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Khalsa Kirpans
The Handmade Knives & Swords
of Jot Singh Khalsa
Technique
My knives and swords are hand-made and custom made. I employ the stock removal method in grinding blades, and all other processes are done completely by hand, utilizing a variety of tools and machinery.
My style is original, yet often classic. I create designs with both a visual and practical aesthetic in mind. My knives and swords fit the hand comfortably and have good balance. My background in gold and silversmithing allows me to more easily embrace incorporating natural mineral handles into my designs. I often combine precious metals and gemtone materials, accented with gems. These raw materials require special skills and experience to master.
For about 16 years I forged my own Damascus steel. Because the pattern-welded Damascus steel-making process can produce noxious fumes, over the last several years I’ve purchased my Damascus steel from a few reputable gentlemen who make it for a living. Most of the Damascus I use these days comes from Robert Eggerling, Devin Thomas, and Mike Norris, each an innovator in his own right. A variety of sophisticated patterns in stainless steel, and high carbon steel and nickel are available.
My preferred handle materials include various minerals, including jades, jaspers (available in many patterns and colors), agates, sugilite, lapis lazuli and turquoise. I also use natural mother-of-pearl (gold lip, white, and black), abalone, ancient ivories, and highly patterned hardwoods. I’m happy to consider the use of other handle materials as requested.
