Making A Knife From Copper and Damascus

[@mikepartin571]

Your quip about documenting the journey put a quote in my head. Wise words from an unlikely place: Adventure Time. Jake once said: "Sucking at something is the first step towards being sort of good at something." I've kept that one around through the years.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Wise words sometimes come from unlikely places.

[@theSheighani42]

I have found some pretty profound sayings and philosophy (not just philosophies) from...manga. So that's pretty cool, (even though the animation style freaks me out.)

[@arohk1579]

I like that 😊

[@neilwalker3204]

64 layers…

[@JPsBladeworks]

I can't math sometimes.

[@neilwalker3204]

​@@JPsBladeworks in the bigger scheme of things.. still a beautiful knife.😂

[@nanaki-seto]

@@JPsBladeworks lol

[@Hakan-mz6pd]

was thinking that, for 13x4 is 52 (as a deck of playing cards)

[@davidrobertson5700]

Original poster is correct, I wonder if the guy who made the vid would lend me some money as I will have to pay back less than I borrow it seems 😊

[@funkojones2947]

I think its actually 64 layers and not 56. Don't sell yourself short, you had to make starter knives to get some practice. No one starts out an expert. just remember "Practice does not make perfect Practice makes for improvement" ! Keep honing and one day you will impress yourself with just how far you have came. I really dig this one .

[@JPsBladeworks]

I'm already impressed with what I can make compared to even a year ago. The growth is going well.

[@upshiftgo]

Ok thanks boss

[@davidwayne5152]

My first knife was a Kukri/Bowie.I called it the Bukrie. ...I was attempting a Chef knife😂

[@kaostheninja]

It's 61 layers after forging the 4 stacks together

[@jimmypop4539]

Damn beat me to it..

[@Mis73rRand0m]

I always have to tell myself; no one starts out as an expert. We can only learn so much from other people's successes and failures - overcoming personal failure will always teach the most impactful lessons.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Agreed

[@elisedennis7870]

I love that you make a complete knife. The blade is always gorgeous but I love that you craft a gorgeous handle as well

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@susanorourke6868]

Your video editing is fantastic. Pacing is great. Thanks for not using a "robo" voice.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

It’s been a long time since I’ve watched one of your videos but I thoroughly enjoyed it. You’re an inspiration man, I hope to be as good of a smith as you one day. And I like that you show your mistakes and don’t act like you know everything.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Practice makes better.

[@brysonalden5414]

Well, I've been watching your videos for some time now and can clearly see your progress. Personally, I wouldn't let that one leave my house, not because of the "flaw" but because it's so beautiful.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Don't tempt me with a good time 🤣

[@Rayraywheelz]

Please upload more of these videos with you explaining the process that you are using I like to learn and it's easier for me to learn while you're explaining it please upload more like that

[@JPsBladeworks]

🫡

[@sebastienpereira1912]

Sunday night, a beer, some snacks, a new video from JP, life’s good

[@JPsBladeworks]

Glad I could help.

[@JacobGunner]

I love these builds that have the copper in them, they always look amazing

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@kaostheninja]

Beautiful piece. First of your videos ive seen but for only a year of experience, thats good craftsmanship

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks but I've got 4 years experience not a year.

[@dlehmann61]

Beautiful work,. In my opinion, flaws in handmade work (so long as it doesn't affect the functionality of a piece) are what give it character and also can show growth in our crafts or hobbies. perfection is in the flaws. thanks for sharing your craft.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you for watching

[@jcows12]

Looks really cool with the copper layer

[@JPsBladeworks]

I agree

[@birdbandit9]

You make such a great point at the end about improving your craft and not selling yourself short

[@JPsBladeworks]

Yea i have an issue with selling myself short 🙃

[@birdbandit9]

@@JPsBladeworks me too. It took me years to charge someone for an item. I was just making things and giving them to friends because I was nervous to charge someone money and have them be disappointed. Slowly getting over that lol

[@JPsBladeworks]

It takes time. It doesnt hurt to check out other peoples work and see how much they charge and what quality it is. Thats why i enjoy going to bladeshow.

[@Brandon25043]

The billet is 64 layers. However, the knife is 68 layers due to your 2 core steel layers, copper, and then the 64 layer cladding.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Yea my math wasn't mathing at 2am 🤣

[@Brandon25043]

@@JPsBladeworks fair enough, I know what that's like :)

[@Nobe_Oddy]

Absolutely STUNNING!!!! I just LOVE how the pattern is so reminiscent of flames.... maybe you could layer it in a way that you get a gradient that goes from dark to light, like the tips of the 'flames' are either lighter or darker than the damascus pattern.... IDK if you melt down scrap at all, but it's pretty easy to do and fairly cheap to get started... you would save a TON of money on the more 'precious' metals like copper and bronze and aluminum, but the main reason to do it is to make your own alloys and have totally control of the color they end up... it would take some time and good amount of practice, but it's something you might wanna get into as a next step in customizing your work.... you would be able to make different shades of bronze by making aluminum bronze instead of tin and make it darker by adding more copper and less aluminum and this way you have something that is TOTALLY different from everyone else, because I don't see ANYONE doing anything like this I just wanted to put the idea out there, and maybe it'll give you some kind of inspiration :) It really is a beautiful piece

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks. I'm not good with metallurgy yet but I do hope to learn eventually.

[@ripl0x]

I really appreciate that you did a full tang instead of a hidden tang on this build. So many people I see make hidden tangs with a screw-on pommel or end cap and it just seems so flimsy to me, like it's only meant as a display piece. Beautiful blade and I like the contrast with the maple. Now it just needs a suitable sheath.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@bjornronaldson6017]

Looks damn good bro! Personally, I have yet to get a copper build to stick, so I am 100% hats off to you folks who make it look so simple!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Just weld it all the way around and be sure to not over heat it and you should be good. If I can do it you can do it too.

[@vgullotta]

Daaaaaaaamn, that came out awesome!!!! I agree with you about the little mistakes. IMO the little mistakes are character in the knife's soul, nothing wrong with them if they aren't structural problems or anything serious.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Yes but at the same time it messes with my very selective ocd 🤣

[@bigbasil1908]

That does look very pretty and appears to be a success with the copper layers. I would imagine dabbing the copper bits with some salted water will create some interesting effects. Mild sulphuric acid solution might create some interesting deep blue colouring from the copper sulphate it makes.

[@JPsBladeworks]

I dont mess much with chemistry but it does sound interesting.

[@ChrisGVE]

Not clear if you mark the center before grinding the sides? I really like your videos and your candid approach to your learning process

[@JPsBladeworks]

I do. Ones with core steel and copper are easier to eyeball because of the copper tho

[@blairlock]

Growing with every build. Awesome job. Never sell yourself short!!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks. I try.

[@jahurtadon]

Awesome job as always. Thanks for promoting forge safety as well.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Always

[@gaylecoombs5510]

Amazing sir straight up beautiful. Love watching your videos. I hope to be able to make beautiful knives one day

[@JPsBladeworks]

Trust me just 2 years ago my knives were relatively bad. Not in aesthetics but in overall shape and handle build. It all comes in trial and error and lots of reps.

[@arohk1579]

That is awesome looking, I love how you did the blade. Edged weapons have always been something I loved. I would love to have the setup and skills to do it.

[@dagnard5707]

because of my OCD i have to leave a flaw somewhere on a knife, not where it will effect the performance but somewhere on it. and your work never disappoints in its beauty. great work

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks. Mine is opposite. I want to make it flawless but that's not realistic. I've seen knives by Masters with minor flaws. It's what makes it handmade in my opinion.

[@bobbygarrett9588]

Another Beautiful Knife ! My Friend, Thanks for Sharing!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks for watching

[@dantheman7506]

The Almighty Algorithm brought me here, and my subscription was thoroughly earned. No BS. Just a salt-of-the-Earth dude making a badass looking knife. Would gladly buy something like that

[@JPsBladeworks]

I appreciate the kind words and the support

[@dantheman7506]

@@JPsBladeworks of course brother! I’m an antique metal restoration master. If my expertise is ever of any use let me know!

[@JPsBladeworks]

@@dantheman7506 thanks. I appreciate it

[@Jax-c1c]

Sick knife man. Beautiful work.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@Rockers1121]

Man that knife is awesome ... excellent job !

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@EK--ry3lr]

Looks awesome dude

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@natelagrassa9337]

Not gonna lie that knife is clean! I’d buy it for a reasonable price! 👍👍

[@JPsBladeworks]

What's a reasonable price?

[@natelagrassa9337]

@@JPsBladeworks 😬😬 idk tbh, I’ve bought folding knives mostly crkt for $55-$80… and full tantos $120-$250… so not sure to be honest. Haven’t been in the knife scene for a while…

[@turdferguson7686]

@@natelagrassa9337 not sure what you mean by "full tanto" in this context as thats basically just a blade shape/style. maybe "full tang" meaning the metal from the blade goes all the way through the handle? reasonable is completely subjective though. a well known knife maker could charge thousands for a knife while a newer just a hundred to make it easier to get their name out there. just sort of depends on what the maker feels is fair for their time and materials used. i have some dawson knives in a similar size that i paid ~$500 for. not a 1 off though, theyre hand made but not all by 1 guy so a bit of a different deal.

[@natelagrassa9337]

@@turdferguson7686 full tang, but yeah it’s a tanto style knife. Crkt 1st strike knife. But yes you’re right about reasonable price being subjective… I would be fine paying $100-$200 for a knife BUT it would be hard to justify spending more than that to the wife. 🤣🤣

[@turdferguson7686]

@@natelagrassa9337 just don't tell her, most women don't care or know about knives... "no, this isn't new, i've had this one for years!"

[@EmeraldInferno81]

What you created is called "gomai" damascus, and it looks beautiful. Good work

[@JPsBladeworks]

I call it a cu mai normally because of the copper but it technically is a go mai since it's 5 layers.

[@DoctorSquash]

Very nice video bc u did a voiceover of what u we’re doing 👍👍👍

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@nickmonaco960]

It’s not a mistake or a flaw, it’s a custom design element. It proves that it was hand made and not mass produced.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Very handmade

[@Hopeknives13]

Turned out amazing great work! Did you coffee etch it after the acid? I find the coffee works the best to make everything pop. Thanks for making Sunday morning coffee great 👍🏼

[@JPsBladeworks]

Yes but I lost the clip of where I pulled it out so I didn't include it but I always go coffee. It's a game changer.

[@synicyst9925]

I really appreciate your explanations as you show your work.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@taylormoore4991]

Great job brother! God bless. Awesome knife!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@Clowninyodreams]

Idk if you ever gonna see this comment, but you're like the only knife maker KZbinr I watch. That being said, I've always wanted to see a knife maker create a knife from off-cuts. Not exactly sure what all you do with them, but I'm sure you have dozens of off-cuts laying around, and maybe mixing them and turning it into a knife can be a cool fun experience

[@JPsBladeworks]

I'd the are relatively small the end up in the trash when I sweep. The bigger ones are stored away for when I get enough to do this.

[@Clowninyodreams]

@@JPsBladeworks I see! Maybe some small pieces can be saved over time for a cool looking concept knife

[@osirisatot19]

That's a lot of layers! And it looks fantastic.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@Oops07au]

beautiful knife. well done. im so going to have to buy one of your knives to add to my collection

[@JPsBladeworks]

I appreciate it

[@PatriotForgeOhio]

I recently made a brass and copper cu mai knife with a 1084 core. It really turned out amazing!

[@JPsBladeworks]

It's fun to make

[@kendazley7230]

Ya 64 layers! Also I've been watching your vids for about a year now and yes you have came a long way sir! I look forward to every video to see your progress.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks. I appreciate the support

[@50043211]

This truly looks great.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@ShaMan54321]

That’s a sweet-looking knife!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks glad you liked it!

[@pdstokes8]

Lovely work man.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@derekturner3272]

Proof math isn't important to make beautiful things. :)

[@JPsBladeworks]

Agreed

[@its_buttah_babii]

Ugh I wish I had the space and tools to make knives. I think that is such cool trade to learn. That knife is beautiful by the way. Keep up the good work 💪🏽💪🏽

[@JPsBladeworks]

I wish i had more space myself

[@its_buttah_babii]

​@JPsBladeworks i bet u have more space than me. I live in an apartment lol

[@JPsBladeworks]

@its_buttah_babii i used to live in an apartment when i started but i shared a shop with my brother and we split rent. But back then things werent as expensive as they are now.

[@jamesmiller4491]

Lovie it that is a beautiful piece. If i could ever stay out of the hospital to where i could save some money i would love that knife but with dark blue its my favorite color.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks and hope you do stay our of the hospital.

[@mattnobrega6621]

Straight up, that knife looks fresh af! 😎👍 outstanding work sir

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@renepicard8113]

Great job getting better every time

[@JPsBladeworks]

I try my best

[@AaronSpielman]

That knife is FANTASTIC!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@Little_River_Forge]

Came out dope homie

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@jamesrankin9833]

It is absolutely gorgeous! Good stuff!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@danieldurkton2942]

Beautiful, the pattern came out perfect!!!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@AaronBosterMD]

Amazing! One of the best you've made IMO 🔥

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks Aaron

[@stephendear4668]

Really beautiful knife dude.😲

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@mikajurvanen8219]

Stunning knife! Well done!!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@seekermr]

That’s gorgeous!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@genesisblock962]

I love that you purposely say the wrong layers to get people to post. Which I did as well. Acting stupid can be genius.

[@JPsBladeworks]

It wasn't. I was editing at 2am and I did the math in my head correctly but then when u recorded that part of the audio I said the wrong number but I could have sworn it was the right number. But it is a good idea for engagement.

[@AM1Mobley]

Good job bro. Looks super nice. Keep it up!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@drkushajagadeesh6347]

That is a gorgeous blade!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@davidtappe5337]

Good job, gorgeous knife.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@curbotize]

Wow. What a cool knife!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@anthonybroom]

Fantastic piece of work. 👍👍👍

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@juliangreene9555]

Badass knife.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@garypollentine194]

The copper really makes the blade pop you can look at some knives and think yes it’s ok but your knife is def a wow. keep them coming look forward to more of your vids

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@dougsmith747]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!😅

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks for watching

[@wouldiwasshookspeared4087]

That copper Damascus is such a bad ass look.

[@JPsBladeworks]

I agree

[@Vaoutdoorsmen]

Dude thats a really awesome knife very bad ass been watching your videos for quite a while now

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks. I appreciate you watching.

[@Vaoutdoorsmen]

Your welcome boss @@JPsBladeworks

[@d0sitmatr]

seriously, nice looking blade.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@daleralp9845]

Are you coating the handle in something before you etch the entire thing?

[@JPsBladeworks]

Yes I didn't record it but I think I will next time I do it. It is coated with nail polish to keep the wood from staining

[@krissteel4074]

For higher temp, different colours you can experiment with the bronzes, the silicon, nickel and aluminum bronzes tend to wet and braze better than brass. Because if you're like me, you probably messed around with the leaded brasses and stuff like the A260 cartridge brasses which tend to off-gas a lot of zinc and turn into lava. Especially in mokume gane, which gets compiled at the lowest melting point of all the metals in the stack and its quite low at 900C or thereabouts. So a full 200C lower than copper and it doesn't give you a lot of wiggle room in a forge if you hot-spot it, it all turns to goo

[@JPsBladeworks]

I'm nit sure whice brass I used. It was some stuff I bought locally but It definitely over heats easily.

[@DavidRutledge1]

All about the journey. Another great piece.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Yes sir. I hope to keep growing

[@kingjameson1318]

Awesome man love your watching your journey and that is a beautiful knife !

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks I appreciate the support

[@swyoung69]

You should make a damascus flatware set. It would be a trip have a nice stainless steel set

[@JPsBladeworks]

I wish I could. I don't have the tools or skill set to make stantless damascus just yet.

[@ahill7099]

looks beautiful brother nice job

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@ahill7099]

@@JPsBladeworks great choice on habdle also the little bot ocolor change in the burl compliment the copper nicely..amazing imagination..keep them coming

[@KurtSprings808]

Have you considered using bronze instead of copper? I am not a metallurgist, so I don't know if there would be problems.

[@JPsBladeworks]

It's doable I just haven't done it.

[@KurtSprings808]

@@JPsBladeworks I'm an archaeologist. I've recently become interested in bronze-age blades. A mixing of the old tinned bronze and modern steel just sounds interesting. I'm wondering if the melting point of bronze is a bit higher than raw copper.

[@conradoneto2859]

When pressed, is this shell that comes off the hot iron slag? or something recyclable? I thank you in advance for your answer.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Its called forge scale and its an iron oxide that falls. Ive never reused it so i dont know if it is reusable.

[@irayifa]

Beautiful knife!!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@leor2830]

Excellent work

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@adamkrou1464]

this is an amazing knife

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@TheSeagon]

Really well done. Gorgeous. Did you choose stock removal over hammering to not get too wild patterns, or is it more due to the copper in the block?

[@JPsBladeworks]

It's due to the copper. If I hammer it to shape the copper tends to delaminate and ruin the piece. That's why most if not all makers will forge out their billet then do a stock removal.

[@TheSeagon]

@@JPsBladeworks That does make a lot of sense. Thanks for the explanation. I am just starting out myself at home and while I do have experience with forge welding, I do not have the experience doing this more delicate work, but I am definitely interested.

[@callumkerr1491]

That is a really nice knife

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@Grawwler]

Amazing knife!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@custardthepipecat6584]

Very awesome pattern

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@brandonneverun1678]

Please please PLEASE make a machete soon!!!! I love everything you do but it would be amazing to see your take on a machete…….. or a scythe!!!!!!!

[@JPsBladeworks]

I'd love to make a scythe eventually

[@KrispyBizcut]

That is fookin beautiful!!!!

[@MASI_forging]

Nice work dude 👏👏

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@dilipverma2961]

I have a query can we have a blade from pure tungsten and titanium. If yes how efficient it would be.

[@wouldiwasshookspeared4087]

Tungsten is ridiculously hard to forge due to its high melting point.

[@JPsBladeworks]

You should check out Alec Steele youtube channel. He recently tried to forge tungsten, and you will get the idea of how tough that stuff really is.

[@wouldiwasshookspeared4087]

@@JPsBladeworks That's exactly what I was using as reference lol

[@michaeldowney6533]

​@@JPsBladeworksI was coming here to say exactly this

[@Blupa.]

A work of art 👍👏👏👏

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@startrek133]

Very nice ... if I could afford it would take a whole set of them ...

[@JPsBladeworks]

I wish I could afford them as well.

[@franktola1008]

Very awesome knife

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@arcflashed]

Nice work!!!

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you

[@virtusleather]

Another banger JP. 🤙🏻

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@zigaoberstar1039]

i heated a brass nut with a jeweller's torch. i'm lucky to still have both of my eyes. zinc doesn't like to be heated too fast.

[@JPsBladeworks]

Zinc is no bueno

[@jcubetube3778]

Nice brotha! Looks great! 🔪❤️

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks

[@cosmo9882]

with the copper it looks amazing 👀

[@JPsBladeworks]

I love the look of copper

[@bodiejay2859]

Beautiful knife. I love it. ~Kevin

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thanks Kevin

[@6FStyleCo]

That copper vein running thru the blade is 🤌🤌🤌

[@JPsBladeworks]

Thank you