Forging a Billhook

[@TheJCJexe]

I really like that you show “failure” when something cracks or breaks. It happens to the best of us. 👏

[@hotelsierra7441]

I disagree - just heat an old spring (any old stressed material) to the welding temperature and forge as the first step in making anything. Microcracks are simply welded and then nothing like that happens. 😉

[@Moondog-wc4vm]

John, I have so much admiration for your hammer control. Those bevels, on a difficult shape, just from the hammer and anvil are impressive. I hope to get to that stage myself after some more practice! I frequently try one or other of the techniques you show in your videos and not one has been a failure yet. (a few rough attempts, but nothing that can't be rescued so far!) I'm only a rank amateur, but your channel has helped me progress far faster than I ever could on my own. Thank you very much for the instruction that you pass on to all of us. I hope everyone out there appreciates it as much as I do. Best wishes sir!

[@joel.sicking4933]

John's talent as a blacksmith is amazing. Thank your for your inspiration.

[@brysonalden5414]

For what it's worth, I joined the premier part way through, enjoyed the chat, then came back to watch the beginning. I think the premier format works WAY better than live stream; it allows live chat with the maker without distracting during the actual forging. Please do more like this! Thanks, as always, for sharing.

[@BlackBearForge]

I tend to agree. I just wish there was a way to extend the premier for a bit longer to catch the last minute questions before it closes the chat.

[@TonyUrryMakes]

I agree!

[@ztheblacksmith]

Black Bear Forge maybe just put a black screen for like 20 seconds than you could reply to the comments!

[@aidanmcneill1999]

You are the best youtuber on KZbin in my opinion.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@nateculver1903]

Some folks call it a sling blade, I call it a kaiser blade, mmm hum... Karl Childers from movie Sling Blade. First words that came to my head when I saw it. Nice job!

[@danwerkman]

That will teach you for being optimistic.... 😂 That's exactly how I felt when I forged with found steel. No more😂

[@paolobuffa6889]

Beautiful creation, similar to the English billhook type. In Italy the handle is made with leather sheets, held together by a steel washer, often in the shape of a hook to secure it to the belt. It amazes me that you have never had a billhook in your hands: it is a very widespread tool in Europe and India, and even dates back to the Roman Empire (some have also been found in the excavations of Pompeii). I wish you to appreciate its excellent qualities.

[@ianmcgougan1173]

Watching from Sweden. I usually watch Torbjörn Åhman but I now have a new favourite. Love your videos!

[@BlackBearForge]

I must admit that Torbjorn is my personal favorite. Welcome to the family.

[@3870TheDad]

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. You know I've been 'hooked' on your channel from your start. Keep it up.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@tonetoner8789]

“That’s what I get for having a positive attitude I guess” 🤣

[@frinker3920]

I love this guy. He is so wholesome lol

[@ethanw8205]

We used to use those Billhooks for harvesting Sugar Cane by hand. They make one with a 4 or 5 foot long handle for brush clearing, (helps keep you away from snakes). As always another great video, thanks John.

[@aktrapper6126]

Thanks for making this, a billhook is the next project on my list for blacksmithing. While I don't have a power hammer I do have two nice anvils so I'll be doing the old fashioned way.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to help

[@ThePillenwerfer]

Nice to see some Little Giant action.

[@T-iu5qw6kl2s]

He has done his work with complete honesty. Excellent billhook.

[@jamesreyes4184]

Beautiful work john! Sharpening on the curve is no fun and you did a great job sir!!!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks 👍

[@user-jx8hg6lm2o]

Good to see you using that wood shop of yours too

[@ga5743]

You make the best close up shots. Thanks for that John. Sweet tool.

[@bennyhill3642]

I was thinking the same thingy.. those were Great close ups!

[@rickfabin5472]

Thanks for sharing your failures and explaining the salvage spring issue 👍👍👍

[@achmadabdulbp3mks]

I like watching your videos, my father is a blacksmith. I'm proud of him

[@matthiasherzog5201]

4:00 I like the enthusiasm you put into shaping your piece of metal. I have seen many blacksmiths rest their hammers after two strikes.

[@SkyForgeVideos]

YES! THANK YOU!!! This is perfect for a concave blade, plus I've been looking for a good billhook tutorial! I can't wait to try making one! Thank you for taking the time to do a video like this! ... No way!!! I didn't see the break coming! And you kept going! Like a boss! Extra kudos for you!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad I could help!

[@stoneinthefield1]

I have been watching a well known hammer maker on youtube that must not have watched your power hammer safety video. I wish he would. Love your channel Sir.

[@JacobE-23]

I've got a fiskars one I use for camping. Works great for just about everything from kindling to splitting about 5 inch rounds. I've never sharpened it since I got it probably bout 7 years ago things still sharp as hell. And man I abuse the piss outta that thing lol. Love it so much

[@Qrunch]

Not far from the look of the one I have, which belonged to my great grandfather. Love it!

[@shanek6582]

You’re voice sounds like Ron Swanson, which is awesome lol.

[@angryblacksmith7675]

🤣🤣👍

[@mandolinman2006]

Except when he had the mask on while grinding. Then it was more Darth Vader running a marathon.

[@melanisticmandalorian]

Your*

[@shanek6582]

@@melanisticmandalorian 👍, I don’t know how I did that lol but I’m not gonna edit it!

[@jeffgrier8488]

I really like your version of the billhook, it's a good looking tool that will do it's job for a long time i'm sure!

[@Roadkill3120]

For a short moment, at 23:10, i had a phantasy of you, running after the deer, screaming and waving your new billhook...

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good looking tool you made John 👍👍 !! That would get a lot of brush cut for sure. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@davidweeks1997]

This is where an induction tool would work wonders on tempering options.. No-limit smithing. I'd epoxy that handle crack too, like you'd need to hear that. :-) Kind of adds new meaning to the phrase: "Get to the chopper!"

[@richardsolomon8076]

Awesome job John, I have heard other smiths talk about starting with a normalisation cycle right away on recycled spring steel to realise years of work stress, very nice billhook 👍

[@BlackBearForge]

That would be a good habit to be in

[@rmj7306]

I love this. Finally a great vid on how to make one. My favorite blade pattern

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you like it!

[@johnvradenburg6477]

another great vid, i hope someday i'll be lucky enough to watch you do that in person

[@johnjude2685]

I made one from a large rasp, mounted mine on a reversed double blade handle and it swings great. Thanks for your teaching and I miss catching your live stream, I was checking for you earlier but didn't pick your broadcast.

[@AndyColglazier]

Very nice! I can see one in my future.

[@ghill1010]

Love the new camera angles on the anvil. Still learning lots. Been far to long since I’ve watched.

[@TonyUrryMakes]

Agreed on camera angles

[@dip30ful]

There is a video on forging a mini axe necklace. Thought it was a great beginner idea as the material is small but still punching holes and shaping the eye, etc. Would love to see some small projects on here. I'm new to smithing but this is my favorite channel.

[@marcerivest6204]

Nice job as always, loved the fact that you used some of the other tools that you made a while ago. A thru craftsman.

[@douglasfathers4848]

Hi John i hope one day that I have 1/2 the hammer control that you have. Just watching you shape that curve and then the bevels wow. Also making and fitting the handle you make it look so easy.

[@advance9572]

Amazing KK just made one just like it the other day. Looks great John 👍 , thinking of making one for myself....

[@danbreyfogle8486]

I wasn't sure what the premier thing was when I saw the announcement this morning, but I was in my shop working so didn't take time until now to watch. This likes a handy tool, it would be real handy reaching under my spruce trees where weeds think they can safely hide.

[@BlackBearForge]

It was a spur of the moment thing when I got the video done this morning. Just an opportunity for some live chat during the first viewing of the video

[@robphone4895]

Usefull project! I have been using the knitted gloves for about 1 year now and I like them a lot. Better grip/fit and even beter heat protection than the hot mill ones. BTW Gargoyle spotted!! 😀

[@mikes1345]

Sure like when you are making tools. That first style of hand grip was a good idea till the snafu. But the finished project does make a handy tool and will last longer than the stamped metal tools in the box stores. Thanks.

[@Roadkill3120]

Could you do a video on moving material? Perhaps not do a new project but take existing footage and explain which hammer you use, where you strike, (and why) which order you choose for different parts, etc. I think that would be really interesting!

[@stephen33]

I think he got it blue on one side. The magic of editing and camera angles.

[@LordofTheLords5]

The Billhook is probably the most sexiest blade design I’ve ever seen, wonderful work!

[@benwarren2559]

Always very much enjoy your videos I always take something new great video thank you for the inspiration

[@stevefarley7014]

“Unbelievable” was hilarious. It’s unbelievable that I didn’t spit my pizza 🍕 across the room when that happened. 😅.

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

steve farley Actually, it’s very believable because that’s exactly what would happen to me. Just my luck. It was hilarious the way he said it. Kind of morosely.

[@stevefarley7014]

John Smith it’s certainly happened to me as well but john’s got no small amount of talent. I’ve seen John in person and he’s even good actor. Wouldn’t shock me if this was partially staged, not that he would ever admit to it! Either way it made a fantastic video!

[@goshnodo]

Funny, I just made a purchase at Pieh tool for some odds and ends myself. Even though I live in Alaska I consider them a local business I support because my folks live in Camp Verde just down the street from them. Cheers.

[@aberam1]

Your production value has increased so much from the first videos to now. Keep up the great work!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks a ton!

[@matthewmarting3623]

I watched some of your videos when you first started and I have to say your video filming and editing skills have grown tremendously in this time. Really well put together video! Next you can make a billhook- the medieval weaponized version of the bill!

[@johnjude2685]

Enjoy your writing notes to show for me to learn,Yes a good tool for the suburban or the wilder.country. Thanks Mr Switzer, thanks for teaching

[@listentodave]

I use Pieh Tool to order supplies for my school metal shop!

[@starlight8298]

I’ve always loved these tools, so very usefull for lots of different jobs ! Thanks teacher , I’m always learning , sometimes it’s something really simple I justNever thought of befor , like heat brick on anvil to protect anvil from hot metal when softening the spine with a Chunk of hot steel at the end ! :)

[@marty01957]

That looks like a great tool, John! Good video.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks 👍

[@5x535]

Swing that hammer!!! John was "Getten with it" right there at the beginning drawing the tang out!

[@ddietz1980]

Great video! Thank you for the continued inspiration and education!

[@PrestonMcDowell-tc8wg]

I like it. I may try this project as well. Great job.

[@clydebalcom8252]

I've used one before. The one I used was awesome. I think it was older than me 😂

[@MsMrzebo]

They work very well as a draw blade on a 8 inch round or smaller log

[@rcwheeler34]

Great video. I actually just made something similar for a buddy of mine, except it was sharpened on both sides and mounted on an axe handle as it was a reproduction of an antique knife used to harvest tobacco leaves

[@kevinhansen2182]

Great job. You always make it look so easy

[@ohhpaul7364]

For a year of my life, while I was in college, I did boundary survey work. There is no guess to the number of miles of line I chopped with a bush hook and bank blade. The easiest way to get those knives to an effective sharpness was to draw file them. Not to disparage your sharpening in any way, just what I had to learn to keep me swinging a blade with the rest of the crew. Unfortunately, your knuckles may pay the price in that curve until you learn to hold the file correctly.

[@BlackBearForge]

Draw-filing is a much overlooked technique these days.

[@anemoneecology8816]

Use a fine canoe stone or an old combination stone in a circular motion with your hand holding the stone over the steel of the blade. That way you won't hazard your knuckles and can get the edge as fine as you like.

[@jimreynolds343]

Thanks, John. Perfect size

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Down here we use them as the palm tree leave remover, for that I make them a bit larger

[@Zogg1281]

Very nice! I love using Billhooks as they just feel so natural in the hand. I have a machete as well but it just doesn't have the same feel to it..... probably due to weight distribution or something. 👍

[@Elanggoservai79]

U should watch billhook making videos in India ...especially Tamilnaad billhook designs. They talk very less,but their handwork very beautiful..👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lencecchetto]

Came out good John. Nice bill hook

[@TheOldaz1]

Certainly different to your usual "hooks", nice job. Thanks John.

[@TalRohan]

Good call on the hardening, I use billhooks a lot and people are forever hitting stones and wire when hedge laying. I couldn't see if you put a washer on the end of the tang (usually the case with that pattern) but overall looks like a really nice job and certainly did the business. I like it

[@vincentgolden5352]

I have used to many of these to remember my Pap made one on a axe handle for cutting heavy brush but we had plenty of this kind for misc work trimming pine limbs and what not. Takecare and keep safe

[@moonshinerphd9523]

Hey John, that looks an awful lot like a kaiser blade. Some folks call it a sling blade, I call it a kaiser blade... mmmm-hmmm. Billhook or short handle kaiser blade, it made short work out of that tree. Great job!

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Great work! Now the work starts

[@BlackBearForge]

That's the plan!

[@paulwharton3488]

Great timing for this project. We just bought some property that needs some clearing and I just happen to have some old springs to work with. Thanks

[@torporvasflam8670]

PBS should air your show like they used ro air carpentry and painting shows in the past.

[@BlackBearForge]

While it would be an honor, it sounds to much like a real job

[@leonardmettlach2614]

@@BlackBearForge haha 😋

[@maoribaca2655]

Thanks for sharing

[@kurtisengle6256]

I own a bill hook machete, made by Fiskers. My report : A very powerful tool, but also hazardous. If you strike straight down... after the blade passes through the work object, it will be pointed at your shin. ALWAYS use the bill at an angle, never straight down. Unless you are striking dirt.

[@clarklindquist8137]

Love this. Your knife making skills really shine here too. Nicely done

[@TingTingalingy]

I was reading about billhook blades and how they're the European route on work blades and likely even s precessor of the kukri once it met with the falcatta, before it started making it's way to SE Asia. Just some fun history

[@sebastiaoferreiraramos1053]

nossa o senhor tem braços até que bem fortes e trabalhados isso vale pro resto do corpo

[@Dfrantz87]

Another great video John!

[@whiskeyinthejar24]

That was a very enjoyable episode. Thanks 😀

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

Finally some grinder video! You knife maker, you. 😉

[@hannemannironworks1651]

Looks great John

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

That's a worker! Reminds me of stuff in those drug cartel fight scenes in movies. Or a pineapple plantation. 👍

[@andyhalman996]

Awesome video my friend just awesome

[@terrymott9282]

John loved that project.also nice timber in the back ground for my sawmill to bad I live in nova Scotia Canada just started blacksmithing last year .learned a lot from your channel keep up the good work.

[@davidprocter3578]

As you rightly point out there are a huge number of designs for Brush/hedging/coppicing tools. there are a couple of collections in the UK mainly of British tools the variation is mind boggling and overall the ideas of smiths ,farmers and bodgers over a number of centuries. Certainly particular blade types became popular and remain with us to the present. lighter blades are often straight or if billed set with a socket on a 4 foot pole. One of my personnel favorites is a very heavy double edge billhook with the back or upper edge blade being raised. most useful when restoring hedge rows that have been left for some years without attention, but tiring on the wrist. Sadly with the advent of chainsaws and double action loppers tools of this type often now to be found gathering dust rather than working

[@garygraham2974]

I love it you did a sweet job

[@DKS13G]

I like to use rebar for tools such as these, hard enough to hold a hedge, cheap enough you don't mind abusing it.

[@anemoneecology8816]

By size and shape, that's a spar hook - small tool traditionally used to make thatching spars, usually from hazel. Nice one.

[@hacgarimman9660]

Great work John, used here in the UK mainly for hedge laying

[@BlackBearForge]

I don't know if anyone in the US lays hedge or not. Mostly they seem to see use for light brush work and limbing low branches. I have even seen a reference to using them for the construction of military palisades several hundred years ago.

[@hacgarimman9660]

They were laid for livestock control so should imagine humans wouldn’t be too much of a problem🤣. You nearly had a good pleacher on that oak coppice when you demonstrated it in use at the end. Great work John. Your a very inspiring gent. Keep up the fantastic work

[@ramboharrisons1917]

I did that to my cut off back plate and it works good

[@johndowe7003]

Finally a anvil that doesn't ring like a bell. Also ditch the springs and use truck axles

[@sunqwest1]

Thanks for sharing. Always learn something...

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for watching!

[@grandadz_forge]

Missed ya. Was forging. I still want to make your scythe

[@leonildonunessousa9486]

congratulations, this is beautiful work.

[@20mcarroll02]

I have a large version of this that I use to clear trails on my property. It has about a 4' handle and is used 2 handed.

[@dan-o9746]

Swab a little Evaporust or some gun blue to the shiny ground metal in the handle to match it up with the blade.

[@duaneaubuchon9453]

I really like your work and your videos sir nice job!!!!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you very much!

[@jeffputnam8554]

Just a suggestion. Some of us would be interested in knowing what hammers you are using while forging. I know everyone has hammers that work for them but I think commentary on what you are using would be interesting. Great project.