Forging a Knife - (old video / outdated process)

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 It's also an older video of mine, and many of the methods I used have been outdated.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.
In this video I take you through my full knife making process. Every single step, no step skipped.
-
Knife makers to check out:
/ mlknives
/ wantaforge
/ hatcherknives
/ longdogforge
/ jackloreknives
/ boothillblades
/ oatleyknives
/ sdunkhorstknives
SUBSCRIBE: tiny.cc/3uo4tz
================================
WEBSITE: timberleeforge.com/
INSTAGRAM: / timberleefo. .
Purchase My Book: amzn.to/32FVNZB (Amazon Affiliate Link)
================================
2020 AFFILIATE LINKS: (helps support the channel)
Camera: amzn.to/3lyIFg2
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Grinder: amzn.to/3pr0OPo
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Boots: amzn.to/3pvU6ri
================================
Thanks for tuning in! Please drop any comments down below.
-Brad
Music: Konteks

[@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 It's also an older video of mine, and many of the methods I used have been outdated.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!

[@jessebond4221]

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

[@jessebond4221]

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

[@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.

[@marcmadden1300]

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

[@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*

[@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.

[@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.

[@kraft38]

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

[@damason724]

Did you make anything?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@feralwoodcraft]

Absolutely loved the video man. You'll be seeing quite a bit of me in your audience in the near future. Keep it up!

[@DeadRomanceArt]

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

[@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

[@mikefaraday7772]

beautifully crafted, the curly maple is gorgeous

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@gummy1188]

A knife making video with chillhop playing in the background is very relaxing

[@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.

[@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!

[@feellnfroggy]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@WillPatagonia]

Amazing man ! This video really inspired me to try out my first knife ! I also have a coal forge and recently I built a belt grinder, so, the most complicated tools are set up. Subscribed!

[@randyegibson]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@hockeyusc22]

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

[@stevel8397]

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

[@marceltroxler4309]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@richardpike6846]

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

[@footofjuniper8212]

This was really fun to watch. Thanks.

[@gregroemke1564]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@MrSpeakerboxx05]

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

[@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

[@adolpholiverbush2]

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

[@stankrieger3137]

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

[@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

[@franciscorojas68]

Nice video! Very well explaned and a lot of tips. Thankyou!

[@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

[@squirmoose]

You did a great job on this video! I really enjoyed it.

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you very much!

[@meganscase]

Nice video! You really did a good job documenting the whole process.

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you!

[@RandDickson]

This video is very well done. Thanks for sharing!

[@iamspartacus7889]

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

[@RichardsonForge]

I am Spartacus great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@X1Falcon]

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

[@ryssmith9062]

That was a really awesome video there was a really great tips for beginners who wants to learn and as myself i realy enjoyed watching the whole video nice project man keep it up . 👍

[@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.

[@BlaineCreek]

You done a great job explaining each step.

[@carl112466]

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

[@kalonsamulonis5782]

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

[@user-be1dd8zb7j]

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

[@charlesmay8251]

I saw you on alone! my hats off to you and your brother!

[@dilloncain]

That was a fantastic video, thank you for it!

[@CoreyFromMinnesota]

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

[@supersharpsteel]

Thank you so much for such a super informative video i was just looking for, otherwise i was just making it in very unprofessional way.....Many thanks

[@michaelschlabach836]

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

[@mattburns7182]

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

[@dacdac4501]

Great video. Well made and tons of knowledge

[@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.

[@kmd4614]

A solid 💯on the background music. One of the few, ever, videos where the background music is perfect.👍👍👍

[@tubes5150]

K M D You are so right on !! Some vids you can’t hardly what the narrator is even saying without rewinding 9 times .

[@buckaroo8805]

Really a nice knife brad. Nice step by step video!👌

[@RichardsonForge]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

Great content!! Wow this was good. Subscribed as heck now.

[@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

[@DredPiratWestley]

Nice! Great work! I learned a lot.

[@keepitrealoutdoors7549]

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

[@mannsdan]

excellent job! I appreciate all the info!

[@MrRickTic]

Thank you for this. I'm buying some tools and a forge at the end of the month and hope to start making knifes. Been wanting to for a long time. I really appreciate all the info.

[@RichardsonForge]

Thanks for watching! Good luck getting started, it's a fun trade to get into!

[@whitecaps775]

Well put together video. Thank you

[@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.

[@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,

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

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!

[@micharris1761]

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

[@MiltonNGreeneIII]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@onetruth2014]

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

[@tired_ne0n35]

this looks great man love it

[@mattkedz6577]

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

[@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.

[@dirkhafner9970]

You’re video was very informative.thank you

[@LeftyRC]

Amazing work.

[@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!

[@ydargkeeton4167]

Excellent show, and entertaining information Great job

[@user-fx9jj2xh1n]

Very well done! Very interesting. Thanks very much.

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you!

[@dankojotanovic3948]

well done mate ! VERY well done, actually.

[@Aj-mp6zn]

This guy deserves more love. He has great content but only 16k subs

[@tatohauge]

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

[@kevinparis6782]

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

[@arcturusbbqsausagemaking2435]

Great job .......Well done

[@robzombie4351]

GREAT VIDEO - Many thanks from San Diego

[@RichardsonForge]

Thank you!

[@josepharmstrong6500]

Nice work!! Great looking knife!

[@dittmerg]

Excellent tutorial. My thanks

[@eternalgamer2445]

Great video and commentary bro!

[@theyoungmagician1998]

Love title fight, you got a sub just for that on your Spotify 👌

[@boldrich7225]

Good job Bro. keep up the good work