Why Forging Damascus Steel Knives Takes Years to Master - Handmade

Bladesmith Quintin Middleton makes Damascus steel knives. His pieces are inspired by a blend of Japanese and European knife styles, and sword-brandishing childhood heroes like Conan the Barbarian and He-Man. You can buy them here: middletonmadek...
Credits:
Producer: Carla Francescutti
Directors: Carla Francescutti, John Barnhardt
Camera: John Barnhardt, Kristina Crum
Editor: Mike Imhoff
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Development Producer: McGraw Wolfman
Coordinating Producer: Stefania Orrù
Audience Engagement: Daniel Geneen, Terri Ciccone
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For more episodes of 'Handmade,' click here: trib.al/JXvsxcA
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[@BryanDavidScott]

Like most Chefs with tenure, I have had thousands of knives through the years. NOTHING compares to the knives I have had custom made for me by Quintin Middleton. They slice with precision. I've held each knife in my hand for hours without exhaustion. He deserves every ounce of respect and honor among the highest places in the world. Way to rock, Quintin! God is with you and so am I. 💥💥💥

[@JR-xn6yu]

The $5 chef knife I got at the swap meet works perfectly and not $1000.

[@leekzonyt9591]

@@JR-xn6yu He’s talking about the elegance and quality of this man’s passion, the attention to detail, craftsmanship and his experience with this man’s product. Your response is the equivalent of a caveman hating on cars because “WALK ON FEET MOVE ME JUST FINE, CAR DUMB”

[@HiECorp]

@@leekzonyt9591 dudes name is tyrone watermelon lol, he's obv a troll, don't mind him

[@ZZ-vl5nd]

@@JR-xn6yu why buy a car for 1.000.000 when you can get a $700 one? 🤔

[@jaysonnomz1719]

@@leekzonyt9591 lol

[@beautyjolie9595]

He's definitely a funny guy who put everything in just one knife. What a wonderful person

[@msdeaver1]

Anton. He does great space content. KZbin wonderful person.

[@mrithulmkumar5263]

Hey Looks like you know things about knife making. Then you must be familiar with "forged in fire" tv show. Could you please clarify my doubt. Why don't they do this tempering and slow cooling of knifes there? Don't they have to do that so that their knifes can withstand all the torture they have to face?

[@chief5002]

@@mrithulmkumar5263 I’m pretty certain they just don’t have the time to do it on the show

[@sammygallagher5368]

Jk

[@andrewcarlson3486]

How much for it 💰

[@SexyBibliophile]

I’ve bought several of his knives for myself and as gifts and every single one of them is a masterpiece. I am glad to see that he is finally getting the spotlight he deserves.

[@Ehawkjj2]

You must be rich

[@user-oe2xk6ud1y]

How much ?

[@stagger9660]

They range from a couple hundred to over a thousand dollars. All sold out.

[@danielmac8780]

Damn his knife is all sold out.

[@niksack]

Check the website got a few new still available

[@eriktorp-olsen1706]

Greetings from a norwegian knifemaker living in Sweden: -God bless you and your work.

[@evanjohnson4559]

Can this guy make his own KZbin channel?! He seems like a really cool guy who could produce a lot of fun content

[@imnotsurewhy]

I second that

[@messaoudanekamel7277]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqOqaYNtjtF7mK8

[@edward.doctor1892]

He truly has compassion for this type of craft and good quality content

[@thegreat4954]

Doesn’t mean he can film, edit and produce enjoyable quality video’s like this channel. There are ALOT cool guys

[@luciferslettuce]

@@thegreat4954 he could hire people that can help with that, man you're dumb!

[@rvyyvn]

He seems like such a genuine and nice person to just go for a beer with and talk about things like making knives

[@OmgWtfTsuji]

Saying that Jason Knight was his mentor made me instantly like this guy. That dude is one of my favorite knifemakers

[@andrewlanford2378]

In a moment of intense déjà vu- dude said, "Jason Knight" in the video at the very same moment I read his name in your comment. 2spoopy4me bruh

[@rajeshroshan2877]

I greatly admire men like this, they've spent time and labour mastering their craft and creating a domain for themselves where they are the master.

[@KatotownUSA]

Great dude. I’m a chef and I’m a knife enthusiast. Quinton Middleton is one of my favorite guys in the world of food and cutlery. He makes astoundingly beautiful, insane quality knives

[@authenticjaes8641]

Damn, this dude knew he failed so many times...but he learned/improved from each mistake and became an absolute legend.

[@jambajoby32]

Exactly! That’s how you TRULY know your craft !!

[@galahadthe1st518]

Yeah, no one can nail something first try... It takes a lot of retries to perfect something

[@WarChortle]

Shout out to his dad. Any 7 year old running around with a "knife" seems dangerous and but he didn't throw it out. Keeping it in a safe place perhaps even knowing only his son would know where to look for it when he was old enough.

[@samsonli9490]

Or he didn't want the kid to have it so he put it in a high place and forgot about it.

[@TheRealist1.]

@@samsonli9490 Don't be that guy... Nobody likes "that guy".

[@aztro.99]

@@TheRealist1. wym thats prolly what happened or maybe not we dont know who tf his dad was smh

[@TheRealist1.]

@@aztro.99 you wanna be "that guy" too...

[@andrewlanford2378]

@@TheRealist1. In a slightly paradoxical move I "liked" your comment.

[@RByrne]

Really felt that when he was talking about his dad. I lost my father dec20 2017 and still can't believe he's gone

[@zakjackson2610]

Sorry for your loss, bro. 😔

[@chirodiesel]

As a knife enthusiast, you eventually go down the rabbit hole of how they are made and likely wind up becoming obsessed with the entire production process. It just happens. I am one of those people. That being said, this man knows a lot about the knifemaking process and is a master Craftsman. His wonderful word economy in his explanation and narration would also hold up to even the most aggressive of knife pedants.

[@geinstein8407]

And then he ends up not know what Damascus steal is Damascus is a high carbon steal that make extremely small water wave like patters on the blade The high carbon gives that blade a higher chance of being a better blade, how ever sulfur impuritys can make the blade much more brittle Its not welding two steals together

[@matthewhall9692]

@@geinstein8407 How about before you criticize others you look at yourself first. It is spelled "STEEL" not "STEAL". What's worse is your comment has already been edited. I feel it is safe to conclude you are suffering from Dunning-Kreuger. He doesn't know what Damascus steel is, however he just created an impressive Damascus steel blade before your very eyes. What you are complaining about is a mere semantic issue and has no reflection on his craftsman abilities. It is likely due to him attempting to find a simple way (or example) on how the wave pattern can be achieved because if your brilliant mind didn't notice he was being interviewed and was given a spotlight to show his craft. He likely concluded there would be laypersons, unfamiliar with smithy jargon.

[@crisvega7588]

@@matthewhall9692 well said.

[@terrellbeast7369]

@@matthewhall9692 2nd!

[@terrellbeast7369]

@@crisvega7588 yup.

[@evalynkazlauskas3819]

I just wanna spend a day with this dude and vibe with him while he’s making knives. His passion is so admirable. I’m so happy to see someone living a dream of theirs :)

[@ltsBoxes]

I’ve been a fan of his knives for a while, glad to see him getting more recognition

[@TheLeonipangemanan]

What his name and what’s store name he own ?

[@andrewlanford2378]

@@TheLeonipangemanan His name is Stabby "Slash" McKnifington. His retail establishment is Slyce n Dyse CUTstom CUTlery.

[@geinstein8407]

And then he ends up not know what Damascus steal is Damascus is a high carbon steal that make extremely small water wave like patters on the blade The high carbon gives that blade a higher chance of being a better blade, how ever sulfur impuritys can make the blade much more brittle It has nothing to do with welding or mixing two metals together

[@dt2419]

@@geinstein8407 Everyone in knife-making knows what wootz Damascus is, he would too, we all still call pattern forge welded steel Damascus because it is easier for others outside of knife-making to understand(and get's views).

[@aufaraldhani1147]

this guy be grindin modern warfare in shipment for days to unlock damascus knife

[@danihaddad358]

If only I was able to unlock it as fast as he made it

[@olefatcheeks4112]

@@danihaddad358 if only i could ahve COD MW to have it

[@bumblebee6686]

By smoke, while sliding! 🤣

[@YaBoi-cx8yu]

He makes the knives for the players lol

[@kalyatuwei6293]

Underrated

[@engelwyre]

Great video! I'm an intermediate beginner knife maker (stock removal), Quintin's breakdown of the various steps makes this art accessible to anyone interested in pursuing it. It's great to see genuine, passionate people succeeding in doing what they love.

[@StuninRub]

He is a stock removal knife makers too if you watch the video. He doesn't forge out a knife.

[@blazednlovinit]

I like his story about his dad and his crude knife, very touching. Love how he made a deadly tool at 7 years old, truly meant for this line of work.

[@kevinoconnor7439]

Beautiful knife! The difference is the love he puts into his craft.

[@bigblob1623]

This guy is amazing! I've been blacksmithing for decades and the ability to judge and control temperature that Mr. Middleton has are very hard to develop.

[@jeff_the_panda9034]

he’s that type of dude who everyone thinks is annoying but is actually the most humble and funniest guys you’ll meet in life

[@jashanestone]

✅✅✅

[@bobweiram6321]

Why would they think he is annoying?

[@jeff_the_panda9034]

@@bobweiram6321 people who comes off as annoying is super energetic and is just super friendly, ya I know that’s messed up but once you start watching him in the video and started getting to know him than he is what I said

[@BestKCL]

@@jeff_the_panda9034 bruh why you insulting him.

[@casualbeluga2724]

@@BestKCL he's not

[@acintron3Dmfg]

What a humble human being, we need more down to earth and highly skilled person like him.

[@shadrackosambula8558]

The 9:32 mark was the most fulfilling part of the video, I just love how the whole process just seemed to come together.

[@geinstein8407]

Sad that he knows nothing about Damascus at the end tho

[@al_constructor7313]

His knowledge and passion is what true craftsmanship is made of. I am buying his knives

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

His knowledge and passion are* ...

[@gustavotorres3388]

This is the first 14 minute video on KZbin, that I sat and watched in full. Such a skilled man.

[@matthewgoodman7588]

Seeing masters at their craft is such a nice thing to observe.

[@pt9502]

The personality on him is amazing, started looking to see if he post

[@missSDW]

He's very charismatic! I loved listening to him talk about how to do this and his love for it! Get's you so excited to make stuff.

[@elijandrosabayev]

That's definitely an art! What a pleasure watching a pro making his masterpiece! Such a dedication..

[@leightoncooke]

This man is a maestro. The passion he puts into his craft is awe inspiring.

[@SimonSaysTooMUCH]

What a wholesome watch, I love watching people who are passionate, geek out on their craft. Keep up the good work!

[@geinstein8407]

Its good to always be working with your hands and work on your craft But its bad saying your making one thing when you making something else He couldn't even say what Damascus steal is. It has nothing to do with two metals or welding Its a high carbon steal with a higher chance of being a better blade

[@byronreeves8607]

@@geinstein8407 Modern damascus steel is known industry wide as simply being pattern welded steel. Meanings can change and this is simply what it's called now rather people agrees with it or not.

[@robdobson5056]

This guy is a great storyteller and craftsman. Beautiful knife!

[@Golden_God_Untethered]

I love that he's turned his inner child into a career.

[@GoBigC]

Brother, I admire your craftsmanship, but I love your story. Praying for your success in all you do!

[@Vanguardkl]

One of the most interesting videos I've seen. A guy who is humble and funny but actually a genius. Aspiration

[@gumpotronic]

Watching Middleton Made Knives grow these past few years has been a fun ride. Seeing Lowcountry craftsmen do their thing continues inspiring the future of our great region.

[@athenazoey5093]

when he said " my knives has own personality " This man is a Legend

[@EikottXD]

That makes him a LEGEND?

[@BestKCL]

@@EikottXD shh nonsensical hyperbole is fun

[@EikottXD]

@@BestKCL ok ok

[@MSMETALBABY]

Man, I can definitely appreciate a true craftsman. Someone who is that passionate about their work.

[@chubbspeterson9546]

His mentor was ABS Jason Knight. No wonder this man has mad skills.

[@Ryan-zer000]

I really like how he gives a little bit of the technical details of each step in the process. It really shows his passion for the craft!

[@bjsreef6620]

You need your own KZbin channel. You are a master of your craft.

[@Dreadtheday]

This man is a gem. He is preserving history while also creating something new and absolutely desireable and beautiful. This is brilliant, so much respect. The wall fan in the background is in fallout 76. I buried my dad last year... So many feels.

[@zeparanimo8191]

His first knife was like a wand... Filled with magic.

[@ThisPageIntentionallyLeftBlank]

I would legit love to chill with this dude. He’s super into his craft and that in and of it self is such an important part of mastering anything. He has such a great personality

[@CH-hh4mq]

Dude pulls out prison shank "My first knife"

[@udcaps]

haahhahahahah i was lookin for ya

[@ihaveasmallpenisbut5129]

@@udcaps hahahahahahaha

[@meiXshit]

Lmao my exact thoughts

[@RadDadisRad]

Saw that part and starting hunting the comments, wasn’t disappointed.

[@VidaDhierro91]

Thats one scary first knife 😬🤣🤣

[@nicholasmatuza728]

So much passion and attention to detail. This is fantastic.

[@vladimirpia148]

Thaaa Maaan 👏👏👏 This guy has an Awesome personality like someone that everyone wants to hangout with, God Bless him 🙏💖🇳🇿😌

[@geinstein8407]

Just hate that he's filled with wrong info, could even got what Damascus steal is wrong

[@vladimirpia148]

@@geinstein8407 Whoa, well if you say so brother, but yes I absolutely agree if you're right 👍

[@corners3755]

I've been saying "set it and forget" for a while now because of those infomercials, so glad to hear someone else say it because so many people have no idea what im talking about. He use to get the whole crowd to say it.

[@nataliep6046]

Unlike all the knife making experts in the comments 🙄 I know nothing about knife making, this video was so satisfying to watch

[@Leobynight]

I thought I was the only one that noticed it lol

[@JR-xn6yu]

You're going to pay $1300 for a knife?

[@kol8214]

@@JR-xn6yu no

[@mphomokoena8835]

@@JR-xn6yu easily.....for us chefs our knives are like a gun to a soldier...don’t mind paying for the best..in my experience, chefs have at least 1 expensive knife in their set..

[@edz2974]

The detail in the description of his work is outstanding. Beautiful work. I need this knife.

[@ChristopherSparks]

This guy's a true professional, they say less 'you know', you know!

[@geinstein8407]

And then he ends up not know what Damascus steal is Damascus is a high carbon steal that make extremely small water wave like patters on the blade The high carbon gives that blade a higher chance of being a better blade, how ever sulfur impuritys can make the blade much more brittle

[@eatmoremusic3650]

I’ve been following him for years, total bad ass. Please more content from him

[@aqueen1910]

There’s not a lot of Black and Brown folk in blacksmithing so I love to see this!

[@blessedgullah4096]

Great job Eatery for showcasing Quintin, excellent job. St. Stephens I see you. Watch out for his brother Chef Marcus too.

[@Queve1000]

If you liked the video i recommend checking "The Birth Of A Tool. Part III. Damascus steel knife making" from NorthMen (Neeman Tools back then) you gonna love it.

[@wnfernand]

In India there is a tribe of knife makers who live in tents and build their own furnace in the ground. They are nomadic and you can't find them stay in a place for more than a couple of months. They use the leaf springs from old trucks as base material for the knives. They have a traditional process for heating and shaping the knives. The knives they make have an exceptional cutting edge and they are handle very well.

[@bousemaster3989]

now this man speaks a language i can understand. simple and easy to understand.

[@tanberetO]

I love his passion. This is a man who is happy with his work and proud.

[@jonikoplo2962]

It's cool and all. But, will it KEEL??

[@iamyourrealdaddy745]

It will not keel.

[@bsgk-red]

LOL!! 😂😂

[@idrisie6720]

It will keel some seafood

[@northerners2828]

Lol..far out 😄

[@KatotownUSA]

Definitely. I’m a huge knife guy and Middleton’s knives are better than the majority of anyone who’s ever been on FIF

[@Rayzor714]

Your great attitude shines through in the truly great knives you create Mr. Middleton

[@WOWS-KeDoG3]

IF you go to his business website, almost all of his knives are sold out and they aint cheap either. Man is making his dough and rightfully so!

[@jusjos1970]

Legendary craftsman for sure. Beautiful work.

[@bankerdave888]

Nothing better than something one makes with one's own hands!

[@darshanbabu457]

Those grains sure did pop!! Amazing workmanship🙌🏾

[@sschannel6922]

Dedication and perseverance makes perfect.

[@Lucky_Kounna]

it does yes

[@AkiraAlexisSoyra]

Nothing is perfect, it makes art...

[@esthermorgernstern5627]

OMG! Sir, you are amazing! You have to have your own channel. I could watch this video over and over. God Bless you and your family!

[@Thorn2669]

That blade is SWEET!!!!

[@davidelin89]

What an awesome glimpse into an exceptional artists craft! Absolute beauty and perfection! One of the best short films I've ever seen!

[@brejackal]

Pay this man his money...get him a KZbin Chanel.

[@anthonyshelley6083]

The black and silver pattern on that blade is gorgeous. Damn.

[@mrjothescholar1149]

Magnificent work, I'm a chef and I'd really love to get one of those beautiful knives, I mean seriously, the holy spirit itself told the guy "make chef knives"

[@nicodemusharding2310]

That part

[@ScottOrd]

Love the details that went into this project - the dye and polish phases were dramatic indeed!

[@theonlyari]

"Safety! safety! safety!" (uses nitrile gloves as welding gloves. Got it.

[@GG-hl2jt]

I was about to comment this exact thing 😂🤦🏻‍♂️

[@meatwad600]

And nothing covering his arms. Ultraviolet radiation from an arc is no joke.

[@abob2457]

Exactly

[@davidmiller9220]

Lol. I was going to post the same thing. He only needs to light a glove on fire once to never do it again.

[@DavidBasonic]

I guess all y'all have 18 years doing this.

[@colinsmith6116]

That's a lovely looking knife Quintin. A lot of skill has gone into making it...Well done.

[@JaceOG]

This is where you know to buy your products if you want reliability and top quality, from a man who produces them as a passion and out of love for it

[@iblizzard7573]

Anyone with a passion like that is commendable.

[@thebrokegirl]

That look on his face when he's talking about his knives.

[@tprime2702]

This guy understands welding. High enough voltage to hear that quiet sizzle, but enough time in place on the billet to penetrate the steel deeply and have time to build up so as to not create an imperfection in the forging process.

[@sinful5372]

wow i just looked at his store and every single knife is sold out ,glad that his job is really popping.

[@Nethezbet]

Amazing. So many people chasing academia but thankfully there are still artists and tradesmen that put so much in to their craft. Blood, sweat, and tears. Awesome work.

[@captivesojourner]

When he spoke on his father i realized where his passion originated

[@Yuhabahhablast]

That dad part was cute. Glad to see him doing something he's passionate about!

[@kryjchek]

I'll admit that I've never done any blacksmithing, but isn't ceramic wool hazardous? Especially the way he just handles it and jams it into the forge "door"?

[@MrEazyE357]

I'm not sure but couldn't you just use rockwool instead? I know they sell it as artificial embers for gas fireplaces and it doesn't burn at all.

[@gideonwackers7693]

@@MrEazyE357 The issue is with the fibers of many of these ceramic wools being asbestos or asbestos-like

[@petertwiss356]

damn that knife is sick! That damascus pattern is so nice.

[@juiceplanet147]

Excellent job Q...your knives incredible 🔥. Ignore the goofy comments.✌🏻

[@countryboylife5darlowe391]

That's right brotha it's good to see brothas in the forge moving that metal! Awesome 👍🏽. I'm only 1yr in Blacksmithing still green but I'm hooked and not going anywhere!! Slowly getting my equipment and really learning the science to the forging properly.. great video and thanks for sharing knowledge!!

[@bumblebee6686]

If this guy doesn’t have a best friend... I would like to submit my application!!!

[@marlontorres2752]

Just don't sting

[@PieterBreda]

That is a gorgeous knife. The dark and bright parts are wonderful. Great work.

[@davidc.5519]

“Safety safety safety!” Puts on helmet Me: watching at midnight in pitch black darkness with screen brightness at 100%

[@jambajoby32]

😎

[@syedmohammadaanasfarukh890]

Careful mate. Dont want to lose your eyesight. Count your blessings.

[@bumblebee623]

This boy followed his dreams.. perfected it. Made a living of it. And continues to perfect it. The American dream

[@unidentifiedcreature2271]

*It will KeEeeEeEElLL!~

[@doobie3992]

Forge and fire

[@gdoeniroclippergod9977]

We need him on the show asap

[@scottmcmillan593]

THANK-YOU, great information, relatable, fun and educational... Wonderful 😊

[@mackcherryjr4987]

finally we have a fellow brother 👏🏿🙏🏽✊🏽

[@shadowsp8888]

Dude, you make your daddy proud my friend!!!! I've watched knives being made in Orlando Fl. Forgot the name of the knife maker but they are known nation wide and you are right with them! If not above !!! Bravo!

[@justinhsu3253]

"BLADESMITHS!!! YOU HAVE ONLY 30 MINUTES LEFT!!!"

[@DwayneIsKing]

This dude is funny and takes his job very seriously. It's refreshing to see

[@gregoryteeple9306]

This man is an artisan craftsman. That kind of work is a religious experience. What a humble and amazing guy.

[@cthomas025]

My man pulling out the Ron Popeil rotisserie information "Set it and forget it" line. Amazing. I love this dude.

[@saifa6359]

A little back ground on the “KEEL” comments that I thought was cool when I first read it. It’s actually “KEAL” and Doug changed to saying that from “Kill” because kids were a big fan and KEAL actually stands for ‘Keep Everyone ALive’. Giving those tests more of a defensive connotation than an offensive connotation. Cool, right?

[@camerongunn7906]

I don't put a whole lot into what Doug Marcaida says about anything, other than a Karambit. Watching him jack up somebody's sword because of his horrible edge alignment hurts me in my soul.

[@neilknox2587]

So happy for coming across this video, this really made my day , thanks man