Turkish blacksmith makes special swords, “Damascus steel” knives

MALATYA

A blacksmith in the eastern province of Malatya became famous for producing and selling swords and chef’s knives made with a special type of steel called “Damascus steel” across the country and abroad.

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“I have clients in 75 of the 81 provinces. I export chef’s knives to Germany, UK and Austria, ”Yusuf BayyiÄŸit, the fourth generation representative of a family business, told public agency Anadolu.
As he works alone, it takes him almost two months to start working on an order.

Bayyiğit also provides items specially designed for the sets of the historical Turkish television series. “I made knives and swords. I sent them all to the producers. I see my products in historical television series, ”he noted.

Asked about the characteristics of “Damascus steel”, he drew attention to its durability.
“It’s a very special type of steel. You can only give it shape after many steps. Beginners cannot shape it. Years of professional experience are required to forge and make designs on Damascus steel products, ”he noted.

BayyiÄŸit said he “creates a work after hammering Damascus steel tens of thousands of times.”
When asked why chefs prefer Damascus steel knives, BayyiÄŸit said they are preferred because of their flexibility and durability.

Blacksmithing is hard work; forging Damascus steel is harder. “It’s my family affair. My father was a hardware store for 75 years. My grandfather worked his whole life, ”he said, adding that his uncles and cousins ​​continued in the profession and now he is doing the same.

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According to BayyiÄŸit, this profession is disappearing day by day in Turkey.

“You have to shape steel with a spirit and dominate it with fire; each step of forging requires a good balance of work. There are still very few people doing it, ”he said.