Hand Forging an 18'th Century Trade/Scalping Knife | LOG CABIN BLACKSMITH SHOP | HISTORY |

[@simonseddon5270]

Today my local radio was interviewing a local blacksmith,who states it is becoming a popular career . This the man put down to more programs showing and demonstrating the old skills. So my friend you are influencing a new generation to the art of blacksmithing. Well done sir. Simon 🇬🇧

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do hope you are right, Simon. It is a pity to see the lose of some of the old ways.

[@Chazie_]

I just wanted to say that I am amazed by the panoply of skills and knowledge that you have Peter, this is my favourite channel on the internet and I want you to know how appreciated you are for educating us and also for keeping history alive ..more power to your elbow sir! And thank you to Cathy too for filming everything so beautifully 😊

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wow, thanks, Chazie, means a lot.

[@northofthewind]

I will second this wonderful message as it was put so eloquently. My favorite channel as well and the only one that I don't fast forward for the good parts. The whole channel is the good part! I appreciate your passion and dedication to keeping us grounded as to how things were and why we are all here today. Your neighbors to the south in the Adirondacks

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Such kind words and also encouraging words in terms of continuing to produce content. You live in a beautiful part of the world. I used to spend a fair bit of time down there in my youth, rock and ice climbing.

[@marieleopold1625]

WOW...WHAT a Gift! I mean, WHAT a barter! Even comes with it's own 'wee bit of history'! = Lovely! Thanks Catherine 4 your fine hand at filming and the abundant return of geese = Hope! When I listen 2 your 'wee bits' Peter, I find I know 'pert near nothing' when it comes 2 history. What was taught was so 'very' slighted. The 'truth' of events was/is 'neatly packaged' by the highest bidder...my take. As 4 scalping...Sometimes the line between man and beast is all but erased...if the 'fires of the spirit' R not kept stoked. I pray U enjoy your trip to Virginia. U have given us a wealth to ponder Peter, I thank U kindly 4 that! As 2 the young man who begrudged his fate in the war...a wee poem..."Preparedness" by Edwin Markham; "For all your days prepare, And meet them ever alike: When you are the anvil, bear- - When you are the hammer, strike." Health and God Bless! :)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wow, that is your best quote to date and you’ve shared so many. I’ll be using that on in the future, might just have to credit you my friend. I hope calling you a friend is ok, for I truly feel like I know you.

[@marieleopold1625]

@@TheWoodlandEscape You have only 'honored' me my friend! :)

[@jamesellsworth9673]

LOVE the migrating bird footage! LOVE the trade knife you 'bartered; not gifted.' It is such a refined design. It looks perfect for flaying hides or for slicing bacon in camp! Your blacksmith shop has come together so well.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We’re pretty pleased with how it turned out and has quickly become my favorite place to just be!

[@mikesherman4565]

Thank you for keeping our minds open to the past beautiful knife

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Mike.

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Another awesome video to start the weekend!!! 🐾🙏🏻✌🏻

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Scott.

[@elwoodtaylor1092]

Beauty of a knife Peter, Ryan will have a gift that will last a lifetime with a we bit of history of his own about the trade-knife

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m hoping it won’t wear out,lol. Pretty pleased with the balance.

[@MrOj53]

I like your story descriptions and you do what you want but when I hear the intro tune I usually think it would be fun to see these musicians in the cabin with a home brew

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

There is nothing I’d like more than my 2 friends to visit and have a cabin music night. Sadly they live a half a country away.

[@freddiekozlowzki5697]

Peter as sharp of a edge on that knife is your mind and history thanks for sharing a wee bit of your knowledge of that time it paints a picture in color real life always Freddie 😄😎😅👍🇺🇲🇨🇦🗡️

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Not sure Freddie, I have this one razor sharp and the last time I checked I was the dullest knife in the drawer.

[@hayward434]

Ahhh, this is what I have been waiting to see. Good job on the "knife". I remember my first attempt on making a knife. My mentor, who, not wanting to discourage me, said "hmmmmm it is a fine primitive piece" I always enjoy your wee bits of history. Nothing better than looking out through blacksmith shop doors.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Trust me Hayward, my first few would make your first look like something from the buck factory.

[@robertsmith9970]

Proud to make your acquaintance at Kalamazoo. (Brown Bess turkey hunter)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

The pleasure was all mine, Robert. Perhaps our paths will cross next year!

[@dowdawg]

What a handy multi purpose blade that is. So cool that you now have your own forge.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Daniel.

[@backwoodspiper3033]

Peter you are (to quote my grandmother) a man amongst men. There is no end to your skill and knowledge it seems. I would give anything to live next to you and learn from you. But alas I'll have to settle for KZbin. Keep up the great work and keep the content coming. Cheers from ole Kentucky

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Well sir, if should ever find yourself in Canada stop by and we’ll share a fire.

[@markaugustus621]

You and Cathy have made history so much more than words on a page. Thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That is very flattering, Mark. I hated regurgitating dates on exams in school.

[@mikeduda3173]

Something cathartic about watching a tradesman forge steel. It will be a wonderful 🎁 gift

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Pretty much the same feeling while one is crafting something at the forge. Thank you.

[@garyrichardt1496]

Very nice knife many thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Gary.

[@rogerclyde2720]

Thank you for explaining step by step the forging process to make a knife. The wee bits were great fun as well.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Roger,glad you enjoyed.

[@johnclarke6647]

Yes, never let a good story get in the way of facts. 😊

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

That seems to be presently in question with lack of front lines and all personnel vulnerable to attacks.

[@johnclarke6647]

@@MakerBoyOldBoy right on! It was that way in Vietnam, too

[@richardliles4415]

It was a wonderful night we made, couldn’t help but enjoy the roar of your bellows. I know we all appreciate the wee bit of history you share with us. My trained I was able to say that you were both there for the filming this episode, so thanks to you and Cathy.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Richard.

[@richardliles4415]

@@TheWoodlandEscape It seems I need to check the spellings in my post a bit closer. LOL

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You and me both!

[@manuelwebe]

Beautiful knife Peter. I was looking forward to some forging time. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m finally finding some time in the shop … more coming next Friday, building pipe tomahawks.

[@danvanhorne4086]

Lovely knife but have to say that bellows is a true thing of beauty.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Dan Dan. My first attempt bellows and I could not be more pleased with how they perform.

[@kirknorthof5128]

Thanks for sharing, great knife

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Kirt.

[@JanTrewhitt]

Nice job on the knife, he will certainly love it!! So interesting your stories about scalping. You always seem to have such interesting stories to tell about earlier years! Thanks, Peter for all the research!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Jan. Researching is a passion and a hobby for me. Wish I could stay a wake longer in the evening to do more … usually fall a sleep while doing it, lol.

[@everettmaness5462]

Love seeing you working in your Blacksmith shop... I heard you say you plan to visit West Virgina.. You should visit the Barnwood Builders in White Sulphur Springs, West Virgina... I don't know if you have seen their show, but they tear down old cabins and barns then rebuild them to sale. They are a bunch of like-minded guys as you with a love for pioneers and history. Mark Bowe is the leader of the bunch... I'd love to see you and Mark Bowe and his crew together.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I truly wish I had time, they sound like my kinda people. Looking forward to visiting your beautiful State.

[@TurkeyCreek-ek8mj]

I always enjoy watching you work Peter, and always love to listen to you expound on history, embellished or not! And, as always, thanks to Cathy for her amazing videography! TC

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Many thanks and I’ll pass on your compliment to Cathy.

[@timsheridan3987]

Yet another great video as always love the wee bit of history

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it Tim.

[@Odawa]

You are a talented man.....

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Bill but, be careful you’ll be giving me a big head.

[@lawrencekeller6029]

Peter nice job on the knife. I just want to say Roger, Gary and I had a Grande ole time with you and Charlie last weekend. It was even a wee bit of history, it may have been our own history but when you get up in years we all have a wee bit of history to talk about. Hope for the next time. Stay safe keep your powder dry. Cathy keep him in line if you can LOL. IIByrds

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m afraid Cathy has a long row to hoe in the keeping me in line, lol. I really enjoyed meeting you guys and the time spent was very memorable.

[@joshuatichota5046]

You know, what I like about your channel is the history and the historical artifacts you have in your videos (like the shop you did this one in), it helps me as a cowboy who is interested in the 1800’s to know more of what had already been available to the public at the time of the old west. Please keep making these videos. I know if my dad was still alive today he would binge watch these because just like me he loved history.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Flattering word, thank you, sir.

[@Blrtech77]

What a great video and Thank you for the history lessons and the knife making!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Randy.

[@smoothvern165]

Beautiful work on the knife!! Also, it’s great learning about history from your stories. Great channel!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Appreciate your interest, Vern.

[@garytuttle5083]

Thanks Peter,

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We thank you, Gary for your interest.

[@ashleyanderson2859]

Appreciate your efforts and dedication. Unfortunately the wee bit of history just scratches the surface of the brutality of the era. I have seed starts going and am looking forward to the garden season. Hopefully it is better this year. Always amazed by your harvest. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We just planted our tomato seeds today. We’re away for the summer so it’s plant, mulch and hope for the best. Watch yer top knot.

[@bernadetteevans2]

What a grand knife! I wish I could enlist you in making one for me… with a fine sheath… I could perhaps decorate in the style of the 1800’s… being an unemployed widow has few perks, but I find that I have some time to do a few things I enjoy…

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Appreciate your kind words, Bernadette.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY USA brother and everyone else thank you for sharing your adventures in history videos brother

[@freddiekozlowzki5697]

Hello Earl how you doing

[@earlshaner4441]

I'm doing good thank you for asking my friend and how are you doing today?

[@freddiekozlowzki5697]

Living with cancer is hell some good days and then just days but still going forward and staying strong and proud

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

And to you Earl, thank you.

[@earlshaner4441]

You are welcome my friend

[@heru-deshet359]

That is a gorgeous piece!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@greywindLOSP]

The wee bit of history was brilliant! The blade turned out grand, ole smith's by me say have your oil vessel pointed north so the you get no warping! Sir if you ever decide to sell one of those blades please contact me.....ATB

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I might start making a few at some point but, that darn old time thing seems to be lacking …. Not enough hours in the day.

[@antonio1616]

That’s awesome you made your own trade knife I wish I could forge something love your work and listening to you talk😎

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Just need to make a few and voila, you’ve got yourself a keeper!

[@beverlymichael5830]

A beautiful knife. What a gift that will be. I would love to see you put an edge of knife. The tundra swan video was beautiful. Here in east central indiana I have the sand hill cranes migrate right over me spring and fall. They came over heading north about four weeks ago. Looks like they made it up your way. I love just sitting and watching them every time and listen to their sound.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Those Sandhill cranes have certainly found us, thanks for sending them our way. We might just have to do a tutorial on knife sharpening, thanks for planting the seed.

[@kingrafa3938]

Great job on the knife Peter 👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you sir.

[@1951shelby]

Once again you filled us with entertainment, history, knowledge, craftsmanship, thank you for inspiring us and sharing your passion

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My pleasure, Danny. We certainly appreciate your interest and support.

[@denisdegamon8224]

Very nice work on that trade knfe. Anyone would be proud to own that blade. Your demeanor and laid back delivery style of story telling is very refreshing and peeks ones interest. A throughly enjoyable video.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you kindly Denis, I am flattered to say the least!

[@jameshall5784]

That’s a mighty fine looking knife Peter!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you James.

[@jackcook8613]

Nice job, Peter. I love that forge you built.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Pretty pleased with how it turned out. One never knows how well it will all work until that first fire!

[@oldschoolboyscout]

A "shout out' to you for sharing and the history lesson. Thanks

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you too, Douglas for your interest.

[@kathymoll7010]

I was finally able to watch this. We were off grid for awhile and I have to say it was wonderful. I have always been interested in Blacksmithing and even took a class to make a knife/dagger. You sir, are in your element. Looking forward to more videos.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Good for you Kathy. It is a fascinating as well as a very useful hobby. Your welcome to bang away in our shop anytime. The only thing preventing that is distant. I’m action WV at the School of the Longhunter for the weekend… 12 hour drive.

[@kathymoll7010]

That sounds fascinating. Enjoy and thank you for everything.

[@deniscaron1306]

Nice scale handle you made there Peter. Excellent video as always! Cathy will be able to work on camera for a feature film after all that good footage she does! See you!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Very complimentary Denis, I’ll pass that on to her.

[@ryanstottlemyer5698]

A handsome knifes

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Ryan.

[@kevinthorrington2131]

Down the street from where I live is Heritage hill historic park. It was originally fort Howard on the mouth of the fox river in Green Bay Wisconsin. It has been reconstructed up river a mile from the mouth as a 1700's and 1800's fort in the new frontier. It's a very exciting place to visit as most of the buildings are original, and they have many time period artifacts in the buildings. They have reenactments and tours during the summer and early fall. I took my children there with school classmates for a field trip, we had a wonderful time. There are KZbin videos about the park. I hope it was ok for me to metion this park on this video, If not you can delete my comment. Your comment about Heritage symposium reminded me of Heritage hill.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Any and all historical sites are of most interest to me and I’ll be looking Fort Howard this evening. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomwarnock5445]

I love Pricketts Fort. i was there a few years ago with my eldest daughter. My father's mother was a Prickett, and a direct descendent of those who established the fort. Grandma's branch settled near Jalapa Indiana. Prickert cemetery there as well. Also the battle of Mississenwa. Another favorite. Keep up the good work my friend, and the wee bit of history.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m really looking forward to the this weekend, Tom. I used to visit WV often in my youth to go rock climbing. It is a very beautiful part of America! That’s some interesting ancestors you have.

[@calebfoster552]

Your channel is a gift. Thanks for all you do

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I appreciate that, Caleb, thank you.

[@caseyoingo6440]

Beautiful craftsmanship on the knife Peter! Your friend will be thrilled. There sure was a lot of savage times in our past, if disease and starvation and the environment didn’t get you another human would. That was quite the swan convention at the end of the video 😮

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Close to 10,000 was the estimate the Parks fellow said. I tried counting but, after a few tries gave up. As to your other comment, it is a fine line between man and beast.

[@robdixon7732]

I'd love to see you at Prickett's Fort!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I look forward to meeting you, Rob … just over a week away!

[@Sean-hg4mt]

Such a great show, love it!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Appreciate that Sean, thank you.

[@ryanstottlemyer5698]

I just love your wee bit of history, Henry Hamilton was exchanged for general Otho Holland Williams in a prisoner, exchange, the founder of Williamsport, Maryland, which I live about 2 miles away in falling Waters, West Virginia. Thank you both for these excellent videos and stories of our history.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Ryan. I’m heading down to your parts this coming weekend. I’m registered for the school of the Longhunter at pricketts Fort.

[@ryanstottlemyer5698]

@@TheWoodlandEscape hope you and Kathy enjoy your trip

[@ryanstottlemyer5698]

@@TheWoodlandEscape your excursion sounds like fun! Let me know when you make it to Martinsburg, WV and I’ll arrange a tour of the General Adam Stephen house. My wife and I are on the board of directors (as well as our local SAR and DAR chapters!) and would love a chance to show you this amazing home.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Perhaps you could send your contact information by email . I doubt I will have time on this trip but, one never knows. Thanks for the generous offer.

[@2gpowell]

Hi Peter, nice to join ya! Great job with the knife project. I came across a reference one time that stated that most knives that were imported or made here in the States around the middle to late 18th century were done so without handles. I always wondered at a time before reading that why most back woodsman knives were handled with antler and bone. Interesting. Take care !👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Trade knives were indeed wooden handle but, on the frontier if you needed one, antler was readily available.

[@tropifiori]

well done

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@davidb8872]

Great content, shop looks great ! Next project is to make a handle for that stove door. 🇺🇸

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Now that’s the best idea I’ve heard today … definitely on my list!

[@allenenabnit7078]

I saw a scalping once but wasn’t done on purpose a man was showing a young woman what he was doing on a lathe and she leaned over it and her hair got caught and it peeled her scalp right off he stopped the machine as fast as possible and it was still connected by very little area was rushed to hospital and they sewed it back on she was fine afterwards as far as having hair but as far as I know never had feeling on most of her head after that. It was a lesson well learned for all of us on how fast things can go south with one wrong move. My grandfather was a blacksmith and I learned how to shrink wagon wheels from him back in the day the wood would dry out and the tire / steel would fall off so you had to shrink the roundness of it so it would fit tight on wheel again he made a device to clamp tire (that’s what they called the steel around the wood wheel) into after heating in the forge then pulling on the lever it pushed the tire together shrinking it in size this had to be done many times in different areas around tire so it wouldn’t have one or two high spots making to out of round. Took the two up us working on it all of one day to do one wheel I never found out how much he changed for this service but I’m sure it was a trade deal of some kind.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Oh my, it’s always good until it isn’t! That is a horrible story … the poor woman. Wheelwrighting is a fascinating trade and all but gone. Your lucky to have had the experience.

[@olaf_industries]

this video is pure gold. thank u sir!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That’s flattering, thank you so much.

[@ianandresen2326]

That was interesting! Yes I am building a cabin! I haven't decided what style. That will depend on the weight of the logs! I just finished up a chicken tractor and... I am craving 2 new handles for my scythe! I dried the wood in the air ducts in the basement. We heat with wood ,so I thought it would work as a kiln.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I was always going to build a chicken tractor but, for some reason never got around to it. That is a brilliant way to dry your handles, makes me wish I had ducts ! Be a great way to reduce the moisture in primitive bow blanks.

[@Bangalangs]

An excellent video sir. An absolute pleasure to see a fellow blacksmith in a classic shop at work. Barter is sometimes better than cash money, as I’ve found with a neighbor who bakes sourdough bread. That blade shape reminds me of a Canadian belt knife, with a slightly more aggressive point. Edit:spelling mistake

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I love bartering for for stuff I need for things I’ve made or simply gifting them to friends … means so much more than money!

[@JH_1095]

Nice work!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks!

[@johnclarke6647]

Rarest commodities - money. It is still rare, today. I am surprised how fast that I can go through it.😊

[@Bear-jr3ei]

I noticed your quench was done with back of blade first, a old blacksmiith told me to always quench that way , to stop fractures where the edge is drawn into the body of the knife.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That is the same way I was taught and it always seem to work. It also stops warping.

[@8626John]

Another excellent video, Peter and Cathy! I've always wanted to try forging a blade, but I have had surgery on both wrists and arthritis in my hands, so I guess I will just have to admire your artistry. Beautiful knife!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You need to get yourself one of those fancy power hammers. Thanks for the compliment.

[@plutosbestpal3060]

You give such amazing gifts to your friends. I want to know how to become one of your friends. Lol! That's a beautiful knife Peter, great job.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Easy drop by for a visit.

[@plutosbestpal3060]

@@TheWoodlandEscape That sounds like a great plan

[@stevencunningham4680]

Hello Peter , loved the video and wanted to compliment you on the knife you made. You did a fine job on it and the jimping on the spine is a real nice touch and will make it easier to grip when doing certain tasks. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work in the forge.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Steven. More blacksmithing coming out this coming Friday … making pipe tomahawks.

[@mikemccollum4521]

Thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We appreciate your interest, Mike.

[@stephankramb204]

Very interesting, once more! Thanks, Cheers!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@curtforeman9014]

Beautiful trade knife!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@lowellanderson6532]

Nice work, Peter. Looks like you even tapered the tang. Again, nice work indeed!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Appreciate that, Lowell.

[@jeffgrier8488]

That's a fine looking knife, it definitely has a better purpose today than it did back then! Thanks for the bit of history, those were some terrible times, but our history nonetheless. I would love to go to the School of the Longhunter one of these days!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My first visit … been trying for years. Your spot on, the 1700’s was a brutal era in North America.

[@garethbaus5471]

I have found that forging as close to shape as possible can save a little time with power tools, I haven't finished watching the video yet but if it wasn't demonstrated hot rasping can also allow you to get even closer to shape prior to heat treat.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I did hot rasp it but,it was not demonstrated. I’m not using any power tools so finishing it took a few hour of draw filing. Appreciate your interest, Gareth.

[@lindaSee89]

I haven’t seen your posts recently. Perhaps I’ve just been missing them. Beautiful trade 🔪. Scalping 😢in history.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We pretty much put one out every Friday , Cathy is working on todays as I type. Thanks so much for your interest.

[@eddybear771]

I literally JUST noticed that you have an old plow yoke for a handle on Your bellows. Looks like a nice ergonomic re-purposing of materials.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is indeed very ergonomic… very observant on your part.

[@watsonrk1]

I think that part is actually the Hames and Yokes were mainly used on oxen. I have my grandfathers, he used in the early 1900s. He also milked 52 cows by hand... that was along time ago.

[@gymnosophist7471]

Thanks Peter! Educational and fascinating as always!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My pleasure, hanks for your interest.

[@SanJuanMountainBob]

Very interesting and great work on the knife. I've always enjoyed the program Forged In Fire. This is far better - no fancy power tools or propane forges. Hopefully your friend doesn't use it for scalping! haha Thanks for sharin!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

He is an avid hunter and I like the fact that it will be put to good use.

[@robinbonaventura4951]

Mr. Pete...amazing job on that nice! You're friend will be mighty proud to carry that!!! I took a hawk making class a few years ago - sure have a new appreciation for blacksmiths after that!!! Have you ever considered attending the NMLRA shoots in Friendship, Indiana? Thank you for sharing the beautiful swans - what a sight that must have been. As always, take care. Robin

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I would love to attend that event sometime. There is in my opinion a real resurgence of the honorable trade of blacksmithing.

[@Robbie7441]

Beautiful knife 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@aggieduke1]

Very good Peter. Love the knife. The school of the long hunter would be a very interesting and learning experience. Hope you can film a bit there.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That’s my plan, Paul but, the quality might not be up to Cathy’s … I’m going solo!

[@mulepowerforge]

What was the steel used? 5160? I make knives the modern way with grinders etc. but I am fascinated with this old way of making knives, when I started blacksmithing this is basically how I did it. Not how I would have done the heat treat process but I don’t know anything about how it was done back then. I really like these old frontier knife designs so I might do some research and make some here one day!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for your interest, Ian. I use a bearing chase from a 12” bearing from a generation plant … not sure of the carbon content but, it is definitely high.

[@Ilikeit616]

Howdy Peter Oh ha .... no power tools ... long times to do things . When I was working in machine shops I use to take old files and make them into knives that I use in the shop .... they kept an edge for a while . Along with scrapers . That knife looks so ice ... Hoping to see the sheath you were going to make . I'm sure your friend will enjoy it as much as you enjoyed making it .... Why you have the chain around the anvil ? Not heavy enough ? LOL

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Planning on showing sheath making soon. The chain wrapped anvil was to take the high pitch sound from the hammer down a notch. It was commonly used. I kinda like the old way with no noisy power tools.

[@glenbobnick4192]

A trick to help control the tempering is to heat up a relatively thick block of steel, and hold the spine of the knife down on it. That way you can adjust the knife position on the block for heat and get a nice even flow of color, even to the fine knife tip.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Glen. I actually used that very method today heat treating pipe tomahawks. That episode should be out this coming Friday.

[@PalmettoNDN]

Thanks for this wonderful video.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

So nice of you to say, glad you enjoyed.

[@KathrynLiz1]

For tempering a thin blade, heat up a big chunk of iron to a bright cherry red and lay the back of the blade on it on the anvil. Watch the cutting edge for colour and the instant it hits a pale straw, quench in water to halt the process. This method gives you precise control which you forge fire cannot give.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It certainly is a more controlled method. Thanks for sharing.

[@stevenshanofski6801]

Beautiful knife. What a wonderful gift. I’m sure it will be cherished. Your wood stove puts me in mind of the ones in the primitive cabins at Allegeny State Park in NY. My son and I go up every fall.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Steven. That is one beautiful part of your State.

[@wallyverbeck1454]

Peter, @ 18:00, I paused the video, as I do to most videos, to look at what is hanging on the walls behind people. I just find it intriguing what people have hanging on the walls, on, and under benches, and from the rafters. If you feel like it, maybe sometime do a video on your tools. Would love to get a better look at the old wood clamp at the top ! Very top, right above your head, @ 15.24. Thanks.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for planting the seed, Wally, we’ll try to do just that.

[@ruralprepper860]

Great video as always. Could you show us your neck knife on the next video.? I'm looking into buying one and yours looks like something I would be interested in

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You should check our Nick Skinner in Nova Scotia. He made mine and a better blade maker you’ll not find.

[@douglasfathers4848]

History isn't one of my strong points Peter, But hearing the way it was and seeing the real product that is made from the tools of yesterday is amazing . Thank you . 👍🤠.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed, Douglas.

[@palonghunter3608]

I've been wanting to go to the school of the longhunter for a while now. It would be great to be there when you're there. Hope to see a video of your experience.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I too have been trying for years but, this year the stars all lined up, lol. I will be filming my visit.

[@HallnoutMhall]

Good Saturday morning Peter. Beautiful knife and a great history lesson. If I figure correctly, your in West Virginia as we speak. If you happen to travel West a wee bit before returning home, let me know. Chief little turtle is buried not far from here, just down the street from Johnny appleseed. It's fascinating once you start reading about your areas history, it like a puzzle and things fall into place. Anyways I'm praying for your safe travels and thank you for sharing. Be safe and I hope the people here treat you well.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m half way home for tonight and home tomorrow… it is a great event!

[@d.pierce.6820]

I imagine you are familiar with "the pictorial Field Book of the Revolution" by Benson Lossing. In 1781, most of my Mothers ancestors were living around Herkimer, NY, when they were caught up in the warfare in the area. One of them, Jacob Dievendorff, was scalped, but survived for many years after, and was visited by the author some 50 or 60 years later, and had a small picture drawn of him for this book-it's in vol 1, pg 293. His neighbor, John Keller,(also mentioned) was my direct ancestor, and a soldier in the Revolution.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I am not familiar with that book but, sounds like I should source it. Thanks for sharing as well as some interesting history.

[@lae52]

Another fine video. I like your trade knife/scalper, it's a beauty. The names have always been interchangeable in my vocabulary. I suspect the modern hunter probably wouldn't understand. In regard to the Tundra Swans, ain't Spring grand?.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Well David, winter is without doubt my favorite season but, I’m sure as heck ready for spring.

[@bluesideup007]

Beautiful knife. Somehow we have to acknowledge our brutal past so as not to repeat it. Sadly we have a ways to go.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m with you, we have a long row to hoe in light of the worlds current state of affairs.

[@vernonland5987]

Fantastic channel, glad I found you!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bpindermoss]

So, I sit and listen to your video, and munch down a bag of Aussie Outback licorice as you make your knife. And I have to hand it to ya, that is one fine skill. I am also a knife maker of the scandi kind, and am presently building a knife for my yet to be born first grandchild. I decided long ago that there are many blade makers in the world who can do the job much better than I and so I just buy the blades off Thompsons Scandinavian Knife Supply, and then the work starts. Every knife is a labour of love and mass production of these is impossible for me. But oh, so satisfying once it's done, if I did it well. And every once in so often, I screw it up totally and have to saw off the handle and begin again. Tell me, what did you use to get that colour in the handle of that maple trade knife? I have one beside me and it needs to be stained.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Congratulations on the yet to arrive grandchild! I usually use Agua Fortiss but, on this blade I used 3 stains, each allowed to dry and then apply a slightly darker one and the the red/ brown last. I liked how it turned out. James Klein a gun builder in Michigan sell these stains.

[@lancehenderson7249]

Great work Peter, another fine video. Keep your powder dry

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, will do, Lance and watch yer top knot!

[@mountainwolf1]

If you bring the water to a warm temperature the quench will be less violent it also depends on the type of steel you are using. There are air-water-oil hardening steels however if you are not confident with water quenching it is safer to use oil if the steel can be hardened in oil hope this helps.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Great information,thanks for sharing.

[@maxpolaris99]

I heard that the Androscoggin's in Maine were exterminated relatively early, before 1700. A Priest offered so much for scalps and ears of babies. Seems the Androscoggins were quite fierce and particular about people in their territory and what they were allowed to do resulting in tensions and friction. The Androscoggin River has many locations suitable for powering mills and the tribe depended on those falls to catch salmon.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Hard to wrap one’s head around this turbulent times … seriously hard!