BLADESMITHING | Making Damascus By Hand - NO POWER HAMMER OR PRESS

Join Jason Knight in an online teaching experience about bladesmithing and the unique artistry it demands. Learn some of the most coveted techniques in the forging industry from the comfort of your home!
Web - www.knightforgestudio.com
IG - @jasonknightknives
FB - / jasonknightknives
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[@JasonKnightMS]

This video shows why the right tool's are important for advanced techniques. Learn more at www.knightforgestudio.com

[@Udeus5]

I’ve always wondered why the twists are flatted out. Isn’t there a risk of creating an inclusion? Especially with tight twists? Why not just grind off the twists?

[@nickdombrowski8200]

Would it be possible to do this without a welder?

[@natewheeler1743]

@@Udeus5 the twists are forge welded. Saves time forging instead of grinding.

[@davismillard3822]

Wow... I'm getting the $150 bundle asap!

[@baldwindigital]

Did you ever look over at the power hammer and just sigh longingly while you were hammering out that billet?

[@coltonthorpe7812]

Something that I've learned in dabbling with pattern welded steel is that the thickness of billet before forge welding is key. Thin metal has more surface area exposed to air which causes it to cool quickly, especially when you lay it on a cool anvil. If the billet is too thin, even if you do have good welding temps in the forge, then it cools too quickly or unevenly and you get sections of metal that don't weld because they've cooled too much. That initial thermal mass is what makes or breaks a pattern welded billet, especially if you're doing it by hand. Not that Jason makes any of those mistakes in this video...dudes a beast at the anvil. Just sharing my experience in hopes it can help someone else watching this video trying to learn some tips for pattern welding by hand.

[@davidscadlock5569]

The thermal mass aspect makes a lot of sense!! Thanks!

[@superluminalsquirrel9359]

I’m interested in smithing, though I’ve not yet given it a go. In watching a few videos it’s come to mind that a 55+ pound anvil would likely soak up a lot of heat from the metal you’re working with. So I’m curious if anvils warm up as you work on them and if that has an effect on how long you can work metal before it needs to go back in the fire. Also, do people pre-warm their anvils? I know you couldn’t get too crazy with the heat or you risk damaging the face. Thanks for what you’ve shared already :)

[@coltonthorpe7812]

@@superluminalsquirrel9359 the temperatures you would have to stay below to avoid damaging the face of your anvil probably wouldn't be worth the trouble for keeping the steel hot. Its probably more effective to keep your billet thicker, keep a good rich flame, and your billet in the forge when it needs to be.

[@youjustsaid4863]

Thank you

[@spellablename6099]

​@Superluminal Squirrel As an aside, a 55lb anvil is relatively small for blacksmithing, while I have not used it for welding I have used a 400ish pound one for normal forging with out a problem.

[@cuspurs]

I started watching these videos 3 weeks ago and thought to myself "its a pitty, that this will be one of the things I never had a chance to try". Today, I am looking for a reasonable DIY forge 😁 I dont care if I will fail miserably, I just want to hit that white hot metal for once

[@coastaledge3790]

I’ve been watching forging/building videos for years and always thought the same. I just picked up last of the pieces for my homemade coal forge, and I’m getting a welder next week. Hope your journey goes well brother, a man can do anything with knowledge and persistence

[@isaacmccullough684]

@@coastaledge3790 i really hope it works out for you two its a fun hobby and definitely a dream for everyone to make money with their hobby much luck

[@TheLegendaryLore]

How did it go?

[@Hooksblades]

How did it go?

[@jacoWhoCares]

@@coastaledge3790 Same here, been watching video after video. Eventually decided screw it and actually built my own forge at home this past weekend. It's about halfway done now and this coming weekend I hope to get it done. Then the fun begins.

[@billf9526]

This is why old-time smiths were beasts. This was hypnotizing to watch. Thank you for posting it!

[@crazyguy68]

I need to get me one of those bio fueled power man hammers....I mean assistants.

[@socalboomer]

that was my thought - hey, he's using a power hammer! LOL Man Hammer!

[@JasonKnightMS]

@@socalboomer That is my daughter. She is a powerful shop assistant. When doing Damascus by hand it is helpful to have a striker assisting so you don't wear your arm out and you can increase efficiency.

[@larscw74]

@@JasonKnightMS it's good to see great parenting like that. Beside that this is a good workout too and she's not behind some screen like most kids do these days.

[@user-wg6bm3sv2r]

@@JasonKnightMS у меня тоже есть дочь, правда ковать ей ещё рано, всего 8 лет.

[@Journeyman1642]

@@JasonKnightMS can you list the different kinds of metal that make Damascus?

[@TechnicusJoe]

Great to see close ups at the anvil, so we can actually what is going on, instead of a glowing blob gettin' wacked! Cool looking pattern!

[@UNKPCRIDE]

That’s what forging is about . Heat metal, wack till joined. Not much to see.

[@lostmypicks]

@@UNKPCRIDE you do realize the dude you commented to has a channel and forge welds all the time. And you're insanely wrong....... good camera angles are everything.

[@jbospecial]

i found it interesting to see the anvil walk around in the sped up video

[@treybrackman4030]

Jason. Thanks for the video! I have made two small stacks of damascus with no power tools and after this video I'm going to do some more with at least 13 layers to start! I also took your advice from a previous video and starting selling some stuff I wasn't using and I am just about order my first belt grinder!!

[@ronamedee2475]

Thanks for the help Tiger Lilly ! I could make out the two fisted hammering during the first cycle. Beautiful pattern Jason on the blank. Good to see you again after a week !

[@GONE2VT802]

Awesome video as always. Thanks for sharing. Great to see the entire process done with only hammer and anvil and without flux.

[@disturbedsilence76]

Pure determination and the proper technique you can do anything. Great video Jason!

[@joshwade633]

I love watching your vids!! I'm very new at smithing and you explain things do well. Thanks for sharing!

[@blade.masterz8299]

Do you like Quality Damascus steel with different patterns with very ecomical prices 😊

[@nathanfeusse]

If you have the means, you should make a damascus battle ax at some point. That would be epic.

[@soulslay3r360]

If*... pretty sure JK has the means!

[@nbooker7504]

Yea it would but damn the time and effort it would take to make something that big in damascus would take possibly more than a weak of brutally intense work, ive heard that damascus swords can take weeks to draw out that much steel

[@DrengrMike]

@@nbooker7504 by hand maybe, but at Jason's shop, a day

[@eeyorestrange976]

At about 10:36 it looks like a dick. Lmfao 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@Ukenick]

Thanks Jason, Brilliant video and wonderful work. Great for us who don't have the heavy machinery. Only lots of energy to practice.

[@dankissinger1969]

As always thank you for your knowledge. Still setting up some things but will be hammering some steal soon!!! Thank you for all the encouragement

[@dragan3290]

It so soothing watching the metal being forged! Amazing craftsmanship 🙂👍👍👍

[@jeffreymiller9706]

Mr. Knight I must say I'm speechless...this is so beautiful. You are inspiring others to learn forging and for that I thank you.

[@blade.masterz8299]

Hi Brother. Do you like Quality Damascus steel with different patterns with very ecomical prices 😊

[@scottmalcolmson4584]

This was super awesome, im slowly building to a forge so I can make my own!

[@LostViking883]

Thank you jason for sharing your craft

[@zivac1976]

Awesome as always. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻

[@BamaDanKnives]

That is awesome thanks have been waiting on this video since you said you were going to make it!!

[@michaelwickham502]

The man makes it look so easy...👍

[@paulwilliams5800]

Awesome As always ! Thank you. And please keep this kind of stuff coming.

[@donwalker1256]

Sir, you are indeed, a Master. Amazing!

[@sparks556wyoming2]

Boom.... that was awesome... thanks for the video and motivation...

[@01AlexT]

Love watching you work man. Like ASMR

[@stevewasdf]

Got my propane forge one more layer of refrac and I get to start my dream of becoming a smith I spend all my time watching and learning thankyou for this Awsome video and sharing youre knowledge.

[@seanbeardy7929]

Excellent I am now fully inspired to have a go myself👍

[@JohnDoe-df2zz]

Great video. Was just going to try to dabble in a bit of damascus myself. Thanks for the intro.

[@Ironraven001]

Team striking FTW!!! My best friend is my power hammer... Still amazed you can get solid billets without flux. I guess maybe I gotta try that. Badass as always 💪

[@nobodyimportant69]

That pattern looks awesome!! 🔥 Just shows what a Master Smith is capable of without power hammers and the press. Amazing Work Jason 😃😃 Now, after all that physical labor, time for a few 🍺🍺🍺, LOL 😂😂

[@michaelrobertson8795]

I'm going to have to try that " no flux save the forge" thing.👍👍👍

[@RedWest2010]

Was wondering the same thing. Just bought my first forge, and bought an extra floor just for the flux damage. From everything I'm learning from the mentor I'm working with, the no flux thing blows me away. Great to see.

[@shanek6582]

My first video of his, would you mind explaining no flux? I thought it was necessary? Thanks man

[@DrengrMike]

@@shanek6582 flux isn't always necessary, it's just used to coat the steel to prevent the air from oxidizing it, because it won't weld if it's oxidized, but if your steel is clean and flat, you can do it without flux because there's no space for air to get between the layers, also your gas/air ratio plays a role in how fast it will oxidize.

[@shanek6582]

@@DrengrMike thanks man.

[@devildog37]

Wonderfully made thanks

[@davismillard3822]

Awesome video, thanks!!

[@thomasdent455]

I love the overhead LP gas feed! And, we’ll everything else about your shop set up. I’m a new born beginner, and I love Damascus Steel

[@adamdavis3721]

Awesome video!...also best sales video for a power hammer/press. I was exhausted just watching lol

[@ChuckCanada1]

Thanks Jason!

[@Bigtdill9]

Great video, I’m going to try this soon.

[@DustySerpa]

You were right.. you made it look easy. Lol That takes me days to do.

[@ms.hawley5764]

Thank you for the inspiration!

[@avemartin7802]

Very cool video. A lot of work condensed into 20 min. Thanks for the edit. Miss seeing you on FNF.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Outstanding....Thanks very much...!

[@devilmademe8487]

It’s so awesome watching you work and also seeing that your daughter is involved is even better!! I’m newer to all this so bare with me lol. With the twisting I see a lot of slag coming out. Do you do that for that purpose to take as much of the impurities from the metal as possible and also I’m guessing that contributes to the design as well?

[@mitchmasters2103]

Very nice! Shows why hammer control and accuracy are fundamental skills of blacksmithing, along with good fire control ( coal) and proper anvil setup always helps move that material. Tho I personally am not ready to try damscus yet this was awesome to see.

[@rosslooby7491]

The best asmr on the planet!!

[@johnmcdonough420]

Woa!!!! Just absolutely phuckin amazing!!!! Soooo many ideas of what to do with all that Purdy metal. Great Job

[@kenmartin1211]

Nicely done... Lots of work...

[@bentoombs]

Nice video. Glad you have help 😜 lol. I love the information and demo. Thank you

[@danepane527]

looking to get my first forge.. thanks for this!

[@salmalachgar]

Strong dedication 💪

[@peterwilliamfrench7750]

I can watch Jason all day long, I would love to be able to blacksmith, 1 day maybe.

[@CrackedCandy]

I took a black Smith class, love it. Look it up on Google maps or just plain google.

[@danielabbruzzese9768]

Literally just starting to put together my blacksmithing station in my garage and wondered what it would take to make damascus without a power hammer or hydraulic press. Long way off for me, but nice to know it CAN be done

[@permanentvisitor2460]

Just discovered your channel, but I like your work. And that big double horn anvil you're forging on.

[@jmlibertyknives7046]

I love the low layer counts.

[@andrewward8954]

Wow great work

[@Justthemow]

You move so fast it’s amazing.

[@ORflycaster]

With the time, elbow, and propane savings, I can see where Big Blue pays for itself in short order. This video pretty well cured my desire to forge any sizeable Damascus until finances allow for a power hammer.

[@noahnipperus7320]

Holy shit if that isn't the best blacksmithing editing I've ever seen! For those harboring the accusation of hyperbole in their hearts; ask yourself: "How is it fast-forward but I'm seeing that many exact hammer-blows?" 3:40 you can see the efficacy of the "half on half off" pre-forming but when it transitions into the footage of the team-striking the trick is revealed to be just doing the fucking repetitive work of editing by hand! It's also exactly what I want as an intermediate-beginner (I learned/taught blacksmithing simultaneously at a school for adults with autism for about 18 months with an emphasis on small-scale item production (read: knick-knacks... ha!))

[@paulrobertson7980]

And zero flux.....just clamp tight and weld, nothing else? Amazing

[@mitchmasters2103]

That's the Chile forge at work right there , you can set those up so the piece barely oxidizes at all. Ive never actually seen him use flux to be honest and he said in a video recently that he doesnt usually. Fucking pro.

[@CrackedCandy]

Thought it would be more dramatic after the twisting. Still pretty. What are the layers made of? Awesome as always. Just did my first class and I am hooked. Did a horseshoe knife bottle opener at Lawless Forge in Seattle. Fun fun. Hooked now.

[@ajbones22]

Beautiful!

[@tylerhebert8237]

I'm not sure you twisted the billet enough haha. This was very satisfying to watch. Can't say I'll be attempting it myself any time soon.

[@HANDFORGED]

The damask looks great. I must try such sometime.

[@blade.masterz8299]

Hi Brother.. Do you like Quality Damascus steel with different patterns with very ecomical prices 😊

[@brandonandreski1709]

I consider an assistant a power hammer lol. Still it is done by hand, and Jason Knight is a master blade-smith for a very good reason.

[@timjordan6342]

You are an amazing Smith And forge welding with no flux any pointers?

[@MPBushman]

With pattern welded steel existing at the same time as Wootz Damasca, do you happen to know the circumstances surrounding pattern welded steel's co-opting of the term, "Damascas"? I've not been able to find anything about it online. Thanks for another great video.

[@mikejohnston5159]

That “half on, half off hammer technique” is something I need to get better at, it moves metal crazy fast

[@calebbrazeau4597]

Wow that coupon looks like a piece of beskar steel from the series The Mandalorion. thanx a bunch again.

[@dprofessor3238]

I plan on starting to forge soon. I'm going to take your advice and make a bunch of leaves first. But, my challenge to myself is to make my first knife a Damascus knife and I am going to use your knowledge, instruction and videos as a guide. Great stuff as always, simply love your videos man. Your "Hammer Assistant " must have some guns! 😁

[@stevenjohnson2273]

If you have not made a monosteel knife do that before you try pattern welded steel.

[@dprofessor3238]

@@stevenjohnson2273 it's more of a personal challenge. I intend to have the appropriate equipment first, then give it a go. What's to lose? A bit of steel, gas and muscle. If it's really bad I'm just out a bit and a lot of knowledge gained. I will see how it turns out. I do intend to practice on other projects first though.

[@Hooksblades]

@@dprofessor3238how did it go?

[@BennyCFD]

Forge welded is not the same thing as Damascus..............Not even close

[@blade.masterz8299]

​@@Hooksbladeshi Brother.. Do you like Quality Damascus steel with different patterns with very ecomical prices

[@hmingthanacolney2974]

I like it better when you talk more. It is very helpful for ameteurs like me

[@panedrop]

I'm kind of curious what the mass of the initial bilet was compared to the final product.

[@borrego4205]

Thank you sir!

[@motokikocross]

Great video! shows how metal is supposed to be moved and the importance of the heat for the metal moving Im a huge fan of your work I have made some knifes, and tried making damascus in my homemade coal forge, ended up working on that piece of metal for 2 days, trying to forgeweld, chased some delaminations, seemed alright, and then split in two. it was a good learning experience but a bit demoralizing in the end.. seeing this video gives me a boost in confidence that i can do it! Thank you!

[@gabrieleduardoballestero8448]

Beautiful Master...

[@UnNamed_Hede]

If I had the $1800 I'd take the classes over in kingsport (they are worth it) and start up a business. Well after I get good enough XD. We just moved in down the road quite literally. All that knowledge so close yet so far away. Appreciate the videos. I just bought an old bandsaw for this purpose just got to find a good welder and figure out the rest.

[@jtrace620]

Holy cow, homie! That’s some work moving all that hard steel. Anybody wanna put some kind of strike counter on this vid for all the hammer blows? What was that in a 20-minute video? 5000? 8000? Jeezy Chreezy. My shoulder hurts just watching!

[@travisbonnett491]

Awesome video, I was wondering what size/ weight is the hammer that you were using? I'd love to get one that looks like yours

[@MadRhetorik.]

As always your showing everyone that you can do it if you put your mind to it.

[@justinwilson4090]

Hell yeah man!

[@williamtanner3926]

Damn...ya gotta want it ! Get some!

[@genin69]

From 02:40 when the music died down this was fantastic to watch! love Love love the shop sounds. such great ASMR. more without music please

[@poindexter1387]

I love hearing the sound of the hammer and forge. The tv show I now watch it on mute. I can't stand the devil music. It takes away from the learning experience . a little ok but they way OVER DO IT.

[@billwoehl3051]

Jason, once you have a billet, is it easy to tell which direction the grain is going? Or does it have to be marked on the handle so we can remember?

[@mbarker_lng]

My shoulders and arms ache just watching this. :)

[@CrackedCandy]

You would be surprised. My feet hurt and not my arm at all. 6 hours hammering. Technique. Just the elbow, not the wrist.

[@mbarker_lng]

@@CrackedCandy Great advice- thanks. The main problem I run into is my forearm getting super tight. I don't know if that is a lack of strength, I am clenching the hammer too hard, or both.

[@Vorian174]

Hi Jason, love watching your videos, they are so informative. I was just curious to know what attachments you use for your angle grinder and what you use those attachments for while forging a blade. Thanks.

[@blade.masterz8299]

Hi Brother. Do you like Quality Damascus steel with different patterns with very ecomical prices 😊

[@holsterbuddy3783]

The pattern almost looked like little anvils. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@akran27]

That's some beautiful Damascus. What would the pattern look like if you paired twisted Damascus with ladder pattern? Also, will we be seeing you on FiF: Beat the Judges? Hope so, bro.

[@alfredobozzo986]

Incredible amount of hard work involved. Reminds me of the Japanese katana being made. Gorgeous Damascus. When you twist steel,does that count as a layer?

[@robarcher3892]

No twisting isn't a layer. If you start with 5 pieces of steel and weld that together. Then cut it in half and put one piece onto the other and weld that together, that gives you 10 layers. Cut that in half and forge weld it onto the other, that gives you 20 layers. Again gives you 40, again gives you 80, etc etc. Hope that makes sense.

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

That's great!

[@lucasmagerfleisch7350]

Very helpful. I'm trying to get started forging and need all the help I can get. My goal is to become a master smith so if you have any advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you

[@williamlivingstone4326]

Does twisting make for a more solid damascus piece? Or is it purely cosmetic?

[@haroldkreye8770]

Masterful.

[@mr.matthews67]

This really shows just how technology makes more efficient work.

[@reumixxthegod450]

What metals are used in the video? It looks incredible and I would love to make a similar pattern

[@lucasgarat]

Jason, what disc are you using on the angle grinder? Thanks

[@SksToTheMini14]

Quite impressive! Just curious how heavy that anvil is?

[@user-hb9lw8by9y]

Is there a particular oil used to bring out the pattern of the steel? I feel dumb asking, but it often seems like Smiths use something special for that but it's never said. I'm looking to get into smithing soon, and while I won't be forging Damascus for quite some time, having the knowledge stored away would be nice. Thank you for the detailed video as well.

[@thomasdent455]

Newbie question. What type/ grade of steel? Do you prepare steel for the forge welding? Borax/ turpentine pre-soak?

[@phm1991]

hey Jason! When you twist the material like you were doing around 10 minutes, is there a possibility that it could break apart? If so, is there any way to prevent that or just hope and prayers? Thanks!

[@terrynaylor1729]

Awesome wow 👍👍👍👍

[@jtapper6109]

I didn’t see any flux or borax used. Will grinding clean the surfaces of the metal before welding together suffice to prevent a flaw?

[@makisap3321]

Which type of steel did you use?excellent video