How Blacksmiths make Traditional Thai Machetes

A Thai blacksmith making traditional machete knives with bamboo handles! Welcome to Pabong Village near Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The blacksmith in this video also teaches local students Kung Fu in his spare time. The English/Thai interpreter you see at 8:01 is Chai, a mountain guide for Doi Chiang Dao (Thailand's 3rd highest peak). It is very interesting to see the insect resin being used in the machete handle construction, this material is gathered in nearby jungle. Soon we will have more info on this amazing natural junglecraft material! During the translation from Thai to English it was unfortunately misunderstood that the resin in the machete handle comes from an ant nest. One of our subscribers recently made the informative comment that it is actually stick lac, this resin is secreted from lac insects.
TIME STAMPS ►
0:41 quenching the steel
2:33 carving steel with a machete
4:54 filing & grinding begins
7:11 bamboo handle
11:05 putting insect resin in the handle
12:11 final sharpening
13:07 Chai the guide
14:39 OUTRO
See the following links for more blacksmiths and knife making videos at Bush Channel.
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Bush Channel Cartoon artwork by Gerald Carr

[@richschwartz8004]

No matter how many times I watch craftsmen from some of the poorer places around the world I just amazed at the product quality that they are able to get from the tools they have. I absolutely love to watch all of your videos and haven't come across one yet that was even the least bit unenjoyable. Thanks again to both of you. God bless and stay safe.

[@Bushchannel]

Thanks Rich, you're a great support mate!

[@johndowe7003]

time is cheap over there bud. guys in usa or any other more deveped places mechanize everything then want to charge an arm and a leg

[@user-cy2lk4dd4j]

Rich Schwartz

[@alfredocapistran9648]

Rich Schwartz I love machetes,,it's any way. I could buy them from this. Craftsmen!!??

[@florincochintu8691]

I will never blame my tools ever again!

[@shadeshiest22]

I always come back to re-watch this video every few weeks

[@Bushchannel]

We have heaps of other blacksmith vids if you want more :) We also have a new video that will be publishing later this year that was filmed in January.

[@Arthurian.]

When you watch someone make things over and over they get the most fantastically calibrated hands and eyes. Just so impressive how minutely he can strike these handles and not hack off too much.

[@mistersmith3986]

1. Best forearms ever. 2. Most ironed shirt in world history. 3. The way he chopped into the other knife with a knife to shape it. First time I ever seen that!

[@Bushchannel]

Welcome to Bush Channel. This Friday we're uploading a one hour blacksmith video. It's raw UNCUT footage from another one of these videos, hope you like that!

[@streetDAOC]

I said that too! First time I’ve ever seen anyone chop at steel like that and all I do is watch blacksmithing stuff. Incredible.

[@yetanotherjohn]

IT TAKES A BLADE TO MAKE A BLADE :)

[@alancaceres2906]

xXxXxdew

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@@streetDAOC I've seen it before. He did it, cause otherwise he'd have had to draw the excess out and the blade would have been longer to get the shape right than he wanted.

[@GopinathSricandane]

First of all, the blower he has is ingenious, followed by a number of special tools he employs - the curved knife-like tool to gather charcoal is just one of many. Above all his craftsmanship. Was a treat to watch. Many thanks for making this video

[@ColtonWilson3000]

These primitive styles of blacksmithing amaze me. This old Thai man is an absolute craftsman. Does amazing work with such rudimentary tools and work conditions. It's astounding actually. When I hear people bitch about or brag they need this 3,000 dollar tool or that one I love to point out these kinds of videos. Very humbling.

[@bpetnoi1472]

This man understand differential quenching very well and many people might not understand why he is just quenching the edge before the whole blade. He tests the temperature of the blade with small drops of water which tells him the temperature of the edge as he slowly hardens the edge. When the full blade is finally quenched it ensure that the blade will remain more flexible while the edge is much harder.

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

bpetnoi This is how I want to quench a bar of 1095 steel in water or brine for a machete. That or an interrupted quench. I wonder which would be more effective? I’m not going be using any fancy oil and I don’t like the fact of a fire starting up.

[@danieltoledo9295]

A têmpera não pode ser interrompida (retirando a lâmina do líquido) e deve ser feita com metal vermelho sem ação magnética. Essa têmpera com ferro cinza em água retirando e colocando nunca será uma têmpera tal como uma em aço vermelho com um único mergulho. Seja têmpera completa ou com jamon. E sim temperar somente o fio confere melhores desempenhos mecânicos a lâmina. Pode do ser uma lâmina que receba pancadas para fazer entalhes sem sofre risco de quebrar. Essas lâminas temperadas só o fio podem se dobrar a 90 graus sem quebrar ... No máximo amassa

[@GaMeRfReAkLIVE]

@@Divine_Serpent_Geh you could do a homone (spelling?) Like the asians, pack the edge with clay then do youre heat treat cycle and what not

[@nickhurt9268]

You can see the confidence on this man’s face. You can tell he knows what he’s doing just by watching his face alone. Focus and high skill.

[@Kl2H]

This one is the most elegant machete I've ever seen! Just beautiful.

[@sharonsharon2604]

Basic tools, no conditions, no bench...what a talented big hart blacksmith. The way his hands look, tells everything. No electricity, just the man and his limited resources! Respect from Israel

[@zsoltczibula5722]

Sharon David You are totally right. This Smith , is a man who wants to create things: he need to solve all issues on steel shaping, hardening, make handle on his little shop floor , alone . He is a real man. Just as you mentioned his arms shows his soul and abilities!

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

smexii People that have the patience/passion to do something like this in this manner, are usually virtuous, humble, and kind.

[@jfiekms]

you live on stolen land

[@Dan-sq5cv]

Amazing. You can see the skill and craftsmanship this smith, obviously has made hundreds of these. It is like watching an artist paint. He obviously takes pride in each tool he produces.

[@worldwar2able]

This is what a real "hand made" means

[@jerrydc818]

This man produces some great looking blades from he has available. I’ve seen others use the same materials (leaf springs) but he makes the extra effort and it shows.

[@nblythin]

This particular smith is using some very interesting techniques I haven't really seen before! I liked seeing him use a blade as a hot cut early in the video to shape the tip of the blade, and then when he was doing what looked like a variation on draw filing, but with a tool similar in design to a woodworkers spoke shave - very, very interesting to watch!

[@meinradrecheis895]

his techniques are amazingly similar to traditional japanese blacksmithing

[@jadekayak01]

Nothing interesting in his tooling. This type of drawknife is used all around asian countries for blacksmithing for rough shaping

[@yizhuolin3906]

Well back in the old time in China, there's a kind of craftsman who carry all their equipment on his shoulder, offering knife sharpening services, and they use that metal spoke shave as well. not much being seen in 2020 though

[@Louzahsol]

It’s a hardened scraper. A similar technique was used for fullers in the middle ages

[@Matityahu-the-God]

@@jadekayak01 that's ass backwards, you can't say something isn't interesting.

[@Bushchannel]

★★★ ATTENTION fans of this video! Don't miss the 3rd & final episode in the series COMING this Friday 21st of April. "How Thai Blacksmiths make Machetes Quenched in Oil" ★★★

[@NP-il5ir]

Bush Channel i uaner buy whear seller

[@shexdensmore]

Hey, can't you just reupload the correct translation?

[@efrainsanchez8034]

Bush Channel do you sell this

[@todamoon9187]

Great respect for this people sharing their talents,the quality of their product made out of simple tools👍👍

[@highonimmi]

for a machete so lithe & so light weight it went through that thick bamboo like butter. what craftsmanship!!! this man is a true artist!

[@cadoctremayne3257]

One of the best videos on traditional blade making.

[@zedhaley6761]

I always go back to these videos for inspiration and to put things in their proper perspective when it comes to crafting my own blades and tools. This one ranks with the best.

[@Bushchannel]

Thanks Zed, it’s hard to find a guy like this, he’s the only one we’ve seen that has absolutely no power tools; most of them at least have an electric grinder. We’ve got a new series coming this year called “How blacksmiths make Golok machetes in Indonesia.”

[@zedhaley6761]

Will watch out for that one. Thanks for the heads up.

[@killmimes]

So much respect for this smith!

[@nofuture6881]

I could watch this guy craft blades all day.....

[@nnnnnie]

There are some great old pictures of Thai blacksmithing from 1963-64 in the Univ. of Washington digital collection. Do a Google image search for "Thai blacksmith Maha Sarakham" and you'll find them. My blacksmith friend was from that general area and used a nearly identical setup. They used two simple air pumps. I used to work them sometimes, back in 1977/78.

[@scooter66133]

thank you ... for me it is always amazing stuff to see people with this blacksmith skills ...i want this MACHETE!!!!

[@twocrowsblades3544]

Awesome I love these blacksmith videos ...keep them coming!

[@wesgreen241]

Well I just officially quit fussing about my "weak" belt grinder lol

[@jonathancupp3686]

Simply amazing! A true champion of craftsman! Most respect to this man!

[@allandevera8765]

The bolo making process of southeast asian countries are almost the same. It starts from the leaf springs of vehicles from scrap yards. Aesthetics are not their forte but the affordabilty and durabilty for the farmers who use it everyday as their all-purpose tool.

[@ThomasRonnberg]

These blade-smithing videos are incredibly educational. Thank you so much for your contribution to the knife making world.

[@Bushchannel]

Thanks for the support Thomas. There's more coming as u know !

[@TheGearhead222]

Simply amazing craftsmanship!-John in Texas

[@pomademahal]

Amazing documentary. Thank you.

[@dsproductions47]

He does partial interrupted quenching like that because unlike usa idt he can afford quenching oil. Instead using water, to prevent cracking he does interrupted quenching. Which done under the rapid speed of water still gives a great edge. Also its a working tool, so it works.

[@varun009]

You can make quenching oil out of anything. Some people use peanut oil but you can also use used motor oil which is basically free. I've handled these machetes and their edge retention is pretty shit. For their uses, a softer edge is not a bad idea since they sometimes strike into hard surfaces. Better a rollover than a chip. When I go to the Philippines, I just ask the blacksmiths to give me the beveled blank and I take them back to do the heat treating, tempering and handle placement professionally.

[@dsproductions47]

@@varun009 yes but they are too slow, therefore dont really give you a good result. Also motor oil gives u fumes.

[@varun009]

@@dsproductions47 he's very likely working with spring steel. Specifically, 5160 or 52100 spring steel as this is what's most commonly used in leaf springs. The 10 and 5 series spring steels as well as O1 tool steel are very tolerant of various heat treating methods. Also, motor oil by no means performs poorly when dealing with the aforementioned steels. Im not sure if you've ever made knives before but I'm speaking from personal experience after having been making knives for the last 10 years. For the last 8 I've been heat treating and tempering them myself; for the last 5 years I've been forging knives and have been forging in a semi-professional capacity for the last year or so. Because of the temperature differential, we often heat the oil prior to quenching just to prevent cracking, so slow cooling has never been a problem. You're right about the fumes, but he's working outside. Some people I've met determine critical temperature by color, but I use the old magnet trick so I don't have to be indoors.

[@strahdzarovic2138]

This is my favourite one in the series.

[@aldenunion]

Me2

[@StefanBacon]

That man truly works hard. He is an artist.

[@fk80189]

Very well made machete. I would love to get one of these

[@sarge712]

Loved it! Thank you for posting

[@benkiyaapon5482]

Wow amazing blacksmith with simple basic tools making beautiful machete. Thanks for sharing.

[@jeredphillips8744]

very nicely done!its a joy to watch that man at work turning out beautiful quality products!

[@hermanclores6911]

Nice people...who are hardworking

[@tanksoldier9770]

Just like Stepping back into time when things were made to last ,They sure work hard for there money

[@richardskinner4198]

I love stuff like this ,I got some of my best blades from small villages like this in different country's all hand made with the most basic of tools it is good to see these skills up close it is very inspiring .

[@traditionaltools5080]

Another great video. These guys may not be hightech but this is how civilization was build.

[@user-nv8pq7zr8q]

The heavy sledgehammer head is the most widely used anvil across parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and into the Himalayas. They are masters at working with it.

[@indrajitR]

It really soothed the soul. thanks for it.

[@masangafanai6755]

A true "hand made" blade, enjoyed the video, truly humbling, entertaining and inspiring. I would love to buy one of his blades.

[@tr33b3ard73]

Dude looks like he could crush rocks with his bare hands!!! Respect!!!

[@iscariotproject]

amazing lowtech and just pure skill

[@chuckfults9256]

WOW just WOW! Pure ART in motion! Brovo!

[@annasbaba8663]

I see a true spirit in his face. Salute from indonesia. God bless you both

[@Palehorse1017]

I want one of those small machetes. Beautiful work/craftsmanship!

[@7storm776]

That was very nicely done... Looked very sharp...

[@nazminasir4387]

the best video sir...tq for the sharing..

[@ataarjomand]

Again many thanks 🙏

[@kullcraven]

Thanks for the video, i just made myself a large survival knife, so i could relate to this video. Really enjoyed this, thanks man ATB.

[@Bushchannel]

Hey Wayne, yes I know man. I've had a peek at your DIY survival knife construction in your vids :)

[@valaraukare6670]

Fantastic document. You just got yourselves a subscriber !

[@jorgearroyo6881]

Beautiful work.

[@killyoudead2727]

I'm in Thailand myself right now for a bit of volunteering,love the machetes I've seen and also the sheaths! Funny thing about the sheaths is they're meant as flower vases,but the farmers found em useful for their machetes.

[@LionChavez]

great video. this guy is absolutely amazing!

[@Bushchannel]

Yes he's a machine! Have you seen our other Thai blacksmiths videos? Enjoy :)

[@chriscopeland1455]

i like this blacksmith know his stuff

[@axeandturtle]

Respect from South Korea!

[@ernestells6791]

Thank you for showing

[@agnosjr]

Thanks for sharing awesome video! Can't wait for the next one.

[@Bushchannel]

Thanks man! Sometimes I change the title at the last minute, but at this stage the name of the next episode is "How Thai Blacksmiths Quench Machetes in Oil. "

[@chongtak]

This man is a Thai Yai (Shan people) for those who were wondering.

[@RIRI-el6xm]

Are you sure ? I know suay language (Is a same familly of thai yai language, but to day suay peapol stay far of Lada and birmany, neer combodge, in thai border , district of Surin and Buriram.) The suay language are realy diferante of they guy speak, also suay are differant of Thai and Khmer)

[@gregmundo6107]

Very humble but very nice work

[@jankosina1127]

thanks

[@frankielightyear3300]

The Sharpest man in the world.

[@lindseyzacek5211]

I'm happy I watched this ..good video.

[@nnnnnie]

The man knows what he is doing. 45 years ago I worked with another elderly Thai blacksmith. He was very particular in what he did and how he did it. I helped pump the air to the forge. Lord help you if you pumped too fast, too long or too hard. Get the right heat at the right time and don't waste charcoal fuel.

[@markgardner6630]

thats one of the better ones ive seen nice

[@Elvis_3000]

brilliant handcraft, perfekt work

[@steinderbush]

Beautiful video,s !!

[@AustralianSurvivalSchool]

love the minimus in use of tools

[@OKBushcraft]

I get enamored by watching people use what they have. No screw type bench vise just a large staple in a log and various plugs and wedges. Ive seen that style of metal on metal scraper, Ty Goo uses one to make his blades as well. Many thanks for sharing.

[@TheRealDealListenup]

hay guys...from Texas these black Smith's are Amazing

[@SharpWorks]

That's great I need to take some pointers from them. I really like that anvil idea since that's pretty much all I have right now. Great to see quality being crafted from minimal supplies.

[@yoav8271]

Excellent video man 👍🏽

[@ThomasRonnberg]

Speaking as a professional bladesmith... This guy is extremely good.

[@nnnnnie]

Hard to say as to forging temperature and other things. But those guys can bang out different sized knives that are exactly like another except for size. Amazing. I used to work the "butter churn" type air pumps for a 70+ year old guy there, and that was over 40 years ago. I have great respect for these artisans. My blacksmith had zero power tools. No electricity. No hand or foot pedal grinder. Heat, beat and use a draw knife and a file to clean up and shape the blade.

[@pcmiller2710]

I love it!!!!

[@noneedtoknow6098]

Nice work !!!

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

Thanks much for taking us with you!! Blessings and happy New year to you and your family 😇 🇺🇸

[@mauricioboffsander1096]

sou do Sul do Brasil, a muito tempo acompanho os vídeos de vcs, gosto muito da Cultura deste povo. obrigado e parabéns pelos vídeos.

[@iloveaustralia9493]

This is knife 🔪 very sharp & nice 👍

[@giuseppeugino6773]

Bravissimo! I lavoratori asiatici sono i migliori. Noi abbiamo troppi vizi

[@Bushchannel]

Below is a repost of a comment made by nnnnnie on 8th April. He makes the very interesting point that the resin is not from ants. The original comment was removed because it contained external links :- "I love that blade shape. I have one made by a blacksmith I worked with 40 years ago in the Peace Corps, and one probably much older that was rescued from some junk. The "ant resin" is actually stick Lac. It's called krang ครั่ง . It is the resinous secretion from Lac insects, not ants. It is like a natural polymer or resin, and it is used to make shellac when dissolved in alcohol. Red dye is also extracted. It comes from India and Indochina. I have a couple of raw lac sticks and also some small round cakes that are sold in farm/tool stores for the purpose of gluing handles on tools."

[@nnnnnie]

Sorry about putting in external links, but it's easy to search about shellac and get some history and info. Pretty fascinating, I think. Of course, that's an opinion from a horticulturist who loves plants, bugs, knives and Thailand. I've helped forge a few blades over there. Hard and hot work. My wife retired to Thailand recently and I have yet to join her due to obligations. Maybe when I get back over I'll set up a forge and pound away. Or at least export some better blades for those who would like one.

[@Bushchannel]

Thanks for your info!

[@user-cy2lk4dd4j]

Bush Channel

[@user-cy2lk4dd4j]

Bush Channel

[@user-cy2lk4dd4j]

ฝ

[@sbjennings99]

Awesome informational educational video experience Y'alls

[@MrHarley60]

very nice work

[@curupirauirapuru3368]

Its amazing

[@vladmahehov5787]

Great work sir 👍👍

[@brawldawg8729]

Wisdom continues to trump tools... Beautiful!

[@shanesims2864]

Master Craftsman !!!

[@Umanoid]

Realy i love this vidéo and this man, awasom forging

[@andrewhoggett8148]

very cool

[@notfeedynotlazy]

All those comments amazed at "how primitive the tools are" are missing the point. The really amazing thing is how well he uses them. As an artisan myself, I'm more impressed by the control he has of his tools than by anything else.

[@HaulingBonez]

Impressive

[@VuNguyen-ou8cz]

thank

[@spiritualwarrior864]

There's alot to black smithing awesome

[@hectormunoz9937]

Fantastic¡!

[@lalaprepper]

Amazing

[@aldenunion]

These Smiths are no joke..Chamorro in Guam make epic blades as well.I hold a WW1 ERA knife,so thick,so much labor went in..When I see what they actually use,makes me want to set up to do such.lol.Have a blade forged,and get a hair cut and a shave.lol..All on Thailand holiday..Thanks for sharing..

[@renatomendoncarenatogaucho1913]

muito bom mesmo seria uma outra está aí aprendendo com vocês 🤗