Forging a Knife - Full Process Explained in detail

How to forge a Full-Tang Hunting Knife from 8mm 5160 bar stock - This video was recorded during one of my Introduction to Bladesmith Workshops. As my 1 day workshop runs for 10 hours straight, and covers forging a blade, rough grinding, heat treatment, final grinding and polishing, yes it’s a long day, I had to do a lot of editing. This video only covers basic forging techniques beginner bladesmiths struggle with and should by no means be seen as substitute to attending a formal class or workshop presented by your local Bladesmith. Have fun and remember to share your knowledge!

[@kahiauelectus4216]

Probably the best forging instructional video on KZbin. I hope you do an online course on forging knifes. I would definitely sing up. Thank you for this video!

[@user-lx5jt4vb5g]

Yes, I'm also looking online to find if any. Stock removal is much easier than forging. There is only one online course but is expensive.

[@jamieofalltrades536]

The audio is a bit muddy for people like me with hearing issues, but with careful listening and rewinding the video its ok. I have issues with background noises canceling out foreground noises. I'm an amatuer knife maker, I found this to have a lot of good tips that I learned the hard way and some things I didn't know also, thanks!

[@MrDirtysteve75]

I dont know what everyone is watching this on, but I'm half deaf and hear him just fine on my phone. Thanks for the video.

[@theone2-three438]

stephen e I’m using Bose headphones and can’t understand half the things he said

[@galexycode2622]

gosh there are so many helpful tips in this! especially beginning the knife, I couldn't figure out why my tip would from these crevasses, but it was because I was hitting at the wrong angle from the first blow. Won't make that mistake again!

[@jonpalange3292]

I know this is an older video, but i wanted to thank you for the upload. There's so much quality information and advice that I'm looking forward to trying out the next time I hit the anvil. I'm brand new to heating and cracking steel and videos like this are why I have hope for my currently pitiful skill-set. Thanks to you my next kitchen knife will be better than the last, and the next even better. Thanks so much for sharing your skills and wealth of knowledge.

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

jon palange absolute pleasure! pop me a mail with progress photos when you start you next blade ...

[@brianfox5209]

I have watched this video 5 times now, all of my tools have been ordered and I am chomping at the bits to get started in the art! Thanks Neels, I will be posting my series from the very first blade so the world can watch me hopefully transform into an actual bladesmith... Keep the lessons coming Neels and God Speed Mate!!

[@theone2-three438]

Ha! No ya didnt

[@idiotplayinggames2687]

@@theone2-three438 lol

[@cajunpipesmoker1519]

My wife signed me up for an individual forging lesson with a fella here in Tennessee. He walked me through the same steps you show on this video! I use this video to refresh my memory. Thank you! I’m a big fan of your work. I was a fan of David Baker (Forged in Fire…USA) and followed him on FB. He turned out to be a real jerk…no longer a fan. I like that you don’t take yourself too serious!!! Thanks again for the video lessons!

[@bming2]

I really appreciate the clear instruction, details like hand positioning and why you do the things you do. Terrific work, great information, and really fun too. Thanks Neels!!

[@mauromer1353]

gracias neels!! en argentina se estaba perdiendo este arte pero gracias a gente como tu estamos aprendiendo decenas de futuros forjadores,el idioma es lo que frena un poco pero es muy grafico y es de gran ayuda,saludos desde el fin del mundo.mauricio romero

[@alexandrusarion8381]

Thank you for making this video sir! I am just trying to see if I can take this as a hobby, and none of the other tutorials of blacksmithing or knife making, you go into details unheard of to me which I truly treasure. Thank you for taking the time, and being a good teacher while spreading you're wisdom to the world as a whole.

[@jagerfromgsg945]

I know I could find a ton when they would cut them out but that’s not what I want. This though. This is good.

[@alansweet6525]

Thank you. This is one of the best blade forging videos I’ve seen.

[@appa609]

It gave me anxiety watching the steel cool as he instructed the audience.

[@notconsenting6633]

theres so many videos out there that just show the process...its nice to find one that finally explains it as well so thank you👍

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

NOT CONSENTING - This video is quite old. I suggest looking at my "bladesmithing 101" playlist. I go into a lot more detail

[@I_lord_leo]

It's cool to think that the people learning then are probably good enough to teach others

[@xpymando]

Thanks for the interesting info mate.Take care and a happy new year.From CP.

[@keithhill8735]

This is a great tutorial video. That all beginners should check out. I don't know why people can't hear what you're saying. I heard you just fine on my phone

[@muchadesign]

Very helpful forging tips! Thank you for posting!

[@josephbroseph9373]

Thank you so much for this! The video is very helpful and soon I hope to be able to forge my own knife.

[@choiceblade]

This is GREAT. Very dense with good stuff for me just starting out. Forge is in the mail!

[@larsvandendaele8973]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@florincochintu8691]

I do forging and you sir solved one of my problems! thanks! well explained!

[@richardjohnson2913]

Awesome instructional video lesson by a guy who is obviously highly skilled as a black smith/ blade smith. 👍

[@EppuL90]

Such a great video, you deserve every subscriber. Here's new one for ya!

[@dasschadenfreude7333]

Used the knowledge from this video to start forging in bevels on the first knife I have ever tried to forge- so far it's working out pretty good.

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

hope you're knife is finished ... ?

[@dasschadenfreude7333]

Neels Van den Berg Well, at this point it would be, but I unfortunately had to up and move all my forging gear and store it indefinitely. I have really stupid landlords. I will get around to finishing it someday, when I have space again.

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

+Elliot Robertson posted 2 videos last night ... doing a small stock removal necker as a build along using as little power tools as possible. don't let your landlord keep you from your passion ... :)

[@dasschadenfreude7333]

I guess if I really wanted to I could just file the rest of the thing.. Lot of elbow grease required though.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Good video, taking time for key points.

[@sirdanielsmalley9657]

You're a great teacher!

[@toastybeer]

Awesome Explanation.. thanks for sharing

[@lsubslimed]

Great tips! Thanks a lot for making and sharing this :) I really hope you make more blade forging videos like this, and even an entire knife tutorial from start to finish with a vid for each part.. i.e. forging to shape, thermocycling, grinding & drilling etc, quenching, finishing, attaching and finishing scales and stuff like that ;) lol I know it's a lot to ask for but I'm putting out as a request anyways. I absolutely love long in depth informative videos like this! Thanks again man :) Take care

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

I have added your request to my list. Really cool idea.

[@CoolHippy]

talking, smoking a stogie, hammering, all while filming yourself... if I could I would like this twice

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

lol

[@JustTex]

@Stoneryoda 937 Wow. neels is a bladesmith, makes knives for a living and is teaching a bladesmithing class and YOU are giving HIM pointers!? hahaha

[@prankmonkeyxs650]

@@JustTex actually his advice is pretty standard as the recommended height although it's not like it's a rule either just need to find what suits you.

[@markharrisllb]

Stoneryoda 937 I’m presuming it’s the school's anvil rather than his own personal one, he probably picked the best for filming from.

[@morten1975dk]

Omg.. You make it look so easy...

[@deansullivan2222]

Very informative, though difficult to hear. I'll be watching this again before I forge my first blade (once I've finished saving for the gear!)

[@gekooncrete2183]

Thanks for taking the time making this video. Really enjoyed watching it. Some great tips that sure gonna find there way into my shop. Cheers, geko

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

Thanx!

[@nickjohnson5291]

integral coffee-warming forge? BRILLIANT!

[@inactive67]

Great video thanks for sharing.

[@fearthespear4242]

Thank you, very informative

[@ERC686]

Hard to hear at some points but still very helpful. Thank you

[@NathanHarris83]

This is awesome with closed-captioning on :D

[@MrFra1ler]

this is REALLY helpful

[@paulsavage33]

thanks for sharing

[@TTRTree12]

This is gonna help me so much

[@whitezulu5429]

Cool video man, dankie !

[@novicagojkovic4706]

Awesome video, really helpful. Can you please upload a tutorial about making double edged blades???

[@micahduvall9353]

Where do you get your steel? Do you take it off of equipment or do you get it from steel providers?

[@Cryptologist101]

Thank you for the video you are very informative and your videography was great I just wish I could hear you better over the sound of your Forage running in the background, Perhaps a lapel microphone or headgear microphone would help.

[@DMarcusCalvert]

...awfully elaborate coffee heater. ....brilliant. :)

[@jeremymcadam7400]

great vid

[@Draanes]

I am almost sure that its lucius vorenus smithing that knife!! Sounds like him.. 😁 great work!

[@GabrielBlankenships]

Great information besides the previous was a great video.

[@ibredbeard13]

Great Video! What was the original length, width and thickness of the steel when starting out? thanks!

[@alexderkombinator3385]

Very interesting! Cool! Like!

[@KevinxDoll]

merging clips in between sentences makes it even harder to understand you over the forge

[@scottishrestorian1999]

Perfect funny guy ,comes in the moment

[@stizan24]

Thank you for the video. I hammered out 2 knives today. Both are pretty ugly but I can get a skinner out of one and go back to the forge on the other.

[@mattwyeth3156]

If I use a rail track anvil will I have to forge both sides of the blade or will it act like a normal anvil

[@tim1338]

Great video, thanks very much. Also I could hear you fine over the anvil and forge

[@cpmtrad250]

Excellent video man, can hear more of your burners than you for a lot of it, but great stuff, keep it up

[@updanaki]

Thanks

[@wadepotts4062]

Is this all done using the postbox forge available on your site? Do you sell the Burner on its own or do you need to get the whole forge? Thanks very much Wade

[@jeju_218]

Do you have a list of equipment I can buy to forge this?

[@ferminespino132]

that is a really solid looking anvil ,sure would like to know what brand that is

[@williamjeffersonclinton69]

All I know is it is a London Style Pattern, Similar to the one offered by Alec Steele.

[@VergilGaming283]

6:07 Hahaha!! The subtitles make me laugh lmao!! 😂😂🤣

[@allaraaver8432]

Is there a big difference to smithing an edge, then shaprening it on the belt, vs just grinding a piece of metal down to a knife shape?

[@williamjeffersonclinton69]

Yes. Much more difficult to rough in proper bevels and heat treating the blade before doing the secondary bevels. Stock removal is pretty easy task to make a knife. More forgiving in heat treating.

[@IntenceCeption]

Thanks! I'm also South African, forging swords

[@BlakeHigginbotham]

Thx

[@Cryptologist101]

There's a program on A&E called Forged in Fire that is getting people interested in working metal, if you haven't seen the show maybe you should tune it in.

[@frankrichardson9878]

Forged in Fire is on History Channel. Fyi.

[@jusme8060]

Can someone tell me why I'm getting cracks? Is it from forging too cold?

[@Crasus1968]

You need a mic. Very difficult hearing you over the forge.

[@fearthespear4242]

I could hear him fine

[@demarsouthard3620]

@@fearthespear4242 I could hear about half of what he was saying. A mic would have improved the video.

[@markharrisllb]

I’ve a slight hearing impairment and I heard every word. I’m not being sarcastic in any way when I say perhaps it’s time for a hearing test, most of us in the U.K. don’t have one from leaving school until it’s hearing aid time. My hearing loss is in the clarity not the volume, an hearing aid would take it from low level muffled to loud muffled so it’s very difficult when I’m in a group. Look after your ears as you do your eyes and teeth, people go to the dentist every six months, optician every two years and the audiologist?

[@richardmiller5930]

SMART MAN ,, HE KNOWS THE STEEL ,, HE FEELS THE STEEL,,

[@Mr1SUPERdoodle]

I ENJOYED YOUR VIDEO, COULDNT HEAR MUCH, BUT I CAN SEE IT PRETTY WELL........

[@aldenunion]

This house was liquidating and I snagged a entire unopened gallon of Kawasaki 2 cycle oil..I wonder? They say Park's 50 is great due to lower vicosity for more even quenching.. Think I could use it to quench? Is no flammable factor within until mixed with fuel,correct? Anyone ever try that?

[@mattwyeth3156]

Hi neels quick question do you primarily use full tang handle with hunting blades or hidden is hidden tang handle more preferred

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

Blades don't go hunting by themselves ... ;) It's personal preference brother. A full tang is obviously less complicated to make in the beginning.

[@minecraftvideo361]

why all the videos on youtube have dislikes

[@jessekulzer1250]

I didnt know that scale did that thanks

[@gerardocahill7555]

need to hear your voice more louder,great work;Ireland,,

[@shoutatthesky]

I could only last a minute at this sound quality.

[@Raistblackmagi]

I doubt this will be seen but im new to forging and have a question The blade that is being worked on... Is that a piece of steel welded on to a rod so that you can hold and maneuver it with your hands instead of pliers? Or was that how it already was?

[@levirobertson8229]

It is a rod that was welded on.

[@matrimcauthon31477]

Great video! Question: Does youtube still allow these type videos to be monetized? I heard KZbin was starting/trying to reduce available monetization for any videos having anything to do with weapons, prepping, etc. Please lemme know? *I have a blacksmith friend, who's asking me to help him establish a channel on blacksmithing and knife making (I own a software/cloud/web development company, but never helped establish any youtube channels). Thanks!!

[@woodyrascel]

what is that chalk like stuff you are using called....or is it just chalk? Great video by the way! Is there a part 2?...I would love to see the finished knife.

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

The chalk I'm using is boilermakers chalk. You could also use black board chalk ...

[@garethbassett8186]

Hi Neels. South African are you? im an an amature bladesmith living in Zambia trying to get by with homemade or makeshift everything when it comes to blacksmithing equipment , it would be great to be able to get some pointers and advice from someone in the know . Great video by the way.

[@garethbassett8186]

after the internet started working again I got my question answered you are a south African based south African, great! all the other info I get or tutorials I watch are American. I have been using old rasps and now trying an old leaf spring but read that second hand spring are not good because they might have tiny stress cracks is this true and are the springs youd get here 5160 steel ,can I treat them the the same way as I do the rasps?

[@BRYYAN94]

I wish I could do this for a living :/

[@donbdonbx]

B do it man, no excuses.

[@MrCubflyer]

Couldn't understand any of it but the visual was good.

[@charlesgoldendick872]

i dont know if you are still replying to comments on this video but approx. how much would it cost to get into knife making this is not buying the best gear but good enough to get the job done and last awhile. if you reply thanks

[@dylanzrim1011]

go look at grant Thompson for a cheap forge/foundry

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

get yourself the book, $50 knife shop from Wayne Goddard. most of the tools required you can make yourself

[@The_voice10]

Do you have a link to the anvil and hammer your using

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

No

[@dailydosevids2870]

Just one question,that accent,you from RSA? Edit:At 28:10 you mention that you are from here,and thanks for the amazing video it helps allot and I hope my knife is going to ne succesfull

[@florincochintu8691]

What is the weight of the hammer? Thanks! Very informative !

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

Florin Cochintu 1kg, 800g or 1.5kg

[@florincochintu8691]

Thanks !

[@Zanenoth]

First 2 minutes hammers cold steel. Still better than the guy who cut his knife out of a piece of steel.

[@johnmood5653]

Love the video, and your work is excellent, but a suggestion. I'm hard of hearing form working in noisy environments, not unlike an old blacksmith will get. Your forge could point away from your microphone - or be both that and further from the anvil, and make you voice easier to understand. The auto closed captioning can't get a lot of what is said, so it isn't just me. A noise cancelling microphone might help as well. Love the work, and you blade comes out very nicely, but I only understood about 1/4 (33%) of what you were saying. Other than hearing and understanding what's said, excellent work...

[@johnmood5653]

Nobody Never GFY, If you haven't got something constructive to say, STFU.

[@mymomismad95]

As of today, there are only tin cups in my shop.

[@GabrielBlankenships]

I know this has been up awhile so maybe you've worked through that but, perhaps post recording audio might be a good idea, or relocating your cameras mic as the forge is bellowing pretty loud making it very hard to hear you.

[@Red___0]

Forging a knife is a lot harder than it looks a lot Of people think it’s easy but it’s actully Insanely hard trust me I’ve tried to do one…

[@elcaminoguy]

the noise of the forge is too loud and with the accent it's hard to understand what you're saying unfortunately... I wish I could hear/understand because I know you have a wealth of information to share. You are very talented and I would love to learn from you. thank you.

[@willieburger2988]

Put on the subtitles its hilarious

[@lieutenantpliskin]

Thanks lol

[@dylanlewis9349]

is that a t.v remote on your anvil stand?

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

Dylan Lewis remote for the camera ... :)

[@dianclaassens9252]

Wat steel do you use

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

5160

[@GhostCreeper]

is that a iron anvil you have or is it steel?

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

Pure iron has no carbon and can therefore NOT be hardened. Steel is a composition of mostly Iron + Carbon. Because of the carbon, steel can be hardened. An anvil is therefor made from STEEL as the face of the anvil is normally hardened. So, to answer the question, the anvil is made from steel ...

[@horseman1968]

Damn you! Your Kung fu is stronger than my Kung fu!

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

+horseman1968 LOL

[@arifanwari3168]

dont want any cracks developing bud, thats looks cold.

[@billmixson3218]

The forge is the audio.........unfortunately!

[@internal1000]

Do you teach in South Africa

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

Yes I do. Details are listed on www.blackdragonforge.com

[@ironchip1]

I can't hear a damn word your saying over the noise of the forge. At least that's what is sounds like...

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

I have finally invested in a lapel mic! ... :) Now to get all the odd bits to get it connected to my camera .... :(

[@shonaoneill5151]

Yeah same, I couldn't tell what he was saying throughout due to the forge :-(

[@florincochintu8691]

Watch and learn!

[@richweir5186]

Maybe you can mess with the balance on your PC, I hear him fine in my right better then my left speaker.