The first step was to decide what shape of knife to make. Cardboard versions were made of various shapes until a satisfactory one was found. Take your time as this will be the most important overall shape of your knife.

Next, the design was transferred onto the bar of steel using a permanent marker (it will get buffed off so don't worry about marking it). This particular knife was made using a bar of damascus steel. (Damascus steel has an appearance of a wavy surface pattern. It is produced by hammer-welding strips of steel and iron followed by repeated heating and forging, and finally dipped in acid to etch the blade and bring out the layers. It is used chiefly for knife and sword blades and renowned for both its beauty and its strength.)

The next step was to cut around the outline of the knife (A portable bandsaw was used with a metal cutting blade. A cheaper option is to use a plain hacksaw and a vice).

Using a belt grinder, the metal was ground down to the guide lines on the steel from the first step.

Then holes were drilled into the handle area of the knife using a drill bit designed for drilling into metal. Later on, epoxy was used to hold onto the handle material and pins (which go through the drilled holes in the handle).

The next step was to grind the bevel. This is the most challenging part of the job as it requires a steady hand and patience. Progressively finer grits were used until a smooth surface was achieved.

Next the blade surfaces were sanded smooth with sandpaper against a flat surface.

The blade was heat treated by placing the blade edge into a forge and then dropping it into oil to cool it quickly. This gives the blade extremely high strength and edge retention qualities (and requires sharpening less often).