After blacksmithing for 3 years I have a much better setup than when I started but I'm still loving this no excuses series you're doing with the backyard setup.
A great tip I was shown for glue handling: squirt the epoxy into a tiny zip lock bag, mix it in the bag by squeezing it with your fingers, nip the corner off the bag and squeeze the glue right where you need it. It is a really clean method.
This channel reminds me of when my dad and I would sit down on weekends and watch this old house or whatever was on pbs at the time, brings back good memories
I love the ingenuity involved in your setup. My dad was a master smith. He was 42 years old when i was born and he died at 72. By the time i wanted to learn, my time was short. Wish i had used my ears more and my mouth less.
Watching this reminds me of what I had when I started. The first forge I built was made from a tire rim, a variation of a brake drum forge, had the rim, didn't have a brake drum. Used the lump charcoal for fuel and a hair dryer for the air source. Man that thing would melt steel like nobody's business if you didn't stay on top of it. Good times..........
I love how the angle grinder shows the sparks, and if people pay attention to them, will know be able to see what a higher carbon steel spark test should look like. I know it is probably W-1 or 2 but those are still higher carbon. I know a lot of beginner blacksmiths that want to know how to identify steels via spark so I think that should help if they pay attention😆
One of a kind for sure John. Beautiful job on the knife and set up to do the work. Thank you for taking time and all the extra work it made for you to film for us. Love spending part of my Sunday learning from you. Be well my friend.
That guard is brilliant. Had not considered a guard like that for knives. As always your videos are fantastic, informative, easy to watch and very enjoyable. Thanks for all your work
I know absolutely zilch about blacksmithing, but watching this video was so cathartic and relaxing to my soul. Its something about watching people engage in any kind of arts and craft work that is so impressive. Everything is so detailed. Thank you!
Volunteer to work in the snow when you have a great shop thats warm? In the shade even, not in the warm sunlight, You are dedicated ❤ and that frozen stump and hammer anvil isn't moving at all, even my 189lb Trenton on a tripod stand moves a little.
One of the things I truly appreciate with this channel is how it challenges my inner perfectionist. The one that stops me from finishing, and sometimes even starting projects because they won't turn out the way I planned/imagined.
I have to say, as a long time viewer I really appreciate this content. I found your channel right around the same time started blacksmithing, and grew along with it. However, due to circumstance, I went from a custom 300sqft forge to a 6x4 shed behind my elderly mothers house. I feel like I'm starting from scratch, and it's nice to do so on this channel.
I made a file that was my grandfathers into a knife recently, it had lost most of its teeth and it had a really nice taper on it already so I made a sort of bowie shaped blade with a full tang handle and some of my T shirts made into a rather rough micarta but it was great fuin to make and I am really pleased with how it came out. I think there are pictures on my instagram but thats beside the point. Sometimes the materials you use are as impotant as the knife itself and being able to make a new tool out of somethings that have had their day is a really cool project Thankyou for sharing your take on this cool type of project
Learned from my cousin: you can also use wood stain for the antlers. You have a lot of options to get the right color you want, works great. Great job as always, John!
Hey John, just want to say how greatly I admire the time and thought you put into making these videos and the work that goes into it. It's easy to see that you really care about getting people involved in this hobby/trade, and we greatly appreciate you.
Beautiful knife anyone would be proud to make and own. Thanks for taking the time to show us some primitive smithing, especially when you have such a fabulous shop inside.
I have a similar improvised setup and as far as I've seen, the blower is super overkill. I use a hairdryer on low setting and I can heat up some pretty big chunks of 12mm leaf spring and I also managed to burn a couple of smaller pieces when I didn't pay attention.
Same, I started with a wood fire and a black of steel. Upgraded to a charcoal/coal grill, then to a 3 burner forge. Yes, all the bells and whistles make it easier, but they didn't have this stuff back in the day, it can be done!
I like the idea of that little anvil in the log. I find these typ of hammer/spliters in the road. I have way more then ill ever need. Thanks for the tips 👍👍.
The cut and then bending the tip-thing is so, that the 'grain' of the steel follows it's trajectory according to the tip, rather than being 'cut off'. Being one of the benefits of forged steel to do that, rather than to just cut/mill it. It's used with puukkos, I do it and can usually or almost do it without cutting too from a square flat bar.
Great video John. A really good way of showing people that want to have a go but don't have the budget to buy the gear for a really nice shop set-up and providing some inspiration as well. I think some blacksmiths get too caught up in perfection and forget where they themselves started from.
When I made my first knife I only used an metal tank a pipe and a fan a small anvil and hammer on my knees now I have a forge and a work bench in my shed
Nice looking knife John, and perfect timing too! I helped a friend butcher a deer a couple days ago and saved the antlers to make him a knife. Thanks for all you do!
Nice job. I had the exact same model fisher wood stove, loved it. My first forge was a brake drum 40 years ago. My grandfather was blacksmith and wheelwright. Born in 1894 and served in wwI as a blacksmith. I’ve made too many knives to count and sold them for 6 years, good times. Keep up the great videos my friend!
I love using my palm sander for finishing bevels! Leaves a really nice satin finish. My knives are made to be used and they 100% will get scratches so the satin finish helps hide scratches the customer will put into them.
It's good to know you can make a serviceable tool, with next thing to zero in equipment! And fancy tongs are good, but it could be done with a big pair of Channellocks fitted with a locking ring, and some Vice grips... I think a 12 inch chunk of rail would be a better anvil than that poor splitting maul head! 😁😊
I loved the guard on it. Never thought of that. I’ve been thinking about making one for myself. I looked all over the Amazon to find a bolster, I did not find anything I like. Now I found yours to be the one I put on my antler handle . It’s beautiful
For the new forgers out there using backyard forges, I have found that breaking the charcoal a little can do wonders for your time as you get better heat out of it.
I've used glass as a hone for blades. A 3/8 or 1/2 thick piece of tempered glass Sand blasted on one side make an excellent sharpening glass for blades. With a little patience, you can get a surgical sharp edge on most knives.
I wish I could like this twice. Absolutely excellent video with plenty of informative tips on how to forge a knife. Thank you for all of your brilliant advice!
Watched several guys disprove the theory that backstroking is bad for the file, Fireball Tool has a good one. He says it helps clean it. I have used files backwards.
This knife is now listed for sale on Etsy - www.etsy.com/your/shops/me/listing-editor/edit/1691856976
After blacksmithing for 3 years I have a much better setup than when I started but I'm still loving this no excuses series you're doing with the backyard setup.
A great tip I was shown for glue handling: squirt the epoxy into a tiny zip lock bag, mix it in the bag by squeezing it with your fingers, nip the corner off the bag and squeeze the glue right where you need it. It is a really clean method.
Great tip!
Nice! I've done that with sour cream and taco seasoning but epoxy 🤯
I can’t believe it’s never occurred to me to do that, but I’ll definitely be trying it out
I also like little plastic graduated medicine cups, marks for even measure and works great to mix in and pour from.
100% agree, my Propmaking mentor taught me this!
"-Honey wake up, Black Bear just posted!"
That would be a great tag line fir this channel. Great part of anyone's Sunday morning!
Hahaha.... Awesome!
100% accurate.. though my wife listens to him.. more than watching
Great line indeed
Awww I wish I thought of that.. 👍
This channel reminds me of when my dad and I would sit down on weekends and watch this old house or whatever was on pbs at the time, brings back good memories
I can smell that antler being sanded lol. As always, great work.
I love the ingenuity involved in your setup. My dad was a master smith. He was 42 years old when i was born and he died at 72. By the time i wanted to learn, my time was short. Wish i had used my ears more and my mouth less.
But how do we know it's a good knife if you don't chop up some copper pipes and then try to cut a pig carcass with it???
Sure not
It will kell....lol
@dannyoif06 I don't know kell will it keal
Because he knows what he is doing, troll.
Lol ikr, that forged in fire show is so ridiculous and stupid
Looks great , it is amazing what can be forged on a simple set up
You know if u boil the deer horn u can just drive it over the tang. Once it drys it will never loosen. Nice knife
Never done an antler handle before, would I still have to drill?
Watching this reminds me of what I had when I started. The first forge I built was made from a tire rim, a variation of a brake drum forge, had the rim, didn't have a brake drum. Used the lump charcoal for fuel and a hair dryer for the air source. Man that thing would melt steel like nobody's business if you didn't stay on top of it. Good times..........
I love how the angle grinder shows the sparks, and if people pay attention to them, will know be able to see what a higher carbon steel spark test should look like. I know it is probably W-1 or 2 but those are still higher carbon. I know a lot of beginner blacksmiths that want to know how to identify steels via spark so I think that should help if they pay attention😆
One of a kind for sure John. Beautiful job on the knife and set up to do the work. Thank you for taking time and all the extra work it made for you to film for us. Love spending part of my Sunday learning from you. Be well my friend.
Thanks for watching
That guard is brilliant. Had not considered a guard like that for knives. As always your videos are fantastic, informative, easy to watch and very enjoyable. Thanks for all your work
Glad you enjoyed it
Some civil war knives were set up this way.
A full handle guard is not allowed in many states. So don't overdo it.
I've always wanted a forge! I'm an old welder. Looks like fun!
As we say here on Wiltshire, South West UK, " Proper job mate". I'm inspired as hell by your films. Love it. Many thanks.
Really nice to see minimum viability builds be demonstrated.
Love the smell of cutting deer antlers in the morning
I know absolutely zilch about blacksmithing, but watching this video was so cathartic and relaxing to my soul. Its something about watching people engage in any kind of arts and craft work that is so impressive. Everything is so detailed. Thank you!
Volunteer to work in the snow when you have a great shop thats warm? In the shade even, not in the warm sunlight, You are dedicated ❤ and that frozen stump and hammer anvil isn't moving at all, even my 189lb Trenton on a tripod stand moves a little.
File knifes are some of the better hand made knives I've made. Very good starting material for average skill guy. Nice video and Bellows.
One of the things I truly appreciate with this channel is how it challenges my inner perfectionist. The one that stops me from finishing, and sometimes even starting projects because they won't turn out the way I planned/imagined.
I enjoy the different set ups you have. Gives us a view that other blacksmith don’t offer.
I have to say, as a long time viewer I really appreciate this content. I found your channel right around the same time started blacksmithing, and grew along with it. However, due to circumstance, I went from a custom 300sqft forge to a 6x4 shed behind my elderly mothers house. I feel like I'm starting from scratch, and it's nice to do so on this channel.
I made a file that was my grandfathers into a knife recently, it had lost most of its teeth and it had a really nice taper on it already so I made a sort of bowie shaped blade with a full tang handle and some of my T shirts made into a rather rough micarta but it was great fuin to make and I am really pleased with how it came out. I think there are pictures on my instagram but thats beside the point.
Sometimes the materials you use are as impotant as the knife itself and being able to make a new tool out of somethings that have had their day is a really cool project
Thankyou for sharing your take on this cool type of project
Learned from my cousin: you can also use wood stain for the antlers. You have a lot of options to get the right color you want, works great. Great job as always, John!
Hey John, just want to say how greatly I admire the time and thought you put into making these videos and the work that goes into it. It's easy to see that you really care about getting people involved in this hobby/trade, and we greatly appreciate you.
Beautiful knife anyone would be proud to make and own. Thanks for taking the time to show us some primitive smithing, especially when you have such a fabulous shop inside.
I had the exact wood stove growing up, fond memories of starting a fire every morning.
I have a similar improvised setup and as far as I've seen, the blower is super overkill. I use a hairdryer on low setting and I can heat up some pretty big chunks of 12mm leaf spring and I also managed to burn a couple of smaller pieces when I didn't pay attention.
Same, I started with a wood fire and a black of steel.
Upgraded to a charcoal/coal grill, then to a 3 burner forge. Yes, all the bells and whistles make it easier, but they didn't have this stuff back in the day, it can be done!
Very nice! I'm chomping at the bit to make a file knife. I've got 3 old files that I kept just for this.
I like the idea of that little anvil in the log. I find these typ of hammer/spliters in the road. I have way more then ill ever need. Thanks for the tips 👍👍.
Респект Мастеру!!!
Оригинальное решение защиты руки
С уважением Арсентьев
I took you recommendation on Ken's Custom Iron. 100% recommend.
Another excellent video sir. Always fun to drill the pith out of an antler.
I like my 14 " rail road track iron for an anvil & do my work in a barn , out of the wind & cold air !!!
Exactly, they should use a bigger anvil to be more comfortable
As someone that's looking into make knives, this is an amazing video! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
I just love old-school knives with original handles. It's a piece of art.....
The cut and then bending the tip-thing is so, that the 'grain' of the steel follows it's trajectory according to the tip, rather than being 'cut off'. Being one of the benefits of forged steel to do that, rather than to just cut/mill it. It's used with puukkos, I do it and can usually or almost do it without cutting too from a square flat bar.
That type of sledgehammer head makes a fantastic anvil. Beautiful knife. Love it!
The quality here is next level! Do you agree or not?
I'd be actually impressed if you make a file out of an old knife.
Great video John. A really good way of showing people that want to have a go but don't have the budget to buy the gear for a really nice shop set-up and providing some inspiration as well. I think some blacksmiths get too caught up in perfection and forget where they themselves started from.
I love the knife it is awesome and I truly appreciate that you are showing how anyone can can do things without spending a ton of money
This deserves more attention! Who agrees? Thank you for reading my comment and have a nice day!
Put a little chalk on your file will help keep it from plugging up .o have years with automatic filer .good stuff
When I made my first knife I only used an metal tank a pipe and a fan a small anvil and hammer on my knees now I have a forge and a work bench in my shed
In regards to your blower, you could make a shudder for the intake side of the blower.
Thanks for showing how simple it is to attach an antler to a knife. Another great video that I expect will be well received.
This made my day! Did it make yours too?
That's a great looking knife... reminds me of my antique 477 hunting knife. Looks good.
Thank you for sharing your talent.😊
Nice looking knife John, and perfect timing too! I helped a friend butcher a deer a couple days ago and saved the antlers to make him a knife. Thanks for all you do!
I like your knife 🗡, and you just gave me some new ideas for my own forge. Thanks. Keep up the good work and God bless.
29:46 Right, not perfect, but just as it needs to be. The guard is a really nice touch.
You’ve inspired me to give smithing a try again. I tried a few years ago with very limited success. I learned some useful things. Thanks again sir.
I find that a bit of the antler dust mixed with CA glue is great for filling "whoopsies".
Nice job. I had the exact same model fisher wood stove, loved it. My first forge was a brake drum 40 years ago. My grandfather was blacksmith and wheelwright. Born in 1894 and served in wwI as a blacksmith. I’ve made too many knives to count and sold them for 6 years, good times. Keep up the great videos my friend!
I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge so simply. Your skill set is amazing. And I really appreciate no annoying music in the background
What a great video and a dream of a knife! That would be my dream trappet knife as a kid!
I love using my palm sander for finishing bevels! Leaves a really nice satin finish. My knives are made to be used and they 100% will get scratches so the satin finish helps hide scratches the customer will put into them.
Compraste un yunque😂! Saludos de Argentina❤.
It's good to know you can make a serviceable tool, with next thing to zero in equipment! And fancy tongs are good, but it could be done with a big pair of Channellocks fitted with a locking ring, and some Vice grips... I think a 12 inch chunk of rail would be a better anvil than that poor splitting maul head! 😁😊
i just love that you work in the simplest way possible.
thanks from a beginner blacksmith from sweden.
forge away
looks cold there, snow already, I wasn't expecting a knife video here. Thanks for showing us knife people some love. Looks good
Love the knife John, it has a great look!
Muy bien trabajo señor. Saludos de Argentina. El último campeón del mundo
glue the spacer to the antler first and then sand to shape of guard saves 1 step / nice job
I loved the guard on it. Never thought of that. I’ve been thinking about making one for myself. I looked all over the Amazon to find a bolster, I did not find anything I like. Now I found yours to be the one I put on my antler handle . It’s beautiful
Helpful trick to know. Tea as a die for antler.
Thank you sir for being so forthcoming with information that so many knife makers keep to them self thanks again Frank from Georgia
What a nice knife
Tongs are a good first project.
For the new forgers out there using backyard forges, I have found that breaking the charcoal a little can do wonders for your time as you get better heat out of it.
Fine education, script, acting, and editing.
New viewer here and I have to admit,
A really Beautiful rustic knife you made,with some very simple tools.
Thanks again, John. Good to see that some simple tools and techniques can work. JD Forge (Joe), “…consider everything is hot in the shop…”
I've used glass as a hone for blades. A 3/8 or 1/2 thick piece of tempered glass Sand blasted on one side make an excellent sharpening glass for blades. With a little patience, you can get a surgical sharp edge on most knives.
I can smell that antler being sanded from here! Good looking knife though. I'd be proud to carry something like that.
Молодцом, батя. Всё чётко👍👍👍
That is a fine knife John, looks great.
I love the old sledgehammer head as an anvil. Very resourceful. Probably less than ideal but definitely gets work done.
you could probably put a dimmer switch on a watertight electrical box to dial down the fan to the desired flow, IF its compatible with a dimmer
Very nice job.!!I like the handle.
I wish I could like this twice. Absolutely excellent video with plenty of informative tips on how to forge a knife. Thank you for all of your brilliant advice!
Watched several guys disprove the theory that backstroking is bad for the file, Fireball Tool has a good one. He says it helps clean it. I have used files backwards.
This is one of your best videos showing us how to do things with less thank you!!!
This knife i amazing. It looks like it has several generations of owners behind it.
Wow! I really like how you made the knife...
Greetings from Toledo Spain.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇪🇸🇺🇸
So beautiful. Love it.
Awesome knife build. Thanks John for the awesome content.
Good job,Thanks for sharing. This is encouraging. I think I’m going to give it a try.
Good lookin lil knife
Possibly the best video on starting to forge I've seen. Great information and instruction. Thank you so very much.
You may try putting a rheostat on your blower to control the current & slow or speed up your blower.
Work of a true artis😮
I wasn’t expecting this to be so good! Did you?
You can stain the antler with a strong tea,try it !
When i made a knife for the first time I used the 8 in lineman pliers 😅 it worked but id recommend bigger ones 😂