How to Butcher a Lamb Using Only Traditional Tools | The Bearded Butchers

The Bearded Butchers: Butchering Lambs With Only Traditional Tools
In this video, we're taking on a challenge! We're butchering 3 lambs using only the tools on the back of our new "Tools of the Trade" shirt.
The tools we're using are a boning knife, breaking knife, honing rod, handsaw, and a cleaver.
We'll need to get creative with how we pull our cuts, but we're confident that we can do it!
Watch as we butcher these lambs and learn how to use traditional butchering tools.
Also, be sure to check out our new "Tools of the Trade" shirt! It's available now at: beardedbutchers.com/collectio...
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[@ozzyfarmer2854]

I am a 1975 vintage Australian Cattleman. 7 generations in. You need a Wood saw, a Chainsaw and an Axe. That takes care of the first steps. Obviously sanitise every tool. We have one cordless chainsaw reserved for butchering. I use olive oil for chain lube. Then pull out your cleavers and knives.

[@porkynn126da]

I am a Butcher of 45 years served my apprenticeship in Dublin (Ireland) I was in stitches of laughter watching this video, I did all my butchery with hand tools only. I split Lambs, Pigs and Deer with a cleaver (Chopper) and my first attempt was not much better than yours. But we used only hand tools for Butchery Bandsaws were only used for frozen meat.

[@mlindsay527]

I’ve been butchering lambs on the farm with hand tools for nearly 20 years. No youtube, only books, when I started. There were certainly some mystery cuts! I give credit to Scott Rea’s channel for really improving my skill. I’m still not fast, but I am proud of anything I cook and put on a plate for myself or anyone else. Kind of glad it wasn’t easy for you guys, makes me feel better!

[@inotaarto8719]

Quarter way there myself. May your lambs be born alive and their moms well behaved 🕊️

[@peterbunting5294]

I did my apprenticeship in a suburban butchers that did not have a bandsaw. Knife, chopper (cleaver), handsaw having a saw for beef, coarse blade, and a saw for lambs/pork, finer tooth. I laughed at your efforts and remember when I first started having the same problems but with a little practice it was easy. When I started my boss nicknamed me lightening, "never strike in the same place twice" maybe Seth could call little bro "lightening". I must also mention that when used a bandsaw for the fist time I was terrified.

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Lightning 😂 That's a good one lol

[@shanemn123]

As someone who has their own Apprentice currently... I can say that you can teach anyone to put a knife in their hands and cut meat however showing someone how to tie a Butchers knot is one of the hardest tasks I have ever come across..

[@millersatthefarm8]

As an Occupational Therapist who has worked with a butcher who had to have a finger sewn back on (we call that a replant), I will back you up. Relearning to tie twine was brutal. He did teach me how to do it though!

[@thethirstymason9684]

My uncle is a butcher from lebanon. He breaks down the whole lamb into two large steaks by deboning the animal in a hanging position. Considering we ususaly make our meat into skewers its super easy. No need for a cleaver or bandsaw

[@craigluhr7243]

My father was a butcher and and a cook on ships. I'm over 60 years old. When he passed, I ended up with most of his knives and two clevers. All of the knives and clevers are between 60 and 100 years old. I have a massive clever with the name Briddel on it. Also, a 20" chefs knive with Buck hand engraved. I grew up in the town where Buck Knives originated so this was not unusual. His knives were an assortment of old brands and some look custom with no names at all. I use these knives every day. The clever will cut through a beef shank bone. It's great to see you all use the traditional methods.

[@alesa5337]

I am a butcher (3 years of experience) in eastern Europe I watch your videos to learn my craft and you guys helped me a lot although we use different cuts here. The cleaver is our main tool here we only use the saw to cut beef because some years ago someone broke it and the administration got a new one 2 months later!!! We dissect chicken lamb and pork using the cleaver (pork arrives already cut in halfs) When it comes to cut lamb what we usualy do is cut the legs the saddle and the shoulder and then split it in half with the cleaver on a table. If the customer needs the animal split in half and take it like this, we usually hook only one leg of it then aim for its tail and once we reach the flank (we don't seperate it here) our best friend aka gravity starts working for us because with small hits we go really down really fast, once we reach the shoulder we use our bad arm to lift the half going towards the floor to split them and we cut the neck on a table and we need to do that fast because unlike with what Seth said when the animal gets warm it is harder to do that. But hey you guys should be glad that discovered civilaziation and not working in the dark ages like we do. Keep up the good work, greetings!!!

[@Qub3rs]

Not a butcher nor do I butcher my own meat but, watching experts at their craft is very fascinating... Great video...

[@michaelmiller1109]

My Great Grandfather, and I am mid-life, was a butcher. My Grandma as a child would hang out near his butcher shop and play. (We are still in wooden wheel era) He had been a butcher many, many, years, and one day she watched him take a digit off of his own hand, accidentally of course. He quickly hid it and took care of it. On the way home she asked, he said: "don't tell your mother".

[@lachlankeevers270]

I had a stroke reading that

[@nathanielovaughn2145]

How long did he think it would be before she found out? 😂😂 He had to have been one tough old dude to be able to do that, yet carry on. Cheers!

[@landcrow1947]

A soft mallet when used with the cleaver will save you from having to worry about lopping of your fingers and fixes the accuracy issue instantly.

[@landcrow1947]

off*

[@Gudtime]

At 17yrs of age.. my Father was in Maintenance at a Beef Packing Plant, and called me to tell me they were Hiring for the Kill Floor.. Got Hired and it was the 'Toughest Job' I have Ever Done in my Life ! In a few months, it changed my relationship with my Father from I was no longer his teenage son.. to ' I was a Man' ! I was 3rd in line after the knocking box.. averaged 850 Head/Day in that plant.. and I took my Kick's from the 'Live Ones Many a Time' ! Young Folk today can try and tell me how hard they work.. I just say 'Oh, You don't even have a clue what Hard Work Really Is' ! Great Vids Guys.. Keep 'em Coming !

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Thanks for sharing. It's hard work for sure.

[@walterkopriva9735]

Who knew you could laugh so hard watching a butchering video 😂. Keep them coming, you guys are great

[@TheBeardedButchers]

We will thanks!

[@artcliff4631]

Absolutely

[@cachi-7878]

@26:50, hopefully he figures out his aim before he chops off his fingers…😬

[@serenityplantation7638]

I think the cleaver is all just in practice. My grandfather never used a bandsaw. Lol. He would butcher everything with one knife and a cleaver.

[@michellediamsaymendoza]

THIS IS ART.

[@bionicman6969]

Brock's ancestors were most likely very good at hurling around those giant steel blades, those lamb chops look great

[@jackwharton3563]

thanks for another entertaining, educational, and funny video Guys. we are finally home after our two month road trip through out the northwest. Thanks again for taking the time out of your busy day Monday to meet me and my wife out on your retail floor. it was such a pleasure to meet the Bearded Butchers in person. the girls in the retail store were very kind and helpful as well. keep making these great videos that I'm able to share with my family. God Bless

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Thank you so much Jack, it was nice to meet you, thanks for stopping in! Hope you had a good trip and glad you made it home safe!

[@jeffreybeachy240]

I just have to say that I am very glad to see this side of you guys!!! Keep it up!!

[@AdrienneLohn]

Watched your cow butchering video and the beef bacon one. Butchered 2 steer with had tools only. Made bacon. Studying this video. Soon to butcher a sheep. Thank you for the work you do to make this all look doable.

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Happy to hear that, good luck with your sheep!

[@rapidrotation]

As just a big-box retail meat cutter, I'm in absolute awe at the skill on display here, even with tools outside your comfort zone! Lamb is such a pain in the neck to work on too, but you made it look so easy... I'm kinda jealous XD

[@Kiwi_Teen-2.0]

I had to do a cow with only vintage and old tools. The only modern tool I had was a boning knife. I have a huge vintage, heavy cleaver. And it goes through just about everything. I love your work and would love a video like this on a smaller cow. Just cause the cow I cut up was about a year old and was a bit different to a fully sized cow. But yeah, was a bit hard considering my size and age but your videos gave me the info and confidence how to do it. Have a great day 😊

[@donaldchristopherhernandez735]

What are going on use then

[@donaldchristopherhernandez735]

Them to eat teeth Teresa teeth and cut them out 🎉

[@donaldchristopherhernandez735]

Went the hard saw biased

[@randywise8788]

​@@donaldchristopherhernandez735wat drug

[@Kiwi_Teen]

@@randywise8788 OMFG I appealed and my account was reactivated. Holy shit.

[@thomasmosher2062]

Loved this video. You're humble, humorous and skilled at what you do. God bless.

[@TheBeardedButchers]

I appreciate that!

[@muji02]

I love how humble and honest this video was, every one has something to learn no matter how much of an expert they are, but as you guys mentioned a fresh carcass of the kill floor is easier to split plus if you take one of the shanks of the hook and stabilize the lamb it gives you control and leverage over the lamb in addition to approaching it from the back instead of the inside of the animal ,,, Regardless great Video i always learn from you Guys Big love from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

[@muji02]

Splitting lamb with a saw was a thing i only saw when i came here in the US ,but its really convenient and precise

[@formalstep4211]

@@muji02 it's butchering, it doesn't need this level of precision. But it's makes for a good show.

[@kevintownsend3840]

The only thing better than watching you guys is eating the lamb beef and pork you show us how to butcher ourselves. Thank B.B guys

[@paolotolu7180]

First time I've felt more experienced than this guys, since i've always used a cleaver, but still, impressive for a first try, keep up with this videos guys, they are fun and informational

[@saqibnawaz5139]

Vry wonderful lamb cut manually & presented by tying Knots while instructing & utilizing vry basic everyday life meat cutting tools

[@carminecaiazzo6770]

love it gentlemen! you guys are the best. Now, I am going to have lamb tonight for supper!

[@user-io6pj8bz8h]

That's nice lean lamb.

[@kengoodfellow9673]

i watch you guys all the time cause you show me so much so seeing you doing it old school makes me happy because i wish we had some of the fancy tools but love the fact that you guys showed it could be done ,and there is not a tetail case here

[@MrBigjoecincy]

this is how ive been breaking down my lambs for the past couple years. A cleaver is a must, i use a rubber hammer on the back of the cleaver so i can get it right where i want. I also use a electric hacksaw for some bone cuts when im quartering and stuff

[@DELTON1995]

Lol I love these boys hahaha😂😂😂😂 good singing Scott haha Seth's like ok stop haha brothers.... I have many so i can relate 😄 🤣

[@abhijitguha494]

You guys have so amazing cutting skills. Watching you feels like it is so easy to cleanly cut meat. When I cut a lamb leg in my kitchen it’s just all over the place. You should have more tutorial videos on lamb and chicken cutting for us to learn the proper and easy way.

[@vasilisouris4853]

Another great great video. My grandfather used to break lambs and cut chops using just a cleaver and his knife, can tell Seth stresses more than Scott, while Seth is catching up with my greys in the beard Scott the lucky bastard not one grey lol😂. Keep up the great work fellas. You have to come to Australia one day for a hunt and bbq

[@williamlewis7846]

After watching these cleavers I am convinced that huge, thick, "butcher Block" had a real purpose.

[@timbopaki542]

In New Zealand we place the cleaver on the line then tap with a hammer 🔨 , following through slow and sure wins the day.

[@ahmedtibbi5841]

amazing video.thank you so much and great love from morocco.

[@gellyfour]

For the loin chops turn the primal over and go through the sixpence with a steak knife (or bigger) - easier and less messy than the cleaver

[@rosshall641]

It takes a good talent to tie a butchers knot fast like that I screwed up every time God you guys are good

[@dizzy8890]

Watching Scott attempt to split that lamb was one of the funniest butcher moments I have seen. 😂

[@OOHYEH]

I’m a Aussie butcher from the 1980s and I can say we did all our lambs and veal with a cleaver .never seen a curved handle chopper also you should do it on a chopper block (wood ). In the shop we had to knock out 30 to 40 lambs a day so I would split them on the rail with the chopper then did most on the block quick and simple. I also tunnel bone the legs and shoulder for roasts . No need to string them 👍👍👍👍 I’m getting to the end of your vid and now I’m cringing watching you not butcher but destroying a delicious quality lamb here is a secret that was passed down to me use a metal meat skewer in the spinal corded and hit that 👌

[@mikebridge.679]

Back to the good old days in the early 80’s for me. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@keithricketts4867]

I laughed so hard at Scott cutting with the cleaver..!!! AND I DONT LAUGH..!!!!!! Semper-fi gentlemen

[@MrMatto84]

Bearded butchers kill floor hits vol1 coming out soon 😂

[@Bobg425]

45yrs ago as a 15yr old trainee butcher I did my first lamb split.We had a hook eithr side of the front door and we'd hang it there to split.Youd have to be quick as customers maybe wanted to come in. I got pretty good.

[@sctrooper77]

Great watching this video. Entertaining & informative. You guys still do a great job. Nothing to be ashamed of there!

[@whaeedjacobs]

howzit guys, I gotta give it to you all. the way you handle that meat shows the love and respect for that carcass and your trade..... Awesome, great job.

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Thank you!

[@jakejoseph5703]

This was great! This fall let’s repeat it on a deer!

[@FarqueKnowsWhere]

Made the first lamb look so easy, going to give it a go. Second lamb with the slasher is still going to taste good, third one with the hand saw was how we did it on the farm with our own lamb. Mum, yes mum then processed it with the same tools. Wish I watched and learned more. Is a pleasure watching you fellas..

[@mohanrawat2879]

♥️ from INCREDIBLE INDIA 🇮🇳

[@lawrenceweston922]

Wth is so incredible about it?! These gentlemen would be persecuted for their craft of providing beef.

[@pmg-1]

Lamb loin chops are my fave...kicking myself in the ass for not getting some at Costco yesterday 😂

[@billhuffman4327]

Thank you BB, you make it look easy..I have learned from your works.. God bless you all..

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Thanks a lot, take care!

[@nathidechefmbaba3685]

Sending love ❤️ from South Africa 🇿🇦. I'll definitely try that out. I've been stressing about not having a bandsaw.

[@jonathanmitchell3733]

I’m just crying because they keep on cutting the ribs in pieces. But they don’t know about a whole rib on the Braai.

[@joejarvis2793]

Our family had a nonstandard method for splitting the carcass. My grandfather wanted backbones for making soup. Had a butcher's hatchet with a soft face on the back to be struck with a hammer. Would hang the carcass and split the pelvis by placing the hatchet and then smacking it with a hammer. That way the hammer rebounds instead of the cutting tool. Then we would score down the entire length on either side of the spine. Sawed through the big bones in pelvis. Then basically cut the spine out. So we basically got three sections when we did hogs. Oh forgot the important part. Grandpa never docked the tails on his hogs. Used bailing twine to tie the tail to the tackle in the center of the single tree. We did 8 hogs every year around groundhogs day. I spent the weekend cutting trim for lard and sausage.

[@robertocastro5669]

Love the Hollywood and Black Seasoning

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Us too!!

[@rosshall641]

At least you fellows can have some fun once in awhile😊😊

[@Hortonscakes]

Seeing the KZbin short before the video....lol that poor lamb! You guys rock! Love this, don't get too crazy for the likes tho! 🤣💯💪

[@swamprat9018]

we done tons with the the hand saw slit. The better tool than a clever to split is a manchette, you use the part close to the handle and the weight of the blade to force it thru the spine.

[@stormqueen29]

This is a fantastic video guys!! Maybe you could consider doing one like this for pigs and cows. I am fairly adept at breaking down a deer with traditional tools. I've even learned how to slice the rump into nice boneless steaks, working around the femur. Granted I cut a lot of the meat into stew chunks, as opposed to making steaks and chops or ground. That is simply the cut that works best for me. But I admit, as challenging as I know it would be, I would love to see a hog broken down this way. The information would be very valuable to me. I appreciate all the work you guys do to produce these videos, and I've learned an awful lot from you guys. More things than I ever would have imagined when I subscribed to your channel. Thanks for everything !!

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Thank you, so glad we are able to share with you!

[@noctus1409]

Nice video, guys! I love the positivity- it's good to see even more, real, wholesome yet still entertaining content on KZbin🖒🖒

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Thanks so much!!

[@MrsD30001]

@thebeardedbutchers, guys one way to split it with the cleaver, is to stick a metal rod (something like skewer) into the spine of the lamb from the back side and then hit the rod from the side, it will be splitting the lamb the same way saw will

[@draakusmephisto8613]

This video was hilarious! For what it's worth, I use a dead blow hammer with my cleaver for better accuracy. A rubber mallet might also work.

[@michaelmarkin7603]

This video is such a blessing! The video you did on processing a goat was a huge blessing too! We have a small homestead and this year we will be processing goats, lambs, a pig and now bunnies. We don't have the funds for a dedicated bandsaw at this time so I will have to use only hand tools. Have you done a video on processing a pig without power tools? Thank you Lord for the bearded butchers sharing their knowledge!

[@Kordeezy1]

26:16 best Fckn shot, great work guys

[@eddiewilson8119]

Thank you so much guys for sharing this video and I truly enjoy watching them and learning! And may God continue to Bless You and your Family 👪!

[@godfamilycountry4211]

Old school. Too cool thx guys really enjoyed you processing a lamb. Yummy

[@chris26bpm]

Awesome video of butchering a whole Lamb that is incredible

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Thanks 👍

[@artcliff4631]

I've never called myself a pro I learned how to break down a deer or hog With a Butcher's knife a boneing knife A meat clever and or my Dad's Rambo lll knife and a dime store hack saw Y'all do grat work

[@michellediamsaymendoza]

I AM A GONNA BUY A SHIRT EVENTUALLY😊

[@hardyrichards5360]

I am a rookie also, but I set the clever on the bone and then hit the back of the clever with a weighted plastic mallet. Really enjoy y’all’s videos.

[@philipcampbell4096]

Very nice and educational as usual. Great Job guys (Seth for the cutting and Scott owning up to that display and being real humble about it) 🤣

[@michaelshort7297]

Good stuff! I enjoy all of your content. I recently smoked my first brisket after having watched several of your videos. I'm hooked! More please! Thanks for sharing all of this with us.

[@ronaldferino3414]

Can't criticize you for trying the meat clever, I couldn't have done it with the band saw. Another great video, My cousin is a butcher and I'm sure he would appreciate this video also.

[@ahmadakramazaman6871]

Greetings from malaysia..love all of your videos..i've gain a lot of knowledge about meat and butchering from you..

[@bryceborcovsky8979]

When splitting a carcass with a cleaver start with a hand saw down a bit to get a line and then hang the carcass from one leg the shift of weight will make it easier to keep on track, great effort though. I think you guys are awesome another awesome video Scott and Seth and the whole team 👍👍

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Thank you very much, take care!

[@sunnyday5621]

Yeah, I don't have a band saw, but I have a reciprocating saw with a long heavy blade for metal. It is dedicated for butchering and does a mighty fine job. It takes a little practice at first. Definitely have to cut the meat first and keep the shoe of the saw tight to the carcass. And it really helps if someone holds the carcass and if the meat is very cold to partially frozen..

[@dustinboyce25]

I love how the part of the knot everyone knows how to do by heart is in slow mo and then the part we all really need to learn goes by in a blur

[@user-ih4so1rj5x]

I love watching you guys work

[@jobiden6518]

Every time I see a rack of lamb, rack of beef being cut and processed, I always say Yaba Daba doo!

[@Mohamed_Anwar011]

I am now appreciating my local butcher more than ever

[@jacknone1564]

Don’t guide the cleaver with your thumb. Keep your eye on where you want to strike (and your other hand out of the way) and just swing. Same principle as throwing a baseball. Don’t aim it, find your target and just throw it. I suppose it’s a little different if you want to put it in the case though. Just takes practice to chop a straight line. Awesome video! By the by, thanks for making your rub available from Canadian distributors. Saves a headache on customs. Cheers Lads.

[@TheBeardedButchers]

You bet! Thank you for your order!

[@gpr8695]

This is fantastic !!! You guy's have a great sense of humor !!!

[@scottsyoutubevideos]

so good to watch. old school.. well done boys... loved the video

[@pinky2502]

Incredible job Seth, makes a fella who cuts himself shaving think he can do what you do. Love you guys! Maybe Scott should have used a woodchipper?

[@Chadmusso]

Love the content keep it up

[@FreeCanadian76]

With the cleaver, rather than hack, use a wooden maul to hit the cleaver and control the cut. We've done it that way since it mimics what old fashioned carpenters did. :) Great vid again gents!

[@everardovilla]

Another great video from the Bearded butchers

[@gardeningfishingjimw9364]

Good on both of you for at least having a go at the olde style butchery. When I was a young fella, I would have to go to the Butchers to get the meat and I would watch them cutting and chopping with the cleaver to perfection. Yes they did have a band saw but they used it mainly for just the heavy beef and pig bones and never on a lamb carcass. I just might have to go to my now butcher and see if he can butcher with now power implements and let you know how he went. Cheers boys and well done!!

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Thank you!

[@mikenicholson2548]

One nice thing about old school is no scaping the meat from the saw. The lamb looked awesome. I love lamb its the best.

[@samerson6691]

Fun to watch, I'd love to show you how it's done without powertools but you guys still made it so 'non butchers' can cut their own meat and thats great! There's a lot of meat left on those bones tho.. Best regards.👍

[@ragingquickie]

Nicely done

[@DamienE11]

A single lamb shank with potatos, parsnips and carrots also makes a great single person roast dinner

[@trishschultz2749]

I really enjoyed watching this. I have learned a lots watching your videos

[@aileensmith3062]

Boyfriend has been butchering lambs for over fifty years. He has never used a cleaver before. Reason ............................................... well he has never owned one! Lamb is definitely our meat of choice. Thank You for a fun as well as informative video. We really liked it!

[@deadaeon1011]

an old butcher i used to know and work with said a trick with the clever when you are first learning how to split with one was to put a needle or pin down either side of the spine to help guide you and get you used to using the clever with minimal wastage but you guys did an awesome job was fascinating to watch

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

You fellaa are da best!!!❤

[@kentuckyhillbilly455]

Looks awesome

[@samuelspencer9194]

My self I probably had a wood mallet and use it to hit the back of the cleaver but I promise you I am no butcher lol love your videos be safe and have a great day Sam

[@papaw5405]

I split a pig with an axe! Worked like a charm!

[@vlads1776]

Dude I'm starving for this😂😂

[@rasheedhanbali1262]

You’re doing a good job. Keep up the good work.

[@TheBeardedButchers]

Thank you!