Handwerkskunst!

How to forge a hunting knife (4x1)

Air date: Apr 21, 2017

For thousands of years, the knife has been an essential tool and companion for humans. Ötzi, the famous ice man, carried a stone knife, but since the advent of metal knives, blacksmiths have been revered for their ability to shape raw materials into weapons and tools with fire—almost like magic. Stefan Santangelo from Maikammer, Germany, has spent years perfecting the art of knife forging. A master metalworker with training as a blacksmith, Santangelo taught himself how to create Damascus blades, which are made from hundreds of layers of steel. Known for their sharpness and elasticity, these blades are considered the pinnacle of knife craftsmanship. Despite the rise of modern stainless steel, Damascus knives are still highly sought after for their intricate production process and high cost. Santangelo demonstrates his craft by creating a hunting knife with a Damascus blade for the series "Handwerkskunst!"