Making An $18,000 Luxurious Bowie Knife

This $18,000 Bowie knife took me over 250 hours to make!
🚀 Get all the tools and materials I use through my free PDF 👉 www.learnknifemaking.com/mast...
I take you on a journey through the creation of a one-of-a-kind bowie knife I call Luminous. Over 250 hours of hard work went into turning raw materials into this work of art. Every strike of the hammer, every precise cut, carries the weight of thousands of dollars, and the potential for loss looms ominously at every corner.
The first step in making this bowie knife is creating the Mosaic Damascus pattern, a beautiful mix of alternating 1084 and 15n20 steels. The process involves forge welding layers together with a hydraulic press and squaring the billet to create the distinct W-shaped Damascus pattern.
After several stages of stacking, welding, and re-squaring, I reveal the mesmerizing Mosaic Damascus pattern that will adorn the blade of the Luminous Bowie. The blade takes shape with a Sheffield-style clip.
Moving on to the handle, I carefully craft fossilized mammoth ivory scales, adding a carved quilted pattern, inlaying argentium silver pins and unique domed pins, creating a classic and elegant design.
Finally, the blade is brought to life with a hair-popping razor edge, and the knife is assembled with precision. The gun-blued fittings complement the Argentium silver pins and the polished mammoth ivory scales, resulting in a stunning and functional work of art.
I hope you enjoyed this journey from concept to creation of the Luminous Bowie knife. It's a testament to the creative process and the dedication required to turn raw materials into a masterpiece. Thank you for watching, and may the forge be with you.
Learn how to make knives: www.learnknifemaking.com/
KZbin ~ / kyleroyerknives​
Instagram ~ / kyleroyerknives
Website ~ www.kyleroyerknives.com/​
#KyleRoyer #Knifemaker #Bladesmith

[@KyleRoyerKnives]

This is my favorite video I have ever made! What is your favorite video? Also, don't forget 🚀Get all the tools and materials I use through my free PDF 👉 www.learnknifemaking.com/mastersmiths_toolkit_free_pdf

[@samdahlandsonsforge]

Kyle, your work is always unbelievable. I think your sword Excelsior was the original video that blew my mind, and probably my fan favorite. But this video is incredible not only because of how you got the detail discussion in on the tiny dog bone washers, but deep discussion on how you integrated your history from each technique and tool you use. And lets be honest whether it was you or Josh that picked out the sound track, its always good music and keyed transitions that makes something fantastic even more amazing. Like guardians of the galaxy or Iron man being famous for their sound tracks and transitions, you nailed it on this video. As always the mastery of the Royer family to take everyone coming together to turn out a product that is second to none. You guys are awesome.

[@creaturetreedriftwoodart2066]

Your original Luminous video was the first time I discovered you on KZbin. It was that majestic white handle on the thumb that caught my eye. I've watched just about all your videos since and Luminous is still my favorite of your knives.

[@ericcorlett2387]

Loved this new style! So informative but also so much more captivating!

[@charlesroman9163]

This is a great video. It tells the story, keeping to the important details without getting bogged down.

[@IHWKR]

I really enjoyed your dual handed Long sword you did some years back. But no matter what I'm always looking forward to the next video

[@tccycling]

$18,487 / 250 hours is only $74/hour before materials! For the skill and experience that went into making this knife, that seems like a bargain. Absolutely amazing work.

[@KyleRoyerKnives]

Master Electricians make about $100/hour where I'm from. lol ~Josh

[@fedormarkvardt9054]

well, I would buy this knife if I had no less than $1 mil, so not today, sorry)

[@FectacularSpail]

Although I never really questioned the prices these incredible pieces sell for, when you put it that way, it's totally reasonable.

[@NC2871926]

250 hours is 6 weeks work doing 40 hours a week. Given annual leave and Time off at Xmas, about 7 of these can be made. $100k + a year job. Well deserved too

[@TheChzoronzon]

What is the cost of the materials plus tool wearing etc in a project like this? Really curious, tnx

[@Thatgirl1973]

So I see "$18,000 Knife" and roll my eyes. I'm like "Yeah, it's pretty, but..." Then I watch the whole process and...Mind...Blown! The hours, and hours, hours put in to every little detail is exceptional! This is skill and craftsmanship that is rare these days. It's not a pretty knife, it's a work of absolute art.

[@albert3070]

Well even as marvelous gadgets and far more useful like iPhones takes tremendous skills to make, reassemble parts and get it tested etc takes around 24 hours to make... even if u match the claimed working hours of this guys 250...they still wouldn't cost 17k... and remember we're technically buying a product.... not investing in the whole art making process... not that i don't appreciate it but its absurd how these independent craftmans put their price on their products.... just becos they spend a weeks worth of time on it...

[@obest42]

@Thatgirl1973 WÖRD.

[@Thatgirl1973]

@@albert3070 Oh boy, where to begin? Okay…so there’s really no comparison between an artisan creating a one-of-a-kind piece and something being manufactured. And I don't know it for a fact, I just know it's true that the engineers, designers, analysts and thinkers at Apple-who were, effectively, the “craftsmen”-earned vastly more than $17k for their roles in developing the iPhone. But actually manufacturing an iPhone…well there isn’t anyone hunched over a table soldering the circuit boards or forging metal for the case. It’s automated. Likely 99.9% of it. And that’s why they don’t cost $17k.

[@shenamariscal6200]

​@@albert3070you sound like somebody that's never actually made anything magnificent in your entire life. Start working with your hands and you'll gain perspective

[@anonypersona3189]

@@albert3070 The power of mass production. The scale that iphones are made is ridiculous compared to a one-off. At that point you're also comparing machines vs hand made. They are two separate realms. One person made this knife, for an iphone - thousands of people are involved from software development, testing, and manufacturing.

[@BlackGryph0n]

People with this kind of patience and skill are just built differently... I'm not sure we're the same species.

[@pan.syrinx]

Patience and skill only develop through passion. He was made to make blades because he feeds his own passions by making them

[@squidikka]

Tiktok generation vs salt of the earth.

[@wtcashel]

@@squidikka Amen!

[@neuscelnewman2829]

I feel like I have below average intelligence after watching this

[@goosieschills8218]

Ja definitely not me

[@budsimpson2853]

I find it incredibly comforting knowing there are craftsmen of this caliber still around. I agree with the assessment that this is a work of art, and not forging a knife.

[@douglaspintor]

this is not manufacturing. this is pure art. amazing job as always sir.

[@KyleRoyerKnives]

Glad you like it!

[@salvatorerusso6727]

Agreed. These knives are a one of a kind and trying to put a price on this stuff is just a shot in the dark. Hard to put a price on art. My only hope is that the creator is compensated in such a way as he can continue to create

[@dervakommtvonhinten517]

it can be both idiot

[@inspectorvoid]

Yeah but can we still call it both, that way he’s still part of the blue collar brotherhood and he can keep his duramax 😎 shhuuuu!

[@ronwinter3290]

I have never seen anything with this kind of Damascus pattern. This is a king's Bowie..... the patience and skill and knowledge of your craft is unparalleled

[@anaemerson5911]

My goodness! You're an incredible blacksmith and knife maker. What a beautiful piece. The Damascus pattern you created, is absolutely astonishing.

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

I've been a musical instrument maker for over 40 years. I can really appreciate your craftsmanship. Very very nicely done!

[@JerryBarau]

Another holy grail of craftsmanship... whenever you post, the whole family gathers to watch it! your knife making skill should be the 8th world wonder... ❤

[@chrisgeorge2421]

With modern equipment it’s still a skill,makes me wonder how hard it was for blacksmiths back in the day.

[@joshm8661]

That's an amazing knife. It's crazy that you created this out of raw materials. You, sir, are gifted and have a great imagination to think this up and then bring it to life.

[@tom1998rules]

Your not just a knifesmith, your an artist

[@kurtbogle2973]

A thousand years from now. Someone will find one of your knives, and they will marvel at it , and wonder how in the world anyone made such a beautiful knife.

[@call_me_mado5987]

Lets just hope whoever has it takes care of it, a knife that he/she will pass down, and not let it rust.

[@Jester2189]

Its really not that impressive

[@Zenikai_]

@@Jester2189 what kinda knife impresses you? These are the best knives I’ve seen in my life

[@Jester2189]

@MrAwsome1016 Damascus steel isn't impressive. Sure it looks cool but that's all it is. I doubt these knives would last if they were "used"

[@Zenikai_]

@@Jester2189 soo... you not gonna tell me what knives impresses you?

[@gricnime]

not a lot of ppl have the power to make me sit through 30+ min video. you really are an inspiration! thx

[@carlosmonterrojo9566]

Do you have an idea of how much admiration you cause in people that watch the entire video? It's not only your skills, it's your patience, as some other watcher here wrote, it's your taste and painstaking care for every single detail, and the honesty in showing everything, down to the utmost little washer or pin. Admirable!

[@MrRobertX70]

I have no words to describe how beautiful I think this knife looks.

[@Varjagen1916]

As a hobby knifemaker, it is my dream to make just ONE knife like this. Grear work!

[@index7787]

It's a iterative process, trust it. To make your best knife today is to make a slightly better one tomorrow.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

Your attention to detail is phenomenal. That is one hell of a knife. Props to the unsung hero being the cameraman/editor of your video. This was an absolute delight to watch. What a team!

[@alexm2833]

I have made many knives as a hobby and many were looked at in awe by those i gifted them to so i know what it takes, This is a mind-blowing masterpiece my friend, its so nice. You actually made me take up the hobby again and gave me a goal or a level to strive for. Look at that work, you achieved greatness, and you know it.

[@jkmcollins93]

This guy has to be one of if not the best knife/sword maker out there. All his projects are extremely beautiful.

[@samsabruskongen]

Ridiculous attention to detail, quality and craftsmanship. Congrats Kyle, it's beautiful

[@BentonFrisse]

Kyle, these are the best knife-making videos on KZbin. Between your editing skills and your Craftsmanship, your vids are unparalleled. Can't wait to see more!

[@KyleRoyerKnives]

Wow, thanks!

[@arickquinton1268]

One thing I think gets overlooked in these fine art craftsmanship videos is the quality of the video production. The narration, the storyline, videography, etc. Yours is well done. Thank you for that. For the next point, Legacy. Your works will be praised and treasured for hundreds of years. Congratulations on that.

[@edarmstrong2632]

Sir, you are the finest the human species has to offer. A true artist, architect and craftsman. I bow before you.

[@n2nightfall]

That is the most beautiful knife I have ever seen. The attention to detail and process was incredible to watch.

[@boscoxchan]

Thanks for sharing your journey of making this masterpiece. Your creativity, planning, attention to details and the demand for perfection is inspirational.

[@ke6gwf]

You are blessed as a true Craftsman, I don't think I have ever seen this level of skill and passion before. You inspire me, thank you.

[@bigclivedotcom]

When you do your logo electro-etching are you using the variac to supply current directly? If you are, then keep in mind that it is effectively a single winding transformer, and although it is putting out low voltage it may be referenced directly to the mains and capable of giving a full mains voltage shock to ground.

[@Gameboygenius]

I thought the same thing, but at least US plugs are polarized. (One blade is slightly wider on unearthed plugs.) So _hopefully_ it will be alright _assuming_ everything is wired correctly. But yeah, the setup doesn't necessarily instill confidence. (Also, hi Clive!)

[@plectrumura]

The craziest thing: I watched the entire Luminous series before, and yet I'm still mind blown watching this. I just moved for the specific purpose of being able to buy a single family home in this new area so that I can set up a nice shop. I wanted to make knives before I found your channel, but you've become my biggest inspiration since then. Thank you.

[@notthisguyagain8557]

So is this a reupload or did he make another one?

[@birddawgification]

Not sure $18k plus was enough. That was absolutely incredible to watch with a stunning result!

[@bpabustan]

If there is such a thing as a tool, a weapon and a work of art all rolled into one, then this is IT! And it's a wonder Kyle surprises himself with his work, considering he knows exactly what he is doing.

[@user-hr7ev2pm7s]

Your Dad must be super proud of you now. 😊 Your work is pure art. Watching your video is quite a relaxing thing to do.❤

[@roshanravan]

Your level of craftsmanship is unbelievable, you create beyond art

[@ezcheesy1981]

That is an exceptional piece of art! The craftsmanship is amazing! Love watching these builds!

[@gabledeweese1040]

Incredible work man! It makes me happy that in this digital age we live in, masters of their craft such as you, are using the tech to share centuries old skills keeping them alive. Keep it up!

[@BlackheartCharlie]

I've watched many Damascus blade builds on KZbin, but this is far and away above anything I've ever seen. Seriously! This is two or three levels above.

[@jonathandiamond6801]

Hi Kyle you are a extremely gifted man. I really enjoy watching the process of you turning the most basic materials into literally the finest blades on the planet. Your creativity is beyond words. I really enjoy knives and the process of knife making. It's perhaps one of the most intriguing things on KZbin for me to watch. The raw power of the forge and hammer shaping elements of nature into something so cherished and coveted by many men. The coolest knife design ever....yes a Bowie. The concept of this blade was pure genius and no wonder it took 250 hours of work it's a masterpiece. One day in the future I bet some of your knives will be in museums. It's only a matter of time.

[@paullinski9867]

Dude, you are an incredible craftsman. I've never made a knife in my life, but I can't help but watch your videos. The stuff that you create is stunning. Absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing!

[@adayoff33]

DUDE! I Appreciate YOU. Not only did you put in 200 + hours in making that knife but you also generously put the time and energy into setting up the camera focusing editing and creating this video a top of the daily work creating a friggin master piece. You are truely a MASTER and A Creator on a Godly Level that would make Me so Proud as a Parent, Friend or Partner to be in your sphear of influence watching you put the passion and love that you have for this craft into every piece. It's a privilege just to be able to watch you create for free in the comfort of my house at 4am. It's worth the all night binge.

[@RainyDayForge]

I really enjoyed watching the blooms being made and then the folding. I was surprised how striking of a pattern was developed in the steel. Well done!

[@sezaiozdemir4135]

In one word, masterpiece. I see how obsessive you are. I see that you don't want even a millimeter of error. I applaud you standing 👏👏👏

[@jmrksgaming9927]

Sounds daft but the finish made me a little teary. Stunning as always mate! PDF downloaded, thank you Kyle.

[@markthomas741]

Your attention to detail and patience is phenomenal, what a beautiful Bowie!

[@bensieber6960]

The greatest kind of artist: a master craftsman who elevates a functional object into a work of art! A master artisan! Beautiful work, Bravo!!

[@sethacowell]

wow, just wow. i have never seen such a pretty knife before!!! $18,000 is a lot of money, but the crazy thing is that only equates to $72 an hour for the time you spent working on it. You are a true master, friend! Keep it up!!!!!! Seth

[@somebody700]

18k today will be millions in the future when we are all long gone.

[@kenthammer123]

Kyle. My gosh brotha. This is the best made, narrated and execute knige build ive ever seen. You work is truly next to none sir. I genuinely mean that. An incredible build and ty sir for sharing this amazing build/video with all of us.

[@toysforboysrc]

Omg I’m not even done watching this film and I’m emotional over the passion put into each process and attention to detail but on a molecular level 🔥🔥💯🤙

[@jamesseegars57]

I wish i could afford one of your blades. They come out with a level of craftsmanship that is truly commendable. You are definitely a mastersmith

[@SkunkworksProps]

The silver looks so classy, and a nice change from the gold you often put in. Beautiful knife!

[@asafahmad3169]

It’s been a privilege to have seen a Mastersmith work his magic.

[@JS_Precision]

This is just astonishing. I was expecting a lot of it to be cnc machinery but this guy does all of it by hand. Crazy! What an insane level of craftsmanship.

[@CharlesWalker-sf8td]

I love the way you explain each step of the process I watched so many of these channels that show knife-making and they they never say a word. Thank you. It just shows how arduous and and detailed you go into good for you and thank you for doing what you do

[@KyleRoyerKnives]

I appreciate that!

[@josesardinas7660]

This is not a knife, it's a freaking work of art!! 🙂

[@miketimpe4303]

i have been a master craftsmen in my later years and nothing compares to what you have just accomplished with this knife. i will only say i am in awe of what you created and i have made many projects. this is beyond excellence.

[@hdkristjankp1893]

this video really makes you appreciate the amount of work and soul artist put into their work. Good job man!

[@michaelcolorado6107]

Kyle, your skills are on a whole new level! Well done brother.

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Phenomenally 'managed risk' to artfully force the patterns to show up exactly where you want them... If I was a wealthy man, and wasn't nearing the end of my years anyway, this is the art that I would be investing in! The science, the expertise, the instinct, the experience, and the sheer artistry exhibited here is absolutely breathtaking. Bravo!!

[@dragoncubes1074]

I own several Damascus knives, but this is the bees' knees. Thanks for letting us watch a master at work. Cheers from Australia.

[@jeffclarke1694]

Amazing work, sold value aside, your craftsmanship and labors are priceless and speak volumes about your work. Thanks for the inspiration! Beautiful knife!

[@shereenshanu-wm7mh]

So satisfying to see you working so patiently...and the result is amazing....man...i became a fan of your work...😊 All the best for your future innovations from India ❤

[@Portrayalpress]

Congratulations. Love seeing folks dedicated to craftsmanship. So much accumulated knowledge to produce that gorgeous knife. Outstanding!

[@jasonmichaelfarrant7808]

my grandfather used to make grips for handguns out of hard woods after retiring from LAPD . no cnc machines back then and use to do the etching with amazing talent (fuzzy Farrant pistol grips - I have seen lots of craftsman but this one and your talent takes the cake -what a beautiful piece of work. Pleaee do -post more love it.

[@phutthipongsatolong5881]

You are an imaginative knife smith. Your work is a masterpiece.

[@divanswanepoel6131]

This was a pleasure to watch, you are an artist

[@elypowell6797]

This is incredible Kyle, I really enjoyed watching you make this artwork.

[@mannyreyes8942]

That mosaic pattern is absolutely gorgeous. Amazing job, talent, and passion.

[@chewyakarieckenicholas6049]

Insanely beautiful and amazing as always thank you for sharing your artistry with everyone

[@vukiennguyen1524]

Wow, a master piece! Such attention to details! Love it!

[@kevinpulver4027]

Thanks Kyle! I fell in love with Bill Moran's pattern welded blades nearly fifty years ago in a library book. I forge welded a few horse shoes nearly 40 years ago and found it extremely difficult with oxidation etc.. Then damascus blades just seemed impossible. But maybe 15 years ago, it was you that made me believe I could do it. Just by the simple fact of you using WD40 On your cold bill it's to make the flux stick while you heated the billet up. Such a simple thing but it seemed like the rosetta stone for me. I still haven't tried it. But it's fun thinking that it's possible now! I do a lot of other craftsmanship things like restoring antique gas engines. And I appreciate you encouraging people to get out there and create something! I think that's part of being made in the image of God!

[@davidcalderara4084]

I know nothing about making knives, I sat through this video with my mouth open the whole way. Hats off to you sir for your skill and workmanship. Would love to buy one of your knives

[@GhostDrummer]

My brain started hurting when you got to the washers and silver dots. The amount of creativity, skill, and patience is just incredible. I love restoring drum (percussion) gear, so I have a lot of appreciation for the time you spend creating these masterpieces.

[@zarasdad100]

Your videos are absolutely AMAZING! Thank you Royer family for doing all that you do!!!! I’ve learned a ton!

[@KyleRoyerKnives]

❣

[@butters_147]

This goes way beyond "knife". It's literally a work of art. Absolutely genius. 🤯

[@derekstocker6661]

WOW, what a work of art, fabulous traditional design with an amazing and superior finish. The patience and skill you have is wonderful and thank you for sharing this beautiful knife build with us!

[@billforehand7150]

As a hobby knife maker, I have a true appreciation for your work. Your craftmanship, artistic ability, and dedication to perfection always amazes me. Thanks for sharing.

[@Vincentiuz]

You always exceed and improve from your previous projects, great job!

[@kenshin67600]

Simply exceptional work. The details, the general aspect, the patterning and the extra carful handling of the whole fabrication. One can only admire the work and the results. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@judgejimbobrowntown3214]

Kyle has to be the chillest person man to make all them custom washers incredibly painstaking

[@modergun8321]

Невероятный труд Мастера!

[@glenn6292]

That knife is absolutely stunning.

[@derekcroston2253]

What a fantastic piece of art. Never seen a knife like that before. Sir, you are a genuine artist.

[@chrismalcomson7640]

Getting to this kind of skill level has got to take 20 years or more. One thing people tend to overlook is how long it takes to get the right setup of machines etc, especially when you're using different materials. Pleasure to watch how it all came together..

[@vatogomareli]

Absolute piece of art! such an unforgetable Knife! instantly captivating!

[@MrMoon1ight_]

Those domed pins are absolutely insane 😱

[@shadow-wulf]

Excellent idea showing us the mosaic pattern in a drawing before you even make the billet. Your videos get better and better!

[@edmudd1600]

People like this are what makes the world work for the rest of us. BLOWN AWAY.

[@kzarnold3678]

Nicely done 👍. I always wondered what you're going to do next, amazing

[@jameymeyer2399]

Unbelievable craftsmanship, I’m a high level craftsman as well. Although different in trade. With that I’d like to say thank you for doing you, our youth has been lead away from doing work of real value. True craftsman are priceless & it’s a shame that so many have spent their lives missing the opportunity to see just how unique they are along with the possibilities of the unique things they could’ve created.

[@ArunMadisetti]

this is the first knife making video i've ever watched, thanks for holding my attention, It was totally captivating.

[@ernestclark21]

This is certainly a MASTERPIECE! Good work, my man.

[@vikingslayer34]

Dude your attention to detail is on another level. Amazing work Kyle.

[@LIONGOD]

if i have 18 grand to spend on a knife... imma probably buy forging equipment an make my own instead

[@user-nv1uz8qv4z]

Oh brother, you outdid yourself on this one. This must be the most beautiful knife I've ever seen.

[@AdvancedUSA]

An exquisitely beautiful knife. You have a unique combination of vision, skill, patience, attention to the most minute detail and practice.

[@user-nh6uo6wn6c]

you hands down no bullcrap the finest bladesmith artisan ive ever seen

[@BroadbandBrat]

This is hands down the most beautiful use of Damascus I have ever seen. You sir, have an amazing talent!! Subscribed!

[@stevenmckinney9924]

Stuff like this makes me wish I had money! I'd love just to have a piece like that to display! The artistry and precision of something like that just absolutely blows my mind! Outstanding work, sir! It's gorgeous!

[@MajorChubbageOfficial]

thing I've wanted to learn how to do for YEARS!!! YOU SIR ARE METICULOUS and the final product shows.

[@TitoKYeptho]

This is super, highly advanced knife making I've ever seen. Beyond perfection.