Making a Knife from an Old File - Backyard Blacksmithing

[@BlackBearForge]

This knife is now listed for sale on Etsy - www.etsy.com/your/shops/me/listing-editor/edit/1691856976

[@ozarkscarguy540]

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.

[@Phil_Cleaver]

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.

[@BlackBearForge]

Great tip!

[@CALDues]

Nice! I've done that with sour cream and taco seasoning but epoxy 🤯

[@Grave_Digger606]

I can’t believe it’s never occurred to me to do that, but I’ll definitely be trying it out

[@Lockecole81]

I also like little plastic graduated medicine cups, marks for even measure and works great to mix in and pour from.

[@Nathankinamorh]

100% agree, my Propmaking mentor taught me this!

[@firtalaionatan8283]

"-Honey wake up, Black Bear just posted!"

[@bigredbeard65]

That would be a great tag line fir this channel. Great part of anyone's Sunday morning!

[@RobertBranch-FL]

Hahaha.... Awesome!

[@kevind7617]

100% accurate.. though my wife listens to him.. more than watching

[@sosteve9113]

Great line indeed

[@poindexter1387]

Awww I wish I thought of that.. 👍

[@Joe___R]

What many people wanting to start blacksmithing fail to realize is how simple our ancestors' tools were. Despite that, they were able to make incredible items, some that are still in use to this day. All most of them had was a wood or charcoal fire, some method of stoking it anything from a hand fan, a blow pipe, or some sort of bellows. A small metal steak they drove into a tree stump of log for their anvil, a hammer, and some sort of tongs. But with only that, they were able to make everything from a nail to a full suit of plate armor, and the weapons used be that man. Today, people are used to watching people using tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment to forge even the simplest of objects. They think all that is necessary to get before anyone can start blacksmithing.

[@user-fw4mo3es1t]

That just takes so much time. Like you sir have said, imagine making full plate of armor or longsword on that steel piece embedded into stump with something that resembles a hammer. Doable 100 percent, but people developed these power hammers and different steels and big anvils and blowers further for a reason. I made chisel, punch(coil spring) and knife(old file) on setup almost exactly like in the video but instead of electric blower i used a hand fan. Very fun too, haven't invested anything but made very useful tools out of nothing basically.

[@victorrodea7163]

​@@user-fw4mo3es1t that kind of "can do with little" attitude will get you far. Good thinking sir.

[@jimwatson4513]

I like my 14 " rail road track iron for an anvil & do my work in a barn , out of the wind & cold air !!!

[@puriya.ghasemi]

Exactly, they should use a bigger anvil to be more comfortable

[@Chemanic1]

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

[@dannymcdaniel1652]

It turned out well and I like the way he took his time working with it

[@askilddaren1110]

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.

[@ZaneThornton-d2o]

Hello Sir,I am a gunsmith/machines for 33 years.I comend you on this video,it is the most informative video I have ever watched.I have learned a tremendous amount from you.These days AMERICAN craftsmen are all but extinct,I thank GOD for you.May GOD and JESUS CHRIST be with you always.Zane

[@sasssquatch1467]

I can smell that antler being sanded lol. As always, great work.

[@ga5743]

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.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for watching

[@Narrow_Gate_Forge]

❤ totally love this backyard setup. I hope this series encourages people to pursue this hobby or business. I've been blacksmithing and bladesmithing almost a year now and I started off with a simple setup that has enabled me to buy more material and uptool. Haven't made any real money, but I'm a part-time hobbyist and not ready to pull the trigger to go full-time yet. Might be a few years. 😊

[@davidlee9299]

Well I'm inspired... Now just to make time to set up a forge... I'll get there...

[@Narrow_Gate_Forge]

@davidlee9299 heck yes! I'm still using the railroad track section and double horn vevor anvil I started with. The part I splurged a bit on was my propane forge and 100 lb LP tank. Didn't want to run out of gas in the middle of a project and bituminous coal is scarce around me. Not as cost-effective to use charcoal as it burns up too fast in my (limited) experience.

[@FooBarr68]

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

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@boglurker2043]

Some civil war knives were set up this way.

[@DrJuan-ev8lu]

A full handle guard is not allowed in many states. So don't overdo it.

[@toddcaldwell5614]

Looks great , it is amazing what can be forged on a simple set up

[@captainprairie5790]

The thing I like best about this build is that the file was actually forged. So many videos show a file knife build where the file was only ground to the size and shape. Great video! I enjoy the use of "low budget" equipment, it helps folks like me get started!!!!

[@jeffreyjones6409]

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..........

[@ecclairmayo4153]

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!

[@gregwells8764]

John you were the first blacksmith i saw when i started in 2020, you totally inspired me then and I have replicated many of your projects ( the hose / cord holder has been very successful ) and today again you have inspired me now to try my first knife. i have accumulated a few used up files ! There are many youtube smiths but your calm style is extremely easy to watch and learn from. Im in Queensland, Australia and to see snow there when its 32 ( 90 f ) here is just lovely. Thank you for teaching and sharing your life skills. Legend mate.

[@RyeDoug]

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😆

[@terrancemitchell3420]

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.

[@burakc9673]

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.

[@gordonloessl2822]

I just love old-school knives with original handles. It's a piece of art.....

[@jap821]

Harbor Freight is a new blacksmiths friend. The stuff is cheap and while it won't last you forever it will let you get a feel for what you need. I am just a hobbyist and I still use my harbor freight belt sander.

[@BadgerRobot]

I had the exact wood stove growing up, fond memories of starting a fire every morning.

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

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

[@Javaman92]

WOW! Okay, this was unexpected. I guess I was thinking that a building was needed, especially in winter to do any forging. I see I was wrong! How exciting. Its single digits out there right now, and 3 days before Christmas but I will be setting something up before the new year! First thing on my agenda is tongs. But I do want to make myself a paring knife. As others have said, this sure shows that there are no excuses.

[@BlackBearForge]

An enclosed building that stays dry and above freezing is certainly ideal, but it is possible to work with less than ideal conditions.

[@Pohjanseppa]

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.

[@BillyG.]

I've always wanted a forge! I'm an old welder. Looks like fun!

[@PuissantPike]

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???

[@Le20100]

Sure not

[@dannyoif06]

It will kell....lol

[@potatogaming3281]

​@@dannyoif06 I don't know kell will it keal

[@Paul-SBU-24]

Because he knows what he is doing, troll.

[@bhaktapeter3501]

Lol ikr, that forged in fire show is so ridiculous and stupid

[@pocketchange3543]

I took you recommendation on Ken's Custom Iron. 100% recommend.

[@donscottvansandt4139]

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.

[@blademan175]

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!

[@ryjka1]

I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm a minimalist and I like your work on this one. G'day from oz.

[@TalRohan]

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

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

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 👍👍.

[@twisterchavez]

This is one of your best videos showing us how to do things with less thank you!!!

[@woodsroamer6175]

That type of sledgehammer head makes a fantastic anvil. Beautiful knife. Love it!

[@DrapPapier]

This knife i amazing. It looks like it has several generations of owners behind it.

[@thorny3218]

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.

[@fingerz1245]

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!

[@billwoehl3051]

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.

[@frenchcreekvalley]

We have used those bounce house blowers when smelting iron. They work great for that. No problem leaving them on for hours and hours.

[@frenchcreekvalley]

By the way, those bounce house blowers make really good leaf blowers too, if you have a long extension cord.

[@jacobbrayton4227]

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.

[@josephsmith1210]

Thanks again, John. Good to see that some simple tools and techniques can work. JD Forge (Joe), “…consider everything is hot in the shop…”

[@XavXavBoi]

Thanks to you, I started blacksmithing yesterday, my forge firing was satisfying and I got inspiration from your dirt forge video, I managed to Smith my first rebar Chisel, couldn't get the fire hot enough to mold it effectively, so that is a lesson learned for my next firing, thank you blackbear forge, you are truly truly an inspiration.

[@BlackBearForge]

Enjoy the journey

[@XavXavBoi]

@BlackBearForge Thank you! Made my first tool, was meant to be a firepoker but turned into a Chisel instead. Spent two days refining it and emptying out my ground forge of ash and rinse and repeat, it was an exciting process and I learnt a lot from it.

[@sebkent6691]

Lovely knife and great video. I am so glad that your hand healed up well after that power hammer accident you had, honestly the youtube algorithm thing stopped presenting me your vids so I had got very worried for you. I also deeply admire the manner in which you set out to demonstrate how this project is accessible and to show how to make it so. That was kind and generous of spirit Thanks very much

[@honthirty_]

Subscribe?

[@dannelson2563]

Thanks for showing how simple it is to attach an antler to a knife. Another great video that I expect will be well received.

[@Bangalangs]

Another excellent video sir. Always fun to drill the pith out of an antler.

[@jg2072]

I use an old furnace exhaust fan for my blower on my solid fuel stove. I have a pvc gate valve on it that is far enough away it won't melt. I love using lump charcoal because it is so easy to use and hot enough. It is also simple to buy. My nearest blacksmith supply is about 100 miles away so getting coke is a pain. I appreciate that you are doing work in the backyard way. It's much closer to what I'm doing because I don't have a smithy. Everything is on carts and I have to roll it out of the garage to work.

[@Oinnelstan]

Just quietly, mate, that knife is a work of art! Love the æsthetic.

[@bernardhill1622]

As a retired Arch'/ Eng'., & Designer i will certainly vouch for that..❗👍🏻👍🏻🙇‍♂️

[@DrJuan-ev8lu]

Great minimalist guidance in your video. A pretty effective forge furnace can be cobbled together with an old charcoal grill, hair dryer and vacuum cleaner handle extension tube. But a ground zero starter can skip the forging and cut the blade and shank straight from the body of the file. The cheap angle grinder is all you need. But as kids we usually could use dad's bench grinder. A full tang style is advised (much less metal to bring away) and glued on scales avoids need for handle rivet holes. And be very careful not to overheat the edge when grinding down the edge profile. By all means wear good eye protection. The metal grinding dust likes to embed in eye tissue.

[@ronnie2115]

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!

[@timsmith9169]

Put a little chalk on your file will help keep it from plugging up .o have years with automatic filer .good stuff

[@doylerabjohn3435]

That's a great looking knife... reminds me of my antique 477 hunting knife. Looks good.

[@xsro84]

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.

[@roeberdt-bT.1021]

...thanks for the post, glad you popped up in my "feed"... Always absolutely appreciated.,...

[@BlackBearForge]

Welcome!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Good video and cool knife! I appreciate you making this basic knife with basic tools. There are lots of folks doing this with $1000s in fancy equipment that make it seem impossible to start out without all the jazzy stuff. I have all of the tools you used in the video, so I'm going to make my first blade now! Thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

Just remember, all the jazzy stuff helps make the process more efficient and more profitable for people trying to earn a living. But for a small hobby shop, everything can be done by hand.

[@timmynormand8082]

Good luck. I hope to set up a forge one day Looking for a rail track to use for anvil. Maybe one day I'll be able to give it a try. Thanks

[@twistedironprojects8814]

After 2 knives I've made the decision im done with knives. But watching your video really makes me want to make a few more lol. Great video i love that its a hard budget set up.

[@BlackBearForge]

Luckily there are lots of other directions you can take your blacksmithing if you don’t want to make knives.

[@twistedironprojects8814]

@BlackBearForge you have been a great influence in the direction I've taken with my blacksmithing and your videos have helped a lot in my journey of learning blacksmithing.

[@bernardhill1622]

As a retired Pr.Eng.' Arch, i still can't stop tinkering, wheter it be door hanging fitting like a glove or Bladesmithing Welding Plumbing etc., my Pro., Collegues etc., hire me to do renovations etc., wither it be at their Homes, Practices or even Private Clinics etc.,.having more fun than i ever had whilst working in an Office..Fortunately had my initial training on the Floor & Workbench to pay for my own College & University studies..highly recommend it to any youngster, finish your Apprenticeship first as an Artisan & qualify, then study further if you still have the urge..Office Job is not always what it is made out to be..i.e., rather do your own thing as Electrician, Plumber, Mechanic or Tool & Die Maker etc...❗🤔🙇‍♂️

[@carpetania47]

Wow! I really like how you made the knife... Greetings from Toledo Spain.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇪🇸🇺🇸

[@BeaverLakeForge-2023]

Perfect timing - one of the next pieces I want to tray and tackle - a Knife out of a file. I don't aspire to be a Knife smith but I do like the simple - utilitarian "tool" aspect. I look forward to your "how too" back to basics tutorials. Proof that you don't need "all the cool tools" to "make something". Thanks John!

[@metalmanproductions9267]

looks cold there, snow already, I wasn't expecting a knife video here. Thanks for showing us knife people some love. Looks good

[@jaybolland6595]

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.

[@russellsullivan8947]

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.

[@aguilayserpiente]

Fine education, script, acting, and editing.

[@stevenstarlin]

As someone that's looking into make knives, this is an amazing video! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@markmartinblacksmith]

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!

[@Watchfuliz]

FWIW John, I really like the narration video format. Allows you to do the work much like how we would do it in our shops without the pause’s and allows you time to watch the video to decide where and when to comment. Awesome job!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Fantastic job with so few tools John. That knife turned out beautiful and usable too. Thanks for sharing with us, that was an interesting build. Stay safe and get ready for winter, it's a coming to your area soon. Enjoy it and the animals that will gather around there too. Fred.

[@joestuttgen5058]

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.

[@patrickharmon9459]

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.

[@philthornett1689]

This video is great, I really like when you try not to use some of the more expensive tools in the shop. It makes blacksmithing seem so much more accessible for those on a tighter budget! (No power hammer, belt grinder, fly-press, etc). Thanks and keep it up!

[@stuffbywoody5497]

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.

[@chewyakarieckenicholas6049]

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

[@Guy-r7q]

I literally watch hundreds of videos of knive making and I love your style and the looks and performance of your knives this one here my favorite

[@mrkiky]

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.

[@randyhall7797]

Thank you for sharing your talent.😊

[@JohnTBlock]

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! 😁😊

[@max_fjellstorm]

What a great video and a dream of a knife! That would be my dream trappet knife as a kid!

[@hikarotk5831]

Ju inspiried me to just start smithin i have cole i have stones i has it all i dont need to wait to by a forge or somthing i can just start 😊

[@hikarotk5831]

And i have tonges

[@uncle_creepy2743]

my blower is an old filter queen vacuum with a light dimmer hooked up too it for control...

[@sosteve9113]

New viewer here and I have to admit, A really Beautiful rustic knife you made,with some very simple tools.

[@Ostilogoth]

Possibly the best video on starting to forge I've seen. Great information and instruction. Thank you so very much.

[@justinaragon9296]

Loving this backyard series! Keep up the great work!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Dirtyjoe_13]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been wanting to try forging for a while and this video made me realize I have pretty much everything I need to get myself going with a simple/small set up

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad I could help!

[@Lockecole81]

Another alternative / addition is a square quarter sheet jitter sander. Replace the foam with a hard rubber (I can't remember if it was 60or 80 durometer). Make a jig to hold it if it won't clamp in your vise. Clamp the sander in and you can sand your blades quite nicely that way. I've even got a rectangular (think it's third sheet) sander with the foam backing intact that I'll also clamp in the vise and use for the final sanding of my handles 240/400 grit or so. With the hard rubber surface, you can also do single pull strokes on the edge with paper hanging off to get that satin hand rubbed finish on the blade. I also really like my psa paper. Seems to really work well when it's not moving around slightly.

[@MisterRose90]

I love the old sledgehammer head as an anvil. Very resourceful. Probably less than ideal but definitely gets work done.

[@georgstudnicka9969]

Thank you. To adjust the guard by giving it some stikes while on the tang is so easy and clever. I never did this and always struggled. I also love the idea of the leather piece. ☺

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it helped!

[@richardsurber8226]

Great video John. I might be able to use this in the future too. Thanks

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@drut7512]

Thanks for this video. I will share it with my Scout troop as two are interested in blacksmithing. Here's to a great 2024 for you and yours.

[@glencrandall7051]

Nice project John. The blade turned out very well. The handle too, although I am not a fan of antler handle. A nice piece of rosewood would be more to my liking. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@fernandobalina8787]

Muy bien trabajo señor. Saludos de Argentina. El último campeón del mundo

[@jeffgrier8488]

Love the knife John, it has a great look!

[@davidoliver2826]

Love how you keep it real John! You have been a real pleasure to follow! Thank you for taking us all along on your journey!

[@BlackBearForge]

I appreciate that!

[@frankburndam4037]

Thank you sir for being so forthcoming with information that so many knife makers keep to them self thanks again Frank from Georgia

[@fn45tacticalsuppressed11]

I hardly ever see a knife making video out of Black Bear Forge. So when he finally does one. He does it outside in the snow. Still making a nicer knife than most blacksmith can make.

[@JesusLopez-fc7bd]

Very nice job.!!I like the handle.

[@JOHN-that-is-me]

So beautiful. Love it.

[@wolf28b]

In regards to your blower, you could make a shudder for the intake side of the blower.

[@Alanbataar]

John, thank you for an interesting and informative video. One aspect I love about blacksmithing is building tools. Perhaps a nice subject for an upcoming video would be making a knife handle rasp. It's the same thickness as the tang, and has teeth on one edge. It uses most of the same techniques as a knife, but has a lot more file work - the teeth can be formed with a chainsaw file and a flat file. I think it might be of Japanese origin.

[@bigredbeard65]

John, great video as always with great ideas. I love the primitive setup and enjoy watching how the steel flows for you, great hammer work, I've never heard oh using strong black tea as a type of dye! I'm going to have to try that! I've used canola oil for quenching and it's always worked well for me. Stay well and please keep these videos coming, great part of my Sunday mornings. John V.