this was only $7000. Great work as always!

[@HighFantasha]

Seriously, no matter what master smith I watch, I've never seen anyone plan and produce patterns like this. They always get warped, or something happens, and they don't turn out right, but from every video I've seen you upload, they always turn out exactly as planned. It's always impressive and a pleasure to watch

[@seanoreilly3665]

I agree, I think it’s the way he uses his press, probably doing extra heats and not doing any extreme pressing. He takes his time!!! A true master!

[@adamgramenz5544]

Because it’s fake. I have been doing this for years and have never seen such manipulation and lying in my lifetime. Facebook Bs at its finest

[@adamgramenz5544]

So fake and I can show you why. But keep getting your money promoting BS. I make my money bringing the real deal

[@adamgramenz5544]

@@seanoreilly3665no he is a fake. Even trying to type this with proper grammar Facebook makes it impossible. Commas are eliminated

[@paultanski-hampton928]

​@@adamgramenz5544 We see everything he does with his billets before and after..seen nothing from you so don't compare yourself to him without proof

[@ohar7237]

Might I ask you to explain what determines when you use TIG versus MIG? Basically what I'm asking is "Why not TIG all the time?" As a welder (and not a blacksmith), I'm super curious. Thanks! :D

[@ohar7237]

Also, holy smokes that is a lot of very intricate detail work. Mad props. My OCD would love doing that, but my ADD would never let me actually finish anything and I'd end up with three dozen projects at various stages of completion. [looks out in the shop] Oh hey, look at that, three dozen projects at various stages of completion, and materials for about 30 dozen more! [sigh]

[@mcosimi]

Beautiful!!! What a pleasure to watch your fabrication process. The detail is amazing! My prize possession is a knife from Skip Miller who was a personal friend of the family. (RIP). Seeing a custom knife up close….you can’t help but appreciate the fineness. The detail and symmetry are incredible. To those questioning the price….This platinum inlayed knife is definitely worth $7000.00. The mental minutia required to make sure every detail of the Damascus pattern is as perfect as it can be is $7000.00 worth of effort alone. As a maker myself (acoustic guitars) I can at least begin to relate to the effort involved in the craft…..especially the handle. 👍 Thanks for the journey! Excellent video!

[@maxdisbrow977]

My God. Your work is incredible. The beauty of your work is unparalleled. If I could afford a custom knife, it would only be from you. Your talent is ridiculous. Such a good eye for design and such a steady hand. Humans can be so amazing (when not being a POS) and you are a great example of a good one. Thanks for your videos. Continue being a good example and keep up the great work!

[@StrongbiteRods]

I’m so glad you’re in this universe. Beautiful dagger and great videography.

[@DE-qv5cf]

I’m a bit of a junkie for artisan / craftsman vids and this set a whole new level for me. Truly amazing work. All that blade needs now is a $1000 scabbard budget :)

[@noahlease1303]

The more I watched, the more I realized this guy is just one of the dudes, I mean what a cool guy, what really made me realize was the posters. Man Star Wars and LOTR like I just know this guy is chill af

[@Edward-d8h]

I have watches so many of your builds and i can honestly say YOU are second to NONE. Not just your quality of the build but how you narrate as you go along and what you are doing and what you are looking for. Well done young man.

[@Big88Country]

WOW! Now that is truly a work of art! I agree with another poster, 7K for 2 months of work and the beauty this possesses is way too cheap! I hope you are able to easily sell these works of art, it's way more than just a dagger!! You're at the top of your game my man!!!

[@chrisangelone3349]

Another masterpiece my friend. You just keep getting better and better every single piece you make. As I always tell you your work will be in museums someday. You have taught me so much. For anyone reading my post it is well worth the money to buy Kyle’s lessons on making knives and a ton of other info. Thank you for all you do for the blade smith community.

[@Патриархальный_Угнетатель]

The pattern on the blade, overall design style and the color pallet personally make it my favorite build so far.. i liked all his pieces but this one made me wanna buy it and start collecting. Something about this piece.. its right at the point where practical simplicity meets luxurious military minimalism in harmony.. no funky decorative extras to make it more pretty.. just predatory style in master craftsmanship.. Ideal weapon to be used in a murder of some king and then be proudly displayed in a collection 😂

[@seangerst6561]

Very very nice build again, i just got one question, what happens with the welding material? Because isnt that a different material and would interrupt the colouring?

[@jeffreyoldham55]

Kyle, every video you produce is an illustration of what a Master Bladesmith is. They are someone who operates beyond technical knowledge, experience and ability, and is an artist who's vision transcends earthly restraint & limitations. Your Damascus pattern is absolutely mind-rending and the contrast of the platinum inlay is simply stunning. Bravo, maestro!

[@jedsilcox6898]

I love how you use all these super expensive and high quality materials and tools, all very specialized to get the absolutely best quality knife. Then you wash it off with this extremely common and inexpensive Dawn dish soap. It makes a great contrast.

[@coolman15621]

What an exquisite blade. You're truely an artist Kyle Royer.

[@Some_Idiot_on_the_Internet]

The way you handle every step of the process with such care and attention; you LOVE this. This is real love for your craft and it's beautiful to see.

[@itsmeashbeel9175]

The dagger has been very excellently designed and your skills at making it a reality are just as perfect as the final dagger itself

[@matthewlobel2421]

Kyle, i know you dont need me to tell you this but every blade you make is a beautiful piece of art. I have watched countless people in the same field and nobody comes close to the amount of work love and detail you put into each piece. Keep it up man!

[@TOMA21207]

Now that is a masterpeace. That knife should be valued at least twice that price. Great work man.

[@mihaelg6713]

Absolute peak of knifemaking!!

[@Dardania]

Great work as always!

[@joelmarvin4451]

That may be the most beautiful blade I have ever seen! And your attention to detail is next level. Amazing craftsmanship.

[@TheUnvarnishedTruth-]

*That dagger is absolutely effing incredible! You truly are an artist! That dagger is amazingly beautiful! WELL DONE! And thank you for the video!*

[@vickiclark1998]

It is so easy to see this is well worth the price tag!! A piece of historical artwork. So beautiful and watching you work is magical. Thank you! ❤ This will be a family heirloom for many, many generations!!

[@needtokeepwalking]

Great to see the Royer family back. I hope you are all still loving life and happy. Love from Australia.

[@TallBoy-0004]

Mad skill, man. You do the most amazing work, brother. The craftsmanship is in a league of its own.

[@sanguinemoon9201]

Your ability to predict and control the pattern is astounding.

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

2:19 I'm always amazed when I see the best knife makers unable to cut 3 equal-length pieces.

[@tuckerweston2062]

I am constantly amazed by your work, I have paid for your Bowie knife class and learn more tricks for how to execute your lessons in my situation every attempt I make and every time I re watch the lessons. You astound me, I want to someday be able to apply the skill time and effort of will you possess to my own creations, and for the love of god I want you to still be around when I get there or anywhere close. So PLEASE. STOP. USING A MINE INCH ANGLE GRINDER ON THE WRONG EDGE!! I know they take off more material that way, I know it’s more comfortable, but you can achieve similar and much safer results by starts at the furthest edge away from you and working back towards yourself so you still get the peeling effect without endangering yourself with a kickback. I speak as a professional welder, as a production grinder for Alec Steele, and as a man of the people. Please be safe❤️

[@JAXXATACKS]

Fantastically built it looks so good i can feel your pane just by looking at how intricate it is

[@SatanSupimpa]

A scabbard in the same material as the handle would look stunning.

[@scottdiller1893]

have been following for a while, so feel pretty comfortable saying this, one of the best edited videos you folks have put out, congrats! (and happy holidays!) super clean descriptions of processes, the whole red/blue conversations was the cleanest and fastest get through of damascus i have watched. happy to see you dulling edges before hand sanding, that was a gift to watching eyes and battered hands! really nice quality and very enjoyable watching, always is, but really nice to see such practiced story telling here on the film making side. keep it up, really nice from everyone, kyle of course, just wanted to plant a flag and say super work behind the scenes too. All love, and greatest success in the next year!

[@Fluffypotatoes4]

Kyle royer is the goat

[@tonyennis1787]

13:55 if you cut it lengthwise on the bandsaw, would you not have enough material for 2 daggers? You've put a lot of effort into the billet only to grind 66% of it into dust.

[@F0XD1E]

Grinding deep into the material is how you get the intended patterns exposed. Also leaving extra material on there for heat treat leaves you with enough wiggle room to grind out any warping from the quench. Probably not a big factor for a relatively small dagger, but it looks like he left the center rib fairly thick.

[@nauga2295]

Very nice! One criticism is how the fuller just stops in almost a square shape. I think it would look better if the fuller tapered into a point.

[@arabian9372]

man oh man it's been so long, Welcome back you mad man!

[@RyanMonty]

Stunning piece. But question for you...instead of grinding a half an inch off the blade, couldn't you have cut it in half length wise and made two blades instead of wasting the material? Or was this necessary for the specific pattern you wanted? My thought was just...all the work it took to make a billet that beautiful, why not turn it into 2?

[@RyanMonty]

I want to emphasize that I'm NOT criticizing...I'm brand new to bladesmithing and am legitimately asking.

[@dsacton]

Dang, Kyle! Incredible. This should win an award. The dagger, of course, but also the video. Well done!

[@AbdulWahab-on8om]

This knife is a gift only reserved for kings. ❤❤❤

[@carlsoll]

Wow. Truly Award Winning Work, Bravo

[@sb76117]

Finally subscribed. Kyle is so enthusiastic and talented. Unreal skill and an outstanding personality

[@asksearchknock]

absolutely amazing you are an incredible craftsman! I held my breath with you at 12:45 - could you build a limiter or something that you could set to prevent accidental pressing too hard when doing this stage? (I know nothing about this stuff but your videos are great and so just subscribed)

[@cx144]

une splendide oeuvre d' art ! vous êtes un Grand Maître !

[@4shinta]

Welcome back! What an artist you truly are. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas 🎁⛄😊

[@APs.Custom.knives]

Breaks my heart to see all the posts about cost. I really don't think people understand how many hours or the cost of materials. Let's say he has 60 hours in labor, what's a fair hourly wage?

[@APs.Custom.knives]

Really he's probably got closer to 200+ hours tbh

[@F0XD1E]

People act like it's criminal, or something. It's not like he's big pharma gouging insulin that people need to survive. He's selling high skill art that people with the money are happy to pay the premium for. They also have no idea how much time went into developing these skills. You aren't paying for just 200 or however many hours of basic labor costs. You're paying literally master level labor costs. He's dedicated his life since probably his teenage years into the craft.

[@rapture2028]

The final billet seems good enough for two daggers. Why didn't you use the bandsaw and cut it into two before surface grinding?

[@rapidrrobert4333]

Each project is more fantastic than the one before. I would like to hear your thoughts about the effect, result of heat build up when grinding.

[@GTGibbs]

Michelangelo of Metal. Awesome to get to watch you work Kyle. Thanks man.

[@Geckomayhem]

The platinum inlay on the guard and spacer. Wow. The entire dagger is just exquisite!

[@dulume]

Nice video, as usual. But... am I the only one wondering about the completion of the Griffin Sword? I'm dying to see it finished!

[@richardturk7162]

Glad to see you back. Just amazing watching you work. Love the concise narration explaining what you are doing.

[@TheFlambeau]

I’m delighted to see you in good health and doing well. May God bless you,

[@Retdozer]

The amount of love and dedication you put in your work is just not from this world masterpiece!

[@Ahmed-ABQR_217_runingonstreet]

19:54 bro is master enough that he knows how to feel temperature 😳

[@swissforge8627]

I know this is probably just a joke, but if he's talking about 500° F, that would be about the temperature where steel takes on a blue temper colour, so he would be able to "see" how hot the chips are by them being blue

[@Sam-kn2mm]

You sir are an artist!!!!! One hell of a craftsman!!

[@Dyrim]

When you're welding the billet, why do you sometimes use filler metal and sometimes just fuse the pieces together? Do you have to use a special kind of filler metal when you do use it?

[@EveryTongue]

Yes! Another Royer full build❤

[@QueenSheo]

another great video as always, despite how much the needlessly complicated Imperial measurements infuriate me

[@anthonystrunk5360]

Excellent work Kyle!

[@jonny555ive]

Exceptionally beautiful as always. Every creation you've made is a statement of perfection and excellence. This is the way.

[@mtnbkr8480]

When the Phoenix sword is finished, please have a two part episode. The first part being like this video, covering the build to date, (as a reminder of what came before). Then the final episode. I have been looking forward to seeing the finished work for so long that seeing a recap episode first would really set the stage beautifully. 👋 I realize that this would make a lot of extra work for Josh (hey Josh) but after such a long wait, I'm sure nobody would mind an extra weeks wait.

[@WingsofFire88]

I love how your enthusiasm for your craft shows through your work!

[@jasonsfishcave684]

That pattern is SICK !

[@SilentForest-cs9dm]

finally. i knew something must be up. i found a short format video of kyle explaining what happened. holy cow, my gut feeling was right. good to see you back fellow maker. heads up and the best new year to you that anyone could ever have

[@loudaccord]

So cool seeing how you design and having it come together. Could you have cut the twisted parts in to 4 and forge welded it one more time for a quad twisted pattern?

[@nicholassimorangkir9093]

you're the best kyle, u made the most uniqe & beautiful pattern i ever seen

[@Dustins_Woodworking]

I really like the inlay. Not too fond of gold inlay, but the platinum inlay is awesome. I wonder if silver inlay would be softer and hence easier to inlay.

[@mc4906]

I'd love to see how collectors of such fine blades display their pieces.

[@benjaminpolson30]

As always it's amazing to watch you work. And your pieces will be in museums one day.

[@jamesburnett7085]

a true masterpiece, Museum quality

[@MichaelOwens1972]

As always, a beautiful piece of work. Is there much difference between inlaying the Platinum and inlaying Gold?

[@StreetSurfersAlex]

This looks extremly good

[@dieterkonig5588]

The most beautiful dagger you will ever see, but highly functional at the same time... 🥰

[@jamiewoodard2380]

The goal is to never stop outdoing yourself. And thus far, you've been remarkably successful! Another masterpiece, dude!

[@benburoker5192]

Props to your video producer (if it’s you, even more props!) this video was produced excellently!

[@klasiks92]

Always a perfect work of art from this master Smith...i would have liked it longer myself.

[@ПарфирийИванов-ю9т]

Изящная работа.Высший пилотаж!

[@sanguinemoon9201]

Did you surface grind all that material off the blade to preserve the pattern? Would drawing it out and cutting off excess stretch the pattern too much?

[@reallysickrigs]

Amazing work as always! After you electrically-etch your makers mark into the blade, what do you use to darken the recessed area so that the makers mark stands out after etching the damascus in ferric chloride?

[@Samherbe954]

The footage you have in this is stunning. Love it.

[@danielrosenblatt7082]

What a magnificent work of art

[@Carag_Goldeneye]

Nice video i think you did a great job by explaining it so well

[@piccalillipit9211]

*$7,000 is a lot of money* - but for this it is an absolute bargain - these knives are truly Fabergé level perfection

[@jessehemphill9406]

$3500 a month less materials and power etc,no, it’s a steal, a lot for a knife yes but big picture, no.

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@jessehemphill9406 Exactly - he is bearly making a living at that.

[@gregcooper8466]

Amazing knife, Kyle. I've been watching your videos for the past year or so, and love watching your work. One question I have: when you have your billet, you grind it down to the final profile thickness. Sometimes the amount that is ground off is substantial. Is it possible to mill the billet in half, and then have two knife blanks? Or is that not possible? There may be another reason as well- I'm not at all knowledgeable, I'm just a curious observer. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@arimus4520]

What an absolutely beautiful piece! What's the difference between pressing the billet and smacking it with a power hammer? The metals are welded together in both scenarios are they not? Is one better than the other?

[@samdahlandsonsforge]

Holy cow, as always. Why is this dagger only 7,000? that pattern looks like it took 2 or three days of work alone. Crazy good!

[@RetARMYjohn]

Absolutely amazing brother! A true craftsman!

[@kevinemery1177]

Yessssssssssssssssssssss. A new Kyle toyer vid

[@carrotbutter-h1i]

absolutely insane work man.

[@angelasomogyvari6557]

Yoooo another vid🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥I love watching your vids keep up the work

[@ryanp9765]

Start to finish, not a second missed. Another beautiful blade! Awesome job. I sincerely hope that I could afford to commission a blade from you one day!