Hidden Tang Take-Down-ish Fighter | Knife Making

[@RedBeardOps]

Hope yall enjoyed this build! Links to the 1/16'' hardened dowel pins are in the description. 🙌

[@hamitup01]

Hey! Thanks for the video. I converted my mill, which is similar to yours, to DRO’s a while back. Fairly simple and only cost me maybe 120.00. I used igauging DRO’s from Amazon. It took me maybe 3 1/2 hours to complete. Best time and money I have ever spent. Message me if you would like some tips or pics of the project. Take care!

[@RedBeardOps]

@@hamitup01 Thanks man, good to know you like yours. I've heard many people say that it's the best money the spent on their mill. Cheers!

[@rontremblay719]

Thank you for the video. Your attention to detail is amazing and I hope to learn a great more from you down the road. The liquid you sprayed on your Scotch-Brite belt was that just water? to keep it cool?

[@RedBeardOps]

@@rontremblay719 Hey Ron, that was WD40. I feel like it keeps the belt cleaner

[@kennycampbelljr5896]

When I first saw it I thought it was a canister damascus blade. That handle is absolutely stunning.

[@patrickshaw7983]

A beautiful knife. As a maker myself there are always little things that could be improved upon that anyone else looking at the knife would not notice. We strive for perfection but seldom achieve it 100%. Nevertheless we keep trying. I like your style of narration, you are a natural speaker and your explanations are clear.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much Patrick! I'm stoked you enjoyed this one!

[@JT-jg8le]

Oh my I can't believe you did all that work just to glue it together 😮

[@ronamedee2475]

You threw around some "Big Hitters" when naming knife smiths but missed Jim Keeton. Nice job an keep 'em coming.

[@RedBeardOps]

Lol, thank you sir, glad you enjoyed this one!

[@russellfaulkner9074]

I don't find myself telling folks they're overly humble, but you sir, fit the bill. That is great work you're doing and your skill and attention to detail are great to watch. Great job and I look forward to the next video.

[@RedBeardOps]

THank you very much Russell! Your comment is much appreciated!

[@robertdodge8587]

That is a knife of true beauty, a superbly crafted item, Exellent!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Much appreciated sir! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@maverick5006]

OMG, your attention to detail is ridiculous!! I mean that in a good way. I'm not a knife smith, but appreciate the art, ingenuity, and talent that goes into this craft!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Maverick! I'm stoked that you enjoyed this video!

[@Vijay-cg8fm]

Wow, this man clearly explains everything, and the handle is soo good.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!

[@BillVorhees]

What a beautiful knife! I was so impressed by your attention to detail. I especially liked that you put a 45 bevel on the pommel.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it! Cheers Bill!

[@Bootes1]

I'm not a knife maker but I know beauty when I see it and Wow what a Beauty you made there. I'm afraid I can only dream. Thank you.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much!

[@Joe_Bandit]

I have to say you are making some of the best videos out there, your explanations, techniques, and finished products are totally on point.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks a bunch Joe!

[@MrSoloun]

Great Knife and amazing detailed build, was good to see all the steps and what worked, what didn't and how you overcame things. You should be proud of that finish it looks super tight and clean. I love that stone wash finish on the blade :)

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you ! Really glad you liked it man. I'm pretty proud of how this one turned out for sure. The stone wash on a hidden tang seems a little unique.

[@craig2963]

Beautiful final product. I am a new sub, so I am going back through your library. So I am commenting on some old videos, lol.

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@KarlBAndersen]

Nice job on the guard shoulders. It's all about repeatability and using whatever tools you need to suit your building style.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! And thanks for replying to my DMs on Instagram. Along with your videos on youtube they really helped my process. Cheers sir!

[@KarlBAndersen]

I also trust the dial indicator more than I do a DRO. It's just me.

[@KarlBAndersen]

And thanks for giving credit where credit is due. There's not enough of that in the knife world.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@KarlBAndersen I do my best to! I learn so much from you guys! Thanks for all you put out there.

[@theriversexperience9383]

Man, you absolutely killed it on this build. It turned out fantastic.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! The forged hidden tang knives take me out of my comfort zone for sure. Take longer and are harder to make... but the feeling of success when they're done is worth it. I have a ton to learn

[@philochristos]

That turned out really nice. Kyle Royer inspired me to make a through tang knife, too.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Sam, he is a ledged!

[@XBullitt16X]

@@RedBeardOps Kyle is amazing, makes the prettiest knives and swords I have ever seen and has a fantastic work ethic.

[@NRiggiKnives]

Great looking knife James- you certainly do get your moneys worth from the 45 degree jig and your 123 blocks!

[@RedBeardOps]

Lol, for sure! Cheers Nick! Thanks for stopping by

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Looking very good. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend forge on. Can't wait to see what you decide to forge on next.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

@@RedBeardOps ur very welcome sir

[@shawnoubre2171]

Your one hell of a narrator man. Great video and most of all .... one beautiful Knife. I like the way you show theres no room for short cuts and taking your time produces extreme top quality results!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much for your comment Shawn! The narration takes a ton of time... since I'm actually not that great at it! I end up saying the same thing 3-4 times before I like it, lol.

[@blufordbirdsong1834]

Great video. I've watched so many of your videos. It's really cool to see how far your skills have come since the early videos. Your build process has really come along as you've added equipment and knowledge. I have only made four knives myself, but that's enough to appreciate your journey. Finally, I like how you are giving back to the community with these videos. Keep up the great work man. God bless you.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you like them! Thank you sir!

[@markfulmer67]

Wow! Pretty complicated build, turned out great! Very impressive!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Mark! Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@NuManXplore]

Very nice knife build!! I have made a lot of hidden tangs, but none to the tolerances and precision you made this one. Your attention to detail on the guard and pommel and use of your machines is really awesome. The only thing I would suggest (and I think this could be more of a personal preference) is to make the handle less square. NOT a criticism at all, but with no tang to show on the handle there is so much more shaping potential than full tangs and rounding those corners more will make it fit better in the hand.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! I totally agree! It's one of the things I like the least about this knife as well. It all started at the spacer... I made the spacer very square and I wanted to match the handle to the spacer. Next time around my spacer will be more oval. Cheers

[@sudo_nym]

This is yet more evidence, if it were needed, that the more effort you put in to your project, the better the outcome will be! Awesome job, James. Picking up new skills AND making a kick-ass knife - can't fault that! 🇬🇧🤜⚡️🤛🇺🇸

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much sir! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@bhein67]

Absolutely enjoyed watching this build. Excellent description of what you did and why you did it. Some real patience with the details! Very nice looking knife! Cheers from Canada

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers from Texas! Hope your weekend is going well.

[@waynecurie71]

Love the style of this knife and your tutorial on how you made it is clear and prisice 10/10 chap

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Wayne! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

It turned out great! Love that handle wood! Perhaps another takedown in the future... hmmmm. 🤔😜

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Oh... and definitely get a DRO! I got when installed when I bought my mill and I'm not sure what I'd do without it!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

On the Bowie... that is a type of fighter. Bowie classic design is (typically) 7"+ blade and has a guard and clip point, sometimes with a false edge. I think this is close to a bowie but isn't that long.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! I foresee a take down in my future. This one was the training wheels version (lol)! I can imagine the DRO is a game changer for sure... It's high on my wish list. Thanks for the info on the bowie vs fighter! Cheers sir!

[@shanetranchell5247]

Jim, I just wanted to say that I came by your videos by chance. I was never into knives until I watched one of your videos. Now I'm hooked. Im even considering buying one from you if possible. I just need to factor in the cost including shipping. Great work man. Plesse keep it coming.

[@RedBeardOps]

Welcome aboard! Glad you're enjoying them, sir! I really don't sell many now days since my volume is so low. I'm also not taking any custom orders due to the commitment. But when I do have one available for sale I post it up on Instagram. Cheers man, have a great weekend!

[@sare1052]

Learned a lot watching your videos, thank you very much and keep up the good camera work and the conversation mode you have honed so well! Jim

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome, thank you! Have a great rest of your weekend!

[@craig2963]

I have noticed that your mill could use a set of stops for the table. Here is a new project for you when you get some free time, you can make a nice set of stops for the mill.

[@gjkymsafishing45]

your knives are awesome, i can just dream to make something this gorgeous. you are phenomenal.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much sir! Glad you're enjoying the videos. Have a great holiday!

[@workshopredraven]

У Вас очень ответственный подход к работе! Отличный нож получился!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Большое спасибо! Ваше здоровье

[@carlosargueta3005]

That’s some nice work man. I enjoy your work and your voice over style Videos.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Carlos! Glad you like em

[@terryzimmer5151]

I think that’s really a sweet looking now did a good job

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you Terry! Much appreciated!

[@andrewneilson227]

Bro that's some crazy craftsmanship. Kudos. Really like the way it came out.

[@RedBeardOps]

I appreciate that! Cheers Andrew

[@FredrikSpare]

Super sweet. You really stepped it up with this build! One method I would use since you seem pretty handy with the mill, is to mill down some shoulders on the tang to make the fit-up with the guard even smoother and easier.

[@RedBeardOps]

I like it! Cheers sir!

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

Beautiful knife. Great tutorial. Really like the handle👍👍👍👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@Gabriel_Uramoto]

Very good material and knife. Thanks for share it.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers sir! Thanks for watching!

[@clintonshank5137]

Loving the channel, I'm a new knife maker and learn allot from you. Thanks

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Really happy the videos are helping out!

[@williambundick349]

Bro I always in joy and learn something from every video keep on making

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah thanks William!

[@pablomyerspy]

I love your job. And this is a proof that even with machines the result isnt 100% perfect. But beautifull knife 🤩😍

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Pablo

[@Lambman001]

Give the man a BELLS. beautiful knife!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir!

[@spurs3483]

Beautiful job, brother! I really like this one.👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@richardmiller8670]

I could not add anything to this build to improve it. It is incredible, as is all of your works. I am a jeweler/hand engraver. That big, beautiful, pommel and bolster/guard is begging me to do some scrollwork, or even a running leaf pattern around it. I am jealous of your grinding setup, btw.

[@RedBeardOps]

THank you greatly Richard!

[@peterkanzler7397]

I like your addicton to precision. Very nice knife.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@peterchristensen2528]

That is a beautiful take down knife.

[@kevincolwell9575]

I really like that jig! The straightening jig. Good work. thanks for teaching us about the scotchbrite surface conditioning stuff, also. I love the creativity on the tumbler. I only hand sand, but maybe some day I can find something different when I make using knives for friends and family. You are getting very good. congrats.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers Kevin!

[@kevincolwell9575]

you may like the RF version of mill sold by Bolton Tools. It ranges from about 2K to just under 4K. I have the cheapest version, geared head, ZX45. It is the non-CNC mill you see in Walter Sorrells's videos. They are way more rigid than the smaller benchtop mills (about as rigid as the mini bridgeport clones). But, the machine doesn't take up too much area, it can be used with 110v electric service, and you get a new machine without breaking the bank. Just mentioning it. You are right, it is so much better to have flat and square things to fit together. Thanks for the detailed video.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it sir! I recently got my hands on a HiTorque 3990 from Little Machine Shop... big improvement. More to come on that this month! Cheers

[@drakos2000]

Crazy fit and finish! Good job sir!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you Petru! Glad you liked this build!

[@glenpaul3606]

Beautiful bevel grinds ! Someday I hope to be able to do that , although that may not be possible with a 4x36 belt sander. Having the right tools helps no doubt.

[@RedBeardOps]

The right tools do help! And practice... I still mess up on them from time to time. The variable speed really helps.

[@glenpaul3606]

@@RedBeardOps Yes they do. I like your 2x72 and surfacing attachment. You've gotten really good...your knives are awesome.

[@nickg5473]

Love the mini mill action alot people own them but there isnt many videos on them

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Nick, man... the thing is handy!

[@oathman1]

What a scientific knowledge you put on to this knife mate Love it super like 👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it!

[@rickhall1381]

I have a couple tips for you , number one , make your guard a little bit thinner they look more pleasing to the eye around 150 Thousands on guards . When slotting your spacers to go on the tang make them tight Press fit like the guard that way they don’t move around and would eliminate the use of pins from the spacer to the guard, so when you pin your handle to it it’s always in the same spot no movement will help you a lot. On the pommel Take a punch and peen around where the pommel nut meets the pommel Been grind it off those seams will disappear. When grinding your handle to your spacer put one wrap of gorilla tape Around your spacer then grind the handle Until you just dust the tape all the way around that will give you your perfect museum fit , then just round over slightly with sandpaper. That’s all I have for now you’re doing a great job keep up the Chase for perfection It’s never ending.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the tips Rick! The journey continues

[@d.comeaucustomknives2677]

Excellent presentation. Next stop...folders.

[@RedBeardOps]

Lol! no joke man. Thanks for your comment!

[@brandonskelton1458]

Very nice! My only critique is that the guard looks slightly out of place with the square edges in combination with the decorative filing on the spacer and the 45 on the pommel. My opinion would be to add a small 45 on the top and bottom of the guard to make it match the spacer and pommel. As always, love your detailed explanations of your processes.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the suggestion Brandon! I agree, should of done more to that guard.

[@lslaughterjr]

Fluting the edge of the guard would look good. Nice build sir!

[@deansmallwood4652]

Exceptional work there chap!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@matthewlynne6570]

You’re coming along! Keep at it. This is how I build all my knives whether they’re takedowns or epoxied. Good video

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah, thanks Matthew. I really enjoyed this build

[@TheFlyingKiwiNZ]

Love the look of this knife!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it!

[@DB-qt1kh]

Fantastic knife. Thanks for sharing.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Glad you liked this one.

[@Mysticmountainforge]

Nice work my friend! I really like all the tips you have on your channel, they have really helped me grow as a bladesmith!

[@RedBeardOps]

Great to hear! Thank you very much!

[@franotoole2702]

Turned out very nice m8!! Hidden tangs take alot of work to get right, ironic tho considering they are an easy knife to build!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! For sure!

[@jameswalker6810]

I have decided to get a 2x48 multi tool attachment mounted onto a web variable speed 3/4 hp bench grinder. Blade forums has been very useful

[@RedBeardOps]

Very nice! BF is the bomb!

[@ChrisR676]

Those shoulders looked awesome and solid, worth the effort! And so did the ones one the knife

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Chris! I'm stoked with how this one turned out!

[@ajknives4192]

if you whant to have the handel-wood a snuck fit to (for future takedowns) you can cover the tang and fittings in Vaseline and glue it together as normal but take it apart again after a few houers.

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah man. I thought about bedding this handle, but chickened out.

[@michaelbrown2360]

Wish I had that kind of equipment! Me just trying my hand at reforming a meat cleaver into something drastically different....by mistake but just using angle grinder and files with a lot of wet-n-dry sandpsper. Won't even come close to a very beautiful piece of work!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Michael, gotta start somewhere! Cheers sir! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@stanstanley8400]

Great work mate! Well done.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@indiedavecomix3882]

That is a gorgeous piece!

[@RedBeardOps]

Much appreciated!

[@MrMarsBlades]

Wow, nice work man, I must look into getting one of those mini mills, cheers

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! It is handy for sure. If you're going to be buying one like mine, make sure to get the little machine shop version of the machine...

[@MrMarsBlades]

@@RedBeardOps cool, thanks for the tip

[@Waskul72]

Really nice video, I also recently made my first hidden tang knife using a different method but I gotta say hidden tang knives are so much more work but once done correctly the work is worth it. I think the more you make hidden tang knives it will get easier, thanks.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks John, I agree!

[@buddyhutchins3782]

Almost a perfect Nomad style which I consider to be the very best all around for bushcraft ..... Well done, a beautiful knife. Saludos, Anaco, Anz.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you greatly Buddy!

[@buddyhutchins3782]

@@RedBeardOps Keep up the good work.....I've watched several of your videos and all are very professional and educational.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@buddyhutchins3782 Thank you!

[@jamesafseth326]

Awesome first takedown(not-takedown 😂) but I would suggest a groove half to 3/4 the size in the spacer, and add a corresponding same size grove to the guard, and possibly even replace the 45° on the pommel with a matching groove, as well as matching the shapes of the guard, spacer and pommel. As for the finale, maybe try a ball or pointed shape instead of cutting it off and grinding flat...looking forward to seeing how your skills progress

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks James, I think all of that would look great! I plan on getting some nice pommel nuts made in the future for sure.

[@mike-carrigan]

Since I am learning some knife making from you I will pass along a tip to you as a machinist. Pre-drilling holes before you mill the parts is only adding time to your work, you're not gaining anything from it. The milling cutter is still traveling along the same path at the same speed with or without those holes. I know some people are concerned that those mini-mills don't have a lot of power but you are not taking that deep of a cut per pass. If you have any milling questions hit me up

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Mike! I'll give that a go!

[@adrianhernandez974]

Hola amigo, cada vez está más sorprendente tu trabajo, eres un artista. Felicidades !!! Un abrazo desde Ecatepec, México 🇲🇽

[@RedBeardOps]

¡Muchas gracias! ¡Salud desde Texas!

[@chrisangelone3349]

Very nice. The only thing that I think would have looked a little nicer is maybe slotting your guard like you slotted your spacer. Or maybe shaping the guard so it wasn’t just round. Other then that the knife looks really awesome.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the suggestions Chris!

[@kellylillie5630]

Do you have a video on how to make a straightening jig? I'm very curious on how 2 make one as I am very new to knife making, and find your videos more helpful than most others.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Here is one I used frequently - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKjZgqOMhZhga6s

[@DESERTTACTICAL1776]

Heck yeah, new video!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hope you enjoy this one Jeremy!

[@mattgreef1676]

Beautiful mate im just starting my first hidden tang. As always learned alot

[@RedBeardOps]

Good luck! Glad you liked it!

[@vinshanestrickland4179]

Beautiful knife and build .you will learn to use your mill and lathe as time passes to do alot of this process and make it less time consuming

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!

[@MrMchussey]

Awesome as always man!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!

[@franciscogranados7225]

A bowie is a just a fighting knife with a blade thats 5-12 inches long usually with a clip point

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir!

[@RyanJohnson-yv7te]

Just beautiful!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@donrsanders4772]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much!

[@polaris8126]

WOW! Beautiful work! 😉

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@thefamily_ak1863]

the one weve been waiting on , ❤❤❤

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Hope you like this one!

[@mitondo6123]

Beautiful work!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@johnnyp628]

It’s a beautiful piece.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!

[@carycleland9506]

Great job. I love how you find ways to use your other tools to help you along the way. Are you still happy with your mini mill?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Cary, I am!

[@dalibortrkulja9582]

Great job, cheers from Croatia

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much!

[@skipwatson5258]

Man I always look forward to your videos.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Glad you're enjoying them! Have a great weekend!

[@skipwatson5258]

@@RedBeardOps home recovering from a heart procedure and can't get into my own shop for awhile. So I enjoy watching for relaxation.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@skipwatson5258 Excellent sir! Get well soon!

[@raymondoreilly7569]

Great video again, I thought you were going to keep the pin for a lanyard. But still a beautiful build. 😊

[@RedBeardOps]

Not a bad idea sir! Cheers, have a great weekend!

[@nightwalker2830]

That knife looks amazing

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Glad you like it!

[@nightwalker2830]

@@RedBeardOps hell I loved it so beautiful one of the nicest knife i seen

[@Dearoldad]

I really enjoy the narration. As someone who is new to the craft I learn do much. Do you have plans for this knife?

[@waynecurie71]

The plan is the video

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey guys, as Wayne said the drawing I had for this knife is @ this location - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXXZZJmgbp6pr68 in the video. Hope yall have a great weekend!

[@vathouisk]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Have a great weekend!

[@kasiakowalska500]

It is a beautiful job too!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!

[@w.crumbladesmith5020]

I’m sure you get asked this a million times but where did you get that respirator? I been looking for one but don’t even know what that’s called, can’t find em. I too have a big red beard and need me one of those! Love the videos man, keep em comin!

[@RedBeardOps]

Very cool! This is where I got mine - Resp-O-Rator - amzn.to/2M6PMN7 (they go in an out of stock since the virus)

[@wongwingwengwung3910]

what kind of steel did you use?it's look like has a pattern on it.

[@RedBeardOps]

This was some 1084. I stone washed it.

[@jacobbrooks1574]

Great build your very informative great tips to

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Stefanhallusa]

Stunning man🤘

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks dude! Much appreciated!

[@XBullitt16X]

Can definetly see Some Royerisms in this knife haha, nice job.

[@RedBeardOps]

Lol, thanks man!

[@erikhansen1983]

Impressive work! Would a false edge be appropriate for this knife?

[@RedBeardOps]

Erik, I like where your head is at! I think it would look great on this knife.

[@prywatnepriv5866]

Beautiful knife !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!