How Blacksmiths make Traditional Thai Machetes

[@richschwartz8004]

No matter how many times I watch craftsmen from some of the poorer places around the world I just amazed at the product quality that they are able to get from the tools they have. I absolutely love to watch all of your videos and haven't come across one yet that was even the least bit unenjoyable. Thanks again to both of you. God bless and stay safe.

[@Bushchannel]

Thanks Rich, you're a great support mate!

[@johndowe7003]

time is cheap over there bud. guys in usa or any other more deveped places mechanize everything then want to charge an arm and a leg

[@พิ๊บิวจัดไป.นัวเนีย]

Rich Schwartz

[@alfredocapistran9648]

Rich Schwartz I love machetes,,it's any way. I could buy them from this. Craftsmen!!??

[@florincochintu8691]

I will never blame my tools ever again!

[@TingTingalingy]

When you watch someone make things over and over they get the most fantastically calibrated hands and eyes. Just so impressive how minutely he can strike these handles and not hack off too much.

[@shadeshiest22]

I always come back to re-watch this video every few weeks

[@Bushchannel]

We have heaps of other blacksmith vids if you want more :) We also have a new video that will be publishing later this year that was filmed in January.

[@mistersmith3986]

1. Best forearms ever. 2. Most ironed shirt in world history. 3. The way he chopped into the other knife with a knife to shape it. First time I ever seen that!

[@Bushchannel]

Welcome to Bush Channel. This Friday we're uploading a one hour blacksmith video. It's raw UNCUT footage from another one of these videos, hope you like that!

[@streetDAOC]

I said that too! First time I’ve ever seen anyone chop at steel like that and all I do is watch blacksmithing stuff. Incredible.

[@yetanotherjohn]

IT TAKES A BLADE TO MAKE A BLADE :)

[@alancaceres2906]

xXxXxdew

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@@streetDAOC I've seen it before. He did it, cause otherwise he'd have had to draw the excess out and the blade would have been longer to get the shape right than he wanted.

[@GopinathSricandane]

First of all, the blower he has is ingenious, followed by a number of special tools he employs - the curved knife-like tool to gather charcoal is just one of many. Above all his craftsmanship. Was a treat to watch. Many thanks for making this video

[@bpetnoi1472]

This man understand differential quenching very well and many people might not understand why he is just quenching the edge before the whole blade. He tests the temperature of the blade with small drops of water which tells him the temperature of the edge as he slowly hardens the edge. When the full blade is finally quenched it ensure that the blade will remain more flexible while the edge is much harder.

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

bpetnoi This is how I want to quench a bar of 1095 steel in water or brine for a machete. That or an interrupted quench. I wonder which would be more effective? I’m not going be using any fancy oil and I don’t like the fact of a fire starting up.

[@danieltoledo9295]

A têmpera não pode ser interrompida (retirando a lâmina do líquido) e deve ser feita com metal vermelho sem ação magnética. Essa têmpera com ferro cinza em água retirando e colocando nunca será uma têmpera tal como uma em aço vermelho com um único mergulho. Seja têmpera completa ou com jamon. E sim temperar somente o fio confere melhores desempenhos mecânicos a lâmina. Pode do ser uma lâmina que receba pancadas para fazer entalhes sem sofre risco de quebrar. Essas lâminas temperadas só o fio podem se dobrar a 90 graus sem quebrar ... No máximo amassa

[@GaMeRfReAkLIVE]

@@Divine_Serpent_Geh you could do a homone (spelling?) Like the asians, pack the edge with clay then do youre heat treat cycle and what not

[@nickhurt9268]

You can see the confidence on this man’s face. You can tell he knows what he’s doing just by watching his face alone. Focus and high skill.

[@Kl2H]

This one is the most elegant machete I've ever seen! Just beautiful.

[@ColtonWilson3000]

These primitive styles of blacksmithing amaze me. This old Thai man is an absolute craftsman. Does amazing work with such rudimentary tools and work conditions. It's astounding actually. When I hear people bitch about or brag they need this 3,000 dollar tool or that one I love to point out these kinds of videos. Very humbling.

[@sharonsharon2604]

Basic tools, no conditions, no bench...what a talented big hart blacksmith. The way his hands look, tells everything. No electricity, just the man and his limited resources! Respect from Israel

[@zsoltczibula5722]

Sharon David You are totally right. This Smith , is a man who wants to create things: he need to solve all issues on steel shaping, hardening, make handle on his little shop floor , alone . He is a real man. Just as you mentioned his arms shows his soul and abilities!

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

smexii People that have the patience/passion to do something like this in this manner, are usually virtuous, humble, and kind.

[@jfiekms]

you live on stolen land

[@Dan-sq5cv]

Amazing. You can see the skill and craftsmanship this smith, obviously has made hundreds of these. It is like watching an artist paint. He obviously takes pride in each tool he produces.

[@jerrydc818]

This man produces some great looking blades from he has available. I’ve seen others use the same materials (leaf springs) but he makes the extra effort and it shows.

[@nblythin]

This particular smith is using some very interesting techniques I haven't really seen before! I liked seeing him use a blade as a hot cut early in the video to shape the tip of the blade, and then when he was doing what looked like a variation on draw filing, but with a tool similar in design to a woodworkers spoke shave - very, very interesting to watch!

[@meinradrecheis895]

his techniques are amazingly similar to traditional japanese blacksmithing

[@jadekayak01]

Nothing interesting in his tooling. This type of drawknife is used all around asian countries for blacksmithing for rough shaping

[@yizhuolin3906]

Well back in the old time in China, there's a kind of craftsman who carry all their equipment on his shoulder, offering knife sharpening services, and they use that metal spoke shave as well. not much being seen in 2020 though

[@Louzahsol]

It’s a hardened scraper. A similar technique was used for fullers in the middle ages

[@Matityahu-the-God]

@@jadekayak01 that's ass backwards, you can't say something isn't interesting.

[@zedhaley6761]

I always go back to these videos for inspiration and to put things in their proper perspective when it comes to crafting my own blades and tools. This one ranks with the best.

[@Bushchannel]

Thanks Zed, it’s hard to find a guy like this, he’s the only one we’ve seen that has absolutely no power tools; most of them at least have an electric grinder. We’ve got a new series coming this year called “How blacksmiths make Golok machetes in Indonesia.”

[@zedhaley6761]

Will watch out for that one. Thanks for the heads up.

[@highonimmi]

for a machete so lithe & so light weight it went through that thick bamboo like butter. what craftsmanship!!! this man is a true artist!

[@nnnnnie]

There are some great old pictures of Thai blacksmithing from 1963-64 in the Univ. of Washington digital collection. Do a Google image search for "Thai blacksmith Maha Sarakham" and you'll find them. My blacksmith friend was from that general area and used a nearly identical setup. They used two simple air pumps. I used to work them sometimes, back in 1977/78.

[@candiedapple1860]

My blood is from the southeast region of Asia, and it's difficult to find smithing videos from there. Thank you very much for sharing sir.

[@chongtak]

That man is a Shan, it's a branch in the Thai family. Most of the Shan live in Burma where they are strongly oppressed by the Burmese governement, hence they flee to Thailand.

[@todamoon9187]

Great respect for this people sharing their talents,the quality of their product made out of simple tools👍👍

[@cadoctremayne3257]

One of the best videos on traditional blade making.

[@scooter66133]

thank you ... for me it is always amazing stuff to see people with this blacksmith skills ...i want this MACHETE!!!!

[@dsproductions47]

He does partial interrupted quenching like that because unlike usa idt he can afford quenching oil. Instead using water, to prevent cracking he does interrupted quenching. Which done under the rapid speed of water still gives a great edge. Also its a working tool, so it works.

[@varun009]

You can make quenching oil out of anything. Some people use peanut oil but you can also use used motor oil which is basically free. I've handled these machetes and their edge retention is pretty shit. For their uses, a softer edge is not a bad idea since they sometimes strike into hard surfaces. Better a rollover than a chip. When I go to the Philippines, I just ask the blacksmiths to give me the beveled blank and I take them back to do the heat treating, tempering and handle placement professionally.

[@dsproductions47]

@@varun009 yes but they are too slow, therefore dont really give you a good result. Also motor oil gives u fumes.

[@varun009]

@@dsproductions47 he's very likely working with spring steel. Specifically, 5160 or 52100 spring steel as this is what's most commonly used in leaf springs. The 10 and 5 series spring steels as well as O1 tool steel are very tolerant of various heat treating methods. Also, motor oil by no means performs poorly when dealing with the aforementioned steels. Im not sure if you've ever made knives before but I'm speaking from personal experience after having been making knives for the last 10 years. For the last 8 I've been heat treating and tempering them myself; for the last 5 years I've been forging knives and have been forging in a semi-professional capacity for the last year or so. Because of the temperature differential, we often heat the oil prior to quenching just to prevent cracking, so slow cooling has never been a problem. You're right about the fumes, but he's working outside. Some people I've met determine critical temperature by color, but I use the old magnet trick so I don't have to be indoors.

[@benkiyaapon5482]

Wow amazing blacksmith with simple basic tools making beautiful machete. Thanks for sharing.

[@worldwar2able]

This is what a real "hand made" means

[@ThomasRonnberg]

These blade-smithing videos are incredibly educational. Thank you so much for your contribution to the knife making world.

[@Bushchannel]

Thanks for the support Thomas. There's more coming as u know !

[@allandevera8765]

The bolo making process of southeast asian countries are almost the same. It starts from the leaf springs of vehicles from scrap yards. Aesthetics are not their forte but the affordabilty and durabilty for the farmers who use it everyday as their all-purpose tool.

[@killyoudead2727]

I'm in Thailand myself right now for a bit of volunteering,love the machetes I've seen and also the sheaths! Funny thing about the sheaths is they're meant as flower vases,but the farmers found em useful for their machetes.

[@StefanBacon]

That man truly works hard. He is an artist.

[@twocrowsblades3544]

Awesome I love these blacksmith videos ...keep them coming!

[@jonathancupp3686]

Simply amazing! A true champion of craftsman! Most respect to this man!

[@nnnnnie]

The man knows what he is doing. 45 years ago I worked with another elderly Thai blacksmith. He was very particular in what he did and how he did it. I helped pump the air to the forge. Lord help you if you pumped too fast, too long or too hard. Get the right heat at the right time and don't waste charcoal fuel.

[@nofuture6881]

I could watch this guy craft blades all day.....

[@masangafanai6755]

A true "hand made" blade, enjoyed the video, truly humbling, entertaining and inspiring. I would love to buy one of his blades.

[@TheGearhead222]

Simply amazing craftsmanship!-John in Texas

[@7storm776]

That was very nicely done... Looked very sharp...

[@killmimes]

So much respect for this smith!

[@strahdzarovic2138]

This is my favourite one in the series.

[@aldenunion]

Me2

[@traditionaltools5080]

Another great video. These guys may not be hightech but this is how civilization was build.

[@fk80189]

Very well made machete. I would love to get one of these

[@richardskinner4198]

I love stuff like this ,I got some of my best blades from small villages like this in different country's all hand made with the most basic of tools it is good to see these skills up close it is very inspiring .

[@tr33b3ard73]

Dude looks like he could crush rocks with his bare hands!!! Respect!!!

[@Bushchannel]

Below is a repost of a comment made by nnnnnie on 8th April. He makes the very interesting point that the resin is not from ants. The original comment was removed because it contained external links :- "I love that blade shape. I have one made by a blacksmith I worked with 40 years ago in the Peace Corps, and one probably much older that was rescued from some junk. The "ant resin" is actually stick Lac. It's called krang ครั่ง . It is the resinous secretion from Lac insects, not ants. It is like a natural polymer or resin, and it is used to make shellac when dissolved in alcohol. Red dye is also extracted. It comes from India and Indochina. I have a couple of raw lac sticks and also some small round cakes that are sold in farm/tool stores for the purpose of gluing handles on tools."

[@nnnnnie]

Sorry about putting in external links, but it's easy to search about shellac and get some history and info. Pretty fascinating, I think. Of course, that's an opinion from a horticulturist who loves plants, bugs, knives and Thailand. I've helped forge a few blades over there. Hard and hot work. My wife retired to Thailand recently and I have yet to join her due to obligations. Maybe when I get back over I'll set up a forge and pound away. Or at least export some better blades for those who would like one.

[@Bushchannel]

Thanks for your info!

[@พิ๊บิวจัดไป.นัวเนีย]

Bush Channel

[@พิ๊บิวจัดไป.นัวเนีย]

Bush Channel

[@พิ๊บิวจัดไป.นัวเนีย]

ฝ

[@ThomasRonnberg]

Speaking as a professional bladesmith... This guy is extremely good.

[@nnnnnie]

Hard to say as to forging temperature and other things. But those guys can bang out different sized knives that are exactly like another except for size. Amazing. I used to work the "butter churn" type air pumps for a 70+ year old guy there, and that was over 40 years ago. I have great respect for these artisans. My blacksmith had zero power tools. No electricity. No hand or foot pedal grinder. Heat, beat and use a draw knife and a file to clean up and shape the blade.

[@OKBushcraft]

I get enamored by watching people use what they have. No screw type bench vise just a large staple in a log and various plugs and wedges. Ive seen that style of metal on metal scraper, Ty Goo uses one to make his blades as well. Many thanks for sharing.

[@sarge712]

Loved it! Thank you for posting

[@annasbaba8663]

I see a true spirit in his face. Salute from indonesia. God bless you both

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

Thanks much for taking us with you!! Blessings and happy New year to you and your family 😇 🇺🇸

[@gonzothawarrior]

I seen all the blacksmithing videos you have put out and this is by my favorite since he uses the least amount of technology when it comes to making the blade. Is there any way I could buy one of his machetes

[@Bushchannel]

Yep, but you'll have to fly there :)

[@gonzothawarrior]

I might have to I'm super impressed with his work I think it my 7 th time watching the video I'm going to try to copy what he did tomorrow but I doubt it will be as good

[@Bushchannel]

Enjoy! Coming soon is our video "How Blacksmiths make Buffalo Horn Machete Handles UNCUT VERSION," it's about 70 minutes in length and shows some unseen footage from that old video!!!

[@gonzothawarrior]

I shall definitely watch it funny I left this comment 12 hours ago and I'm going through the video again and you respond cheers mate

[@Bushchannel]

Hey there, good to have such a fan. We've got a whole new country and a new series of Blacksmith vids in the making which will publish over the next few months. Look out for "How Blacksmiths make Golok Machetes in Indonesia." The picture and audio quality will also be improved cause we're using a new camcorder !!!

[@tanksoldier9770]

Just like Stepping back into time when things were made to last ,They sure work hard for there money

[@jeredphillips8744]

very nicely done!its a joy to watch that man at work turning out beautiful quality products!

[@LionChavez]

great video. this guy is absolutely amazing!

[@Bushchannel]

Yes he's a machine! Have you seen our other Thai blacksmiths videos? Enjoy :)

[@kullcraven]

Thanks for the video, i just made myself a large survival knife, so i could relate to this video. Really enjoyed this, thanks man ATB.

[@Bushchannel]

Hey Wayne, yes I know man. I've had a peek at your DIY survival knife construction in your vids :)

[@desmondlaw3703]

Hi I’m living in Chiang Mai for 7 weeks. Any chance I would be able to find this mans work or go and visit his forge to support his trade? I would love to bring back one of his machetes with me. Thanks for any info you can share with me!

[@Bushchannel]

Go and stay at a resort called Koko Home in nearby Chiang Dao. The owner Koko is good friends with the English speaking guide that you see in the video, he'll take you there. Read through the comments and description of this video to find out more.

[@desmondlaw3703]

Bush Channel thank you for the info looking forward to it! Appreciate your response

[@indrajitR]

It really soothed the soul. thanks for it.

[@konstantinosantoniou1019]

It is a excellent video.. I like to watch traditional blacksmiths to create these knives.. I would like to buy one like this.. May i have any help to find one from this blackshith?? My regards

[@notfeedynotlazy]

All those comments amazed at "how primitive the tools are" are missing the point. The really amazing thing is how well he uses them. As an artisan myself, I'm more impressed by the control he has of his tools than by anything else.

[@wesgreen241]

Well I just officially quit fussing about my "weak" belt grinder lol

[@thetinychapel]

What was mentioned up above about stick lac is correct. This interesting insect product was a major export of old Malaya among other 'jungle products.'We still get wild honey gathered in the forest here in Malaysia. One thing to realize is that among the kampung folk who use parangs in their daily occupation, there is no market for a inferior parang. The one you see in hardware stalls in George Town are not the best but I imagine many are sold to tourists who have yet thought how to get these things home on the plane.

[@gregmundo6107]

Very humble but very nice work

[@Palehorse1017]

I want one of those small machetes. Beautiful work/craftsmanship!

[@1080-v4v]

The heavy sledgehammer head is the most widely used anvil across parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and into the Himalayas. They are masters at working with it.

[@knownaigm]

4:50 is he PLANING an edge onto that knife?? Love seeing creative solutions some of these guys come up with when they don't have "proper" tools.

[@nnnnnie]

Yes. 40 years ago, I worked with a Thai blacksmith and he used a draw knife made from an old file. Less expensive than using a file and can be sharpened. He had no power tools, not even a hand-cranked grinder.

[@valaraukare6670]

Fantastic document. You just got yourselves a subscriber !

[@agnosjr]

Thanks for sharing awesome video! Can't wait for the next one.

[@Bushchannel]

Thanks man! Sometimes I change the title at the last minute, but at this stage the name of the next episode is "How Thai Blacksmiths Quench Machetes in Oil. "

[@ataarjomand]

Again many thanks 🙏

[@chuckfults9256]

WOW just WOW! Pure ART in motion! Brovo!

[@TheRealDealListenup]

hay guys...from Texas these black Smith's are Amazing

[@hermanclores6911]

Nice people...who are hardworking

[@rafiqkatana]

The quality is impressive. If someone showed them how to heat treat properly these tools would be as impressive as anything the Japanese once made. It's so good that the Japanese import pieces from Malaysia to pass off as their own. It's the blade edge durability that gives them away. And the quality of steel. Often they use the steel cut from car scrap or wherever to work into knives. Anyone without prior metallurgical knowledge would be hard pressed to see the difference. But still unbelievable work and artistry. I adore them as much as any high end piece I have from China or Japan.

[@nnnnnie]

I went to an old Thai blacksmith out in the country (Loei province) once and he helped make us 2 blades. He had recently been invited to Japan to demonstrate his art. Yes, high-tech heat treatment could improve the blades, but these are farmer blades. My blacksmith would clean up an old blade, reforge, quench, temper and sharpen for about $1. Yes, long ago, but they get beat up in everyday use.

[@pomademahal]

Amazing documentary. Thank you.

[@markgardner6630]

thats one of the better ones ive seen nice

[@giuseppeugino6773]

Bravissimo! I lavoratori asiatici sono i migliori. Noi abbiamo troppi vizi

[@axeandturtle]

Respect from South Korea!

[@chriscopeland1455]

i like this blacksmith know his stuff

[@sathaponpimpasri4578]

เป็นมีดเอกลักษณ์ของภาคเหนือของประเทศไทย รู้จักเรียกโดยทั่วไปว่า "มีดม้ง" หรือ มีดลาบ มีเฉพาะทางภาคเหนือของประเทศไทย ยังมีมีดอีเหน็บ และมีดประจำภาคอื่นๆอีกในหลายๆรูปทรง

[@frankielightyear3300]

The Sharpest man in the world.

[@leonardoamaya1457]

Muy buen vídeo. Qué buen artesano este personaje. Tiene buena técnica de forjado y es evidente que sabe templar muy bien. Me gustó mucho los machetes, la funda en madera y el método de encabado. Saludos desde Colombia.

[@mauricioboffsander1096]

sou do Sul do Brasil, a muito tempo acompanho os vídeos de vcs, gosto muito da Cultura deste povo. obrigado e parabéns pelos vídeos.

[@nagarajanraja8366]

This what the craftsmanship 👍 But one thing Pls explain about the quenching process they done

[@nazminasir4387]

the best video sir...tq for the sharing..

[@SharpWorks]

That's great I need to take some pointers from them. I really like that anvil idea since that's pretty much all I have right now. Great to see quality being crafted from minimal supplies.

[@bpetnoi1472]

Could you supply approximate GPS coordinates so I can find this man the next time I am in the Chiang Mai area?

[@ธงชัยลุงพงษ์]

He is my teacher! If you want to see him, I can help you, @ Tongchai lungpong my Facebook name sir.

[@desmondlaw3703]

ธงชัย ลุงพงษ์ Hi can you help me find him?

[@ธงชัยลุงพงษ์]

Yes sir!! you are welcome

[@desmondlaw3703]

ธงชัย ลุงพงษ์ I messaged you on Facebook messenger! Please check your message request XD

[@iloveaustralia9493]

This is knife 🔪 very sharp & nice 👍

[@nateerattanawong2792]

I'm thai , the resin in the machete handle is sealing wax (sealing lac), general used in thailand.

[@iscariotproject]

amazing lowtech and just pure skill

[@arimo3644]

Can someone please explain for me what his process of partial quenching at the beginning of the video is used for?

[@nnnnnie]

Thai blacksmiths typically do an edge quench which only hardens part of the blade. It avoids having to heat the whole blade which could lead to more warping, a broken blade and loss of carbon due to overheating and decarburization of the thin edge. You can see the hardening line in the video, about 1/2 inch deep (at 1:15). He is quenching and tempering in a single process. Not sure if it qualifies as Marquenching/Martempering.

[@thendo4433]

ช่างคนนี้เก่งจริง ประสบการณ์น่าสูงเลยละ

[@chongtak]

This man is a Thai Yai (Shan people) for those who were wondering.

[@RIRI-el6xm]

Are you sure ? I know suay language (Is a same familly of thai yai language, but to day suay peapol stay far of Lada and birmany, neer combodge, in thai border , district of Surin and Buriram.) The suay language are realy diferante of they guy speak, also suay are differant of Thai and Khmer)

[@Roniyusuf-]

your triangle anvil is from jaw crusher stone part?

[@jonathancupp3686]

How can I acquire one of these exceptional tools?

[@fahrrurrozi686]

Its very good if you have the full video

[@craigschiller1599]

Good on u mate for sharing. Another fine knife maker. Awsome arms. Lol... Cambodian Chopper is another great one to see made. All by hand from truck spring.

[@yoav8271]

Excellent video man 👍🏽

[@jomsalcaraz7343]

After 3 years finally KZbin recommended this video😂

[@jankosina1127]

thanks

[@veidorje1681]

very interesting how the shape of the blade is specific to some areas thru the globe asian models are usually smaller than most of the machetes made elesewhere THANKS 4 SHARING : )

[@lindseyzacek5211]

I'm happy I watched this ..good video.

[@ancilodon]

Fantastic! Now, where can I get one? Other than Thailand, of course.

[@ToY_SLD]

Realy i love this vidéo and this man, awasom forging

[@sarvove]

Fantastic I would definitely buy one of these. It would be fantastic if you could get to the Himalayas for the original Khukuri

[@lukefenech]

G'day there. AWESOME video mate, This one is inspirational to me. I'm trying to track down the village this fella is in on Google Maps... Is it about 4 or five kms pretty much due SSW of Chiang Dao? With a winding creek/river to the east of it? Cheers. Luke

[@Bushchannel]

Hey can’t remember exactly but there is a river just next to his hut. When he’s chopping the bamboo at 14:08 you can see the water in the bottom left of screen.

[@desmondlaw3703]

Luke Fenech hey did you ever find him? I’m actually in Chiang Mai for 7 weeks and would love to track this place down too! Please let me know if you have any info. Thanks!