Blacksmithing Knifemaking - Forging A Ram's Head Railroad Spike Knife

I have made one of these before, thought it was time to do it again. It's alot of work on a small scale but keeps you "sharp" lol

[@deepbeeps]

I worked all day today making the rams head. I made a forge earlier in the week, then forged a set of tongs. Today I started my first knife. It took me about 6 hours to finish the rams head and twist the handle. Tomorrow I will be forging the blade. Geesh....sure took me longer than you, but it looks incredible so far. Thank you for the lesson! I never forged anything before in my life!

[@StoneTheCr0w]

Where are you now with your hobby?

[@he-mansuncle7661]

@@StoneTheCr0wno kidding

[@jemh1472]

I have no words for how awesome that was to watch.

[@chandlerdickinson]

thanks! pretty cool to make too!

[@prophesytheorist5130]

I've watched this more times than I care to admit over the past few years

[@dougwhite6407]

Brother I know absolutely nothing about blacksmithing. This may have been 22 of the best minutes I've spent on you tube...amazing

[@R3pc0n]

"Sometimes home made is Home Made!" well said and thanks for sharing your technique...truly awesome to watch you work.

[@HumpX]

nothing more beautiful than a handmade item with all its imperfections.

[@googeeish]

This is the kind of American who makes this country great. Thanks again

[@TheConceptBoy]

I would like to genuinely thank you for posting this video. I have been looking into blackmithing as a hobby/ possible side income career choice for a while now and although career-wise, it would most likely mean more industrial applications than art-form, the work you've shown in this presentation is truly inspiring to spark my interest towards the subject. I practice welding on my spare time, mostly minor creative tech applications and hobby projects and I think your trade would be very beneficial to my own little gigs. So, thank you sir for posting this video, the knife turned out absolutely great and it was a pleasure watching it be realized..

[@TheConceptBoy]

Another year passes by, another day you-tube recommends this video.

[@briancoleman9330]

Love videos like this, I love seeing other crafters work. As being new to the craft, it videos like these that keep the passion and fire burning for the craft.

[@blueschild61]

Normally I would say buy that man a beer. But I think you need a pair of gloves more:) Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@FlyboyMOJ]

Awesome to know people still live in America who still do beautiful work with their hands.

[@CCWSig]

I never get tired watching a true craftsman do his thing. Thankyou so much for posting. It's really a beautiful piece, worthy of any collection.

[@naplzt4k]

Nice work man. I would've been too nervous working on those horns, left it alone and called it a gazelle :)

[@SlickDaRippa]

PervySage haha lol nice dude

[@ferlykth]

😂

[@TheMcpvideo]

there was 21:55 of my life well spent that was awesome my friend thank you nice to see people doing old school crafting keep up the good work

[@chandlerdickinson]

TheMcpvideo Greatest compliment that the time was well spent... thanks!

[@SS4LiFe1488]

Anyone who says that is ugly is probably just jealous of it. That takes pure craftsmanship. I love it!

[@keithbeasley5862]

I'm stoked to see someone doing blacksmith work....my great grandfather was a blacksmith and I wish I had done something with that....nice work...

[@aldenunion]

Never to late,I am started at 47...Never to late til feeding worms....

[@juandid.6013]

You are such a good person and a master in forging, I love your videos, Im only a uruguayan 12 year old child that love making knives, respects Juan Diego, Montevideo, Uruguay.

[@johannesaskehov]

JuanDi Vlogs Cool. What knives have you made?

[@blepOGTP]

Not gonna lie, that was sick! I never "thumbs up" videos but I was inclined to do so with this; makes me want to take up forging!

[@francesluck6597]

Hard to believe that beautiful knife came out of that old railroad spike. Absolutely amazing work! Thanks for posting this.

[@KnifeoholicDad]

Awesome Chandler, thanks for staying in contact with me and working with me. Can't wait to get that awesome knife and do business with you. Again, thanks!

[@sidfredrickson2107]

Probably one of the coolest forging videos I've seen

[@mre7676]

dude wtf he does like 3 steps and it already looks cool af

[@evankimori]

After watching this, I remember the respect I had for blacksmiths as a child - especially since my grandad and dad made me respect the heat and power of a forge and hot metal shaping myself. I wish now that I'd have gotten into it more seriously. :( That being said: I'm glad for our big 'ol forge and hammering vice that's still on the workbench outside. She's lived a long time through abuse and held strong especially since I saw your vice vibrate and shake so much. Too bad her teeth are all worn out! Handmade is beautiful! There's a story in that metal!

[@RockClimberAlex]

I love watching people do stuff with their hands. I'm a programmer, so I never get the satisfaction of actually handling what I've worked on and admiring it.

[@shawnp8429]

ok so I gave it a test run today, I have a whole new line of respect for your work.

[@chandlerdickinson]

post a picture on fb on anvil ringer... i would love to see... fail or not

[@JohnDoe-ge3fl]

Chandler Dickinson

[@shawnp8429]

Chandler Dickinson I do not have a FB but will have the wife do it when she gets home. it's just a knife not rams head.I was looking to try to find a hardy " I believe they are called' to cut with.then I will give the rams head a shot . Sherrie will post the pic here in few.

[@doodlestudios177]

That is the coolest knife ever

[@mx4life82388]

You just got me addicted to blacksmithing. Awesome video and I love the finished product.

[@jmagiera]

It's so satisfying to see a real craftsman at work.

[@brandonwhitson1611]

Man i have mad respect for what you do. I am good at working and crafting with my hands and i know just how much time,labor,and dedication you are putting into your craft, i hope people are giving you top dollar for your works of art, nowadays their are not many people around still doing true blacksmithing, i would love to see you make a sword like a fantasy style, any way loved your video and i hope to see more

[@chandlerdickinson]

brandon whitson I have a request on the schedule of a Sting sword from the hobbit... stay tuned! also i have to finish that daedric dagger i started!

[@1208laurent]

Min in p

[@codemoody8243]

you know they're legit when the video starts out with a million holes in the gloves..

[@cloroxbleach9065]

I literally came down here to tell him to buy new gloves.

[@meepthewarlord88]

BLEACH YOU'RE LITERALLY EVERYWHERE.

[@labrat748]

Yeah man, instructional videos like this are worth watching all the way through.

[@Troest87]

I have been blacksmithing for some years now, but I still learn some new trick every time I watch your vids.. good stuff

[@Mackem_uk]

You need a vice for your vice.

[@DevilleQueen]

Awesome! You can't find a knife like that much anywhere else. Very impressive!

[@davidjonathan3466]

BRO, I AM AMAZED TO BE HONEST .. THAT IS A WICKED KNIFE ! YOU'RE A LEGEND !

[@rayota260]

Beautiful knife, i had to skip to the end of the video to see what it looked like, Amazing!

[@chandlerdickinson]

I just deleted someone's comment totally by mistake!!!! I am very sorry please repost!!!!

[@chandlerdickinson]

***** where the iron comes into contact with the anvil or the hammer it will lose heat to the anvil or the hammer. cooling faster...

[@IceDragon978]

***** It's called Heat Transfer (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_transfer), if you'd like to know more.

[@rusticrussel8147]

Hey i love your videos on railroad spike knives and wanted to ask ,as me being a novice blacksmith, if you could possibly show me how to make a knife into a turtle

[@rusticrussel8147]

So i can make a knife for my mom as a present. Turtles are her favorite

[@chandlerdickinson]

Are you wanting to start with a RR Spike? Or just a turtle themed knife?

[@walteralter9061]

Dude, bolt down that vise!

[@823Brad]

That was bothering me too lol

[@Idoitfortheskonkas]

Walter Alter Same here !

[@roskva2]

I noticed that too. I would hate for you to get hurt.

[@michaelbatts5655]

I noticed it also

[@raymcchristy8065]

We no need no stinking bolts , she a rock an roller . Maybe yes .

[@dariusbivins5651]

I'm not into blacksmithing at all, I don't know how I even got here...but I just couldn't stop watching...Good work!

[@Arkie80]

Coming from North Carolina originally and being a day's drive from the Smoky Mountains I've seen my share of knives made from railroad spikes and tried my hand at it myself. (Not with such good results to be sure.) But I have to say that's the first one I've ever seen with a ram's head. Beautiful work.

[@res1492]

Time for some new gloves maybe?? Great video sir, you are a real artist

[@matthewpin]

lol I noticed the gloves too. This dude is the real deal.

[@chandlerdickinson]

I tried new gloves... they look like these in only a few days...lol... Gotta watch those overhead costs you know...lol

[@TheReactor23]

Changing them, No way, it's an air-conditioned glove lol !!

[@PONYBOYonline]

How much did it end up selling for? That's a very unique item.

[@revenant3138]

i really like the quick time lapse sections instead of you just cutting a bunch of detail out, I find it very useful to see.

[@celgod20]

Glad to see people still use their hands to make beautiful things...

[@L00NGB00W]

Wow! Very Impressive.

[@limoneador]

He did stunning work!

[@gvozdencekicevic1322]

Chandler, come back to us.

[@gortnewton4765]

Very nice job! It was just a useless lump of iron until you got it and made something useful and beautiful out of it. Thanks for showing us.

[@Kryptic712]

you are fucking incredible, i don't like working in heat but i love watching smiths create something from literally junk. i hope this art continues for ever

[@jaredt-f3007]

That is a really cool profession

[@Trollsky]

Wow this is great !!

[@chandlerdickinson]

Trollskyy It is an honor to have you comment on my video. You probably do not know this but you and Gary Houston were my youtube mentors getting into blacksmithing. I still curse you every time I see you grind a knife so skillfully! I have improved much but still wish I had your touch at the grinder! Again, honored! Thanks

[@Trollsky]

Chandler Dickinson I am honored ! :)

[@spideygalaxy]

Oh crap the two opinion based greatest youtube blacksmith knife makers on KZbin talking to each other... Now if they were to work together... Dang...!!

[@Orgakoyd]

The fast-forwarded hammering sounds so satisfying!

[@flhtcui2]

Not sure how I came across this video but am very glad I did. You are a craftsman!

[@kravenmorhead3106]

I need a few tips on how you got that mirror finish. I just recently received a box of knives that belonged to my Grandfather he was a Millwright. Most are handmade. He has passed on now going 15 years and I never knew this box existed until my Grandmother asked me to clean them up for her. I hate to say it but they wasnt stored properly & they are covered in rust. I am amazed you can get that finish on a railroad spike. Please help

[@chandlerdickinson]

Kraven Morehead Wire wheel and buffing wheel... will probably do the trick for you... but be careful on the wheels!!!! if the knife gets snagged you could lose fingers or get stabbed...

[@theCandianTards]

Perfect for sacrificing goats to Satan. Finally a product that caters my needs.

[@phatone911]

I would ABSOLUTELY buy one of these (or more) This is amazing. People who do this just fascinate me. Pure art.

[@chandlerdickinson]

Pat Rigdon I sell these for $125 US plus shipping. If you would like to get on the schedule you can email me at [e-mail] Otherwise keep an eye on my Etsy store as that is where I sell most of my things. www.etsy.com/your/shops/McFinleysCabin

[@phatone911]

Awesome....thanks man. Amazing work...truly. you WILL be getting an order soon from me. Either from etsy or directly. Thanks again dude.

[@jipvanleyenhorst4834]

This is one of the most wonderful pieces of art I have ever seen

[@modifiedcarforums]

Great video, that vice needs to be bolted down!

[@dominicbonaventura3633]

You're a true artist! Keep it up. Where did you learn this talent

[@chandlerdickinson]

Dominic Bonaventura KZbin was my inspiration!

[@deadfiregames4766]

Chandler Dickinson hmm youtube is very inspirational

[@jmerridew124]

This is easily the most relaxing video I've ever seen.

[@CptHiker]

i am a huge lover of blades and the blacksmith skill. i could only wish i had that kind of skill to produce something even remotely like that. but for the safety of myself and others i will rather just admire your workmanship. freaking awesome!

[@MattsMotorz]

Man you gotta bolt down that vice! lol

[@chandlerdickinson]

MattsMotorz Replaced that vice!

[@smitherszx7]

Iv been through several vises that werent cheap...junk man. Found an old one recently. Prob from the 50s easy....best i ever had.

[@614BlueBerry]

Chandler, You need some new gloves buddy! Great video tho! Is there anyway you could make a video to make a cheap home made forge?

[@chandlerdickinson]

+Josh Adkins look at my library i show a few videos of my homemade forges

[@Faust1169]

+Chandler Dickinson Handle looks too short ..I knew I'd be the only one to notice

[@TRSRM]

Wow blacksmithing is so more interesting than I thought.

[@whiteknucklekrew09]

You sir have an amazing talent! It is unfortunate that this is a dying tradition... The young generation with CnC machining will never feel the satisfaction of creating a piece of art by hand and hard work! I tip my hat to you Good sir!

[@WhiteKitta]

wow this is so amazing...

[@notinterested8452]

+White Kitta Amazing that he can live with such a wobbly vice. I suppose we all have our vices.

[@noveske.2236]

Not Interested mine, isn’t even attached to a bench :c

[@shawnp8429]

I spent 200 bucks on a 250 lbs anvil for PA just to try to make one of these.. I melt aluminum in my homemade propane tank charcoal furnace with air feed,will this bring the steal up to working heat ?

[@chandlerdickinson]

Yes

[@jordancochrane3895]

well edited unlike some other videos of this variety thanks mate

[@SharpensBest]

You GOTTA See This! The Best Knife Sharpener on the market fits in your pocket!

[@eaglestrike3531]

I'm working on becoming a blacksmith, I'm only 16. I'm a carpenter but I'm losing interest in it. I'm wanting to to craftsman work like u do. I need your opinion should I become a journeyman once I start?

[@timo_v8t]

go and catch 'em all dude

[@fife8332]

Well you probably would start out as a novice since you are level 0 in blacksmithing. You need to be at least level 50 for Journeyman. Although Tadrose Helas in Bravil or Eitar in Leyawiin can train you up to Journeyman level.

[@TheMiKeOfAllTrades]

Well played, Cal. Well played.

[@codemoody8243]

how much experience is necessary for each level?

[@stoutyyyy]

Just forge a bunch of iron daggers to increase your skill, you’ll be smithing Daedric armor in no time!

[@friscoHub415]

bro that is fuckin cool

[@ferret1337]

rail spikes really do make some of the best knives imo. not to mention they are really fun to work with.

[@fostersstubbyasmr9557]

One of the most skilled smiths out there!

[@jarlaxlebaenre461]

That, my friend is a pimp knife... A very beautiful pimp knife, but still a pimp knife

[@wolfryeosraige1904]

I know im pretty late asking but what is a pimp knife?

[@EthanfromEngland-]

@@wolfryeosraige1904 A knife for a pimp...

[@onthebalconywithkat1517]

Do you take commissions for these? If so how much would it cost to get a ram's head railroad spike knife?

[@chandlerdickinson]

On The Balcony With Kat you can contact me directly at [e-mail] or Keep an eye on my ebay and etsy stores I just had one listed and more are on the way ebay.com/usr/chandlersstore etsy.com/shop/McFinleysCabin they go $75 to 125$

[@onthebalconywithkat1517]

Chandler Dickinson Awesome, thanks much. I will keep an eye out when I have a bit of extra cash; would love to get two of these!

[@phage74]

Chandler Dickinson I would have bought immediately at that pricepoint. I figure supply is low anyways, so I figure this word of advice wont hurt me. I think a knife like that could /easilly/ go for at least $150. You might need to contact a knife distributer to get the right audience. Just throwing this out there, it can be hard for a craftman to realize the value of his work.

[@jackiechan3898]

I would definitely have bought a knife that especially for that price!however I am from the uk so shipping could be a pain

[@brettsmith7939]

Nice! This makes me want to try my hand at it. I use to collect railroad ties when I was a kid but never thought of doing anything with them. I guess I thought they where iron. I can't believe all the steal that's just laying around. Awesome video.

[@buckzillakiller]

Good job chandler, enjoy watching your videos and learning from you. Thanks for the experience

[@codenamezero7357]

Build the orc army please...

[@jacklemaster3519]

You should get some new gloves those don't look like they are doing much

[@jacmathieson827]

Lol

[@7ngaf]

its coz he is bad ass smith

[@almarc]

When he's hungry people die! :D

[@mrj24811]

your talking about his gloves u have a drawn mustache on yo face dude

[@williambarnhartblacksmith414]

Harry Potter Blacksmithing gloves get torn apart quickly.

[@duwinde6786]

A true artisan. A pleasure to watch him create

[@slimthiccums5496]

You took that comment very well, the knife was really cool. Great metal work and design, especially from a railroad spike

[@Phyoomz]

What's your ebay name?

[@anthonyberry8604]

how to temper stainless steal i wana make a good chefs knife,thanks.

[@chandlerdickinson]

+Anthony Berry this i don't know yet... i am under the impression that stainless is work hardened so not sure it goes through a tempering process... but i bet it does... sorry... we both need to do some research

[@anthonyberry8604]

Haha its good nobody seames to know keep up your bad ass work really appreciate your videos!!

[@kingduckford]

+Anthony Berry The best chef's knives aren't stainless, they are standard carbon steel. Just make the knife out of regular iron, it will be superior in every single way except for the fact it will have to be oiled constantly to keep from rusting. Teflon isn't better than cast iron, its just easier to maintain; stainless steel is inferior to carbon steel in every way except maintenance.

[@gavindavies3754]

+Chandler Dickinson spot on stainless work hardens

[@sithyarael6807]

+kingduckford Agree most knives used for fine cutlery are not stainless due to harder to sharpen SS and doesn't hold its edge that long as it is too soft to keep and hold an edge. Good old carbon steel is the best as long as you wash it right and treat it perfect it will last for ever just like cast iron pans.

[@angryshoesproduction]

Hey Chandler! I just wanted to say I love your videos, as someone with the recent drive to start pursuing a longtime passion your channel provides awesome inspiration.

[@hooter992]

Thanks Chandler for sharing your skills and taking the time to Video it. Much respect for your craft. I am a beginner in Blacksmithing and find your videos very useful.

[@franksdesignstudio]

Can i get a link to your ebay store?

[@jordansmit7344]

www.etsy.com/shop/McFinleysCabin

[@chandlerdickinson]

jordan smit Jordan I might have to start paying you a commission! Thanks for pointing everyone in the right direction!

[@chandlerdickinson]

Franky Mcfly I sell most of my items in my Etsy store at www.etsy.com/shop/McFinleysCabin

[@jordansmit7344]

haha no problem man. always trying to help!

[@gordonchapman3253]

y'know that looks hella satanic...

[@resiststatism2671]

+Gordon Chapman What makes a knife with a ram's head look satanic? Is it the same thing that makes an AR15 scary looking?

[@hypermecha223]

+Defiant Because the Baphomet is a ram's head, duh

[@japper21]

+Defiant No.. Obviously the horns are you that oblivious?

[@chriswedemann8599]

+Waterpae Baphomet who? Sorry, I'm only familiar with Maphomet, Pagan god of fertility. Not sure who Baphomet is...

[@chriswedemann8599]

Waterpae Sorry, I gotta say it: Satanist does not equal not being a Christian. Baphomet is a mistranslation and perversion of the older god Maphomet, who was praised as a goat for being able to a... Shall we say "screw" the universe? I was actually being sarcastic last time, and I hate sounding like a preach, so please forgive the monologue.

[@braulioe.almonte9423]

Wow awesome job there Mr Dickinson you are truly talented

[@filipevasconcelos1980]

Very nice to watch your work, man!!! Congratulations!!!

[@hermeshamblok5701]

I want u as my senpai. pls

[@DJRokahn]

NOTICE ME SENPAI!

[@jakubspousta3223]

Not even statrak

[@Rustykid]

not even funny

[@rodrigopassarelli1]

You are a true artist, beautiful work!

[@Dont_Poke_The_Bear]

This is EPIC!! I have always wanted a spike knife, can't wait til you have more available! I will be keeping an eye out for sure!

[@mengzi-vp1bv]

艺术品

[@abelmartinez6692]

Even tho this was a year ago your work is freaking awesome!!!! Very great work you do man blows my mind seeing ppl do such amazing work on scrap metal!!!!! Major talent you got!!!!

[@greglemieux9809]

holy crap man, that thing is wicked killer,. I actually have a couple of railroad spikes in my tool bag that I've been holding onto to reforge into some type of blade. that rams head idea is the balls.

[@georgeb9977]

Wow man. I just read the art of blacksmithing and this video teaches a lot of great essential techniques!

[@Mihali92105]

Howdy thanks for sharing your skills, and taking the time to video. I dont thing most people realize what it takes to do that. Very impressive. Old school blacksmithing and forgning. Very good.

[@exodusfivesixfivesix8050]

This is interesting. I didn't know people still did this the old way.. I wanna get me a home made forge done up so I can start making some stuff like this. Great video!!

[@wojpm2000]

Truly a work of Art Brother, you are AWESOME at what you do!!!!!

[@wojpm2000]

P.S. You mentioned that the balance of the knife is in the handle, I think that would qualify it to be a good throwing knife then, ( at least it looks like it could be a good customized throwing knife/dagger.)

[@lisajohnson8566]

Really nice job!! I have the forge, anvil and hammers and some day I'll try a project like this but I have to compliment you on a fabulous project. Amazing how you finished it too. I loved the video and thanks for all the technique you shared too. Loved the entire project. Thank you!!