Handwerkskunst!

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!"

Not all horns are the same, and the price difference quickly becomes clear, ranging from 500 to 15,000 euros. The key difference lies in the details and production method. Mass-produced horns are less expensive, while handcrafted pieces made by master craftsmen are much pricier. The 103 model from Musik Alexander in Mainz strikes a balance, with most of its production still done by hand. This double horn, with both F and B tuning, passes through many hands during its creation. With over 300 parts, it’s a complex process. Ralf Gärtner, a master brass instrument maker and production manager, oversees the entire process, demonstrating how a five-meter brass tube is transformed into a highly polished instrument revered by professional musicians worldwide.

Master interior decorator Anne Karweg has perfected the art of upholstering armchairs by hand, using traditional methods. She starts by tying a "basket" of copper springs, carefully arranging them with strength, technique, and a sense of the right pressure. The springs are then tied with special jute threads. Anne layers many materials over the springs, following multiple work steps to ensure the chair’s quality. She learned this classic technique during her apprenticeship, as lacing is no longer part of modern upholstery training. Despite variations in approach, all good upholsterers share a common goal: achieving the perfect seat shape that provides lasting comfort for decades.

When it comes to jewelry, it's usually all or nothing for men! There seems to be no middle ground between the rapper adorned with gold chains and the total denier of jewelry. But there is! Johannes Stoll from the “gold city” of Pforzheim is a master goldsmith with craftsmanship and artistic skills. He shows the audience step by step how to create a wearable and - among other things - golden men's ring. An aha-experience not only for men.

They are considered the aristocrats of the building site, and without their roof trusses, a house had no stability in earlier times: the carpenters. But their work has changed. The traditional method of mortising beams has almost disappeared, as have the long nails in the rafters. Nowadays, metal beam shoes hold the structures together and the rafters are fastened to the purlins with long screws. And yet it is still a high level of craftsmanship to build a roof truss within two days.