Forging a Wakizashi San Mai Sword - Finished!

In this final part #5 of the series of forging a wakizashi san mai sword, I'll be doing final finishing on the fittings, wrapping the handle and sharpening this sword for the cut test!
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[@TyrellKnifeworks]

What do you think of the final blade? I'm thinking it would have been interesting to put it in coffee to get that darkness back in it. I lost a bit of that when I cleaned the blade.

[@mcrich1978]

Looks Epic chief! 🤘 a Katana to match would be awesome lol but.... yeah maybe wait a good while before starting another Japanese sword 😂

[@mcrich1978]

So what's next? A Boning Knife?

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

@@mcrich1978 Next is the kukri and I've already started on that one. It's going to be hand forged on that build.

[@mcrich1978]

@@TyrellKnifeworks sweetness 🤘

[@soonerfrac4611]

Came out great man! It’s really amazing how short by western standards the Japanese blades really are.

[@theriversexperience9383]

This has been such a great series. I love this build and really hope it drives viewers and subscribers to your channel. Your channel is way underrated and should be a go to for new knife makers.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks Erick. It’s steadily growing and I’ll be nipping on your heels in no time. 🤣

[@Linquilea]

I never usually comment on videos but I am such a big fan of your channel and Japanese swords that I think you have done a great job on it. I love the finished product and especially the way you got so many small fiddly pieces fitting together perfectly. 👍

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks so much, Lewis! Thee we fittings are more complicated than the blade on these. 😜

[@dlkravcov1973]

An excellent result of hard work! I was very worried that the handle would remain original. But you changed it. It's been another masterpiece! 👏👏👏👏👏💪💪💪👍👍👍👍👍

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for watching this build, Dmitriy!

[@Aleeknives]

Denis that is stunning! I also completely under estimated the difficulty in wrapped handles!😂 that final reveal using the new slider was spot on and the music was SO wicked cool! It literally gave me goose bumps watching it!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks Airin! I do love the new slider and I'll be using it in a lot of shots going forward.

[@stephenjohnson6841]

Wow! For your first one it turned it amazing! Thanks for bringing us along and sharing this experience!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

I’m not sure I’ll rush to do another traditional one, but it was a great learning experience. Thanks for watching!

[@brandonquintana9943]

It's absolutely stunning! Truly fine craftsmanship. Art.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for watching, Brandon!

[@TheRedhawke]

Beautiful work, the added darkness might of added contrast to the blade but, I think the subtle color change in this San Mai added much to the elegance of the overall package. In short I really like the way you built it and the form it is currently in.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks! It certainly functions well and I learned a ton building this blade! Thanks for following along.

[@michaelstringfellow6754]

holy shit it's beautiful. like wow. and God it looked sharp. truly a master craftsman.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for checking out this build, Michael!

[@darrell840]

Hahaha that was amazing that you signed your blade like that. Really nice detail. And nice blueing technique for the fittings

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

I actually got it right that time. I spelled it slightly incorrectly on the katana. 😬

[@Canadiansasquatchbrewery]

So satisfying watching this build and seeing that end result! Thank you for bringing us along for that!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thank you for watching! This was a challenging one but fun!

[@rodgerklindt3165]

Awesome! Great cut test on the jug!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks Rodger! It was a fun one to do. My aim wasn’t the best though. 😜

[@castingtechnology3338]

Great attention to detail, thank you for a great build.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@corpse7474]

i like how you took the time to learn how to properly make a wakizashi and didn't just make it with no research on how to make it like those other guys

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks, I appreciate that. Honestly the most daunting part of Japanese swords are all the fittings. That’s why so many guys bail and just do a regular full tang or simple guard. I can’t say I’m rushing to do another one though! 😜

[@pronz72gh85]

Wow, that was so much work!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Yeah it was... I'm not rushing to make one again. All the little pieces take forever. Much respect to those that regularly make these with traditional construction. Thanks for watching!

[@jayv7933]

So freaking good!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for watching the series, Jay!

[@dapeters19751]

That's a beautiful short sword sir. Great work

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks Darrell! ❤️

[@sudo_nym]

I clicked the thumbs up while the intro was running, because I KNOW I'm going to like this!! Edit: great job, Denis! Not an easy build, but you did a fantastic job, and I think it came out great.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks so much! I definitely learned a ton on this build and did a whole bunch of new processes. My journey continues! 👍

[@ericmack001]

That is really beautiful. It needs a Katana to go with it!. You did a beautiful job. Thank you for sharing it

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for taking a look. I don’t think I’ll be making another traditional Japanese sword any time soon though. 😜

[@sudo_nym]

@@TyrellKnifeworks 🤣

[@mcrich1978]

Yeah a katana to match would be great 😁

[@lukegraham1945]

Amazing work Denis! The fine details really come together nicely, and the great video just topped it off!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks Luke! I learned on ton on this build! 👍

[@Smittyscutlery]

dude holy hell that looks and preforms better than most of the ones ive seen made on youtube, you did an outstanding job keep it up!!!!!!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks so much, Seth! I appreciate you watching!

[@Smittyscutlery]

@@TyrellKnifeworks sir i'm a young badesmith and have been doing it for 3 years now my small buisness is called smitty's cutlery, seeing your TTT videos have been a huge help in my hobbie so keep that up. and i have a video request that might be pretty interesting, to go with the wakizashi you should make a japanese tanto with the san mai steel. if you do choose to make one and want to put it up for sell i would be honered to purchase it, just a future idea to throw out there

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

@@Smittyscutlery that’s great to hear, Seth! I’ve been asked to make a tanto several times. Maybe in the fall. Thanks for watching.

[@Smittyscutlery]

@@TyrellKnifeworks heck yeah man cant wait to see!!!

[@ClenioBuilder]

SUPERFANTASTIC! Awesome piece.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for checking it out! 👍

[@user-vg7gl6mz7r]

Потрясающе, браво маэстро!!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Большое спасибо за просмотр!

[@ericmoore2236]

Beautiful craftsmanship 👍 appreciate you and your work 👏

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for checking out this build and watching, Eric!

[@jeremiahgray8483]

Amazing build love how you engraved the part of the handle

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to check out my other builds and subscribe! 👍

[@ShannonD.999]

Very cool!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for checking it out, Shannon!

[@darcybrawataakaontariostac6835]

Very cool job it’s awesome

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks! This is another piece I’m keeping. I tend to keep the swords. 👍

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

awesome wakizashi

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@RinaldoFamilyMetalworks]

Impressive. The wrapping was just as impressive as the blade work. Well, done, Sir. I have subscribed on my personal account and my blacksmithing account. I cannot wait to see what else you build.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for joining and coming along this journey! I’m already working on the kukri build for next week. 👍

[@meysam.63]

First video with no dislike in youtub i have seen.👍

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks! I’m sure someone will dislike at some point. 🤣

[@meysam.63]

@@TyrellKnifeworks no,never😉👍

[@ICTPerformance268]

🇦🇬Just finished watching all videos on the wakizashi. I would like to encourage you to do more nihonto. Watch as many videos and documentaries on the making of genuine nihonto (and the associated koshirae) as much as possible, you will only get better. Don’t forget to date and say where the blade was made. Listen closer to pronunciation of names, and use them as often as possible; they will become second nature. It’s hard work, but worth it. A tanto would be a very nice addition for your next nihonto. Looking forward to your future endeavors. 🙏🏾 P.S. I would never laugh at another persons art, but you are allowed to laugh at yourself.😊

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

I know some people have a desire to do all the traditional Japanese styles, but it’s not for me. I don’t really care to memorize all the names of the parts. I did it to prove I could, but I’m not sure I’ll rush to do another. It’s just not my thing. Thanks for watching.

[@HeavyForge]

Badass!!! Really nice Denis! I need to start etching my logo on my Damascus work.🔥⚒💪🏻

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks Spencer! I sent you that link for stencils. You just send em your artwork and they’ll turn it around in a week. $60 for about 30 depending on the size. Each lasts 5-10 uses

[@michaelelbert5798]

Wow your blade design is same as mine. I also started late winter this year and finished late spring. I recently torcher tested on copper cable. Both stripping insulation and chopping. There were no deformities except the tip where I got a rock. Otherwise still razor sharp. Oh, the cable came out of an old weather head. So it was hard but my handle held like it was nothing to it.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

That’s cool, this one was a long build but a fun one. 👍

[@chrisw7248]

new subscriber to your channel and have just watched a few of your builds of the last couple of days. That was great for a first attempt at a traditional Wakizashi. having done Tsukamaki more than few times in the past, I can say once you get comfortable doing the wrapping and knots, it becomes very soothing and meditative. you will go from taking 2 hours on a wakizashi length tsuka to 40 minutes on a katana length tsuka (including the more difficult step of using the Hishigami rice paper triangles under the wrap). Now off to watch the San-mai karambit video!. Hope you are safe and well.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Welcome to the channel, Chris! I actually had the little triangles of paper ready for the wakizashi ito wrap but it was more complicated than I assumed so I chose to leave them out. Some day I’ll rewrap it. Thanks for watching!

[@andrejohnson6731]

Love it! I like that you maintained the individual parts but made it your own. Hope you used a trusted source for those nippon characters, don’t want to end up with a sword labeled "Hot BBQ pork noodles" lol

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

🤣 if it’s wrong then Google translate led me astray. 😜

[@White_devil1980]

Amazing work Tyrell would you ever consider doing something like that to present to the emperor of Japan 🇯🇵

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Ha, I think he’s seen much better. Thanks for watching.

[@RedBeardOps]

Those fittings came out looking awesome! 🙌 - Panning shots at 6:48 are awesome! Did you do that free hand?

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Not freehand, I recently purchased a camera slide. Awesome addition and you’ll see more of that in productions coming. I would highly recommend it. I’ll send you a link to it.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Here's the associate link to the camera slide: amzn.to/3vGBckN. I also suggest you get the additional tripod support arms: amzn.to/3c6VFrd.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@TyrellKnifeworks Thanks for the links. That's a wicked set up

[@Sauron191]

Watched all the videos back to back …. Got to say it all your work on all your knives, swords etc is absolutely mind blowing!! The patterns you get are just MAD and your fittings and finishing is just amazing!!! I so wish I could do this, have the equipment and knowledge!! That copper Katana you made is absolutely STUNNING!! Was looking up steels earlier (I actually have some metal knowledge as I’m an NDT/welding inspector) .. Have you ever tried forging a blade out of AISI S7 shock resistant steel?? It says it’s hard to work with but sounds like it would make a formidable katana!!! .. Anyway keep your amazing work coming and you have a 100% true fan over here in the U.K!! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for following the channel a d checking out so many videoed! ❤️. I’ve used S7, but just for punches and drifts. I’ve never really heard of anyone using it for a knife steel. Thanks for watching.

[@Sauron191]

@@TyrellKnifeworks Well how about this? Make a Katana using S7 as the core then laminate some 1095 steel over it … When you grind in down you will expose the S7 as the cutting edge and the 1095 will allow the blade to flex. The S7 would be thin compared to the 1095 cladding but if you could achieve a good forge weld between the 2 you would have an extremely strong and ridiculously sharp Katana that will hold its edge after multiple chops … This isn’t about how nice it looks as such (You can add your amazing magic to it if you choose) … In theory it would be an ultimately ‘functional’ Katana that could cut like no other and be ridiculously strong and flexible …

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

@@Sauron191 Honestly, S7 is not a good knife steel. The 1095 would probably be better as core, not the S7. S7 is a tool steel and not meant for edge retention.

[@Sauron191]

OK, I trust what you say as I don’t really know much about forging. I’m going to buy a 1095 clay tempered Katana soon as I only have a crappy old Stainless Steel thing that is completely useless .. So by what I have read the 1095 steel is great for Katana’s, would you agree with that as a blade smith??

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

@@Sauron191 Many katana's will be done in W2, since that steel takes an excellent hamon, but 1095 is good as well.

[@PortugueseUN]

I want one...

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

I don’t think I’ll be making one of these for quite a while. Thanks for watching

[@mjcvidmaker]

Hi, ive been wanting to make a wakizashi myself, where did you get the template from?. Many thanks

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

I made the template myself. I used KnifePrint and traced another wakizashi with the tracing feature. My templates/designs are available for my Patreon members btw. Thanks for watching!

[@evaderknives]

How did you figure out the Chinese lettering? I've tried a couple different wraps & they are all a huge pain. They look so easy, it's a trap, hahaha... Man that came out really sweet!!! Hope all is well, take it easy.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Japanese. 😜. Good old Google translate! Handle wrapping is an art form for sure! Thanks for checking it out!

[@evaderknives]

@@TyrellKnifeworks Oh yeah, I don't know why I was thinking Chinese. My ex was 1/2 Japanese, I tried to get her mom to teach me, she said it would never happen, hahaha

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Seems like a tough language to learn. 😬

[@addictchris2503]

This was a great build and a beautiful sword. I would have liked to have seen you make traditional edge geometry though. Japanese swords have no secondary bevel, and are not sharpened in the normal sense. The primary bevels simply taper until they meet at the edge and the sharpness is achieved in polishing those bevels to perfection.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

I don't have the Japanese stones to do that method. Thanks for watching!

[@Shroom_Lord666]

You signed it tachi-mei.

[@neilcastro836]

Great work however with the saya you should've jacketed it more to being out the shine into the light.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for watching

[@smrettpecca]

A very awesome hamon matey! But you should work on your tsuka technique! ;)

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

You should watch the full build. It’s not a hamon, it’s a San mai. I’m no expert at tsuka wrapping, that’s for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@smrettpecca]

@@TyrellKnifeworks don't get me wrong matey.......... i love your content. but a fact is, we both weren't born in that culture. so we make mistakes. ;)

[@smrettpecca]

well....... i case you've got german roots........ we allways think, we can master all disciplines......... :D this is a certain stage. let's take onions for example. cut onions for three years, and only onions. if you think you master it, go to japan. :) a sushi student learns for min, 10 years. And if he's really good, he's allowed to grind knifes after three years. Japan isn't as fast as us. But they are more accurate, and they got Passion in all what they do! ;)

[@ricksmit2239]

i love how you took you knife skills in the fittings and made japanese fitting. that was cool...Great looking katana... my shit will be when i make a katana is i live on the 18th floor in an apartment complex in china. sooooo i cant hammer or grind. so i'm gonna commission a Chinese sword company(yes i'm friends with one) to make my special design, send it to me unheat treated but edged to point before u heat treat, and then i make the fittings out of tumbaga(copper gold alloy) melting the copper in a induction smelter (quiet) and then carve out finer detail which the casting missed with a drum-drill. that small little engraver, i do not know the real name.gonna take me a while. but i have done my research and i'm confident.🙃

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Good luck! Thanks for watching, Rick.

[@ricksmit2239]

@@TyrellKnifeworks Any time. ive been on a ""man at arms"" gig then ""that works"" then forged in fire"" now you. i learn as i go. i need to make something specific.... and i need to learn all i can on how to make it. when im done with all my designs on pc i can email you the design to have a look. you can even try and make it and sell to someone else😄

[@Ezee_ele06]

Comprare 10 xd

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Thanks for watching

[@abdellahmaftouh990]

hello I am Maftouh from Khouribga in Morocco can you please send me a Damascus knife I would be grateful to you, thank you very much, I am waiting for your reply.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Sorry, I don’t just send people knives. Thanks for watching.