The Yakutian knife is globally known for its exceptional durability
sharpness
and multifunctional versatility, with a design unlike any other blade in the world.
To learn about how they’re made, we come to visit a local craftsman Mikhail.
Mikhail, a well-known craftsman in Yakutia, began his journey as a young student.
Guided by the skills of master artisans, Mikhail embarked on the path of knife-making.
The process begins with the careful selection of the perfect steel, tempered to strike the
ideal balance between hardness and flexibility.
The blade is then forged, shaped, and polished with extraordinary care, following time-honored
methods that have been passed down through generations.
The creation of a Yakutian knife is no simple task. It is a meticulous process that demands
a deep understanding of both material and technique
A Yakutian craftsman spend a lifetime learning to master
Each knife tells a story – of the land and its history
As locals often says, "In every Yakutian knife, there’s a piece of Yakutia's soul.”
After forging and shaping the blade, Mikhail places it in a burning stove to rest overnight.
This essential step allows the metal to relieve tension.
What makes the Yakut knife special is that \you can use it for anything
you can use it for anything
It's a useful and necessary tool for every family
It's by no means a weapon
We use it for our daily life
for wood carving
for cooking
basically for everything
On the following day, the blade undergoes heat treatment, a crucial process in hardening
the steel.
This involves heating it to 1000 degrees Celsius before quenching it in oil.
This makes the steel hard and capable of holding a sharp edge, but it's often very brittle at this stage
The blade is then tempered to reduce some of the brittleness, heating it to a lower
temperature to achieve a balance of hardness and toughness.
This step showcases the mastery of the craftsman, as a slight miscalculation could compromise
the blade's integrity.
Yakut knives often have a special blade shape with a curved cutting edge and a straight spine
The shape of the blade is designed to maximize cutting performance in various tasks.
The cost of the Yakut knife can vary significantly it could be $100,000
If it's made from gold
But on average, a standard Yakut knife can typically range from $100
Just a simple one
The price can also vary based on the size from smaller to larger ones
What about the knife you made today?
I just made a standard one
Finally, the blade is meticulously ground and sharpened to its final shape and edge.
The Yakut knife's signature single bevel is a critical aspect of its design and demands
great attention during this phase.
Achieving this precise bevel requires skill and focus, culminating in a tool that is not
only a functional masterpiece but a reflection of a rich and storied tradition.
For the handle, Mikhail specifically chooses birch bark that he personally gathers from the forest
In the frigid Yakutian climate, where metal handles can become painfully cold at -71 degrees celcius
and even cause the skin to stick, birch bark retains warmth.
This makes it safer and more comfortable to use, as it remains resilient in extreme cold,
unlike metals and some plastics.
The natural beauty of birch bark also adds to the knife's aesthetic appeal, linking it
to tradition and the cultural significance of the Yakut knife.
The final touch in crafting the Yakut knife is creating its case.
Made from wood and covered in leather, the case provides both protection and a fitting
aesthetic complement to the knife itself.
Mikhail spends three full days to crafting the knife, pouring all his passion and expertise
into each step.
After finishing his work, he returns home, where his wife, Sardaana, is lovingly preparing
a delicious dinner using the knife he made.
In their kitchen, the knife is essential, used for everything from slicing to dicing.
In the homes and hands of the people of Yakutia, the Yakutian knife is more than just a tool.
Crafted with precision and purpose, it's a testament to the region's unique way of life.
The Yakutian knife, practical in design and rich in history, continues to serve the community,
a symbol of resilience and connection to the land...