Forging an INCREDIBLE Viking Sword - Pattern Welding with Meteorite!

We unveil this amazing sword for the first time. Folded steel, inlaid runes, carved bronze and bone and a Viking Pattern welding demonstration.
Owen Bush, amazing pattern welder, teacher, sword smith and old friend was asked to make a Viking era sword from a novel. It is an extraordinary collaboration between Owen and Petr Florianek, with a blade of meteorite and pattern welded steel and hilted and scabbarded in carved bronze and bone.
He has never seen it finished, I have not seen it at all and it was a great excuse to visit Owen and talk swords with some pattern welding demonstration on the way.
This all came about because J.C.Duncan wrote a book called "A song of steel", www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08W5F5WKF set during a clash between Norse Pagan cultures and European Christian cultures and the forging of this sword was an important theme. Although my work is all about historical military weapons, my historical interest is also very much about the social side of life and A Song of Steel was a great balance between action and real daily detail and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you want to find out more about J.C.Duncan, you can visit him here jcduncan.co.uk/ or / jcduncan7
If you would like to help support the channel please visit my sites
todcutler.com​​​ for excellent budget historical weapons
todsworkshop.com​​​ for custom historical work
and for T shirts and merch please visit todsworkshop.creator-spring.com/
Owen Bush runs fantastic courses and sells his great work here www.owenbush.co.uk
Petr Florianek makes extraordinary work and can be found here www.gullinbursti.org
00:00 [Intro]
01:37 [Revealing the sword]
05:36 [Symbolism]
07:26 [Making the Sword Blade]
08:49 [Pattern Welding Demonstration]
14:00 [Closeup]

[@reggiep75]

2:27 - 'Let me... Let me... Let me have a look!'

[@act.13.41]

I would have been chomping at the bit too.

[@Lurklen]

Haha, he was like a kid at Christmas.

[@whirving]

Seething with anticipation, as he should be.

[@jeremymcadam7400]

Seemed a little rude actually

[@Lurklen]

@@jeremymcadam7400 They're buddies, so it's likely jocular nonsense between pals.

[@johnbeauvais3159]

“This is a beautiful sword. I would expect the man who made it to show the same care and devotion in every aspect of his life.”

[@tods_workshop]

Have you seen how he dresses?

[@noraye2500]

I understood that reference 😎

[@CowCommando]

That line really makes that character. It's too bad he didn't get to really show off those traits very much in the later movies.

[@noraye2500]

@@CowCommando i wouldn't say that. Will is pretty consistent throughout the trilogy

[@danhaas9730]

@@noraye2500 I think he meant Norrington.

[@sleepy_Dragon]

Having a sword with celestial iron in it would have been an enormous status symbol.

[@PurityVendetta]

Even now, in these strange times owning a sword containing celestial iron is something very special.

[@Bles_Bees]

@@PurityVendetta ⁹9

[@MrDrachnag]

You know they have superior skill because they don't brag about it. The silent confidence of masters.

[@xanedan4565]

I didn't know who Owen was until 15 minutes ago, but if I ever have the mind to drop an enormous amount of money on a custom sword I would want him to make it.

[@Baronstone]

@@xanedan4565 Yeah before you go there, check out the work done by people like Kyle Royer. His work absolutely blows this out of the water.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@Baronstone If that Kyle Rogers saw your comment pissing on the workmanship of another master blacksmith on his behalf, he'd probably make you choke on your own words if he has any honour himself.

[@zacharyradford5552]

Thats also because they copied it from Indian and the Middle East. Do some research and you’ll find that ancient Greeks and romans have text about magical steel from the lands of India and Persia.Pliny the Elder in Natural History talks about steel from Parthia modern northeast Iraq. Soooo the silence of masters makes ignorant lambs to follow.

[@westernstealth873]

@@zacharyradford5552 Indian “Wootz” steel is the classic Damascus Steel blades of the medieval period, made from meteoric irons in India, crucible forged, and slowly exported to the Near East. By this point the blades would have been reforged into more regional styles of blades. These Near Eastern blades would be traded to rich centres in Europe, reforged again, which the Norse and Vikings would come into contact with and gain ownership through more or less honourable means. Then these blades were reforged again into the legendary crucible steel, “Ulfberhts” of the mid-to-late Viking period. If not for the master smiths along each step of this saga a “Wootz” steel sword would not become inherently famous. Similar to any art form, these smiths built upon the previous works to create beautifully deadly blades.

[@Dvergenlied]

I do love British understatement: “It’s a grand old undertaking...”

[@Baronstone]

Sorry but exactly which part of the sword qualifies for that statement? I see nothing extraordinary about it, after all, it looks about like what we have come to expect from sword makers on KZbin these days.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@Baronstone you know where the door is...

[@azraphon]

@@Baronstone Don't be a jaded prick, makes you look like a spoiled 13 year old.

[@comfusedpassanger3399]

@@Baronstone Well, maybe you should make your own video showing this blacksmith, and other blacksmiths at Y.T., how to make a blade like this one properly.. Btw, My mother always said to me and my brothers " If you have nothing to say, don`t say it"..

[@luketheduckman6701]

@@Baronstone it’s made partly from celestial iron! When did that become standard? Not to mention the wonderful materials used in the scabbard and hilt, AND the pattern welding.

[@sealpiercing8476]

Pattern welding as proof of the quality of the iron and forgework is a functional purpose I hadn't appreciated. Neat!

[@tods_workshop]

Annoyingly nor had I; but now I know

[@sealpiercing8476]

@@tods_workshop Live and learn!

[@chrisguest5528]

@@tods_workshop never stop learning for when we stop learning, we stop growing

[@dominicray6640]

Simulating the fold/twist work on plasticine was very cool to see demonstrated!

[@Kim-the-Dane-1952]

If you look at Owen's website you can see that his nice swords sell for 2500 to about 8000 pounds. I have no doubt this one would be past 10000

[@tods_workshop]

I always love to see that and when you look at any dark corner of his workshop there are always loops of plasticine....

[@dersaegefisch]

@@Kim-the-Dane-1952 And for good reason! It's just sad that I can't afford one...

[@Frurin]

I have just witnessed a conversation between two gentlemen and scholars, and they are both dressed in worn clothes and dungarees. Soft spoken and knowledgeable. Absolutely beautiful!

[@tods_workshop]

Thank you and two old friends also

[@euansmith3699]

It was lovely to see this pair oohing and aahing over this amazing bit of sculpture; they wax quite poetically. Both of these craftsmen are totally rocking the workshop chic. When Owen cut through the plasticine, my jaw dropped.

[@tods_workshop]

I always love that moment. I also really liked his caves smock thing, for which he has still not sent me the link

[@mayhem1988]

@@tods_workshop Newlyn Smocks! You're welcome.

[@varangjar1544]

"It's a pointy little fellow, isn't it?" Something I hear all the time.

[@varangjar1544]

@Dark Aster 😆😆😂

[@varangjar1544]

@Dark Aster If you look through a magnifying lens, it is pretty scary!

[@philipwebb960]

Yes, it's a pointy little fellow, but he points to China.

[@jerrymcgovern4848]

My in inner dwarf is screaming " I want that!".

[@kayjohnston1132]

"Owen withdraws from society!"

[@arcturus0448]

Owen Bush, Weaponsmith has created Irolvîr Istam Irol, a steel sword! It manaces with spikes of steel

[@Baronstone]

Dwarves are partial to aces if I remember correctly

[@Mr.Kim.T]

As a physiotherapist I love the fact that Owen has made these blades and at the same time these blades have made Owen.

[@andrewsock6203]

You mean have made Owens wrist hurt 😂🤣

[@tods_workshop]

A nice thought Kim and largely true

[@Baronstone]

Yeah you're reading way too much into a simple sword

[@Cuuniyevo]

@@Baronstone Two things: 1.) That is not just a simple sword. 2.) The labor of forging by hand DOES change a person physically so it is correct, even if poetic, to say the swords have shaped him.

[@pj_mckenna]

Tod, you've got to get this man on again. His every pronouncement is like a laundered boiler suit around a steel core of hard-won expertise. Failing that, coax him into starting a channel of his own.

[@netherpixel3541]

He does have his own channel, it's got 5 vids and 1.8k subs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJDWkHmLbt9pmKc

[@pj_mckenna]

@@netherpixel3541 Subscribed! Thank you.

[@netherpixel3541]

@@pj_mckenna Welcome, his channel is crimminally under subbed. I'm going to one of his workshops in March, super excited.

[@AllenKopic]

yess we want to see more owen bush.

[@helojoe92]

from 2:25 on, i laughed hard when I saw that Tod is so impatient to get his hands on it! Like a child waiting for his christmas persent! I can absolutely understand! :D

[@CowCommando]

And the other guys reluctance to hand it over.

[@bloodvue]

@@CowCommando Todd kept putting his hands on the blade and the maker very carefully tried not to

[@oolooo]

This would put a tear in old Roland's eye

[@johnbeauvais3159]

For a moment I forgot about that Roland and could only remember the headless Thompson gunner

[@Landhund0]

That is, without a doubt, the most beautiful sword I've ever seen!

[@UPTHETOWN]

I know

[@Baronstone]

Then you haven't seen many swords. Yes, it is a nice looking sword, but it's just nice looking.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

@@Baronstone beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is not for us to judge what others like.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

Search "making a mosaic longsword with ABS master" that should show you an incredible undertaking for a piece of art.

[@arpioisme]

Todd: *casually touch the blade Owen: *staring and reflecting those hours spent polishing the blade

[@d33b33]

I know it's just because it's darker than its surroundings, but that sword seems to absorb light. Absolutely gorgeous. Fantastic patterns.

[@stephenfitzgerald9769]

“For no one in this world can you trust. Not men, not women, not beasts...” *Points to +5 epic doom-sword* “This, you can trust!”

[@TheAegisClaw]

By Crom!

[@halcyonvking3229]

Lol

[@SuperFunkmachine]

"Do you want me to tell you the riddle of steel boy? Steel isn't strong boy, flesh is stronger! Look around you. There, on the rocks; that beautiful girl. Come to me, my child. -she falls to the death THAT is strength, boy! THAT is power! The strength and power of flesh! What is steel, compared to the hand that wields it?" Thulsa Doom will die by that strength an power by the end.

[@gordondeitz7838]

How 'bout a well bread war horse? 🐎

[@chengkuoklee5734]

Or.... This, you can thrust?

[@blamokapow137]

Absolutely epic blade! A work of art and totally lethal. I'm a little jealous.

[@Kanner111]

An uncommon example of how understanding the process actually makes the process even more mystical and incredible!

[@fratercontenduntocculta8161]

I'm so happy channels like this exist. A perfect fusion of History lessons with practical application of weapons of the period. Thanks Tod!

[@markfergerson2145]

14:30 14:37 I feel like a man who didn't know he was dying of thirst being given a few drops of water. Damn, that thing is beautiful.

[@storyspren]

It's absolutely blowing my mind that pattern welds can be planned out like that.

[@whirving]

and that those pattern welds were planned, and hammered by hand in a snow covered forge shed 600+ years ago.

[@Antistotle]

You do something daily for 25 years you get really good at knowing what is going to happen next.

[@lionkelly8633]

Tod in my opinion is one of the best content creators on KZbin. Sine he actually creates “things” and hosts like minded creators. I absolutely love his videos. Also thank you Owen for sharing you experience with us. Great video

[@MrGrimsmith]

I do love the subtle dig at Japanese bladesmithing fanatics. "Yes, we did the same sort of thing. 8 centuries earlier..." Wonderful craftsmanship and *finally* an explanation for Damascus type steel that makes sense in terms of man hours rather than "It looks nice". The artistic factor is definitely not over rated (I'll also be relaying that plasticine trick to some of my friends who may not have seen this yet - fantastic and yet so simple) but I've always been a function over form person so to have it perform both at once? Brilliant. I still have to retrain from my former profession to make a living but I'll be keeping those courses in mind. I do feel that I ought to live up to the family name and learn to work metal properly 😁

[@Meevious]

Who's "we" and what do you mean "8 centuries earlier"? X) In truth, the timeline of advances in both regions is comparable, but there are some innovations in tools and techniques that are unique to each. Wootz was being made in India when parts of both Europe and east Asia were in the bronze age, so you could say that the East and West are both losers in that respect, as both imported Indian steel when they could for well over a thousand years. ;)

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@Meevious India is not Japan... Using the quality of pre industrial Indian steel making to equate pre-industrial japanese steel making is as dishonest and ignorant as equating pre-conquista south american pyramid building with Egyptian pyramid building.

[@Meevious]

@@SonsOfLorgar Want to get your reading glasses and show me where I did that? Thanks for the tip, SwoonsOfLager.

[@AuntieHauntieGames]

Yeah, although we need to take into account, however, that the iron age came to Japan much later than it came to other civilizations (because Japan has less iron as a natural resource than continental nations). So iron-working techniques came much later as well. It's not that Japanese smiths were fumbling around with the stuff for 800 years while Europeans were mastering it. It's that the Yamato craftsmen did not even get the chance to work with iron in credible amounts until the 6th or 8th century AD, whereas Europeans smiths had almost a millennia to develop the techniques. So as with a lot of modern technologies, those things came to Japan late but the Yamato were able to learn, master, and innovate on those techniques very quickly once they were given the materials needed to do so. The fact that the Yamato did not begin developing steel like that found in Europe until many centuries later but that they then caught up very quickly to what was being produced in Europe is its own great achievement.

[@alpagator1372]

15:52 "I'd love to take but I can't, because you've got a sword in your hands and I don't'"

[@guiurovira3731]

Magnificent sword, it makes you wanting to hold it.

[@RoPo-fv5tm]

unbelievably detailed and professional work, I would have issues not just holding it for a whole day admiring all the work and talent put into it.

[@j.c.duncan5478]

I still get it out and play with it on a regular basis and I've owned it for over a year. The detail is just superb. as you say, so much work has gone into the details, particularly the pattern welding and the carving on the hilt.

[@scottirving4183]

@@j.c.duncan5478 I didn't get to see the beasties on the back side, Wondering why not?

[@j.c.duncan5478]

@@scottirving4183 Yeah not every inch of it made it into the video, loads of footage and limited time! but you will find loads more detail shots and stuff here: Instagram dot com/j.c.duncan/ I've just put up a new post with more of the details. or on my twitter in the video description.

[@QuantumHistorian]

I'd love more videos about the technical side of making swords and similar. Bloomery vs crucible vs blast furnace iron, controlling the carbon content, the different stages of annealing vs tempering vs quenching, and so on. It would be very cool to see how this changed in the last ~3000 years through the lens of modern science to see what the impact of those changes are.

[@gordonlawrence1448]

2600 years ago the first ferrous metals in Europe were made using bloomeries. The carbon monoxide from the charcoal burning reduced the iron oxide to crude iron. That then had to be worked. In fact it's where the phrase "beating the shit out of it" comes from. Industrial smelters are relatively recent and the cost of steel only came down with the Bessemer Process (1856) as that removed all carbon from the steel and you can then add back in a precise amount to get the exact carbon content you want. Hope that answers a few of your questions.

[@QuantumHistorian]

@@gordonlawrence1448 Thanks, I know the broad strokes already from a couple of books I've read on the topic. But its the details that I'm missing and I think would make a good (series of) videos. For example: What mechanical advantage does pattern welding give? Is it there to offset lower quality iron? When did people figure out to have a larger carbon content on the edge than the core of the blade, and how did they control it?

[@tods_workshop]

Maybe that would b e a good Owen Bush vid to film

[@benedict6962]

Seeing the plasticine and twisting process was fascinating. Quite a lot of material I've seen doesn't talk at all about intentional patterns or symbolism in the welds. Also, so it turns out "thousand fold" is inferior to "thousand twist", huh?

[@user-vt5hx1kz7l]

I could listen to both of you for hours. What a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks

[@HalSchirmer]

Amazing seeing the effect of the "twist"! Reminds me of eastern European "baby superstitions" where the village would bind a sapling in 2 places, split the sapling and wedge it open, then pass the infant through the sapling 7 times for good luck, then bind the sapling back together. Also similar to lance-making or medieval "engineered lumber" where a pole was used to twist an oak sapling so it grew with a spiral grain to provide axe handles that would not shatter.

[@Michael-jx9bh]

So fascinating to hear of "little" things like that! Engineered lumber oh my! Wouldn't happen today due to impatience (and as good quicker options). A little dig at environmentalist: Take that! Medieval woods were not "natural", they did this and coppice (always wondered how they got all the small branches for their buildings - forced trees to grow them).

[@vinnyjamea96]

That sword its by far the best looking I've seen... Bless the forger..

[@kalgrave497]

The work on this blade is absolutely breath taking

[@nick_steele9790]

Amazing as usual Tod! Every time you post a new video it just makes my day!

[@Sualokinification]

Simply stunning. Gorgeous work.

[@numinorian]

It is such a privilege to see people who are at the absolute height of skill doing their best work. A truly magnificent project, congratulations to all involved! A true inspiration.

[@pRahvi0]

That demo with the plasticine was great. Very illustrative with the distinct colours.

[@ihcfn]

Truly a thing of beauty. Excellent work, well done!

[@KingNik1994]

What an absolutely fascinating video. Thank you so very much!

[@BobT36]

Absolutely bloody gorgeous blade. Love it's proportions, too.

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

These are truly works of art. Time and time again I am reminded how SMART and CAPABLE people of history were in creating, engineering, and developing. We have an inherent bias in elevating our own 'smarts' above those who came before us.

[@tods_workshop]

So very very true. In the beginning I tried very hard to make things 'better' than they did with a cleverer understanding of engineering, materials etc. Now I just copy what they did and wonder at their skill

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

@@tods_workshop seems the only thing that has really changed is we have nicer tools. It truly is a wonder when you realize just how little we really have advanced craftsmanship across the centuries.

[@lorefort]

Literally the most beautiful sword I have ever seen. Wow. And the scabbard too!

[@mikepette4422]

Just gorgeous workmanship. even the scabbard is lovely

[@bobito8997]

That is simply the most beautiful blade I've ever seen. Wonderful piece of work.

[@RedHandedGod]

Easily one of the most beautiful swords I've ever seen. Amazing craftsmanship.

[@mikestanmore2614]

It is wonderful to watch craftsmen discuss their art and share their skill with the rest of us. The Light of The North is a truly beautiful piece and a remarkable testimony to Owen and Petr's skill. Thankyou for sharing it.

[@TheRealGraylocke]

That is an exquisite sword, plain and simple. I would love to have one like that. I love, appreciate how you delved into the crafting of the blade itself. Well done!

[@shaidrim]

Beautiful beautiful sword! The blade was really awesome!

[@Hunter30394]

Excellent video! Thanks for bringing this to us.

[@whimsicalstray]

It's actually quite touching, watching Owen gush over this sword. Rightfully proud.

[@kevincolwell9575]

Owen is a really good man, good to see him. He deserves recognition.

[@twofishrexy918]

Really, really, really interesting. Thankyou so much for sharing.

[@JohnSmith-ty2he]

My word. What a beautiful blade!

[@Incandescentiron]

Amazing blade, much more sophisticated than I thought it would be.

[@jjforcebreaker]

It really does look fantastic. Outstanding job!

[@zoidbergfluffybutt4991]

That is a beautiful piece. Well done all, it's brilliant!

[@TheNetsrac]

How the hell did I miss this video? That sword is a true work of amazing skill and art. It looks amazing

[@Schizopantheist]

Beautiful sword and fascinating video. Thank you.

[@keithallardice6139]

Wow .... just wow! Now THAT'S a sword!!

[@gordondeitz7838]

So absolutely cool, crazy cool! That is a once in a world end sword. May it serve you well

[@Roylevis]

Absolutely amazing work!

[@mattpastell3728]

A work of art!

[@robking6975]

Really well edited video. Love the flow the editor managed to achieve by keeping the discussion as the main narrative rather than relying on the filming order. Don't see many YT vids with this level of quality. Fantastic.

[@musiccraftsman2192]

Beautiful work!

[@JariB.]

Heh, what a coincidence. Just two days ago I was looking up any planned courses Owen was planning to give somewhere later this year (or next year). And now he turns up here...

[@j.c.duncan5478]

I highly recommend Owen's courses, It's where I started bladesmithing. he is the best.

[@JariB.]

@@j.c.duncan5478 Even if he weren't the best, he'd certainly among the best currently still working. (I myself have blacksmithing as "main" work, but still intend to learn armouring and bladesmithing for the occasional customer who would like anything in that direction. In fact, I intend to make a round through England once I finally am able to cross the channel again, first to Owen, then to Graham (Armourer), then to a colleague up in Shropshire (via a brief stay in Hereford with my former landlord & lady, and former housemate and friend). From Shropshire, I'd head to the Royal armouries (Leeds) to observe some items and return home across the channel again.)

[@unclebubba5584]

Such a wealth of information about such a beautiful sword.

[@theothertiffany8728]

An object that is pure poetry!

[@paultwood5170]

A thing of absolute beauty

[@WitherFang]

Fëanor would be jealous... such an incredible sword. Beautiful.

[@douglasorr7799]

That sword is a work of art

[@topperharley7142]

Good to see you grew back your beard! Suits you so much better. :) Greetings from Germany.

[@matthayward7889]

Absolutely stunning work on that sword! Can we also appreciate the great camera work and editing?

[@UPTHETOWN]

Could've done with better lighting though

[@MrBottlecapBill]

@@UPTHETOWN MUCH better. We barely got to see anything since it was kind of dark. I still have no clue what the scabbard looks like.

[@bretalvarez3097]

What a beautiful sword, well done.

[@bluefalconssuck5881]

That's an absolutely beautiful "Wacking Stick" you have there. A whole lot of pretty on something so lethal.

[@gbickell]

That sword is a thing of beauty

[@valkoharja]

Thanks for sharing this. It's an amazing piece.

[@tods_workshop]

Glad you like it!

[@Smallathe]

Gorgeous sword. Really amazing work of art.

[@McItoshi]

That is a beautiful work of art

[@hellequingentlemanbastard9497]

WHAT A BEAUTY

[@einarbolstad8150]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@SomeSpicyCheese]

6:41 hears sigil pronounced "siggle" *Matthew Mercer activated*

[@aaronlipsey4696]

Seems logical that there would be a HUGE overlap between those two fanbases

[@mrkiky]

Hears sigil pronounced "seagull" *Steven Seagal activated*

[@medea27]

What's truly unique about this beautiful sword is that it not only contains iron that's 4.5 _billion_ years old, but the meteorite contains it's own type of 'pattern welding' called a Widmanstätten pattern... a cross-hatch design created over millions of years of the asteroid cooling. These patterns are retained even after forging (albeit distorted) so now that blade contains both human-made _and_ cosmically-created patterns. The personification of _'fire & ice'...._ stunning 👌☄

[@Cormano980]

Real life Master Godo , fantastic craftsmanship

[@justanothercaptain6566]

Thanks for sharing. It was so interesting to see how the sword was made and the metal was worked. Cheers 🍻

[@kevintinglof1934]

Gorgeous

[@happykharl]

stunning work really incredible thanks for the vid

[@bassemb]

Beautiful object, and excellently produced video!

[@justinbarnhouse4940]

I always enjoy your channel. Thank you for sharing.

[@brianreddeman951]

That's just beautiful.

[@Bryon1187]

Beautiful!

[@adamtennant4936]

God damn that's a gorgeous piece of work!

[@stevendepauw3742]

Awesome!

[@dyggiprahl9881]

I have seen swords made back in Denmark by old school really excellent old blacksmiths in coal forges. Doing it as close as possible to the Viking age principles. I must say, that is beautifully work. A sword was not just made for war back then, it was a thing of beauty that could be passed down many generations and the story and pride about it was retold time and time again. Really a nice sword.

[@Eulemunin]

Dam that’s nice work. Feeling like words are inadequate for this.

[@randisgreen]

Bloody hell that is beautiful.

[@dominic6634]

Very nice!

[@Disinterested1]

beautiful craftsmanship

[@Alastair510]

An amazing sword, with a slight twist. I see what you did there.