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Will, if I don't watch your videos for a while, I forget what an engaging and naturally funny personality you have and what a talented bladesmith you are. That's what makes your videos so enjoyable to watch.
When I started watching you, you looked like a kid making blades on youtube. Now you're all grown up and going for your master test. It's been a fun journey to follow. I'm sure you'll kill it at the testing, can't wait to watch!
He is still young and going for a mastersmith rating...... Shows that the "mastersmith rating" is not actually worth all that much. I know such a controversial comment.
@miked.9364 why isn't the mastersmith rating not worth very much? You still have to invest several years to even to test for it and then you still have to prove yourself to other mastersmiths who are going to be evaluating your show knives. If someone who puts 10 years of effort from the ages of 15-25 somehow different than someone else who puts their 10 years of effort from 35-45? I'd be willing to bet the younger guy actually learns more because it's easier to learn new things at a younger age than an older age. I also think your comment about it not being worth much is because you are salty that you'll never attain it.
@@miked.9364it seems that you have a misconception of what the title "Master Smith" means. In the ABS earning your M.S. rating means that you have demonstrated a sufficient mastery of the necessary skills and techniques needed to meet a criteria of fit, finish, and function. M.S. does not mean that you have nothing left to learn. Quite to the contrary. I have spoken to a handful of Master Smiths, and every single one of them said, in their own words that earning the M.S. rating was just a milestone on the journey, not the end. I would challenge you to make 12 knives of various types. Then revisit your comment.
I've not watched a Will vid in a while and I've got to say - the video quality and editing is fantastic. Sound editing and narration is perfect. What a great video 👍👍
Video quality and editing matters so much. I love ilya and matt from that works but it took them sooooo long to get good at editing etc after they left awe me and it was painful.
I know that you worked with Alec for a long time but tbh your content is so much better than his current stuff. His whole schtick recently of "look a tool, I'm gonna make it!" is so tired vs his older more original content.
7:42 what a thorough explanation of what borax does! I’ve seen sticky metal a few times watching your and Alec’s videos, but I always thought (without any evidence) that metal just sticks to metal sometimes when you pound two pieces together
Man, that is one seriously ambitious project, testing every single one of your skills. Looking great so far, and I hope you’re satisfied with the way the pattern turns out. By the way, most of us truly appreciate the videos of your “field trips” that give you eyes-on and hands-on inspiration for your projects (that rifle barrel is just gorgeous, a word I don’t use very often). If you have any unused footage, is there enough to maybe make a Short, or even another full video? There’s so much cool stuff in museums that most of us never get to see and if it weren’t for you, we’d never know it existed.
Will, it is very nice to hear "As a Christian" coming out of my speakers on a YT video. Thank you for pointing out your belief and devotion to Him. Sadly, this is a more and more rare thing in the world today. Just wanted to let you know that it is so good to have such an influential young man who is not ashamed to mention his faith on a platform that seems to historically make things harder to achieve if you are a person of faith. Good luck on your Master's testing.
Please don't mix religion threw this beautiful crafted films of fantastic craftsmanship. Please keep it neutral. Artisans are declining quickly so if you want to reverse that you have to reach everyone instead of that declining group of Christians.
The thing I love about watching videos from guys like you, Will, is that you impart tiny little bits of knowledge in most of your forging videos. For example, the part in this one, where you mentioned that you were looking for the darker spots where the forge welding wouldn't be set, yet. I myself had noticed it in previous videos, due to the phenomenal job Elijah does with his own craft, and presumed that it was what I was seeing, but having someone who actually knows what they're doing confirming my theory was a great addition. Can't wait to see this bad boy finished!
Strange. I'm watching people forgewelding on RUclips for years now and no one ever mentioned that borax makes the steel sticky and that that "glass" residue may cause problems. Yet this week Will is the second blade Smith who mentions this after Kyle Royer had some issues when he was forced to use some flux due to some cold shuts in one of his billets.
Started watching your vids when ya got started with Alec, but I quickly became a fan and sincerely enjoy the way you do your vids and explain stuff, it's easier for my brain to wrap around and understand, I've learned alot and thank you for that. Your awesome dude, can't wait to see how this turns out, good luck on the test.
@02:28 That barrel pattern looks like an alternating left/right handed quarter turn. Reheating straight layers in stages to match the previous symmetry. Heavily acid etched, then file carved to deepen groove patterns.
I haven't watched this whole video yet but we all know he's a sure fire to pass this. He's been a master for a while. The knowledge and technique he demonstrates in every video gives me the highest confidence he will walk this. Maybe not walk... You know what I mean.
I look forward to your Damascus Shoe Horn to squeeze in your sponsors seamlessly. I always like to see how you do it each time. Can't wait to see the 5 works of art you come up with.
Great work Will! Though it really comes as no surprise; you are consistently exceptional in your vision and execution. I most certainly appreciate your openness in professing, and sharing your faith. In this current environment, it seems as though many are so critically hostile to those who follow the path of the word. Glad to see that you do not lack the courage of your convictions! Stay strong! May The Most High Creator continue blessing you on your journey. Be well.
you may not yet be a master bladesmith but will, seeing you come from a young lad on Alec's channel to where you are now. you're an artist and every knife you make is an absolute work of art.
The forging is outstanding. Mine always end up with a vague hint of where the final dimensions will be and take a LOT of grinding to get there. Well done Will!
I am so excited to keep following your journey to Master Smith. You have the right mentality to always keep improving and learning from your mistakes and successes. Keep at it Will!
That is a good-looking design you are making. The large piercings are definitely not common but should look nice on the finished knife. You definitely have the skills to become a master smith, and I expect you will get it your first try.
Thank you Will for taking us along with you on this amazing journey, and taking the time to explain the steps in this build! All the best in all your endeavours!
Dude! You act like this is something you have never done. This is just another in a long line of masterpieces slowly taking shape! Can't wait to see the next steps!
Although I don't think you need it, I will be praying for you brother. You definitely deserve to be a Master Smith. It's inspiring to watch you work and makes me want to become a better bladesmith. Thank you for such incredible content and I can't wait to see the process for the whole set.
I sure do look up to you Will. You strive for perfection and have one heck of an imagination! And you aren't afraid to tell the world who you are! Keep it up! I know you don't need any luck for your master smith test so I'm not gonna say it.
Easy does not make you Master. You know the parameters, you need to meet and you have both the tools and the skills to get there. Be persistent, don't quit - and you will become a Master. 👍👍👍
I know you know the Royer family, and the insane work they create, i bet that even you can still learn from how Kyle does his work. He released a new sword build the other day, and again he shows how he does the little details, i instantly thought of you because i feel you are of a similar type of perfectionist as he is. So i'd say, head over there for a self-tease and for inspiration to get that masters title :) Do i think you need it? heck no, do i think you will appreciate the little details he shows? heck yeah! Now go get that Master smith degree Will, we're not only rooting for you, we know you can do it!
If you ever get the chance, i think it would be so cool if you went to visit Alec and make something in his shop together now that he's moved back across the pond
Whatever comes, try to take this as a massive chance to learn and experiment, pushing what you know and can learn as much as you can. If you pass, great... but if not, then at least you will have learned as much as possible during the process to apply next time.
Can you buy both steels in different size pipe? Slide them into each other and forge weld a circular pattern? The pattern on the gun barrel almost looked like unrounded circles.
I would love to see a video explaining your top knife brand recommendations. Can be 1 or 2 or ten. While I would love to buy a 2k kitchen knife off yoy that might be a bit outside my budget...
That looks like it would be nearly impossible to make that area between the guard and the ricasso look good. It'll be interesting to see how it turns out.
That gun barrel was beautiful, but I hope they were only shooting low load/small caliber in it, because the pattern shows that they didn't wrap the ribbons around the mandrel to make it: they laid them in wavy patterns down the length of the mandrel and welded them, which means they saved A TON of material... but made it far weaker than a western Damascus barrel.
It would be interesting to see a blade that does not hit a single criteria for master blade smith but still has the same amount of effort. Like the best worst blade.
Will. Have you ever use Stainless Steel Clamps to make your Damascus? Instead of welding all the Time? This would been awesome to use Clamps on the last part of you Knife
Go to our sponsor betterhelp.com/willstelter for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help.
Will, if I don't watch your videos for a while, I forget what an engaging and naturally funny personality you have and what a talented bladesmith you are. That's what makes your videos so enjoyable to watch.
Your sponsor is a scam. A scam exposed many years ago. I thought it was common knowledge they were a scam.
Alec and Will drop real bladesmithing videos on the same day, we eat well tonight
When I started watching you, you looked like a kid making blades on youtube. Now you're all grown up and going for your master test. It's been a fun journey to follow. I'm sure you'll kill it at the testing, can't wait to watch!
He is still young and going for a mastersmith rating...... Shows that the "mastersmith rating" is not actually worth all that much.
I know such a controversial comment.
@@miked.9364Have you never heard the term "He's a Protégé". I'm sure that has never been said about you, but it is a real thing.
@miked.9364 why isn't the mastersmith rating not worth very much? You still have to invest several years to even to test for it and then you still have to prove yourself to other mastersmiths who are going to be evaluating your show knives. If someone who puts 10 years of effort from the ages of 15-25 somehow different than someone else who puts their 10 years of effort from 35-45? I'd be willing to bet the younger guy actually learns more because it's easier to learn new things at a younger age than an older age. I also think your comment about it not being worth much is because you are salty that you'll never attain it.
@@cae2487 they are all youtubers.
@@miked.9364it seems that you have a misconception of what the title "Master Smith" means. In the ABS earning your M.S. rating means that you have demonstrated a sufficient mastery of the necessary skills and techniques needed to meet a criteria of fit, finish, and function. M.S. does not mean that you have nothing left to learn. Quite to the contrary. I have spoken to a handful of Master Smiths, and every single one of them said, in their own words that earning the M.S. rating was just a milestone on the journey, not the end. I would challenge you to make 12 knives of various types. Then revisit your comment.
Kyle Royer, Alec Steele and now Will Stelter, happy days.
except that Alec only makes nonsense crap now.
That Damascus pattern alone is going to be crazy!! Never thought of doing twist Damascus like that.
I've not watched a Will vid in a while and I've got to say - the video quality and editing is fantastic. Sound editing and narration is perfect. What a great video 👍👍
Video quality and editing matters so much. I love ilya and matt from that works but it took them sooooo long to get good at editing etc after they left awe me and it was painful.
I know that you worked with Alec for a long time but tbh your content is so much better than his current stuff. His whole schtick recently of "look a tool, I'm gonna make it!" is so tired vs his older more original content.
the pile of steel that has accumulated on your surface grinder is AWESOME
7:42 what a thorough explanation of what borax does! I’ve seen sticky metal a few times watching your and Alec’s videos, but I always thought (without any evidence) that metal just sticks to metal sometimes when you pound two pieces together
Man, that is one seriously ambitious project, testing every single one of your skills. Looking great so far, and I hope you’re satisfied with the way the pattern turns out.
By the way, most of us truly appreciate the videos of your “field trips” that give you eyes-on and hands-on inspiration for your projects (that rifle barrel is just gorgeous, a word I don’t use very often). If you have any unused footage, is there enough to maybe make a Short, or even another full video? There’s so much cool stuff in museums that most of us never get to see and if it weren’t for you, we’d never know it existed.
Hopefully, Ep.2 comes to us quickly!!
I am SO stoked for this series. This blade is already looking incredible.
Will, it is very nice to hear "As a Christian" coming out of my speakers on a YT video. Thank you for pointing out your belief and devotion to Him. Sadly, this is a more and more rare thing in the world today. Just wanted to let you know that it is so good to have such an influential young man who is not ashamed to mention his faith on a platform that seems to historically make things harder to achieve if you are a person of faith. Good luck on your Master's testing.
maybe he should make a bris knife.
Please don't mix religion threw this beautiful crafted films of fantastic craftsmanship. Please keep it neutral. Artisans are declining quickly so if you want to reverse that you have to reach everyone instead of that declining group of Christians.
The thing I love about watching videos from guys like you, Will, is that you impart tiny little bits of knowledge in most of your forging videos. For example, the part in this one, where you mentioned that you were looking for the darker spots where the forge welding wouldn't be set, yet. I myself had noticed it in previous videos, due to the phenomenal job Elijah does with his own craft, and presumed that it was what I was seeing, but having someone who actually knows what they're doing confirming my theory was a great addition. Can't wait to see this bad boy finished!
Awesome design Will! Can't wait to see it finished. Keep up the great work and God Bless!
Strange. I'm watching people forgewelding on RUclips for years now and no one ever mentioned that borax makes the steel sticky and that that "glass" residue may cause problems.
Yet this week Will is the second blade Smith who mentions this after Kyle Royer had some issues when he was forced to use some flux due to some cold shuts in one of his billets.
Started watching your vids when ya got started with Alec, but I quickly became a fan and sincerely enjoy the way you do your vids and explain stuff, it's easier for my brain to wrap around and understand, I've learned alot and thank you for that. Your awesome dude, can't wait to see how this turns out, good luck on the test.
@02:28 That barrel pattern looks like an alternating left/right handed quarter turn. Reheating straight layers in stages to match the previous symmetry. Heavily acid etched, then file carved to deepen groove patterns.
Love that you keep working on your skills, the items you have made over the years show your passion and its only going to get better.
Your segues from knife making to sponsor read are always on point.
Fantastic that you talk more about the details of making the knife.
I haven't watched this whole video yet but we all know he's a sure fire to pass this. He's been a master for a while. The knowledge and technique he demonstrates in every video gives me the highest confidence he will walk this.
Maybe not walk... You know what I mean.
Now THAT is a slick segue to a sponsor-read! Well played sir!
I look forward to your Damascus Shoe Horn to squeeze in your sponsors seamlessly. I always like to see how you do it each time. Can't wait to see the 5 works of art you come up with.
Jason Knight is a total boss. (With mentors like you have Master is in the bag. Remember you did the work, you got this Will!)
Well done Will, becoming a true master of a great art. You are an example to most other young men
This is going to be awesome!
Great work Will! Though it really comes as no surprise; you are consistently exceptional in your vision and execution. I most certainly appreciate your openness in professing, and sharing your faith. In this current environment, it seems as though many are so critically hostile to those who follow the path of the word. Glad to see that you do not lack the courage of your convictions! Stay strong! May The Most High Creator continue blessing you on your journey. Be well.
Great job. Thank you 😊
you may not yet be a master bladesmith but will, seeing you come from a young lad on Alec's channel to where you are now. you're an artist and every knife you make is an absolute work of art.
It’s incredible how finished your raw forging looks
This is going to be an epic build series!
exciting stuff!
So excited to follow this journey!
The forging is outstanding. Mine always end up with a vague hint of where the final dimensions will be and take a LOT of grinding to get there. Well done Will!
I am so excited to keep following your journey to Master Smith. You have the right mentality to always keep improving and learning from your mistakes and successes. Keep at it Will!
Hey found the channel! Good to see you’re doing your thing and continuing smithing Will
That is a good-looking design you are making. The large piercings are definitely not common but should look nice on the finished knife. You definitely have the skills to become a master smith, and I expect you will get it your first try.
Cool design. Can't wait to see it finished. Btw, I dig the heightened level of detail while explaining everything.
When Will says its gonna look nice, its going to look awesome
Really cool just how close to the end dimension you got the blade forged to. It already looks like a knife.
It's been an awesome journey watching you grow and improve your craft. Super fun! Can't wait for the rest. Good luck
Doing big things, I love it! You got this man off to a great start. I have no doubt this will be your most epic blade yet!
looking forward to seeing the final episode of this build. You stack steel like a madman and can visualize the outcome. This should be interesting.
Can't wait to see how this turns out!
Nicely done, don’t doubt your ability. Charge forward, you can do it 😎👍
You are definitely up for the challenge. Good luck. You got this.
Knife is looking good so far hope it keeps on going well for you.
Good luck on the build! Amazing so far!!
Thank you Will for taking us along with you on this amazing journey, and taking the time to explain the steps in this build! All the best in all your endeavours!
Great knife. Fantastic to see your journey. Thanks for sharing
Dude! You act like this is something you have never done. This is just another in a long line of masterpieces slowly taking shape! Can't wait to see the next steps!
Amazing looking forward to the next video 👊. Thanks for sharing Will.
I wish you the best of luck with your Mastersmith testing. Stay safe.
Although I don't think you need it, I will be praying for you brother. You definitely deserve to be a Master Smith. It's inspiring to watch you work and makes me want to become a better bladesmith. Thank you for such incredible content and I can't wait to see the process for the whole set.
I’m so excited for you Will! This blade set is going to be beautiful!
So awesome! Hope we get to watch you make all 5 knives!
I am looking forward to the rest of this project and those to follow. Good Luck!
Looking great so far. Good luck!
Will, this is insane! Cant wait for the next episode!
I sure do look up to you Will. You strive for perfection and have one heck of an imagination! And you aren't afraid to tell the world who you are! Keep it up! I know you don't need any luck for your master smith test so I'm not gonna say it.
You got this.
Appendix Carry for the WIN!!!!😁The video is also nice!!
Your awesome Will, love your channel.
Praying it goes well!
Easy does not make you Master. You know the parameters, you need to meet and you have both the tools and the skills to get there. Be persistent, don't quit - and you will become a Master. 👍👍👍
Looking swole Will, love to see it
I know you know the Royer family, and the insane work they create, i bet that even you can still learn from how Kyle does his work.
He released a new sword build the other day, and again he shows how he does the little details, i instantly thought of you because i feel you are of a similar type of perfectionist as he is.
So i'd say, head over there for a self-tease and for inspiration to get that masters title :)
Do i think you need it? heck no, do i think you will appreciate the little details he shows? heck yeah!
Now go get that Master smith degree Will, we're not only rooting for you, we know you can do it!
You are a stud brother!
God this is relieving super satisfying
Nicely done 👍
If you ever get the chance, i think it would be so cool if you went to visit Alec and make something in his shop together now that he's moved back across the pond
Looking fwrd to episode 2😊
You can do it!!!
Good luck Will. It's always nerve wracking going for a promotion!
can't wait to see it finished
Per ardua ad astra. Just keep at it, man!
Hour long videos please sir. ASMR, sounds of the shop. America, Fuck yeah! 💪🙏🤣
My goodness, the amount of work already put into that billet....
I hope you get became a master, cuz you stud hard your craft and they look awesome
Good luck will
Great content thanks for sharing
This is going to be a good journey 👍🤙🤘
Whatever comes, try to take this as a massive chance to learn and experiment, pushing what you know and can learn as much as you can.
If you pass, great... but if not, then at least you will have learned as much as possible during the process to apply next time.
Can you buy both steels in different size pipe? Slide them into each other and forge weld a circular pattern? The pattern on the gun barrel almost looked like unrounded circles.
I would love to see a video explaining your top knife brand recommendations. Can be 1 or 2 or ten. While I would love to buy a 2k kitchen knife off yoy that might be a bit outside my budget...
It take skill and hard work, you have both. 2x👍
Have you watch Essential Craftsman with their power hammers . You should see the knife displayed on his video .
That looks like it would be nearly impossible to make that area between the guard and the ricasso look good. It'll be interesting to see how it turns out.
The design is cool and all but I think a pizza cutter would be a game changer 😂 🤪🤪🤪
Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing your journey with us and sticking to your roots. This beats the hell out of a stupid articulating lamp.
That gun barrel was beautiful, but I hope they were only shooting low load/small caliber in it, because the pattern shows that they didn't wrap the ribbons around the mandrel to make it: they laid them in wavy patterns down the length of the mandrel and welded them, which means they saved A TON of material... but made it far weaker than a western Damascus barrel.
Glad to see him come this far from the "i suck at forging" comment he made years ago.
Hey will, fist off love your stuff, second if you need a little giant power hammer, I know one for sale in Minnesota
can you straighten the bend test and re-heat treat it and still use it? minus the nostalgia of passing a bend test...
Great video!
It would be interesting to see a blade that does not hit a single criteria for master blade smith but still has the same amount of effort. Like the best worst blade.
Saaaaweeeettt
Will. Have you ever use Stainless Steel Clamps to make your Damascus? Instead of welding all the Time? This would been awesome to use Clamps on the last part of you Knife
The only thing that worries me is how the hole int he handle will affect the comfort of the grip when using it
Me: Hey Will, why do you need a 500lb vice anyway?
Will: 8:52
Me: Say no more.