How to work copper. | Problem Solving | Forum

I don't know much in the way of working copper, but it can be forged. (Look up forging copper on Youtube or something; you'll find some stuff.) It's not too different from forging bronze, I imagine, and like bronze you need to be careful with the heating, since you can burn it up using coal or even propane.

In regards to making a knife out of it. . . Well, if you get some copper stock of some thickness, I'm sure you could forge a knife out of it not too differently than using steel, it might just take a bit to get used to the material. Might want to leave room for mistakes and practice a bit before going on to the real thing.

One thing to certainly keep in mind is that copper is soft. You could probably smash out a knife working it cold, though I wouldn't suggest it as it can work harden to a degree and fracture up a bit. That being said, it may be possible to work harden the edge so that the edge won't roll over trying to cut something as easily by hammering the edge cold for a mite. (Though, it may be a good idea to keep a relatively thick blade anyways, since copper can easily bend and the thicker it is the harder that is.)

Good luck!