FORGING AN ARROW HEAD, full process.

[@bluntmuffin1729]

Please please PLEASE just “hang out” with some other people! This was fantastic. Particularly love the end just watching the whole process.

[@QuantumHistorian]

Can we have Todd hanging out with Todd Cuttler in this way so we can see how the knives are made?

[@tods_workshop]

I will try - I really enjoy it too

[@tods_workshop]

Quantum, I do. I have a film coming soon that you may enjoy of me making a rondel dagger

[@hanshanszoon]

@@tods_workshop could you please upload just the end without anyone speaking? I would love to have a medieval soundboard coming from these things. Jason his squeaking cart is another one for example.

[@knightshousegames]

@@QuantumHistorian He has an older video showing how he makes his maces, one of my favorites of his.

[@themonarch8251]

As a hobby blacksmith I found this very interesting to watch. Will's experience really shows, as does his precision hammer use. I was a little surprised at how cold he worked the metal at times, but it always worked out and prevented additional heats and time. Again, I think that's his experience showing through. And he makes the socket creation look so effortless, where I am sure I'd be making a mess of things.

[@douglasyoung927]

I agree completely! The amount of work it takes to build this level of precision is pretty amazing. As for the temperature he's working with. Iron, and even mild steel, can be worked quite a bit colder than carbon steel and tool steel but some of it comes from the camera and lighting making it hard to see the temperature. You don't want to move a lot of material in the lower temperatures but you can certainly tweek and planish and adjust if you're gentle about it. You can actually work the material with a hammer from cold and get it up to red hot pretty quickly by compressing the metal instead of stretching the metal. If you learn to bevel your knives and tools with a compression technique instead of a pinching or drawing technique you can maintain forging temperatures for a lot longer, esp. with very thin pieces. I consider it a bit of a party trick to light my BBQ grill by hammering the end of a piece of mild steel until it heats to red and using it like a match.

[@Spinningininfinity]

The reason the iron is worked cooler than expected is that the cooler the work the easier it is to control the spread and thickness of the socket walls. Hammer work on very thin iron requires great skill. Too hot and too heavy a blow and the iron will deform and "dimple" which will make the wall too thin. Too cold and the iron will split. This man's skill is 💯 🥰

[@themonarch8251]

@@Spinningininfinity That absolutely matches my experience. Soft, thin metal is super-easy to deform. I remember the first time I tried to make a thin copper scoop, I wrecked my first 2 or 3 attempts.

[@Mikey__R]

Is wrought iron different to modern steel, in how ductile it can be? Would the silica content make it a little more plastic at lower temperatures? Or is it the other way around?

[@douglasyoung927]

@@Mikey__R wrought iron work hardens in much the same way that non ferrous metals do but it can be extremely ductile. Wrought iron is still preferred for lots of decorative projects like scroll work in doors and windows or gates and fences. Historically it was also preferred for things like hinges and fittings because it was easy to work to a precise shape and once it got to that shape it would be work hardened enough to want to stay where you put it.

[@chrisbolland5634]

It took him about 6 minutes to make one arrowhead, not rushing too much, which if he needed to hit 100 of them would have taken 10 hours of non-stop work to do. Holy crap.

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

I'd say ~5h. Mass producing them instead of doing one from start to finnish will cut the time a lot.

[@danioshea]

@@XtreeM_FaiL It depends. I can't keep track of more than about three irons in the fire before I get confused and burn one. You could probably speed things up a bit that way, but the fact the bar is already hot, and doesn't need a cold start is already an advantage. That said, I'm not an arrow-smith, just a humble blacksmith (although I have made a few arrowheads over the years). Maybe Will can shed some light on it.

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

@@danioshea You need an apprentice. :P It was just a guess. 5h is probably too optimistic, but I still believe it is doable. I know nothing about black smithing (exept the old master gives iron he is holding to his apprentice thing). Doing things from start to finish is the slowest method, but then again it keeps quality level high.

[@chrisbolland5634]

@@XtreeM_FaiL you assume multiple people working though, so each one can focus on one task, but they talked about how one smith was told to make 100 in a day

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

@@chrisbolland5634 No, just one person. Back in the day they did not have what we have today. A high quality raw material.

[@douglasyoung927]

Excellent video, as always. I've been a bladesmith for more than 10 years now and I've only made a couple dozen arrow heads and a few socketed tools. I've never made a socket this clean. Will Sherman makes these things look so naturally easy, not to mention that these were made super quick without any kind of rushing. It's great to learn that there's always more work to be done.

[@hendrikvanleeuwen9110]

Yeah, his hammer skills are insane!

[@ianrosie4431]

At 15:27, he cleanly picks up the hammer behind him without turning around. Loved that.

[@GCCRACER]

Hadn't considered before how a reliable size and weight are needed to make the arrows shoot consistently. All that with hand tools, really quite amazing to watch.

[@markchristiansen4827]

It is done even with modern arrow pieces by professionals who are good enough to see the difference in slight changes in the machine built pieces in their shooting.

[@oshimia6746]

Lovely watching a craftsman at work.

[@riffhurricane]

Never again will I raise an eyebrow at the price of Will's arrows. Wonderful & illuminating to see the effort & skill needed to make just one arrow head. I'd love to see the rest of the process.

[@manual1415]

Good video! Can't wait for the arrows v. armor sequel 👍

[@Rewenat]

Mesmerizing and oddly soothing. Great watch.

[@joshlesure3196]

Loved watching the whole process from start to finish! And the historical aspect of it is simply incredible!

[@Jamie_D]

Really looking forward to the second film, and good man for not taking advantage of people potential still giving beyond what was needed, respect :)

[@johnnyjohnson6643]

I didn't expect to watch the whole process a second time without anyone even saying anything, but found I couldn't tear myself away.

[@gregedmand9939]

This is a hobby I've always wanted to explore, but never managed it. My maternal grandmother was a Gowan, that emigrated from Glasgow to Canada, so I know blacksmithing is in my blood. These were the true magicians from their time.

[@garysmith3173]

I was mesmerised. Wonderful video,thank you.

[@Nurk0m0rath]

Wow, I love the look of that workshop with the laid brick and separate wells for the forge and quench and I'm not sure what else. I did a little blacksmithing a few years back and I'm always amazed to see how fast and efficient it can be at the pro level. Really wish we could see behind the brick wall though to see how his bellows setup works. Don't suppose he also youtubes to show us all himself.

[@act.13.41]

I noticed that the bellows pumped up and continues to blow for a bit with gravity deflating it. Quite ingenious.

[@christopherreed4723]

If you look back through Townsend's videos of 18th Century living in the Americas you'll find one showing the restoration of an old set of bellows. It *is* quite ingenious, but the mechanism is also quite simple. And, at that point in time, basically unchanged for centuries.

[@Nurk0m0rath]

@@christopherreed4723 Thanks, I'll look for that. It's funny but a lot of old techniques are remarkably effective and deceptively simple.

[@dersaegefisch]

At 15:47 you can get a short glimpse at the bellows.

[@rudamachoo]

the mark of the genius: making a very difficult process look easy while at the sime time talking, discussing history... just... amazing work, enjoyed the video very much. thank you very very much for all your hard work, it's inspiring.

[@M4ve12ick0]

Seeing this go from start to finish with no cuts was so cool. Great video!

[@SSS-tm7in]

Absolutely fantastic loved it

[@chrisball3778]

Fascinating- I've sometimes wondered how they managed to mass produce arrows in an age of hand-crafted manufacture, and this goes a long way to show how it could be achieved. Will Sherman seems to be able to make one of those in about 7 minutes, so with long enough hours of daylight 100 in a day seems plausible, if a daunting and gruelling task. I wonder whether medieval arrowsmiths might often have worked with an apprentice, who could have manned the bellows, fed and stoked the furnace, and maybe have taken over occasionally to give the smith a break? That would make the physical side of it less punishing, at least.

[@Kingdomkey123678]

Mass production was very much a thing. Picture like 10-20 master smiths Double that of smiths of middling skill And double that of apprentices. All working together to make huge quantities of metal work in a day

[@APV878]

Awesome!

[@exoterric]

This was great fun. I worked all day chomping at the bit to get home and watch. I cannot wait for the big one but these prelims are full of good context and exceptional skillsets.

[@joakim2407]

Hi, Tod. What you guys are doing, the content you guys are uploading, it's so refreshing and wholesome compared to much of what floods the social media platforms today. Your genuine excitement and curiosity is contagious. That you guys got the funds raised so quickly speaks volumes, not only to the loyalty and engagement of your audience, but to the quality and integrity of the content you and the rest of the "arrows vs. armour"-crew produce. The fact that you're telling us to stop donating because you've now got what you need, supports the notion that you guys are genuinely excited to make this thing, not just milking the cow. Keep doing what you do, all of you. I'll tune in. Thank you. -Some Norwegian fellow.

[@perniciouspete4986]

I highly suspect that a medieval high-production blacksmithing shop would have one young boy working the bellows constantly while several smiths using the same forge would be working two arrowheads (or whatever) at once, shaping one on the anvil while the other arrowhead is reheating in the forge and trading them out every several seconds. Note that the smith in this video loses almost half his time waiting for the arrowhead to reheat.

[@Seelenschmiede]

I think an experienced smith can work 2-3 pieces at a time without a big hassle.

[@tods_workshop]

I agree, I suspect he could have 2 or 3 on the run at the same time and yes a bellows boy would have been used then, just trickier to get these days!

[@rogerlafrance6355]

Water powered drop hammers and bellows existed early on, along with gigs and dies to speed things up. Also, examples of big iron pieces are well beyond what can be done with hammer and sledge.

[@totherarf]

A great video! One of the truths I knew ..... but did not realise I knew, was how niche the different jobs were. And how protected! Once again, thanks guys!

[@xXScissorHandsXx]

Splendid addition. Also looking forward to the next leg of that Armor vs Arrows 2.0 🤘

[@Seelenschmiede]

Truely, this is a masters work. How fast, precise and clean he pops this arrowhead out. Astonishing! I'm totally baffled!

[@yt.602]

Brilliant to watch a craftsman at work and the explanation of the process. Really illuminating. Not a criticism, but in earlier video's there was mention of case hardening or "steeling" which may have been done - If Will ever gets round to making a vid where that process, or at least what they may have done, is explained in relation to his making of his arrow heads that would be every bit as interesting. Great vid and I look forwards to the testing these heads will be engaged in. The Breastplate vid is superb with the team.

[@doratheexploder286]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oICxf2iihL6LqtE

[@QuantumHistorian]

Similarly, I'd like to learn the difference between brazing and fire welding that was mentioned in the video

[@markusmencke8059]

Nice to watch a master at work. 👍

[@lebelge7168]

That Arrow vs Armor II is gonna be epic. Very happy that it was funded so fast.

[@dayofmone]

The design of the bellows is simply ingenious.

[@JanusXAlvarenga]

Tod, I love your work and the integrity you have to your audience. This was fantastic to watch and I can't wait to return!

[@tods_workshop]

Thank you

[@Estudiante-musico-con-hobbies]

​@@tods_workshop Forging This? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKWmopWQa5hkoKM 🤔

[@adrianholgeth3208]

absolutely fascinating, lovely to see the process done end to end.

[@ihcfn]

Excellent, thanks!

[@gundanium3126]

Its A genuine plesure to watch more hot work done over cold work .

[@LikelyToBeEatenByAGrue]

What a star. I love watching craftsmen doing what they do. It's one of my favorite parts of KZbin. Instead of contributing to the Kickstarter, as it was closed, I bought a quillion dagger. I just got it a couple days ago and it's a beauty. Thanks

[@blxtothis]

These channels and The Wallace Collection are possibly the most interesting, educational and entertaining on KZbin. I’m literally champing at the bit to see how, and where the most important elements of a forge are made especially the anvils and also the bellows arrangements.

[@andrewrice2376]

Brilliant video and thanks to you both for it. The first time I've seen an arrowhead made from scratch and the work involved. Great watching how Will uses the anvil and the tools, and it makes you think back to the era of the Hundred Years War and the arrowsmiths making these by the thousands, then passing them on to the fletchers etc for finishing the arrows.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

It amazes me to watch a craftsmen turn a piece of metal rod into an arrowhead or other useful item only using hand tools.

[@nathandunning7150]

I love this bloke's Forge! I wish I had a work shop like this nice.

[@calvingreene90]

Even when mass produced the craftsmanship is vital. It takes great skill to produce fast and good. Far more than just good.

[@Aramis419]

Great film, Tod! As always, it's a pleasure to watch!

[@Robert-xn3dc]

Honestly couldn't really care less about the content, but randomly watched a video of you talking about your field with humility admitting what you know and what you perceive to be accurate and just enjoyed listening. A really rare gift for an expert to have making it enjoyable to listen to.

[@ApfelJohannisbeere]

That was so informative and I want more of such content of seeing how things are done and explained the reasons for doing this or that! Awesome work and please continue!

[@wrxs1781]

This Todd to me was one of your best videos, how the arrow heads were made and your questions ticked all the right boxes, the forge area was well designed and very functional. Also the different guilds required for a completed arrow. Double thumbs up...

[@lucagordon5770]

Sorry for fanboying like I did at Tewksbury, was just a complete surprise to see you there for some reason haha. One day I hope to have a stall there myself with my forge :) great to see these kinds of videos.

[@tods_workshop]

No worries, it is an amazing and amazingly odd place and it all just adds to being Tewkesbury

[@lucagordon5770]

@@tods_workshop It was our first time visiting and first time at anything of that scale! Saw a lot of great craftsmanship especially from Dave Budd, there was also a few stalls that uhhh had questionable quality to put it nicely. Still a fun day out for sure :)

[@brotherandythesage]

Watching a true craftsman work is such a joy!

[@tods_workshop]

Always - whatever they are doing

[@ericmitchell985]

Always a pleasure watching a skilled craftsman work!

[@angrypotato_fz]

Sweet! I'm glad you recorded another video of hanging out with Will - in the previous one he seemed to me too busy with work and a bit grumpy, while he's not really like that :)

[@unclebob540i3]

You know how proficient someone is at their craft by how easy they make it look. Amazing!

[@ptonpc]

Fascinating to see this.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks

[@soonersmith4179]

He makes that look so easy, made skills that one

[@gblan]

I have a set of Will's arrows with lovely Victorian field target points on them. Works of art.

[@Afro408]

Yes! Enjoyed it immensely! Lovely old type forge and I just love those beautiful old bellows! That anvil has seen a lot of use. I’ve never seen one with some much wear around the main hardie hole! 😅😅👏👏👏👏👏

[@gbickell]

As always - superb

[@BonesyTucson]

That is a lovely Anvil!

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Tod . 🐺

[@promiscuous5761]

Thank you.

[@cpt.loogie]

Beautiful.

[@RobanyBigjobz]

I've been to St Briavel's, lovely place. Didn't realise it was quite so influential. Fantastic to have the process explained and then just watch it uninterrupted.

[@greyareaRK1]

Fascinating. Thank you!

[@davefellhoelter1343]

So fun to watch!

[@PeterDay81]

Excellent.

[@tmacdonald4006]

Super cool!

[@FallenAnvilForge]

As a beginner blacksmith, I found this very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@jagrench62]

Todd you provide a great product your entertainment is priceless there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to ask for money everybody else does.

[@tods_workshop]

Never got round to the Patreon thing

[@grahamcrawford4773]

Is it weird that the 2nd part of this was the most perfect meditation video I've ever watched 🙂

[@staso28]

Super nice!

[@beezo2560]

Thanks for this one Tod. It's real entertainment watching you two talk the trade. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@joseallday133]

Very enjoyable and informative video. Thanks

[@lawrencetyler9398]

Mr. Cutler, please give us a video to hold us over, until the big one. 🙏🏻🥳

[@robertgoss4842]

Congratulations on the first announcement I have ever heard NOT beseeching me for a donation. Very cool of you to say, "We've got enough dough. So just relax and enjoy our video."

[@wellybobs4403]

Lovely watching that. It makes me want to try it out

[@AndICanTalk2]

Your channel is so great. I really enjoy what you and a number of others do on the internet, to help the world learn. Fantastic. So glad I backed the kickstarter.

[@bobwebber8521]

Like a lot of people I always thought of arrows as a stick with a pointy thing on one end and feathers on the other. No wonder they cost so much even in those old days. Retrieving arrows after a battle must have been a big (worthwhile) job. Thanks for the great video.

[@Brandeena233]

Dude is a master at work. Really neat video.

[@anomalyp8584]

Yups, this dude definitely has done this before...absolutely satisfying to watch every move he makes being optimised specifically for this. Expand this sort of thing for other crafts as well!

[@matauboy]

I enjoyed this from beginning to end. Thank you.

[@TernaryHound]

Nothing to say but thanks. Very interesting. Love all the handwork you showcase on the channel!

[@vaclavnikl6842]

Awsome video. Thanks.

[@MrNowherethis]

I always look forward to your videos!

[@GhostbustersXX13]

Fantastic experience! Thanks for the video.

[@darksidedsam88]

Tod your channel is like what my teenage brain imagination always wanted to see in person! all these amazing craftsman you meet and also the tests you do and demonstrate the way you go right into it all amazing channel , these videos are the bollocks mate

[@victorcast2467]

Made it look easy! Amazing!

[@MrSpudz2]

When my dad and grandfather were teaching me to blacksmith many years ago, both of the would tell me that “5 minutes on the anvil, saves a hour at the grinder” how true and knowledgeable they were.

[@AventineArchives]

Great speaking with you at Tewkesbury Tod, thanks for taking the time 😎

[@tods_workshop]

A pleasure

[@valkoharja]

Congrats on the kickstarter success. I look forward to the videos to come.

[@itsallfabrication]

what a great channel, really enjoying the vids. Thanks.

[@odinisnotthesomefather4687]

Loved this! Thank you for your great work!

[@bencoomer2000]

Will attempt this myself soon.

[@paul72002]

Awesome love this break from the usual

[@garyneilson1833]

That was a fascinating video

[@sirpanicoff]

Love it!

[@WalterBurton]

The audio is REALLY good. 👍🌲👍

[@ozlozano9470]

Amazing work as always

[@act.13.41]

I was amazed at the speed he can turn out an arrow head from start to finish.

[@JohnLundSweden]

Very nice, make more, it's your best content

[@jm9371]

Man, those arrows must be freakin' expensive..... Very cool to watch.

[@aikidokrates8501]

keep on the great work

[@GREYFLWRMUSIC]

Just imagine this is your occupation. That workshop is his daily office. It's so cool!

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

Actually blacksmith's shops are hot.