Forging a Knife - (old video / outdated process)

[@RichardsonForge]

This video happened to get pretty popular! It's also an older video of mine, and many of the methods I used have been outdated. Check out one of my recent uploads to see my current forging processes.

[@oivindalvestad7130]

Can't find a newer video on this subject, would you mind linking it?

[@bobbinette3368]

@Brad Richardson It's a great video! Did pickup a few tricks from it but I was expecting Walter Sorrels to make it on the "knife makers to check out" list. I don't think he inspired you to make knives since he isn't on the list, but he's a great teacher and someone to look up for any beginner knife maker. Cheers on the great knife brother :)

[@hawkbox]

@@oivindalvestad7130 Yeah I don't see any newer videos of this nature either.

[@WhistlingDixiePottery]

yeah im not sure on how you call this forging a knife. id never carry this knife TBH

[@nicolastorin1490]

i guess im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a tool to log back into an instagram account..? I somehow forgot my password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me

[@austinbeck5146]

I know nothing about blacksmithing and did not expect to watch this entire video. This project was fantastically documented and presented, really held my attention.

[@RichardsonForge]

Austin Beck Thanks so much Austin! Really appreciate the comment! Hopefully this inspires you to try swingin a hammer sometime!

[@caymanwinebarger3758]

@@RichardsonForge what is the name of the flating tool you used and where would I buy one????

[@sniperwolfgamer1976]

What type of anvil is that? Where can i get it?

[@mr.blades2350]

Brad Richardson does sparks burn at all

[@waldendrm]

@@mr.blades2350 I haven't personally gotten around to starting blacksmithing, but from my experience in home remodeling with grinders and such, it doesn't burn as bad as you'd think. It's gone just as fast as you feel it generally.

[@Castlepa26]

This handle did seem extremely wide at first.... lol i was scared for a minute. I agree great job of making a no nonsense video. Refreshing!!

[@jackgoodner6789]

Excellent job young man! I'm 75 and have made a number of knives and have watched countless videos but I would say yours is as good as I've seen. Keep up the good work!

[@tubes5150]

Jack Goodner I would absolutely love to see your work . This just fascinates me ❤️🤠🔪Happy Holidays

[@thunderusnight]

As a 75 year old blacksmith do you have any advice for someone about to start? I'm always in need of advice.

[@nicknatsvlishvili8343]

@@tubes5150 what was the knife for

[@ImR4D]

@@nicknatsvlishvili8343 it’s a video about blade smithing

[@nicknatsvlishvili8343]

@@ImR4D yeah but it looked weird lol have happy holidays and a knife

[@josephdanderson5492]

Wow... I am by no means a professional blade Smith, but I have made several knives. I learned almost everything I know from personal experience, and was helped along the way by other people. I've seen a Lot of videos from the beginner with little to no experience up to "the professional" well at least the more experienced. But my hats off to you young man. You were very thorough, and did very good video and a great job! Thank you for a very informative and interesting video. Keep the good work... In my humble opinion you will be very fine blade Smith someday. You are very good now and still young. Bravo sir.

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@FiredUpKnifeandTool]

doing is he what idea hasno kid this Yet

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

jesse bond What? When reading your comment out loud it sounds like a drunken Yoda speaking jibberish lol Please translate lol

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

If you are going to take the time to type out a lengthy complimentary comment you should at least check it for misspelled words and grammar issues. Several of your sentences do not make sense as written. In fact about 1/3 of what you have written needs fixing so that your entire comment can actually be understood. Please do some editing and re-post it. Cheers mate

[@FiredUpKnifeandTool]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 i have no idea why it posted like that

[@DeadRomanceArt]

I can't believe I spent my lunch break watching this. It was surprisingly relaxing.

[@peteslonka7328]

I like the fact that your tools are not all crazy massive pro 3 phase type tools. It's good to know you can make pro level stuff with store bought products. I want to get into blacksmithing and this gives me some confidence and great tips. Great video presentation and production too! Thanks :-)

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Have a look at another channel called the “Essential Craftsman”. He does several different things but Blacksmithing is one of them. He even has a class called “Blacksmithing 101”. He also has a website “essentialblacksmith.com” With a materials or tool list for someone who wants to start Blacksmithing. He has some of the best content available anywhere. You can learn a lot just watching his videos. He lives in my area and around here he’s known for his honesty, the quality of his work over the last 40 years, and his sincerity in everything he does. You can’t go wrong learning from him. Also, check out Cy Swan that man has forgotten more than I will ever know when it comes to smithing lol His knives sell for $400-$900 a piece, and yes they are worth it. Cheers mate

[@jgclarke0352]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 ya dude I love the essential craftsman channel. I've learned so much from him. I second everything u said about him. He is so articulate and communicates so clearly. A master craftsman amd teacher.

[@thewilddinkus8026]

Person: How many clamps should I use? This guy: yes

[@thunderusnight]

@@x-ray5036 he is trying to give us a laugh, let him say his joke you don't have to be like this

[@growmiezhomiez8760]

@@x-ray5036 person: how retarded is this format? This guy: yes

[@LethalByChoice]

@@x-ray5036 How much of a dick should I be to a guy just trying to make a joke? XCL: *yes*

[@satrips912]

I just became interested in forging my own knives, couldn't have found a better video to show it done properly and with great instructions, makes me wanna go start experimenting now.

[@marcmadden1300]

This instructional video was like it was made specifically for me by me asking questions about my exact tool and steel situation. Thanks!

[@maximumrpm1868]

I'm looking forward to starting my forging journey

[@gregoryamlong1748]

I hope you have failed.

[@maximumrpm1868]

@@gregoryamlong1748 go fuck yourself

[@gregoryamlong1748]

Maximum RPM triggered lol

[@kabob8922]

@@gregoryamlong1748 Lol

[@hemiacetal1331]

@@gregoryamlong1748 bruh

[@infraprods]

Awesome video. Brad, if you want the epoxy phase to be less stressful, you might consider using a slower setting epoxy than 5 minutes. You're letting it cure overnight anyway, might as well give yourself some extra working time. Also, heating is a great idea to make the epoxy more flowable, but it also shortens the working time (the reaction goes faster when the material is hotter) - so just make sure it's at room temp, 70 degrees F (prox 20 deg C), which is the temperature the epoxy mfg uses for listing all the properties. I work for a company that manufactures epoxies and other construction adhesives. Thanks for the great, clear instructions!

[@kimcurtis9366]

Very well done, Brad! Thanks for the video and all the descriptive information! I started Blacksmithing, many years ago and then became disabled to the point where my wrists and hands have very little strength due to a disease that eats all the cartilage from every joint in the body! For instance, I am now, 6.75 inches shorter than I was in 2001, when I was first diagnosed. Anyway, I am now starting to make knives and without much income as disability doesn't pay well. LOL!! I don't have great tools to work with so it is a bit of a hot and miss proposition! I do have a few things you don't but they are only good for finishing the knives and handles! WISH I had a good 2X72 Belt grinder which would really help! I love your videos as they are always to the point and have what IS needed and NOT what isn't! KUDOS!

[@louislamour1223]

Man, I am pro baker and have made a tutorial about croissant and baguette making. I know it helped some people. I am recently growing interest in handmade knife making and your video has been huge help regarding the steps and the tools. I love knives and working with my hands... As soon as we move out of the apartment and into a house, I will start making some knives. If you ever come to Bordeaux, France, I can teach you how to make bread ! Thank you so much

[@gawdzila]

Great video, man! I am a novice blacksmith and would like to begin making knives. I have seen people do it before and had some understanding of it, but I wanted to really get the process straight in my mind -- particularly the finishing -- before I jumped in the deep end. Your tutorial was not only engaging, but it was basically everything I needed and nothing I didn't, exactly what I was looking for. Very step-by-step, with great video documentation, lots of tips, explanation, and detail, but none of it extraneous. You have a knack for answering a question before it happens. And your finished product is beautiful!

[@redwhitetrueblue9353]

Great video Brad. I am retired, a beginner and make a few in my spare time for family. Picked up some great tips. Thanks so much.

[@randyegibson]

I started making knives a couple of years ago, but I never considered using a sanding belt for hand sanding. That's brilliant!

[@hockeyusc22]

this is an awesome video to show you dont need super expensive tools to make a nice knife! Great job!

[@BigFuzzy507]

I just finished an Alone marathon. Crazy I just randomly came across this not long after.

[@mikeh4924]

I'm not blacksmithing (yet), mainly woodworking and I recently picked up a few knife kits at Rockler to make handles etc as gifts for family members. I liked the detail you put into showing us how you do your handles. I subbed and will definitely check out more of your content.

[@raypope4718]

Starting forging very soon and started watching videos to learn a little. So for your video has helped me more than all the videos I've watched

[@josiahgolding1854]

ray pope tell me how it goes please I want to start and want to see a beginners perspective. Hope u do well

[@raypope4718]

Ok I will

[@josiahgolding1854]

ray pope thanks

[@stevel8397]

Great video! Thanks for the subtle music and spot on narration.

[@MrSpeakerboxx05]

This video was super informative. I want to get into this one day but I know very very little about forging.

[@mikefaraday7772]

beautifully crafted, the curly maple is gorgeous

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you!

[@feellnfroggy]

I have found that using masonry bits bites through even hardened steel pretty well without cutting fluid or oil.

[@lutherpeterson6446]

Great video, I have ordered a furnace. My 13 year old son and myself are going to start making knives. There was a lot of great info to help get us started in your video

[@daly47]

My goodness, I am impressed. I really enjoyed the video, music, and narration! Your voice is so calming, and your choice of music is spot on for the project you present. I commend you for your blacksmith skills and video.

[@footofjuniper8212]

This was really fun to watch. Thanks.

[@kraft38]

Just getting started...the best instructional video I've seen yet. Thank you!

[@damason724]

Did you make anything?

[@stankrieger3137]

Great wor, great info, and a very good starting point for me

[@gavinm8669]

I always had a dream of forging a knife, I watched a video. And made a 2 inch blade wasnt the best. Your video really gave me some better knowledge I will soon be making another, thanks!

[@jordanhartmann1745]

Really nice video. I've made 3 knives so far and I haven't been able to figure out why they're having flaws. This is one of the best howto videos I've ever seen, I learned a ton of things. thank you for taking the time to make something this great.

[@onetruth2014]

Americans make top quality stuff from their garage from knifes to cars (rat rods)the real magiver.

[@Edward-i5i]

Awesome video!!! Very informative and educational I really appreciate it thank you so much for sharing 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@mattburns7182]

Very informative anybody that can't follow what this guy's doing I feel sorry for them great video

[@BlaineCreek]

You done a great job explaining each step.

[@c4dan]

Great job bro, exactly how I do it. Get yourself a 2/72” sander and your methods will change a little. Your bevels will also go back further with a 2/72 and your cuts will be much smoother.

[@strandymusic]

This is only the second knife building vid I've watched. The first was fine, but they used heavy duty industrial equipment so I was left with the impression that I couldn't do THAT! Your title caught my eye so I hit play... Captivatingly interesting! Great video and so nicely thorough!! You've given me hope to join the knife DIY club! ; ) Appreciate your generosity in sharing all the steps with comments... Thanks for a wonderful video.

[@kheilos]

CZdancer you used a big word

[@RandDickson]

This video is very well done. Thanks for sharing!

[@Euclidescunha]

I think you skipped a little on the handle, because it was VERY thick, and suddenly it was on the perfect size. I did not know you were making a knife for hard work, and was expecting the blade to have a mirror like finish, but then you said at the end that i was a hard working knife, carbon steel and it made sense. Very cool music thruout the video. Thanks for sharing.

[@rvrpdx]

Great video, I really liked your handle section talking about how to prep the handle with the sander and then using the 1" belt for even scales.

[@1bhayes33]

Not much forging going on there...but a great video on how to grind and make a handle

[@blackaugustine]

Handmade meat clever

[@damason724]

What did you expect it's a 🔪

[@sedorriku8021]

@@damason724 David Mason he wants to say that he was expecting a full forged knife because of the title. In a way thats pretty right, you can "forge" a knife almost or without cutting metal away, and do the complete shape and angles with a hammer. Saves grinding time and makes the knife stronger in diffrent points. Thats woud be the process he expect to see here. But what he got is an AWESOME video how to "make" a knife overall and a bunch of great tipps an tricks. This guy is an awesome craftsman. This is a great little beatiful knife who will do the job for decades if the steel was well hardend. But its still true that there is not much forging on it.

[@serpent1152]

Forging a Knife - EVERY SINGLE STEP

[@sedorriku8021]

@@serpent1152 the title is correct for his way to doing it haha he shows every single step of his forging process :p

[@DougJones-v8n]

Thanks for the video very informative...I learned alot from watching it as a beginner👍

[@jamespaterson5867]

Wow! Great step-by-step. Answered a lot of my questions about doing this. I am planning to make a blade for my nephew using a rail road spike soon. Thank you so much for all the details you provided.

[@GX-World]

Thank you, I have just seen this video now, but I have learned a lot of useful things, I am also learning how to make a knife, I think this video deserves more views than this.

[@marceltroxler4309]

thank you for the inspiration! i build the knife just like you, only i use other tools! i feel your passion.

[@GX-World]

I have two questions I would like your help to do. Firstly, I watch other knife making videos on youtube, and see people dipping the knife into a liquid, after taking out the knife with the patterns and contours on the surface of the steel is very beautiful, you Do you know what liquid they used? please tell me. The second question is, as far as I understand, after the steel is hardened and brittle, we need to proceed with the tempering process to reduce the hardness and brittleness of the steel. Would you please tell me in detail how to proceed with that process.

[@peelysolo1478]

They use I belive oil like motor oil

[@peelysolo1478]

Or kitchen oils

[@richard-oh8md]

that was very good i learned a lot i like the fact that you do not use crazy music so i can hear your instruction very pleased

[@wtf-kl7bk]

That was fantastically well put together. Very well done! Love that solid spine great finish. I wish there is a list of all the tools this really wants me to get into bladesmithing. You broke down the process extremely well.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

You did a great job Mr. Richardson . I'd like to see you make an anvil stand and fill it full of cement or sand to stop any kind of movement while hammering . Smart move wearing a leather apron while grinding or buffing . More than one blade smith has gone to the hospital with a blade sticking out of their gut . JMHO - Forging and "packing" a blade with a hammer is nifty on a molecular level but the molecular matrix goes away once the blade is heated prior to quenching = Forging does not produce a more viable blade than stock removal and using a proper quench and heat stabilization . You went nonmagnetic prior to quench and your oven stabilization / ""stress relieving" temp and time period in the oven is correct for 1095 of the material thickness . Great looking knife with lovely handles . Respect sent from an old knife maker . Lefty

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you for the kind words and the views! Appreciate the support!

[@kevinparis6782]

Where can I get me one of them flattening tools? Great video btw!

[@ydargkeeton4167]

Excellent show, and entertaining information Great job

[@Arkile]

Awesome video.. I enjoyed watching and never knew it would take so much work to make a beautiful knife!

[@RichardsonForge]

Thanks for watching! Yes they do take a while to create hahah estimated 8 hours of working time.

[@stephenheadings4789]

Most people don't. I've made over 70 blades now and my last 2 were in the high 20 hour marks by the time I got the flat grind to a Mirror.

[@richardpike6846]

This is a great little 'How to' video. Well done bud I really enjoyed watching it.

[@dacdac4501]

Great video. Well made and tons of knowledge

[@josiah5766]

Ur the best blacksmith ever

[@benhunt6516]

Great video, really useful. I’ll soon be doing a one day course to make the blade but will be bringing it home to add the handle. Your instructions were great, just the right amount of information. Thanks for taking the time and energy to share you skills

[@immatt7921]

Eyebrows on fleek👌

[@hmingthanacolney2974]

I usually flatten the tang if it is full tang. That way you minimize the risk of ruining the plunge lines, the bevels and the ricasso

[@TrainWreck000]

Thanks, I'm just getting all of my tools together to start knife making and this video was a lot of help.

[@raaston9761]

me too but for sword making

[@kalonsamulonis5782]

fantastic job and very informative video. Thank you for posting this

[@keepitrealoutdoors7549]

Oh my god I saw this dude on Alone🤯 never thought I'd see him again. Just subbed

[@mnal5gex]

Dude... become a pro. You’re amazing. Great job

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you!

[@gregroemke1564]

Great video! One of the best how to's I have seen!

[@carl112466]

Great knife. I will be learning blacksmithing after I move to Idaho and buy a house. I hope someday soon.

[@adolpholiverbush2]

Great video. My best friend's uncle is Willie Rigney, Jr, and a bit of a legend in knifemaking. Fascinating stuff.

[@FatScoutGamingAndVoiceActing]

i never done blacksmithing i always wanted to give it a go but my school sucked when it came to any of the extra curricular

[@angelgarciarold]

Bien amigo, muy bien explicado, me gusto mucho, combinas la forja de metales, trabajo en madera, uso de diversas herramientas, epoxi glue, muy amigable en general, felicidades!

[@ArthurEverling]

A good tip I learned from an old timer is pound out the bevels as good as you can before grinding. It's so that you don't have to grind as much material off. *Edit* Also try to make your pins for the handles just a little smaller than the holes in the tang. This is so you minimize the chance of splitting the handle material. The Epoxy or Glue material you use will be pressed into the gaps between the pins and holds.

[@whitecaps775]

Well put together video. Thank you

[@KayhoticGames]

i might try this. forging has been something ive wanted to do for a while. im thinking purple heart wood. for the handles though,

[@DredPiratWestley]

Nice! Great work! I learned a lot.

[@larrychurchwell7440]

Loved it! I've been researching knife making to give it a shot myself. This is the best all-inclusive video I've found so far. Well done!!

[@stevenbeller5938]

Hello CraftShop. I like that you showed every step and talked through it all. A couple things you way want to consider though. While normalizing, be sure to heat the whole blade evenly and then let it cool. That will prevent and failures in the structure of the blade including the handle. Also just curious why you decided to stop the handle half-way through the choil? That seems like it would be awfully uncomfortable. But overall high quality and informative video, great job!

[@RichardsonForge]

Yes, I agree it's very important to heat the blade evenly for an equal grain structure. As for the handle, this is actually something I've been doing recently, first time was a mistake but it was oddly comfortable so I began stopping half way through the choil with knives occasionally haha Thanks so much for watching and commenting! All the best.

[@DrZirta]

Tip for those without an arbor press; you can do the same thing with your drill press without a bit in it :)

[@iamspartacus7889]

Just getting into bladesmithing and this video was very helpful! Thank you!

[@RichardsonForge]

I am Spartacus great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@Lucas-nf7uj]

1:22 why put it in the vermiculite (?)? Making the blade orange should already make it soft right?

[@FiredUpKnifeandTool]

Its annealing and he did it wrong

[@X1Falcon]

Wow. I'm impressed. You did an awesome job.

[@MiltonNGreeneIII]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesryan7474]

do u where a mask like a welding mask when using the bench sander

[@bidda3505]

What is the simplest way of making knives or just blacksmithing in general with minimalistic tools? Also how do you make a forge for daily use?

[@sargeRN]

What was the spacer material made of? Nice contrast to the spine and handle.

[@michaelschlabach836]

great video, thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@Jcope1382]

Thanks for a really good video on your process Brad! I've been getting the bug to start making knives so this has been really helpful for me personally, especially to help me improve in areas I struggled with on my first two attempts. I'm a recent subscriber to your channel and I have to say I'm really digging all the content you've been putting out. Keep up the awesome work man!

[@RichardsonForge]

Jcope1382 Thanks a lot for watching and subscribing! My first few knives were sooo bad hahah. It's tough to find very clear step by step videos. Happy this one is helping you out!

[@tired_ne0n35]

this looks great man love it

[@jacktaylor6250]

Make sure to sand off that scale with sand paper. The scale can be really tough to get through and dulls sanding belts and other tools like drill bits!

[@mattkedz6577]

GREAT video!!! I learned so much. Thanks!!

[@beepIL]

14:38 can you just hammer them in if you don't have an arbor press?

[@epion660]

Just be extremely careful, and do it on something soft. It's easy to break your handle material by hammering pins in. Don't swing the hammer, lightly tap the pin with it. It'll take a while, but it's the safest way I know of without a press.

[@beepIL]

@@epion660 can i just place it on the side inside a vise and slowly close it on the pin so it is pushed into the handle material? seems more controlled than hammering it

[@epion660]

@@beepIL I suppose that would be as close to an arbor press as you can get. Get yourself a piece of scrap wood, drill the hole, and try it. If it works, great! If not, you didn't break your handle material, you broke a piece of scrap. No big deal.

[@beepIL]

@@epion660 Thanks :)

[@jedibrooks7235]

I built a small coal forge to try to learn blacksmithing. I got Imperial Hi-temp refractory cement to line it with but not sure how thick a layer to i need nor do i understand the heat treating process for the cement. Any advice

[@RichardsonForge]

I've built coal forges with firebrick and small amounts of refractory cement. I'd use a thin layer as it isn't going to be the insulation of the forge just a thin liner inside. What I would recommend is having a fire pot or thick steel basin (brake drum, tire rim etc) to contain the most heat. Heat treating/tempering takes practice, I'd search some videos to help out. I may post one in the future as well. Good luck!

[@GX-World]

What do you use vermiculite for?

[@tatohauge]

This is one of the best making knife videos i have ever seen 👌 keep up wheet all your good details in your videos 💪

[@joegassen3896]

Are there any substitutes for the vermiculite. For instance sand?

[@cristofoo9269]

I liked this any advise for First time doer's

[@iddddaduncan]

Great video,thanks for sharing. Could you give me a ball park idea what the is expense of getting all that is needed to forge your own knives?

[@FiredUpKnifeandTool]

40-40,000$ depending on how much your local scrapyard likes you

[@FiredUpKnifeandTool]

Usually if your buying everything new about 10-12 grand

[@4isteven58]

Nice video, would be cool to show you testing it out on some stuff. I can understand you not wanting to test it out if it’s for sale though.

[@dittmerg]

Excellent tutorial. My thanks

[@boldrich7225]

Good job Bro. keep up the good work

[@micharris1761]

what a cool video nicely done, and I did in fact learn a few cool tips, ty

[@robzombie4351]

GREAT VIDEO - Many thanks from San Diego

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you!

[@RogerF]

I’ve never made a knife before but I want to start. I see you were using a 1x and 4x belt sander. Do these work well for beginners? Some guys told me to buy a 2x72 belt sander. I’m only looking to make a few hobby knives a year. Thank you for making great beginner videos!