Zlatoust: The city of Zlatoust, Russia, has been known as a center for weapons craft since the early 19th century. Various shapes and models of daggers can be found in this city, one of which is a damascus steel weapon.
The steel makes the resulting weapon has a unique and interesting pattern. Damascus steel is also known to be strong but flexible.
“This dagger can consist of several steels in a certain number of layers. It depends on the pattern needed,” said Aleksandr Lobikov, a blacksmith from a knife factory in Zlatoust.
Not only materials, the forging techniques applied by blacksmiths also affected the shape of the dagger. Using various techniques, artisans can create specific patterns on metal surfaces or different colors.
"We have craftsmen who glorify the technique in creating them (weapons), called Zlatoust engraving on steel," said Head of Tourism Tatyana Zakharova.
In addition to producing unique patterned knives, a factory in Zlatoust is also a tourist destination. Here, visitors can learn the skills of blacksmiths, namely learning to forge their own steel to be used as souvenirs.
The price of a typical Zlatoust dagger is priced at hundreds of thousands of rubles. This amount is equivalent to thousands of United States dollars. With a fantastic price, buyers will get a truly unique and unmarketable craft.