Blacksmithing - skull Damascus Bowie knife

[@landroveraddict2457]

I think you give your self too much of a hard time. The journey is all part of the finished product. It's a dam fine knife. Keep them coming.

[@AB-co7er]

Some of us aren’t bored with the processes. That’s what made the show “ How it’s made” so successful. It’s worth watching it all. Nice work though.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks

[@TheSpoonyluvin]

You're too hard on yourself. You do great work, even when things don't work out the way you want them to. As an experiment I see this as an absolute win. It won't make the cover of blacksmithing monthly, but it's still a great piece for your portfolio. You should be proud of it.

[@rollin18wheels]

For "not a knife guy", you made a damn fine knife right there. Hopefully I'll have my mini forge & foundry up and running soon and be able to apply some of the stuff I'm learning from guys like you, Alec Steele & other KZbinrs and create... hell at this point, I'd be happy to successfully make a Damascus toothpick let alone a knife.

[@loul7239]

Skull mosaic! That was a lesson in tenacity, thanks for sticking with it. I imagine you could sell a thousand of those knives. The skull blurring into the tip of the knife actually looks great. Your idea of elongating the skulls was perfect as well.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for all of the kind words Lou I do appreciate that very much, I guess I'm just not one to walk away from a problem. I guess it's all about learning from our mistakes, you know that whole life hands you lemons make lemonade thing. Thanks for checking out the video I do appreciate it and take if care of yourself my friend.

[@jimanness4586]

This was a great video.... showing us not to give up even if the blade has flaws... showing us a way to repair it.. it was perfect. Thanks again

[@eastcoastcreations5186]

the PUNISHER would love this knife

[@he-mansuncle7661]

Epic!!!! Glad you're feeling better bud! So happy that you took some vacation days and let the body relax and get back to normal! It turned out great, I was hoping the cable damascus would've showed up a little darker but, your patch worked! This was a great informative build for the entire knife community! Your problem solving skills are freakin impressive!!! I also wanted to say thank you to yourself and all of the other active and retired military personnel. Without the men and women that have served this amazing place we call home, we wouldn't have celebrated the greatest country in the world it's 241st birthday! Thank you for serving our country, I truly appreciate it!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Phillip it's good to hear from you my friend, I hope things are going well and you're feeling OK. Taking vacation was awesome I haven't done that and a longtime. I hope you had a good 4th of July and thank you very much. I'll talk to you soon my friend take care.

[@he-mansuncle7661]

BIG DOG FORGE That's awesome!!! You definitely deserved a vacation! Our 4th of July party was eventful, mom's knee gave out stepping down into the rocks with my youngest nephew. We went to the ER for him, and he didn't really have anything other than a small bump and some scratches were Mom couldn't get her hands completely over his head. Mom on the other hand, did something to her knee/leg. After the fall she couldn't feel her knee and it swelled up like a balloon. Luckily, my crutches were able to be shortened so she is using those and all of my ice packs that are for the knee. She's been there for me during every one of my 14 surgeries for my knee and pain pump, so I can only try and help her out since she refuses to go to the doctor. We're both in pain 😂... Just trying to get her knee and pain down before she leaves for vacation! I do have some pieces for our knives done. Tomorrow I am going to do the wood veneer "micarta", I think it's going be really cool looking! The other handles are coming slowly since all I have is a Japanese saw I bought on eBay. But it's pretty awesome and cuts through the burl wood pretty easily. It's just hard for me to stand and cut all the pieces at once so it's going slow. I can't wait to see the Damascus blade that you make for our pocket knives! I'm sure it's going to be EPIC!!!! I'll talk to you soon and if I'm able to finish and mail them I'll email you! Thanks again for everything!

[@jamesbenson322]

hey big dog its me James I met you at the hardware store we talked about knives anyway call me at 253 776 9148

[@jamesbenson322]

BIG DOG FORGE call me. 253 776 9148 James met you at mclendons

[@davidstradtman8232]

Love the blade, it's beautiful. The framing with the hardened steel really sets off the pattern brilliantly.

[@customcutter100]

Classic Bowie lines for a guy that's not a knife guy. Love that you worked through all the small problems/details. Remember we always learn more from our mistakes than our success's.

[@kenezso1311]

Like! The skull pattern is pretty darn nice. The rivets were a great idea. Make a blade full of holes and add contrasting rivets , well done and good save

[@jimfreeman3636]

Not a knife guy, huh??? Damned sure fooled me. I recently found one of your videos and have now watched them all. You are one heck of a craftsman. Beautiful work. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@nickbailey2562]

Really unique! First time watching one of your videos, I liked that you explained every step of the way. It's much better than the ones that explain before and after!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Nick I appreciate that. Thanks for watching take care.

[@stevenvenglar1286]

The knife is a masterpiece, and your ability to repair the flaws was masterful. I love your channel. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for watching

[@neilyeag]

Totally cool. I would not expect that one maintain a pattern like that all the way through the process. Love your approach and problem solving skills.

[@totalherenow]

Looks great! The last skull on the blade looks like The Scream painting.

[@kevinemery1177]

Man this is my favorite forge, shop channel and I forgot about it for awhile. So its like I found it again for the first time

[@andrewbielinski1401]

That skull blade is bad ass you are a humble sort.i just love it.

[@ahmedaltimimi9697]

This deserves a redo for 2021.

[@comingviking]

Partially failed experiments are always the best ones.That's where you learn things. And anyway: The pattern turned out to be really cool and interesting, and almost everything worked. And I for one have never seen anything quite like this, so it was very interesting to watch. Thank you very much!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you comingviking. And I do appreciate the input very much, and thanks for taking the time to check out the video. Take care of yourself and be safe .

[@Ka74Ever]

You, Sir, deserve congratulations for the good work!

[@deadowl833]

Wow. I am amazed at what blacksmiths can do with some creativity and intuition. Amazing piece, big dog. My absolute favorite channel.

[@hughlink3122]

Only someone as dedicated to your art of knife making would take the time to save that blade the way you did shows you are a true blade smith.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you Hugh, and thanks for taking the time to check out the video, take care.

[@JB-gv8wz]

I really like that knife. Well done! I have decided that you are the Bob Ross of blacksmithing.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you And thanks for watching

[@ianfoster1762]

I've used similar rivets to fix cracks. They always turn out well and last. Good job

[@DeadlyPoet1]

Awesome work! The tip of the blade looks really cool!

[@MrEternaltattooz]

I love it! I love that you don't have all the answers and yet you plunge forward. This is the same approach I take. Take chances. Gamble! I am inspired!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks man, and thanks for checking out the video I appreciate it. Take care of yourself my friend and be safe.

[@davidhall8874]

I liked it. I haven't watched much welding for a while. It is good to watch you again. Ghost knife. Great for a pirate!!

[@brandoncox7460]

blade looks awesome if you ask me! and I love the fact that you finished it even with the delamination in the skulls just to see how it would turn out. being a knife maker I don't know how many times I have "messed" a blade up that I should have scraped but I stuck with it just for the practice and they ended up being some of my best looking knives I have made. keep up the great work tim, glad to see you back in the shop!!!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Brandon, I haven't been doing knives for very long so I figured I could use all the practice I can get, and I didn't see much use in throwing all that hard work away, and I think it'll make a great wall hangar. Anyway thanks for taking the time to check out the video. Take care and be safe.

[@fedderback1]

looks good I really enjoyed watching the build. I wondered about the silver soldier but live and learn.Thanks for the lesson.Tom

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Tom I appreciate you checking out the video and thanks for the kind words. Take care and be safe.

[@GranTorino49]

With all the problems you had it turned out remarkably well. I really like it....a lot. And with all the things you've learned you can apply it down the road. A really innovative piece.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks DLB, you're absolutely correct ever since I did the rivet thing to repair the Damascus I keep thinking of different types of patterns that I could combined in a similar manner. Thanks again so much for checking out the video and thanks for your input I do appreciate it. Take care and be safe.

[@HAMOFDESTINY]

Love your videos man, your style is excellent and I love the way you've built your craft in such a homegrown fashion. Always a pleasure to watch.

[@Tonyplat98]

Love the knife. Whether it's gonna survive long time or not is another thing but well worth the effort. Thanks for sharing this experience with us Big Dog. Love your channel !!! keep up the good work

[@jamesovady432]

Looks great, I like how you made all of the fixes, life is always about making the corrections and moving through them, hope the be able to try something like it soon!

[@tonyennis3008]

I appreciate how you didn't give up when things got dicey.

[@Mr123jes]

Great save BD!! I'm a baby forge welder ( some days the moon is right) but not near up to your level. thank you for your effort and time to inspire us heathens!!!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you so much I appreciate the kind words, with a little practice you'll be there in no time, keep hammering my friend and be safe. And thanks for watching.

[@ShaneMunro4065]

Hey Big Dog, That knife turned out freakin awesome. Great job brother, well done. I'm just starting out with a dual burner propane forge and you have given me a great insight into doing some basic things... So thankyou, keep up the great work. Shane

[@demolitionscience8551]

your one of the best knife makers ever

[@jimmystockton6404]

You are the best Tim please more videos with you narrating but I love that knife. Don't like the other style videos we need those words of wisdom

[@eddyvoidsoul6963]

That pattern is completely brilliant. My mind is now fixated on sum talented forger making a Mona Lisa pattern in the future. Iv always loved damascus steel. But it never once crossed my mind that a pattern could be turned into a picture. Now im thinking that almost any drawing or design could be produced on a blade. With enough skill even DaVinchi's Vitruvian man could be replicated in damascus. Mind blown,,,,, this clip earned a like and a subscribe. Thanks mate.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching.

[@eddyvoidsoul6963]

@@BIGDOGFORGE seriously it realy was my pleasure, i hope u can expand the idea of pattern ( Or picture ) damascus

[@hughlink3122]

Most knife makers would have given up on that blade but I knew you wouldn't, you are a dedicated blacksmith, we have a lot to learn from you

[@grayem76]

i think you repaired the knife really well congrats i haven't seen repairs on damascus steel before well done

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@marcsenteney3160]

Very nice way to show off the skulls! That was an awesome build! Using the cable billet was a great idea too. You da man! To spend a week or two in the shop with you.... would be awesome!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for all the kind words Marc, this was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. Perhaps one day if the stars align we can spend some time in the shop together. Thanks for watching my friend take care of yourself and be safe. If

[@DavidGrassSr]

One thing about you Big Dog, You never give up,it takes hours and hours to go thru the steps you don't show on camera.After all that work it turned out to be a scary looking blade,See Ya

[@markspc1]

Good looking knife. Never give up, loved the way you fixed those cracks !

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks and thanks for tuning in.

[@darnautov]

It turned out to be a good knife and many lessons. Thanks.

[@d.gregorybrown7779]

The knife looks great and the problem solving was awesome.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much Gregory, and thanks for tuning in I do appreciate it. Be safe.

[@tygs6984]

So glad I found you! Love all your hard work and creativity! Thank you Big Dog!

[@rickpitts2277]

Thanks for talking your way thru the problems, it really gives insight to how to fix them along the way before they can ruin the project. I have watched several video's , and Subscribed, I even hit the bell. Thanks again for the education and fun ideas. Hope to see what you do with that big forklift chain.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@chancemackey3197]

Amazing work I think it turned out great. I would buy that knife in a heart beat think it's really cool.

[@billwhorley367]

The skulls almost look like they have bullet wounds due to the cable plug rivets. I like the way this looks a lot. It is always fun to watch a craftsman expand his knowledge base through experimentation this way. Thank you for an amazing video.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for all the kind words Bill I do appreciate it, and thanks for taking the time to check out the video, take care and be safe.

[@shellyrobinson6825]

I really like the end product there of the knife. I like the uniqueness off the skull. The best things you do start out as "experiments". Nicely done.

[@robijakus6860]

okay this turned out really freakin' nice... those skulls are a lot better than they were before

[@TehLilbrotheral]

That knife looked really cool, kinda want one like that myself now lol, I think your work is inspirational

[@edsonos]

Amazing, holy shit. The end result is stunning. You should have a lot more subscribers, amazing work.

[@agentsmart9360]

Way to go pulling through and stay strong to the finish, eerie blade you have there Sir :).

[@krashunburn]

You're crazy, you know that? And I love it. Makes me want to be crazy, too, and try something similar. So much fun to watch and learn from. Keep up the good work!

[@nickaschenbecker9882]

Japanese smiths used to do something similar to repair cold shuts they found after forging. They'd hammer in pieces of iron after cleaning out the cold shut to fill the void in. So, yeah. Other people have done it.

[@MPBushman]

Your perseverance paid off! Awesome knife!

[@lsubslimed]

I do like your ingenuity in problem solving , Tim ;) I think that turned out great! I love the file steel edge and spine which, as you mentioned, gives the skull pattern a nice frame. I've seen a number of damascus bowies with a mosaic inner-pattern done this way and it always looks really nice. It's great to see and hear from ya again, I hope you've been doing well and had a nice break. Thanks as always for sharing, take care brother :)

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Paul it's good to hear from you, I hope things are going well and you're enjoying your summer. I liked the way the knife turned out but I'm going to attempt this again to see if I can come up with something that has no flaws to it. Take care my friend and be safe.

[@analog56x]

that looks pretty awesome Tim! i cant wait till we're done with the whole moving thing. going to set up a little area for forging and try to spend more time doing that. cheers Tim, have a great day!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Steve it's really good to hear from you, I hope the move is going well and I hope to see some videos from you again soon. I was never able to track down the package but once you get moved please send me your new address and I'll send you another Thanks for tuning in brother I'll talk to you soon, take care and be safe.

[@analog56x]

BIG DOG FORGE hey Tim, ive been posting your videos and sharing your channel on a bladesmith forum i recently joined on facebook. guys were having trouble with forge welding bike chain, so i pointed them to your videos. the move is coming up really fast... i only have 6 days at work left, then 2 weeks to sell as much as i can. looks like we may have found a place already, which is awesome! its a suite, which kind of sucks, but it also seems as though the landlord is really nice and may lend me the shop to do my blacksmithing in, as they arent using it anyways :) if not, i will always have the farm to do my projects at. i found a kid in town here who is into bladesmithing, but he didnt have a good forge. mine still works, as long as you dont run it at welding temp, it will work for quite a while yet, so i donated it to him, but asked him to make me a knife as payment. im going to build a new one, circular style with kaowool and venturi burners, so i dont have to run forced air. ill build them like that one you built. cheers Tim, good to hear from you my friend! ill email you once we're all moved into the new place. i really have no idea where that package could have gone either... if it was left at our doorstep, someone probably stole it. but i never got a key in our mailbox for the parcel slot. have a great night Tim!

[@t.albertobarbosa6639]

glad I stumbled upon this channel

[@swillk1]

I think it turned out pretty good! Like you said, I'm sure you learned a great deal along the way. I enjoyed the video. Glad to see you back in action and I hope you feeling better.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Steve, thank you so much for watching the video I do appreciate it, and thank you I'm feeling better every day. Take care and be safe.

[@davidbabin1287]

That is a fantastic piece of craftsmanship! Loved the videos on this job...

[@stormdrifter7904]

I loved this video, especially with Big Dog at the end

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you Alastair. And thanks for tuning in.

[@MrTimNed]

Looks awesome Tim. Glad you're back and feeling better. I know a good home for that knife. Pet the pup for me

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Mr. Tim, big dog says hi and it's good to be back. Thanks for checking out the video I do appreciate it man, take care of yourself my friend and be safe.

[@TheOldaz1]

The rivet repair using cable damascus almost looks like bullet holes in the skulls. I did a similar repair to a stainless blade I made out of some scrap and you can see the slight difference in the 2 types of stainless - hey - it works. For a guy who isn't a knife maker, you make beautiful knives. Thanks Tim.

[@MadDawg91108]

Thanks for posting the video Tim...I was getting worried about you since some time had passed since the last video. As a matter of fact, I was looking around the inner-webs last night, trying to figure out how to get ahold of you to make sure you were doing ok. Now that we got that outta the way.... Nice job on the knife, I really like it. Thanks for seeing this one thru despite all the issues that kept creeping up. I think your perseverance was rewarded with a nice looking knife... one you can be proud of. Keep up the good work.... and hope the healing process is going good. Do me a favor..... try not to go so long between videos.... it makes me worry and stress out. ;)

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Mad Dawg, Thank you my friend I'm on the mend and doing much better, I'll be putting out a Q&A video next weekend that should be followed by the short live stream but I'll be posting more on that later, so I should be able to pick up the videos were left off soon. And thanks for all the kind words on the knife I learn a lot that I'll be able to use in future projects. Thanks again for taking the time to check out the video I do appreciate it. And take care of yourself my friend, and see you soon.

[@JMS-2111]

Its amazing. Eerie an fascinating. Even with the improvised pommel it looks great.

[@kelliepatrick9102]

that is one of the coolest knives ive ever seen!

[@awesomesaucer4128]

I enjoy watching you working your craft

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you so much David. And thanks for tuning in.

[@jaysanders7472]

Looks great I will have to watch the first part so I can figure out how to make the skull pattern. I think this will be a great project for a friend of mine.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you Jay, And thanks for tuning in .

[@jaysanders7472]

BIG DOG FORGE did you receive my email. It was sent to [e-mail]

[@fondyin]

Wow! Love it. That would be a nice one for any collection.

[@garynordmann138]

A psycodelic pirate knife, worthy of Blackbeard himself! Great job, Tim and cool idea sich the rivets. Me like, very much!!!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Gary and thanks for watching.

[@chrisdallenbach5776]

Looks great Tim! Loved the video! Big dog looks like he needs a treat!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Chris, Big Dog always want a treat and usually gets one. Thanks for tuning in take care.

[@AlbiesProductsOnline]

I loved the entire progress you followed with ever experiment you try is a dozen mistakes you no longer need to experience keep it up and we can all become better smiths

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Allan, And thank you so much for checking out the video, no matter how long you've been doing this mistakes will happen, learning from them and sharing that experience in my opinion is the most important thing. take care and be safe.

[@rogersrabbithole8417]

Awesome knife, I would proudly display it in my collection !!!! Would love to see a dagger in the same steal. Again great blade.!!

[@scottmccarroll2618]

I'm always impressed with all your work,, by the way great save drilling and plugging the blade, the entire job making the scull damascus and this vid making the knife have been great to watch.... thanks for sharing Scott

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you Scott I appreciate that very much. Thanks for tuning in and take care.

[@1988dodge1]

That's pretty cool. Looked more like a skull after forging than before.👍

[@hardrockscafe6268]

Good project! No need to apologize for any of it. Gives me a few ideas of my own.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks and thanks for watching.

[@brianrobinson9750]

Nice job, I love watching your work. You could totally win forged in fire competition

[@monoxolotl]

3 videos in and I'm already subscribed, actually I subbed on the first video I watched. Great videos!

[@kobizvi]

It's a good work in process, and the way you drilled out the fractures in the lamination, solved much of the problem. You'd need to test the knife against a block of wood, but it'll do the trick. Best

[@dannym5212]

I been watching your videos for sometime. Now a subscriber. I like your style, and your video skills. Good inspiration to me. I"ll be starting blacksmithing in a matter of months.

[@williamhoward8319]

machine work is not boring is facinating i watch a crew build buckets for backhoes in all places russia those guys are great with what tools they have

[@williamcunha9136]

Thank You for not giving up. I believe it turn out Awesome!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks William, I guess learning that all I can from mistakes and troubles is the most important part of blacksmithing, Thank you so much for taking the time to check out the video I do appreciate it. Take care and be safe.

[@markschoenhals4816]

Man. That’s awesome. I have my grandfathers old forge in my shop. Makes me want to figure out how to use it.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

You should go for it that would be awesome. And thanks for watching.

[@juandalahoe]

That was amazing, thank you! You shared so many things I never even knew you could do.

[@thebmac]

glad to see the ol dog can't be kept down and he's back at it! good work on the knife and showing that things can go wrong sometimes but it's not the end of the world.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Bradley, I appreciate all the kind words, and thanks for taking the time to check out the video I do appreciate it very much. Take care and be safe.

[@brianfalls5038]

That is a way cool knife! If ever they make a sequel to the Punisher movie then that would make a perfect "Punisher" knife.

[@PenfookioGaming]

awesome display piece I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a knife like that great work

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you and Thanks for watching.

[@glass-media]

Love it. Even with all the trouble, it turned out great

[@stevenlaswell6901]

Very cool knife, as far as the problem you had, live an learn. The rest of us found out how to get out of a problem. If nothing goes wrong all the time, you don't have the opportunity to fix a problem and learn

[@ron2382]

I think your experiment turned out great. I couldn't get your live stream, but I think it's a good idea. Thanks for sharing

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Ron, I appreciate that very much. And thanks for the input on the live stream, it is in the works, let you know when I plan on doing one. Thanks for watching and take care.

[@baronteddyvonforsthoffer2567]

Very cool, glad you saw it through. You make great videos. Only thing I would have done different is built up a nice big weld using a brazing rod over the nut. Then shaped it with file or belt sander.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Baron I appreciate that and I still haven't done anything with that nut I should probably do something with that. Thanks again for watching and take care

[@baronteddyvonforsthoffer2567]

Lots of projects, never enough time. :)

[@sladekiske]

I think this is fantastic! Would love to see more projects like this. It looks great.

[@chadclark7114]

that pattern is sooooooo freakin wicked!!!!!! great work !!!!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you chad and thanks for tuning in.

[@paulbell1522]

Man just found your channel, you're very informative. I enjoyed it very much. I think the knife is awesome.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks

[@g5150parker]

This looks very cool. I can't wait to see more work with Damascus steel. You have a new subscriber here.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much I appreciate you checking out the videos. Take care.

[@MrYabbie]

Blooming great result. Good on you in committing to the finished product. Wish I had the opportunity to try bladesmithing.