HOW FAST CAN I FORGE A CHEF KNIFE?!?!

[@Steelmage99]

This is a deceptively important lesson. The willingness to fail while learning, and continue trying, is absolutely crucial to progress.

[@bradenclark8885]

You should sell some forged knife blanks on your website for a little while and then have the people who purchased the blanks finish them up and submit pictures of what they did for a video. Or at least a segment of a video.

[@oregonianpjb]

I love that you're not afraid to fail on camera; I learn from your mistakes too! Thanks.

[@IamHere2468]

24 hours to wait for epoxy to dry, plenty of practice time, that's why your great Alec

[@ceasarspartacus]

First one would still make a good fruit knife. Second one was lovely. I personally prefer an 8" round belly blade, with a flatter tip for drop cuts. That way you can do rocker cuts and drop cuts with the same knife. For a flat edged blade I prefer a santuku. Gotta say, finish them, and they'll be a very nice kit

[@ceasarspartacus]

20+ years cooking, I know what I like, and it's rarely a new knife. 1 good chefs knife will carry all the way through a 4 course meal, but only if you are familiar and comfortable with it. My victorianox 8 in chef knife is my go to. Decent steal, and it's perfectly worn to my preference

[@garthor]

When are you going to do damascus spork? =D

[@dougie730]

Yes!

[@ahuman6064]

EPIC!!!

[@The1KMnO4]

Great question.

[@connectedlocally1868]

Alec, I love how you say you are STILL a beginner at 7 years in. This craft is timeless. Great motivation and inspiration to get out in the work shop!

[@paulc7683]

One million subscribers is just around the corner! You're a fantastic teacher and a true inspiration. Thanks for everything you bring us.

[@michaellafortune713]

psssh that's nothing. I was able to get nothing done at work in 11 minutes 42 seconds.

[@SethAllison]

same xD

[@benediktbreidscheid6179]

I need 11 minutes to light up my coal forge...

[@heckingorshmate3899]

I love this channel, because of Alec I now have my own workshop and do blacksmithing!!

[@Cov1ngtonsGhOst]

Forge a chefs knife

[@eclectricmagazine]

Really enjoying and realizing for the first time really, the camera angles that completely showcase the orientation and squareness of material to anvil and power hammer are beautiful. Even in the montages the angles are on point for a demonstration perspective.

[@zackstephens6594]

So I was looking at the your store today Alec and I saw your heatin and beatin tank top. Here in America, we call a white tank top a "wife beater." I finally stopped laughing. I am picking up the its not stupid shirt today. Love your vids Alec. Keep up the amazing craftmenship.

[@ndw2m]

Just wanted to tell you how much you inspired me. I am waiting for one last piece, but when it comes in I will be able to finish building my own homemade forge. Designed my own propane torch and everything. Thank you for your videos and showing me the things you have shown. Can’t wait to start upsetting some steel with my kids!

[@nathanwiw9731]

Hello Alec Steele my name is Milan and i live in Canada Ontario in the city of OTTAWA. I have been watching your channel for about 2 years and i have to say that you do an awesome job and I always look forward to seeing your new video's!! I have been wanting to start my own channel for a while now. Watching you video's have been giving me some great ideas and i want to thank you for all you do for us your followers and friends! Thanks for everything! Milan

[@Archaval_AZ]

Been here since 30k and holy hell, I had thought you would grow in popularity over time but the rate is phenomenal. I always really appreciated you making the artisanal craft of blacksmithing something modern in your portrayal of it through your beautiful camera work. I have no doubts that you have been sucessful in attracting and educating many people online about the art and I have no doubt that you will keep on growing. Godspeed!

[@JustaKobold]

I love your projects, but these types of episodes are the ones I learn the most from. Thank you Alec.

[@michaelmatasso4477]

Thanks for another great video, Alec! My little brother is two years old and loves watching your videos with me. He really likes the parts with the power hammer and when there are sparks flying.

[@samuelkaurin2876]

Your sooooooo close to 1 million subscribers! Your by far one of my favorite KZbinrs in knife making and your completely amazing at what you do!

[@rviaud]

Most people think that success is the opposite of failure. Thank you for showing reality; where success is the result of learning from multiple failures. Keep the amazing vids coming.

[@philipgardiner2125]

These are the highlights of my week. Watching Alec Steele vids

[@jonwills4670]

My favorite thing is your learning process and how we all need to continue to learn! Thank you!

[@lytken]

hey Alec why don't you have a pedal operated door on your forge so you don't have to move those blocks around every time you want to put some steel in it ore that it out of it, it has really been running around in my head ever since you made that new forge, please let me hear your thoughts on this topic

[@robertlagrange6388]

I wondered the same thing for efficiency.

[@alexh3974]

the bricks are pretty flexible though, maybe abit slower but they are flexible and can moved about, for sizes, shapes and so.

[@therealDonMac]

You make it look so easy. I've been trying a little forging, and man, it is not as easy as you make it look! Thanks again for the best edutainment available.

[@gabigabor6974]

im watching you since you had 400k subscribers, thank you for this satisfaing video Alec .

[@HerrFenchel]

Oh la la, someone is getting off on Alec. :D

[@kageversace2931]

Gabi Gabor i dont know how long i watching him i just remember watching the bet buckles when they cane out

[@muledeerdude]

I’ve been watching since before the barker street forge! Big Changes since then...

[@Don_Rodrigo44]

well ive been watching since before he started youtube

[@evaderknives]

I remember him getting excited about 30,000 subs...from there he blew up.

[@Kazold1]

I discovers you the 29th november 2016, It was my birthday and I was unable to sleep and start searching youtube for some nice video and find you. You had like 20k sub at that time and watching you now having almost 1 million made me emotional. Your enthusiasm and thirst of learning are phenomenal. Keep up the good work, I'm sure you'll conquer youtube 1 sub at the time :)

[@DougErkkila]

This makes me want to do a chef's knife after I finish up my blacksmith's knife that I'm working on now. Thanks for the inspiration Alec!

[@peterjorgensen6121]

You do fantastic work Alec. The dedication to your craft is what makes you craftsman. You must always learn or the craft will die. Keep up the great work.

[@privatechef86]

Alec!!! the first one has the shape of a "Ken Onion Chefs Knife" looks great!!!!

[@sambaggins2798]

Always a good watch. I always look forward to your videos. Much better than the stuff you find on TV.

[@jenniferprice1036]

My bestie showed me your channel yesterday....and since then I have watched... 32 of your videos. I daresay you have a new fan and follower, and watching your videos has made me miss the forge SO MUCH from when I went to Fleming for it a few years ago. Your energy makes these videos go from purely educational to thoroughly entertaining, and I would have loved to have you as a teacher. (I am, however, stuck across the pond in Canada. :P) Keep up the awesome work!

[@StevenIngram]

Congratulations. I think this is one of the most clear examples of the value of practice I've ever seen. :)

[@btackett2]

Just got my "what did I learn" hand made blade shirt yesterday. Love it, thanks for all the content and great energy Alec

[@robertvangstad2740]

I like the shape the first knife was taking, great job, love your work.

[@bizznotch101]

Aside from all the amazing things you make, I really enjoy the attitude and approach you apply to everything. Its borderline contagious haha Cant wait to see the end result of the chefs knife! Keep it up!

[@JamesPisano]

Love coming into a conversation years late... Started out as a drunk forging on VLOG, and then turned into a good video!

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

Definitely a very nice quick tip or reminder video for everyone who wants either get into the craft like myself (been wanting to for at least 15 years, but haven't taken that 1st step for some reason) or is already in the craft either as a hobbyist, novice, apprentice, or full time master smith. Always great to refresh on the steps and get better and analyze each one and grow from it with the next one. Now you have a start of a 3 Chef Knife set of whatever steel you used. Possibly giveaway for when you hit 1 million subs in a week or two. What does one do with that first knife that was a failure aside from learn from it? Can it be fixed later, made into something else, reuse the steel since it hasn't been quenched and hardened, or throw it away? Thanks for the video Alec, so looking forward to that handle being dry and ready for shaping in the next one.

[@nanalee3982]

Closing in on 1 Million Subs Alec! You will need to make a FULL Set of Knives with a Storage Block. Awesome work Alec!

[@garthor]

I think you should finish out the 23 minute failure in another video... it might not be a chefs knife, but it looked like it was turning out to be a pretty cool shape anyway... =p

[@marcwilderness5464]

I was trying to figure out why your videos are so fun to watch, and that is just it, you are always having FUN no matter what the occasion. You enjoy it and you can feel that. Keep up the hard work.

[@marcwilderness5464]

Oh I am a machinist by trade so if you ever have any questions feel free. My mom always said, "no question is a dumb question"

[@nunyabiddness4333]

*That first blade shape.....* *You see failure....* *I see a badass and unique blade design that's outside the norm.*

[@wouty159]

Well done Alec, amazing to see the improvement between those knives. Maybe one day you can try to make a damascus santoku. It would definitely be a good lesson and it’s a very versatile knive. Also, amazing work on your chef’s knive project! I’m very curious for the finished piece. I’m pretty sure you’ll love cooking with it!

[@johnnymossville]

I wouldn't mind having one of your roughed out knives so I could hand finish it myself with the basic tools I have. This was a really cool video because you are showing how to avoid some of the problems along the way.

[@theabyss281]

In my opinion this was one of the most fun videos of yours I’ve seen in the last couple of weeks. Fantastic job! Have a great day!

[@IronHammerMetalWorks]

Dude buddy, you’re almost to 1 million subs!!! I can’t believe it. I’ve watched your amazing channel grow since 100k subs. You and your attitude deserve every bit of 1 million. Can wait to see you at 10 million.

[@thelargeone7523]

Alec I think it would be awesome for you to sell a bunch of knife blanks and then make a detailed series on how to finish that knife. Then at the end of the series or throughout it, have people send in the progress they have made on their knife.

[@katuwasa]

Seeing such a master fail and immediately learn and improve is inspirational. I love your work, Alec. Keep up the amazing work. I'm learning with you 💪🏼😎

[@roar40s]

I feel bad when I forget to like your video's Alec :-)

[@lukearts2954]

That's not a problem, is it? Just like them when you watch them the second or third time... =D

[@davidcollins5971]

I love how this is a visual representation of practice makes perfect. ...well close to perfect. Steeletastic work man!!!

[@1320crusier]

Huh, the shape on that failure looks a lot like the Kershaw Ken Onion Chefs knife (the tang/handle kind of swoops the opposite way of the blade). You should finish it out anyways. It's a great meat cutter but a bit awkward (because of the bolster; the handle and such is quite comfortable) and heavy for chopping vegis. Remember: amateurs practice until they get it right, professionals practice until they can't get it wrong. Is the speed run video practice for Forged in Fire? hmmm?

[@robertvangstad2740]

1320crusier yes I have one at home, I use it all the time

[@1320crusier]

likewise. I find it more useful for cutting up meat. I have a Kershaw santoku for other duties

[@SkullCrusher757]

so basically he made another form of butchers knife/meat cleaver

[@j.collingallagher7030]

So impressed watching you develop and practice forging skills and not relying on the grinder

[@pburch08]

As a professional chef who loves your channel..... How much?

[@A1BASE]

I don't know about Alec, but I recently asked for a quote from Mareko Maumasi - a 9" chef knife from him is currently $3,200 with a 2 year wait time... :/

[@pburch08]

A1BASE wow definitely not worth that. I have a set of 3 Damascus knives from Okinawa that I paid 600 for with custom handles.

[@A1BASE]

I think for that money you'd need to see it as buying a piece of art. For me, I agree, that's pretty pricey. Knives above all else are functional tools and I don't want to be so worried about them that I don''t use them regularly.

[@googleuser859]

Check the Owen bush website, he has some very nice knives at a good price. Also, if you want a true workhorse that is hand made and looks stunning check 'cutting edge knives', Kurosaki San in particular, he used to work for masakagi but now makes his own knives, they are stunning and very reasonably priced.

[@CoopInNC]

Great lesson in learning! Faster does not always mean better, but better can mean faster.

[@TimothyHall13]

Practice makes perfect! Thanks Alec!

[@johannes5219]

My maaaan! Little Alec is soon to be hitting 1 million subs!!! I'm already excited :)

[@SourcePortEntertainment]

Holy cow Alec! 35 minutes that was an awesome improvement! I am a newer subscriber and am loving your videos. -Danny

[@davidcrofts5246]

Do yourself a favour, start from some of the earlier projects and watch through to now. You can see how much he's learnt and progressed along the way and you will learn a lot too.

[@SourcePortEntertainment]

Hey David Crofts, thanks I have been watching. I might have the go rehab...our just start trying my hand at blacksmithing. ;) Inspiring and creative projects Alec. Keep up the good work!

[@jayque300]

Your commitment to improving is an inspiration to us all Alec! Keep up the good work man!

[@christopherblack8301]

This speed forging is really cool. You should make a series out of it. It's amazing to see all the progress you can make when you are willing to make mistakes.

[@elanfunes2293]

I want to start forging and your videos really inspire me. Thanks.

[@davebauerart]

I love this. Deliberate practice. Try, figure out what went wrong, improve, repeat.

[@Ajmani.Aayush]

I like how you edit your videos so that the hammer strokes line up with the beat drops

[@takefive]

The editing is on fire this episode! I've always noticed the music matching the blows but today was just AMAZZING! Good job boys :)

[@gmer4life]

That first blade was almost perfect for an Irish loop knife. Bob Ross said it best "there are no mistakes only happy accidents".

[@mjf69]

My favorite thing about this video is that Alec really showed us how much is possible with just 3.5 inches.

[@pathemamike]

I'd love to see you make a full tang paring knife and some single-bevel Japanese kitchen knives like a yanagiba or usuba. Would also be cool to see something about western filet knives, cause who doesn't love a proper flexy knife? Cheers. Keep up the good work!

[@skipad4306]

before sleep i always want to watch something intresting and relaxing. scrool down and see vids from Alec . no no im not wathing, i already know whats going on. but i remember how relaxing is and the best for me before sleep to watch. therefor i end up wathing more and more. it is intresting amd i never now i learn something new untill i watch it.

[@ZENMASTERME1]

This Is By Far One Your Best Video Ever!! Practice Makes Perfect! 🗡

[@RespectTheHood]

Blacksmithing: one of the only crafts where a professional with several years if not decades of experience calls themselves a total beginner

[@nordicfox4860]

Love these kinds of videos Alec, short informative and entertaining. Fantastic work, great inspiration for myself!

[@katrinalundberg4228]

10:40 why is this background music my favorite song? Maybe because I like electronic house music nobody else likes ... ha ha.but maybe because it complements such great video!

[@krusher167]

I know this is old, but in case you were wondering the track is the instrumental to 'sleeping in my head' by siine (manta circle remix)

[@TexasGodot]

A tip I learned from the amazing jerry Fisk whenever you're trying to pull down the heel of your knife use two tongs one on the blade one on the tang it will give you a lot more control

[@nicolasduguay4]

I'm kind of excited of seeing the 985K subscribers! You are about to become a millionaire Alec!

[@orgoneheart]

Love your energy and enthusiam for your work, and its great to see you practice and improve. Keep up the great work!

[@Sully948]

I just have to say, it's amazing how far you've come since I subscribed to you. Congrats on your million a little ahead of time lol

[@johnwilburn1651]

The saying is perfect practice makes perfect. Endless repetition without correction only ingrains mistakes. Alec took time to evaluate his work to move closer to perfection with each practice.

[@evilutionltd]

Pretending to mess up so you can start again and make the video longer, I’m on to you Steele!

[@CommanderPiglet]

I should be sleeping but instead im watching alec steele videos. Worth it.

[@victoryfirst2878]

I noticed that the power hammer is moving side to side. Please tighten the hold down screws and your machine will thank you Alex. Peace and out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BrandonAdamPhotography]

I’d love to see you make a santoku knife next!

[@jrkathrein]

Hey Alex. If you get a chance, watch the America's Test Kitchen video on carbon steel vs stainless steel chef knives. The interesting take-away is that the structure of the steel is the most important quality of a knife. The better the structure, the finer the edge is.

[@norbertdavis8903]

Holy samolians! That was interesting. How about a challenge? You typically use cut steel for your billets, what about making a knife quickly out of nuts & bolts canister Damascus? Kinda “Forged in Fire” style. Keep the great videos coming!

[@spyderfreestone736]

985 thousand so close can't wait for you to hit 1 mill.

[@KettleNK]

I have watched you since 150k subs and goodness have you improved and kept creating great content :)

[@hazemgharib]

Man I've subscribed to your channel because of your spirit. I like people who inspire, who makes it look easy to start even if it is not, who are not ashamed of trying and trying to get something better. You got my attention and my respect ❤

[@glOckcOma]

Dang!! I was really looking forward to seeing the finished chefs knife done today. Oh well either way enjoyed this video and cant wait until tomorrow and see the end product.

[@1redisthecolor]

Alec, I'd purchase one of those practice chef knives! I'm always looking for new blades to work with in the kitchen.

[@oakleydoeseverything6438]

Hey Alec! What is the purpose for "upsetting" the metal before shaping the blades and would you apply this to any other tool you would forge? Thanks!

[@randallsummers6551]

Practice, practice, practice! It will pay off. Did in my job. Now I can't wait to start trying my hand at Blacksmithing!!! October will be here soon!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

The second item will make a useful chefs knife in a short iteration, as you have drawn it out. High end German industrial knife makers offer something similar...and I have one. Not a wasted effort at all. I use a deeper-bellied short chefs knife for veg prep that does not require long slicing.

[@nickverbree]

9:40 in, I miss the tong juggling. You were so awesome at it!

[@jtruelove91]

Alec, you should finish all of those knives in the shape that they were finished at when you moved to the next one. Just practice the whole process and have more knives to use. Can do different handle ideas for each knife to practice that also.

[@mkcrew225]

I love the idea behind this video. i think it would be much more interesting if you did a study like this before you did your big main project. So you did a deep dive into the actual form, then used that knowledge to make a super amazing damascus version. Also, You should finish those knives and sell them for charity or something.

[@ncstudio333]

I love how humble he is!

[@Greennoob2]

I love these practice videos with all your persisting and improving

[@voltair42]

Still learning alot about blacksmithing and trying to get back into it. Love this channel because of your willingness to teach, learn, and admit mistakes. I did want to ask, why is it important to upset the steel at the start of the forging process?

[@MsRobinvlog]

You will hit the 1 mil subs this week i am sure. Nice video btw love it

[@jiingus_5703]

Next you should do a kitchen minute set and make the holder for all the knives out of wood and use your wood making skills

[@lukearts2954]

7:06 what causes these flames? I've seen spark rain from flux before, and glowing chips of scale, but flames like these is a first I think... Amazing video! Thank you for doing daily videos, it's a tremendous effort that is greatly appreciated!

[@methavita]

I began watching when you had only 200k subs. You've evolved quite a lot since then. The only trouble I see is that you declare failures quite fast instead of perfecting them "on the go". You see, and already know that, NO ONE has a "before-hand" knowledge of anything, all of us need to go through the trial and error phase. Great vid though! Keep up!

[@howlinger8610]

Hey alec! We miss your food and the microwawe story, hope that the kitchen knife will make all this come again with the cooking 😂😂

[@BenCarsonMusic]

As a chef I would love chance to buy or win one of these knives you have forged today. Taking an Alec Steele knife to work each day would be a pleasure.. keep up the great work buddy.. make some doize!!!