Cable Damascus Axe - part 1

[@BlackBearForge]

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/blackbearforge03221

[@danielsefcik7901]

I took a family trip to San Francisco a couple years back. I picked up 4 sections of the cable from the cable car drive system. And have plans to make knives from it. One each for me and my 2 sons. 4th is to account for not getting it right the first time. Will definitely have to do the extra cleaning steps though.

[@shanek6582]

I used to make lots of cable blades in the 90s, if you weld it round, then grind off 3/32” or so, then forge the blade, it leaves dots and ovals in the pattern, looks cool. Also, I knocked the flux off of a few incolnel welding rods and twisted them up with the cable, it forge welded up perfectly and after etching and polishing, looked like little mirrors in the blade. The problem was it had a few spots of incolnel ended up on the edge and of course those spots don’t harden. If you can figure out how to keep it off the edge it looks awesome.

[@WhiskyTrekker]

Never noticed the climbing gear on the wall until just now. Awesome!

[@jordancliff]

This is great! I’ve got several chunks of cable from the Golden Gate Bridge that would be perfect for doing this.

[@johnnydrummond8738]

That short piece would make a nice claw/tack hammer face- thanks once again for an informative and fun video

[@mikeox_is_small]

congrats on the sponsor sir. this channel is, while very specific, one of my favourites and I've learned a great deal from you that I apply to my own smithing so it's great to see you getting those bigger company sponsors.

[@stephenborders4654]

I think this is the first time I have seen cable welded so nicely. You truly are a craftsman.

[@charleszimmermann7784]

You make it look so easy, I usually have nothing but trouble trying to make cable into a billet. Thanks for the video, I will have to give it another try. I have six feet of .75 in. Cable in the attic of the garage. Thank you Sir.

[@adamdemirs3466]

Love this guy, reminds me of my middle school social studies teacher Mr. Bales.

[@grandadz_forge]

A lot of work. Very unique look to the Damascus

[@charlesmckinley29]

Thank you for the idea of the V-block. I’m setting my forge up and taking my son to some classes this summer.

[@doylerabjohn3435]

Interesting...Never seen a damascus rope knife. Can't wait to see it finished.

[@wayneheitz8390]

Thank you for all of your work. I hope you and yours are well. 👏🤞🙏

[@stevemoore5053]

Thanks for the video. A knife would be cool. I have some cable to make knifes out of, just don't have any power tools, just manual tools as in myself. That class your taking is very interesting, your videos have improved.👍

[@bearshield7138]

I love Cable Damascus.... It is what got me interested in blacksmithing in the first place

[@moreybandel5560]

I was hoping you would do some cable damascus. Thanks John!

[@BlackBearForge]

More to come!

[@reddotrabbit7156]

Thanks John! Another great project! Sofar I was to stupid to hold a piece with a magnet for grinding, I'll keep the trick in my repertoire 😅

[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

If you have a metal platen, be cautious when you try this and ready for it to stick. It’s a bit different than just putting a bare piece of steel up to it.

[@jeffgrier8488]

Great video on welding cable, i'm looking forward to the axe build.

[@BlackBearForge]

You and me both!

[@Colton1776]

Your editing skills are getting way better bud. Love the different camera shots as well!

[@huntintrailmetals9343]

I learn more from your videos than anywhere else, thanks for taking the time and putting in all the work it takes to forge and film! You are the man!!

[@danwerkman]

Looking forward to the next episode....

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing John, waiting to see you make the axe. It's going to be a good one I'm sure. Fred.

[@joecoastie99]

A lot of good nuggets of knowledge in this short film

[@michaelhayes1678]

Beautiful work! I'd forgotten how well/fast you can move when you need to, for welding and such. Thanks for sharing!!!! :D

[@robbiecaddell]

Love the snazzy new video editing! Just don't loose the charm of your channel, ok! I love the little hiccups you make from time to time, one of your secret weapons of inspirational teaching! Remember, you just said about the little imperfections in the cable welds, it adds character. Don't forget that, please! But you are are making incredible strides, my friend! Remember Mr. Wizard from the 80's? As one of his little fans, I loved his authentic, improvisational style, it demanded trust. It made me keep watching. Tough truth, don't jump the shark, man. You're too awesome for that. Love you, bro!

[@dustinholland4002]

As always I enjoyed the video today. Thank you John for all your time and work that you put into your videos. Ever since I started watching you have inspired me to go above and beyond what I ever imagined I could do.

[@codyironworks307]

that borax is hard on the inside of your forge

[@BlackBearForge]

Terrible. I just accept that the lining of a gas forge is a consumable and replace it every year or two as needed. The other option is to stop doing larger forge welding operations and only weld whats convenient in the coal forge. "Get it hot and hit it" 😉

[@codyironworks307]

@@BlackBearForge ya I use my coke forge for welding

[@alwaysbearded1]

Sound today was real "live" sounding like I was in your shop. I liked it. Would be interesting to see if there is any difference between different types of cable construction, 7-7 vs, 1-19 and so on. Steel cable is interesting material.

[@jbmetalworks4661]

What's funny is just this week I've been working on forging a cable damascus knife. Then you uploaded this......thanks man keep up the good work and content

[@Vikingwerk]

Well now I’m really looking forward to next week!

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

I like V die you used to tighten up the cable. Nice job.

[@zanderjeger]

Beautiful work John! The steel rope damascus is unique. I'm waiting for the next part! 

[@regchapman3683]

Thanks John

[@blaisetheginger]

Can't wait to see the next part!

[@robertwhitney2232]

Great video John, I would like to give cable welding a try, just because. Dumb me, never thought of using magnets for holding parts to grind, even though I have several different sizes. It's always been vice grips or pliers, thanks John for the enlightenment 👍🔥⚒

[@khildrak]

Looking forward to that axe build. Great video!

[@louispassmore4740]

Thank you John for doing this video can’t wait to see part 2

[@mattymcsplatty5440]

Great video as always, just a thought, I saw the hydraulic press, and u have 2 pedals, I was thinking that a "return" spring would help so u didnt have to swap pedals.

[@BlackBearForge]

I think that would be a nice upgrade. But it would probably need a reset of some sort to keep the press from holding pressure at the top of the stroke or to keep it returning all the way to the top every time you go back to the forge.

[@The_Smith]

Nice looking billet John.

[@jonanah]

Loving your channel! Just stumbled across it. Awesome stuff man thank you for sharing

[@mybrandnewsocks]

Great video man, can’t wait for the next one

[@3870TheDad]

AAAAAaaaach!!! "We'll make the axe next week"!!! John, you are killing me!! You've NEVER worked with cable before on your videos. I am intrigued.

[@BlackBearForge]

And no guarantee then either. (I have a few more days of editing for next weeks video, but there will be a part three)

[@gurvinderkaur6996]

Hello sir. It was treat watching u forge weld that cable. Not a easy job but u nailed it. Pattern look cool👍👍🔥🔥🔥

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you so much 😀

[@davor1507]

It was mesmerising watching you roll those tongs in your hand.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Awesome to see a new video John. Very cool video John. Can't wait to see more videos in this series. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge on. Keep making. God bless.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks 👍

[@SchysCraftCo.]

@@BlackBearForge you're welcome.

[@ponga782]

Great video John! I'm diggin your set-up there in the shop.. Great content as well.. Keep it up

[@Adamastor00]

Thank you. It really looks eay when you do it. Excellent video!

[@millermadewoodcraftsandmet9887]

Very informative, thank you! I have some 1 1/2 cable 4' long that was given to me by a friend of mine that was on Forged In Fire. Came in 2nd. Been wanting to do something with it. I tried a small piece, welded the ends and well, it didn't turn out well. I'm going to try your process and see how that works. 👍

[@kenneyk5260]

I like the music at the end. Thanks for the video.

[@paulorchard7960]

Thanks. John, cable is something Im yet to find but I’ll keep looking!

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

There's a high probability I made know where literally tons of Crane cable n winch line cable is... Just feet outside my door! Ifin your interest is there n whatnot

[@kentsanders7127]

You have inspired me once again.

[@pjamestx]

Been looking forward to this one eve since you teased it, well done and it looks like it welded up nicely!

[@BlackBearForge]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@richardsolomon8076]

Nice weld up John, that will be a beauty wee axe 🪓 looking forward to the next one ⚒😎👍

[@Goblinwithananglegrinder]

Great video as always John, thank you for the education, inspiration and entertainment. Blessings to you and yours

[@CarloSorita-zn7ln]

I know a guy who wanted to start blacksmithing. He'd be about 50ish by now. Old guy wanted to try a lot of things. Hope he finds you if he hasn't already.

[@andrewgarrett4959]

Wilton Square Wheel! ...old school!

[@jensdavidsen4557]

Beautiful work sir!

[@BillyBOB-sm3rl]

You videos are so enjoyable to watch. To bad you didn't have a nation wide PBS show.

[@BlackBearForge]

Sounds too much like a real job to me.

[@ohdubwest7533]

I couldn’t help noticing your trad climbing gear hanging in your office. That ice ax is particularly nice. I didn’t know you were interested in climbing.

[@BlackBearForge]

Seems like another lifetime at this point. I used to enjoy easier more relaxed climbing adventures.

[@backdraft916]

I believe he may have stated in an earlier video that it was climbing that lead to Blacksmithing. He was wanting to make himself an ice ax.

[@ohdubwest7533]

@@BlackBearForge There’s something about being in the mountains that’s hard to explain. I hope you still get a chance to go out exploring every now and then.

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello John Thank you for the Video. A very good teachfull lesson of forgewelding . Take care hsve a good week All best wishes Yours Frank

[@jackshadow325]

Nice work!

[@johnneykrew]

Friggin good work!!

[@douglasfathers4848]

Now that's a grate Video John , Seeing You using hammer # Anvil # HY press and my favourite the Power Hammer . From what I have seen on KZbin that is the best Cable Welding yet . Cheers . :)

[@ghill1010]

Awesome stuff per usual. Thanks John. I enjoy it!!!

[@donjorgensen6393]

Love your videos.

[@ArmySoldier1972]

As always Great video Army

[@alanak3210]

Loz Harrop in the UK ( Utube ) well worth a look making damascus steel.

[@jlalmohamdzabh3676]

ممنوناستاد.از.ویدیو.بسیار.اموزنده.سال.جدید.خورشیدی.به.شما.تبریک

[@ryanblystone5153]

New to the channel. Thank you

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for watching

[@millermadewoodcraftsandmet9887]

Where did you get big wire brush? I could use one

[@manminusblood]

When you weld on work sticks and weld the bars together, can you do this with a flux core welder? I notice my work sticks tend not to work long with my welder and thinking maybe it’s the flux core is too weak. Does anyone have any input? Thanks!

[@williambland3201]

Have you tried kerosene or WD 40 for flux instead of Borax. To keep from destroying forge floor.

[@voeunsavothy508]

You would have been great on PBS it reminds me of the show this old house

[@redlionforge9173]

I’ve been waiting to see how that v swage works with this.

[@BlackBearForge]

I was very impressed with much more control there was in the weld

[@having.fun.outside]

I just picked up a replacement cable for my recovery winch on my jeep. The stock cable is most likely galvanized, which from what I understand becomes toxic when heated. What's your comment on likely galvanized cable? Is it really a problem if you're on an outdoor forge? I've read other posts about using muriatic acid to dissolve the acid, does that help or matter?

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

So do you have an initial opinion of the 60⁰ Swedge as of this point? And that was a really well produced video! One of the best so far! Thank you for sharing Mr John! Blessings Sir Crawford out🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼‍♂️

[@BlackBearForge]

I was very impressed with much more control there was in the weld

[@anddysworkshop466]

It would be awesome to make a damascus billet for the edge. :)

[@gradybaka4946]

I was wondering about the quality of steel in the cable. Would it hold a knife edge well? or is it more for looks?

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Steel cable is USUALLY made of 1070 or similar steel. So yes, there is indeed enough carbon in it to harden and hold an edge pretty well... IF you know what you're getting. The host addresses that topic at about 5:00 in this video. There's also stainless steel cable, which is made of a 300-series alloy, and that will NOT harden well or hold an edge worth a hoot. But you'll be able to figure out pretty easily if it's stainless or not.

[@BlackBearForge]

cable tends to be 1075, 1085 or 1095. All good high carbon steel. It really comes down to the quality of the welds

[@gradybaka4946]

Thank you!

[@florincochintu8691]

What type of steel is it?

[@mikeprice4079]

I how are you doing , I would like to inquire if you sale tools , if so I was Woundering what a “ draw knife “ would cost Say about 6 - 8 inches.

[@Oldtanktapper]

Was the cable at welding temperature when it was twisted in the vice? Looked pretty hot, but hard to judge on a computer screen.

[@BlackBearForge]

It was, but I don't know if it actually welds as it tightens or not. Mostly I just want the scale and flux to squeeze out

[@josephsmith1210]

Greetings John, another great video. I have a Hells propane forge with a 30 psi gauge. It seems that I can’t get my work as hot as you, that white hot. I use 2, 20 gallon tanks together with a Y hose connection. Do you think I don’t have enough “push” to get my work white hot? Any advice would be wonderful. Stay safe, Joe from Wisconsin.

[@BlackBearForge]

White heat isn't needed. What you see in a video isn't very accurate due to the way the camera sees the light and then how you monitor displays the image. Forge welding heat is usually described as a lemon yellow. Every gas forge is different and some style will never reach welding heat. Altitude also plays a part, I had to add larger jets for mine to work at 6500 feet. But the smaller 20 pound tanks, even paired up, do have trouble putting out the volume required at times. I never had a problem with a single 100 pound tank.

[@josephsmith1210]

@@BlackBearForge thanks John for this advice and all you do. Been making leaf hooks and they would be similar if I started with the same length of 3/8 inch rod, grrr. Have it written down now, but my bride of 33 years didn’t notice. Must be love. Stay safe, Joe from Wisconsin.

[@kenbultman8670]

How do you get around the galvanized cable ?

[@BlackBearForge]

I would avoid it completely. None of what I have was galvanized.

[@kenbultman8670]

Would you consider selling me your little giant , and how much would you want for it?

[@FWDish]

Can the demascus be forged using only a power hammer?

[@BlackBearForge]

SUre, it can be done all by hand at the anvil, with a power hammer, hydraulic press or rolling mill

[@FWDish]

Thanks, you are great!!

[@jmullens90]

Anybody else miss the longer format videos?

[@iwdavey]

I apologize for not hitting the like button 100% of the time. My KZbin on the TV changed and no longer excepts the like!? 😵‍💫 I do use my phone to like if I don’t get swept up with your process and forget to go to the phone.

[@coletonpietro8511]

I know this doesn’t have anything to do with this video… yet. I have a question on a way I’m thinking about mounting my anvil. I have a tree I’m cutting down and making an actual place for me. Would a tree stump be a good place to mount it instead of building an anvil stand?

[@BlackBearForge]

A section of log is a very traditional anvil stand. Depending on the wood anything below ground will eventually rot.

[@harrisgraves592]

I love Hyflex gloves Where'd ya get em from?

[@BlackBearForge]

I think they came fro McMaster Carr

[@harrisgraves592]

@@BlackBearForge cool Thank you We used ta use those at a mine I worked at but, changed ta another brand that I didn't like as much. Hyflex fit my hands very well. I have another question. Were you tightening the twist on the wire rope with a twisting wrench made from an old pipe wrench? I just watched it again. That wrench tool is awesome!

[@pennell20]

Is that a home made forge or purchased?

[@BlackBearForge]

The gas forge was made by Chile Forge. I have been very happy with their products. chileforge.com/forges_index.html

[@graemebrumfitt6668]

TFS Bear! GB :)

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

Just wondering how that cable damascus would react to being upset

[@BlackBearForge]

If the welds are 100% perfect, it should work fine. But any flaw will likely split if upset.

[@kenbultman8670]

Not everyone has power hammers

[@BlackBearForge]

True, but there is always a way to do it by hand at the anvil or with the help of a striker.

[@aspitofmud6257]

I'm rather disappointed that your making a tomahawk rather than a axe. I've made numerous blades from cable and when making a hatchet I like to have enough material left over for a small knife too. It makes special things super special. Yep.

[@trooper589]

ok

[@petepeterson4540]

was hoping to see from start to finish but thats okay cliff hangers are great too I would like someone besides my self attempt a seven cable axe with two inch cable hard to do it's the heat portion must keep it hot and keep it from slipping nothing worse than a half welded axe I made a double bit axe a seven and ten inch blade why because I could.

[@BlackBearForge]

I was hoping to do this in a single video, but its looking like a 3 or 4 week project at this point. One of these days I will start taking the time to do single videos of these larger projects and just take a week or two off if thats what 's required.

[@melanisticmandalorian]

I wish you would do more Damascus builds.

[@BlackBearForge]

I shy away from it mostly because there are so many skilled makers doing videos that are better at it than I am. Plus I in general try to show that there is way more to blacksmithing than knives, swords and damascus

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

There's also the fact that quite honestly, there's really no practical reason to bother pattern-welding steel anymore. It's strictly for looks and to show off the maker's skill in developing cool patterns. Which is great of course, but it doesn't make the item intrinsically any better. There's a lot of waste involved in most pattern-welding procedures, and a lot of opportunities to really screw up perfectly good steel. All the benefits of it that were important in the olden days simply aren't an issue with modern steel. Plain old O1 or 1095 etc makes just as good of a knife or tool as any ancient or modern damascus. With a lot less work, less waste, and less chances of messing it all up.