Blacksmith Forging a Kukri Knife From a Lawnmower Blade With No Power Tools

After the lawnmower blade Kopis, I really wanted to try forging a Kukri using the same method. So here's the short version of making a Kukri with half of a lawnmower blade. I used no power tools and the finished knife is as-forged without grinding except for the sharpened edge.
The section of lawnmower blade started off at 10 inches long and 1/8" thick. The finished knife is 14 inches overall with a 9 inch blade, 5 inch handle, and is 3/16" thick at the spine and near the handle. The blade and handle both taper down in thickness.
Let me know what you think about this style of video without any talking, this is the first one I've done. Stay tuned for the full video with explanations soon.
Thanks for watching and enjoy!
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[@anthonyloiacono3353]

Sir you are an artist. Keep posting.

[@juliocesarleao357]

This is not a blacksmith, he is a metal artist.

[@micahpickering2068]

You sure make it look easy

[@laroexmod1106]

You make scrap metal, pieces of art, which I find art .... nice

[@Mrnmotion]

Another fine video. i really like the rough, unfinished look of the kukri. seems like most people would prefer to hear you speak during your videos, and it does help out to hear what to do, and what not to do. thanks again for sharing.

[@TacoVic]

The best part is listening to your comments, instructions, while you make these master pieces.

[@radicalrob2103]

WOW! You never cease to amaze me!!! I just got a stockpile of lawn mower blades from the local lawnmower repair shop! They were happy to get rid of em and I'm excited to get to making some blades soon as I figure out my propane/coal forge

[@jaywolf2519]

Hi Backyard Bowyer, I don't know about anyone else, but I prefer the commentary, especially when you tell how or why you are doing, or not doing, certain things. I enjoy your videos a lot and Thank you for sharing!!!

[@TheRealSkeletor]

Not a word spoken, and this is still one of the most educational videos I've seen all day.

[@plepizify]

Nick here? i see no Nick man i miss that intro me and my bro watch you all the time and that's what we wait for the most when we see your stuff. you just so cool to watch and listen to.

[@VTPSTTU]

You are amazingly skilled. What you do isn't just technology. You have a real artisan's touch to everything you do.

[@brandon152lee]

possibly the coolest thing I've ever seen and definitely has me wanting to get into blacksmithing as a side hobby. thank you for making and sharing your video

[@timothydornan6517]

Commentary is helpful, but there's something about letting the art speak for itself that makes this video very compelling. I'm a big fan of the Kukuri, and I think you've represented it well with this piece.

[@inUR2teeth]

Very true... I'm a fan of Nepalese' one. Those are really pieces of art. Nevertheless, the only thing that the one in this video is missing would be the little spike in the small curve near the handle. Blood must drop down through the spike or you may risk to drop the kukri during a fight by letting the handle getting wet and slippery. Good job though.

[@timothydornan6517]

+inUR2teeth The primary purpose of the "chō" is spiritual hence the reason why it is shaped like a cow's hoof print. It does serve a practical purpose as you stated, to allow liquids to run off the blade edge instead of over the handle. I have also seen it advertised as a notch used to catch and neutralize an enemy's blade, but a guard would serve better for this purpose.

[@inUR2teeth]

+Timothy Dornan Right, have you come across the ritualistic videos on YT where they show how they are used to cut cows' head in one shoot? Pretty brutal.

[@GodBearOutoors]

Well done! I worked in heat treatment for 20 years and would've thought that the blade would've cracked being quenched in water, but it didn't. ✊🤠

[@BackyardBowyer]

Thank you for watching! This method relies on both only partially quenching the edge and allowing the residual heat in the blade to temper the blade. It works well on medium carbon steels I've tried. I've seen variations on this in videos of many rural bladesmiths in poorer countries and it usually results in a visible hardening line if the blade is polished out and etched. What kind of work did you do? That sounds awesome.

[@coleschank5469]

Wow! Seriously impressed by your skill. Just watching you shape that blade was mind blowing.

[@bufordmcnairy8175]

That turned out great. I have an old forge and anvil that was my grandfathers and when i was around 10 or 12 years old(now 50) i made a couple knifes/daggers from old fancy head door hinge pin's. I ran across one just the other day in a old tool box of mine. Thanks for sharing your video's.

[@jdhenry6300]

Very nice work sir. U have proved u don’t need high dollar equipment to make a good functioning tool. Bravo. Well done.

[@BackyardBowyer]

How do you like this style of video without commentary? I'd like to hear what all of you think. I'll have a longer 2-part video with commentary up soon. Thanks for watching!

[@shootinnscootin5545]

Great video!

[@shootinnscootin5545]

Why did you do a water quench? Aren't you afraid of cracking the steel?

[@patricksmith9297]

It is unusual not to hear your comments. I prefer to have them.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@@shootinnscootin5545 he followed traditional methods as far as treating the blade with the water quench, also the chance of cracking was less as he was only quenching the edge and not the whole blade

[@912Benny]

Nick, your hammer work is a lot of fun to watch. You definitely have a lot of skill. I can't wait for the more in depth videos.

[@evanclue455]

Hey, just wanna say, the knife making vids are the best

[@jaxxonkoethler3001]

You are an amazing blacksmith and make some of the best knives

[@drewelement27]

The exclusion of the intro and outro leaves a very professional impression, and that's a very nice touch which I would support in all new videos to come. Even though the intro/intro aren't necessary, its nice to have to commentary to explain what's going on during the forging. Even subtitle text to explain or give advice would be an excellent addition that would bring the quality of videos on this channel to the next level, and bring many new subscribers with them! Have a nice day.

[@azvedicgurukul]

Classic forging technique. You make it look so easy. You have an intuitive feel for the metal's plasticity at different temperatures. Its great to watch.

[@josephsamson7865]

was a little weird without your voice talking to us. love the video. watching it for the third time

[@hlommersottana9236]

Great video. I like seeing cheap methods

[@CaptainPeenNoPants]

dude i had no idea lawnmower blades had so much metal, AMAZING FORGE WORK BTW coming from a blacksmith with the luxury of a buffalo style forge from the 1800s

[@Rkill136]

I love when you talk. It helps me learn!

[@rickhosmer5370]

Nice video! Though I really missed your narration and you starting the video with your signature, "Hello fellow backyard boyers, Nick here."

[@Servant_Friend_Son]

That turned out slick, nice job.

[@355scaper]

so awesome to see what you can make without even using power tools!

[@pablocuevas4042]

I love watching the whole process. I would buy one of you. Keep the videos coming.

[@thomvannuland6965]

you have so much talent and the video's are very interesting and helpfull.Thank you.

[@anatoly_42]

This is the best channel on youtube, isn't it?

[@korvanon8832]

That's a beautiful blade you got there.

[@macjustcallme5725]

you made that look easier than it is , nicely done

[@Anino_Makata]

Best. Homemade. Kukri. Yet.

[@PhoenixCustomPrimiti]

That is one good looking homemade kukri.

[@milesnoell2137]

Impressive blacksmithing skills!

[@joshmerrell2126]

Nice knife! One of the reasons I subscribed to your channel was the way you talked us through every step that explained in a simple way how you do it and why you do it. That in turn made me want to do it. I like it better that way. Thanks for the videos bro I hope to see you back on them soon!

[@MrRugercat45]

You made the forging look easy. Fantastic work!

[@christiaankleinhaus7992]

Well done great job making that kukri

[@vimeel4420]

The Kukri Knife is the best looking.

[@knivesstuff]

+Weimin Leee I agree!

[@gorisenke]

Your voice really helps set a pace in your videos. I didn't realize how important it was until you made this without any talking in it. Please continue to talk in your videos. About, what you're doing, difficulties you came across, reasons you're doing something a certain way, whatever. But please talk. It just seems so quiet otherwise. DX Also did you still sharpen it with a stone or just leave it as it was after the filing? How long does it typically take you to sharpen a knife of that size?

[@BackyardBowyer]

+gorisenke Thanks for watching! I established the edge with the file and then cleaned it up and sharpened it with sandpaper, finishing with 1,000 grit. It took about an hour of filing and a few minutes of sanding to sharpen this knife.

[@Pliskkenn]

+gorisenke I actually quite liked the mesmerizing video without talking. Both styles are good.

[@dmcpartlin17]

+BackyardBowyer I agree with the voice. The no voice in this one feels like it's missing what the others have

[@xPumaFangx]

+gorisenke I prefer voice. Maybe record talking about the video after you record it. Then add the voise in latter.

[@minced_feet_pie]

did you say DX instead of XD oetlul(Dutch)

[@texanthom]

Great looking knife! Seems like the new anvil works great!

[@3am0s]

A really great piece!! You are really good at doing these with no tools i admire that!

[@blightcraftgamma]

That is a handsome blade you made there.

[@jordansdad1221]

I like the videos with commentary.

[@bay4west]

love the lawn mower blade knives! keep'em coming

[@paulwallace9644]

pretty damn impressive how you closed up those holes ! as a new knife maker you have inspired me to do more and try new things. thank you

[@walterthomas7478]

Nice knife Nick, I prefer you narrating while you are fabricating

[@fahad0_038]

a beautifull piece of art.....

[@realityfighting]

Love watching this guys videos. Dude has mad skills. Ive also picked up a lot of tips for my own knife making projects.

[@robertpendergast2620]

Wow, Nick, you can do all kinds of things!

[@minorityfireteam3502]

Ive gotta say, You've got some serious skill, amazing how close to shape you can get your work with just a hammer and forge.

[@MegaHellstrike]

But without his voice... How do I know it's Nick who's forging that knife? The government might have replaced him with an equally skilled smith!

[@donnyh4506]

'Twas the illuminati

[@taniasjose81]

+Liam Hadley Illuminati confirm

[@KaizenServicios]

+MightyPootisFish I missed his intro too, 7/10 needs more Nick

[@CaptainPeenNoPants]

+MightyPootisFish indeed if i don't hear "hey backyardboyers nick hear!" i don't know what to do with my life

[@mobspeak]

+MightyPootisFish I heard they cloned him at Montauk.

[@RasaCartaMagna]

This is, bar none, the most awesome thing I have seen yet *this year*. You, sir, are a badass. That looks fun as hell. *Liked!*

[@phillipiacobacci1369]

Great work Nick, very nice video, as always.

[@drewdrops-6754]

I really liked this style of video!!

[@sergeantbigmac]

I personally like your commentary. I know it takes like double the work when editing to narrate and sync it with the video. But your voice adds a lot because you explain stuff so well. Just my opinion.

[@TheEnneagram]

You do beautiful work.

[@Hoboranger]

Great video! I prefer the narration but its you channel and a good one!

[@diegomonzon1820]

Thank you very much for your advice! greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@SimplyAlteringMaterials]

Another fantastic job! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@__tyr__]

you're a really good smith I like your videos keep up the great work

[@nolancartledge7451]

Hey Nick! I think you should make a leaf-shaped blade hoplite sword from a lawnmower blade, it would look really cool!

[@anarchism]

nice job you did in the handle

[@TheUnclefester13]

I think that a voice over would definitely be better. Been watching your stuff since you were doing it in Hawaii. I think it's awesome you have crossed over into forging blades. I carry a kukri from kukri house in Nepal for my main blade. what I would love to be able to build is a kukri similar to yours but with the brass knuckles of a WWI trench knife. Keep up the good work and don't deny us KZbinrs your unblinking stare.

[@PeterRomkes69]

Hi Nick! I kust wanna say that you make awesome videos and keep up the good work!

[@PeterRomkes69]

*just

[@rongamblin2107]

I watch all of your Video's and wanna know how to build a forge. Thanks a million.

[@anthonycoffey4699]

at first I was like "meh, a lawn mower blade?" but that turned out really well, nice!

[@markarato8034]

Amazing skills! I loved the video and the product!

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Márk Arató Thank you for watching!

[@dmg4415]

Hi, good works as usual. I like it, if it is an inspirational video, that is complemented later on with a how to do it, with the correct narration, by the Man him self.

[@shootinnscootin5545]

Nice piece of work! I have an old lawn mower that I just might have to tear down and make one of these out of.

[@daisy8luke]

Dang! You make it look pretty easy ! Great job. Thinking about making one myself. I make hunting / skinning knives and bushcraft blades up to about 12 inches in total length, but never anything as big as this fine cutting and hacking tool you've made here.

[@flaggedowntown]

Nice! yes it might be good to have some explanation of the various processes involved from forming through to finishing.

[@Xyienced]

I enjoy your commentary!

[@alechornedeagle7372]

after i seen your video i was forging and decided to make one and i think it came out ok

[@jonathanruth9095]

That was really cool. I've never seen an edge quench like that. I'm new to your channel. You inspired me to make a rebar knife. I'll start on it as soon as I can get an anvil!

[@gandalf7769]

Please don't make a knife out of rebar. It is not high carbon steel, and you will end up really disappointed. Use something like a lawnmower blade or truck leaf spring. it is good quality 5160 spring steel. And don't use water for a quench, it makes the grain structure way too big and very brittle. Canola oil is the best.

[@mcgaugh57]

You make it look easy.

[@VivianGlozmansPartner]

i really like your design!

[@Architectural.Wonders]

That guys has a lot of skill

[@imcool8463]

Dude, you're doing an awesome work. Keep it up!

[@Dontbeweakvato]

I love the part where ( bang bang bang, bang bang). on a serious note, great material. I'd love to do that and I will someday

[@MrCalypso84]

you make it look so easy.

[@thedoctorwillseeunow2233]

fantastic work!

[@mauch22]

This is the most beautiful forge of all time, and it is very clean, fast. There are people who kill themselves forging a sheet congratulations.

[@syzmack69]

Haha I think I know what picture you references because I used the same one and have an identical wooden version of this knife. Great work! Thanks for using my suggestion!

[@MarcusSpetim]

Thats some skill right there.

[@koosh138]

it arguably looks better than the expensive ones

[@showstopper540]

Your hammer skills are very controlled. Nice job for sure

[@anthonyfeatherstone7696]

you're really are awesome buddy. Love all your videos

[@ArminHirmer]

awesome. after watching all the others - it is really self explaining like this. But its always nice to hear and see you ;)

[@alphagrendel]

Great job. I noticed you are upgrading your anvil and hammers. I really like seeing you make things on a "beginners" tools. your vids site that there is no excuse for not starting smithing because you don't have a 300lb. anvil and a power hammer!

[@alphagrendel]

show, not site, sorry.

[@gorisenke]

It was pretty cool to watch him make his anvil and stand. It may have even cost less that buying a cheap anvil, since it was originally just a huge block of steel from a scrap yard.

[@s0thrnc0mfrt26]

nice job brother.. your getting really good!! welding and Damascus is your next challenge!! I prefer the narration.

[@HellenicDomination]

Lots of work man , you're awesome !! enjoy your creative videos. Keep it up ! all the best!

[@victorkempe9017]

U have badass skills bro absalutly epic pro work

[@NoChit_Vet]

dude this is so cool I am so going to make this

[@TheMrChogolo]

Un cuchillo rústico, honesto y con corazón, seguramente uno de los mejores

[@TuckerSP2011]

Hey Nick, just wanted you to know that the shoe Forged in Fire will be on the History channel on 2-16 @10pm.

[@tonemanz6355]

impresionante trabajo!