I Made 1000 Custom Knives (Biggest batch ever!)

I made 1000 custom marking knives to help fund my upcoming projects!
👇 Purchase Your Knife here:
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⚠ PLEASE READ ⚠
This video is for demonstration purposes only and is not a tutorial. This design is patent pending so I would kindly ask you refrain from reproducing this hardware or knife with the intention of making profit.
Also, from a moral and ettiquette perspective, if you're a seasoned engineer with all the kit who wants to rip off a 26 year old who's just getting started, why don't you give us a chance eh? ;)
For clarity, I think viewers making a knife for their own personal use is ok. In fact once design flaws have been ironed out, I may be offering these ferrules as a kit in the future. Stay tuned!
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🕵️‍♂️ WHO AM I?:
My name is Matt Estlea, I'm a 26 year old Woodworker from Basingstoke in England and my aim is to make your woodworking less s***.
I come from 5 years tuition at Rycotewood Furniture Centre with a further 1 year working as an Artist in Residence at the Sylva Foundation, which is where I began growing my business. I then returned to Rycotewood to teach Evening Classes for 2 Years, while also teaching City and Guilds Furniture Making for 3 years. They were some long 12 hour days!
In September, 2021. I resigned from teaching at the school to focus on my own business.
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I like to have a laugh and my videos are quite fast paced BUT you will learn a lot, I assure you.
Lets go make a mess.
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[@BillyBoy7380]

That drill press your working next to looks like a “pin press” to me.

[@ToraKwai]

Yup, just drop a lump of mild steel in the chuck and voilà. Dependant on how well the leverage goes

[@s0mepi884]

Or the arbor press right in front of him.

[@Irishrebel092]

@@s0mepi884 right?!

[@lukebm5555]

He’s in the chrysalis stage between woodworking and mechanical. It’s a beautiful thing!

[@robertluo72]

Slightly squishing the end of the pin also helps to start it in the hole.

[@sami59165]

The first half of the kzbin.infoUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.

[@TheZooloo10]

Hey Matt, just in case you didn't already know (and for anyone else working with exotic woods). Not all woods are safe to breath their dust, or contact your skin/eyes. The wood database has better information which are potentially harmful. But it looks like you did some work with purpleheart which is a "sensitizer" which means the more of it you work with and breath in / are exposed to the more severe an allergy to it you can develop. Its highly recommended you wear adequate breathing protection as not to breath in the dust particles created by it, because the more you breath the worse a reaction you can develop every following time you use it. Its also recommended to use eye protection that seals around your eyes as not to let the dust get into them as they can develop a similar allergy. Stay safe

[@daylen577]

Absolutely baffled me watching this that he doesn't wear a respirator, and only turned on ventilation for the chemical process. Dust is a pretty big killer of lungs, really need to wear at the very least a filtered mask while sanding, and a respirator while coating stuff in liquids that turn to gas.

[@luisapaza317]

Nice point, a lot of artisans in KZbin don't use breathing protection, it pretty dangerous and an unconscious decision. Im a hobbyist carpenter and even for small works I feel that this type of protection is utterly important

[@Mynameischef]

regardless of any scientific studies saying there are "safe" woods you can breathe always wear a respirator when working with stuff like this, plus these are almost all going to be stabilized wood, so you are also breathing in epoxy

[@azielce]

Received my knife today. It’s gorgeous, and thanks for the behind the scenes look at the making.

[@paulone-off7286]

Fair play for doing this amount of work and finishing everyone of them to perfection, awesome job.

[@chm1701]

Well, I’ve missed out again, but, by god do I have respect for the amount of time and effort that you put in. If there’s ever a chance I get one, great, but if not, I think a kit version is a great idea. I hope these sales give you the chance to bring the move, etc into fruition. All the best to you Matt.

[@arcadebit1551]

For the pin issue: Try to use your drill press. Just create two holders. One for the blade holder and one for the pin. The one for the pin should have a shallow hole for the pin and a magnet so the pin dont fall. Put the pin holder in the chuck, bladeholder beneath and done. There is your new pin press. You can make the pin holder even for two pins at the same time, so you save one workstep.

[@chm1701]

Hi Matt. I hope everything is going well your end. I just wanted to say that I’m blown away by the quality of your marking knife. I bought the B46 brass and cocobolo marking knife over the weekend, and apart from a little wait due the Royal Mail strike (only an extra day), I received it today. For what you class as ‘B Stock’, it’s incredibly well made and finished, with only a hairline of epoxy that I can see (well, okay, it is as your description said; 1mm, but it’s barely noticeable). From the presentation box, to the foam with the holes that fit the pieces perfectly - including the supplied Allen key - to the little extra white padding, it’s a super classy set up. Then of course, you finally get to see the knife; it’s superb! I just can’t get over the glossy finish; it’s like glass. Incredible! Anyway, keep up the great work and I hope the purchase goes some way in helping you reach the goal of moving to the new shop, etc. Good luck and thanks again. P.S. I’m looking forward to your mallet being made for sale.

[@KOutOfMyYard]

I am just so happy to see how much freaking work goes into these and thank you for sharing.. sometimes I find that creators don’t show all of the toil, mistakes, and frustration that goes into making the things they make and I appreciate that you do👊🏾

[@coreygrua3271]

I’ve wondered what life as an indentured servant would be like. Now…I know. What a fine ad for a fine product that I’d like in my shop.

[@ShaneCarrigan]

my brother in christ.. this amount of tedious work is astounding.. endless cheers

[@mauricio8983]

Congrats! Keep it up Matt.

[@taylormedia1000]

A literal definition of “Handmade.” The end product makes me want one even more.

[@garynelles]

Pretty cool seeing your process Matt. Keep up the good work!

[@elpepe-wx7oj]

these are beautiful matt!!!

[@gregmislick1117]

I have to say, the finished product is SMASHING! Matt, the fact that each and every one of these is hand made is astonishing. The fact that the on in my possession is of such high quality workmanship that you cannot tell by inspection if it was the first, the tenth, the last, the last done in a rush to get out of the shop, or the first done while fully rested - a testament to your commitment that each and EVERY knife meets your own personal high standards. I am quite honored to own one. Good luck with the move, the accommodations sound wonderful. Have fun with the van conversion! You've gotten a great platform to build it on/in and should have a blast - a perfect opportunity to build a rolling resume if you will ..save for the time you have to do it in.

[@cillians7407]

Don't think i've ever been happy to see a product out of stock, glad to see a good product appreciated

[@brandonknott3631]

Next level Matt. Congrats on accomplishing this impressive feat. I’ve got two on the way!

[@grzesiektg]

Thanks Matt for being such an inspiring person! :)

[@syilandel]

I got my marking knife in December 2021 and I can't say enough good about it. Even though I got a ''B grade'' knife, it looks fantastic and it's one of my favourite tools. Great job Matt

[@joshuaroe11]

Knife Ordered!! Can't wait to get it

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Some work. Looking forward to seeing the new workshop.

[@AgentWest]

Small batch fabrication fascinates me since it comes with its own problem solving. Did learn a few neat things from this video. Also screamed at the screen in frustration a few times, as in "why are you doing _this_ the HARD way!"; but hey, that's just a part of it.

[@a.freeland179]

How dare you have a night of enjoyment at HellFire when we first met. When you had so much work to complete !.......lol Congratulations on the massive deadline.

[@Kashi754]

Missed the last couple batches, so excited that I managed to get an order in for one of Padauk ones with a bronze ferrule. Can't wait to get it in the mail

[@RobHarveyMusic]

Absolutely the best combo!

[@JeanMinutile]

@@RobHarveyMusic This is the one I own ;-)

[@nickguitar737]

That's a HUGE project. They look amazing!

[@stevejkalman8174]

Loved the video. Congrats

[@JeanMinutile]

After quite a long wait I got myself a knife from the last batch, it looks awesome and it is pleasure to use and display in the shop!!! No wonder why they sell out so fast!!! Almost forgot to mention the packaging is top notch too!!! Great job Matt

[@nktreleaven]

Matt broke the internet again

[@monkeyboysworkshop]

Cracking video dude! Really enjoyed this one, you had me gripped 👊🏻🔥

[@englishhomestead]

As always a great video! I really enjoyed watching that. Your editing is top notch.

[@matthewdrake9699]

Excellent video!.. hope the next few months go well and can’t wait to see the new workshop come together

[@FirstMM]

This is, by a long way, the best, and most entertaining, advert I have ever seen 💫

[@SoLowKaspar]

dude your patience is unmatched

[@saylesherrow6994]

Great stuff!

[@robandsharonseddon-smith5216]

So pleased for you that you sold out so fast. Great effort there.

[@georgeclam1756]

Booya. Got myself a marking knife! Been watching you for a long time so I'm happy to finally have one.

[@WarriorKidd06]

Great video!!! I'll have to get myself one of these. Very professional looking product.

[@philipcatuogno2968]

I so hope I can get one from the upcoming batch. I am blown away by your attention to detail 1,000 times without fail. Others might have bailed on quality control and taken shortcuts, but not Mr. Estlea. Thank you for showing the true meaning of work integrity and staying true to your craft. Stay well. UPDATE: :( I see I missed out on the 2nd batch (Late 06/22). I hope there is a way to still get one.

[@jamescarter9911]

The dedication my man🔥🔥

[@jonathanspeicher5298]

Just remember that while you level up on smithing skills, the drauger are leveling combat skills. 👍

[@lukebrown2674]

These are very beautiful knifes. Wonderful job and I appreciate the high standards you have set for yourself

[@zacharynewton2361]

Just stumbled on your channel and have really been enjoying your work. Looks like you've been busy with the move - don't underestimate how much your subscribers care about seemingly mundane content centered around your life and workshop transition! Also, I wish I knew you when you were assembling the pins. Dry ice would have likely made that process a breeze. Cheers~

[@joelosacco]

I just got my knife this week and it is a fantastic tool and a beautiful piece of work. Thanks Matt.

[@davidm3225]

Will you be filming the van conversion for the channel? I suspect it might become the best van build series ever seen on KZbin.

[@georgegriffiths2235]

My dad was a cabinet maker post war he found he was allergic to Brazilian mahogany when making and installing fire doors in the Liver building in Liverpool

[@nichegames9590]

Wow, great video. I also looked at your store, and I have to say, good for you man. That's a legit business.

[@andrewjetter7351]

Just received my knife this week and I already love it! Thank you Matt! Also looking forward to snatching up an ironwood mallet when you get to making those again.

[@Julian-yx4we]

Brilliant work Matt. I got a knife from the previous batch (once the website reanimated itself! 🤣) and it’s brilliant to see the process that goes into these. Crazy how something as small as the pins or a gap in the ferrule can risk upending a whole batch! Great work.

[@Raaa1111..]

ty love the purple heart wood handle

[@FilipeMVicente]

I don’t need another marking knife but I really wanted to support you by buying your stuff. Well, you CLEARLY don’t need it, you have lots of fans that realize, like I do, how awesome you are. Everything out of stock and a deposit granted. I’m happy for you, Matt!

[@neilbrown2146]

Amazing work as normal

[@egj1975]

Great job man.... what a legend

[@colinwilson8747]

Oh Boy Oh Boy What a mammoth effort. I am exhausted just watching. Well Done,

[@CafeenMan]

Making 1000 marking knives is one of my favorite afternoon projects. Sometimes takes a whole weekend if I have other things I need to attend to.

[@Hexedbug]

the best marketing video in history

[@woodfather]

Honestly now, what takes longer? The knives or the editing? Love both!

[@congruewoodworks1474]

Congrats on selling out, beautiful snakewood handles!

[@tpottrell]

Sadly I cant justify the cost but that isnt to say it isn't justified, they're gorgeous :)

[@Irishrebel092]

yeah, I was expecting them to be like $30-$40 US, not 80-100 pounds. but damn if I don't agree they look beautiful.

[@dougsaunders8109]

Until very recently I worked for 3M. Silicon half mask respirators work by sealing on your face. The beard means no seal. Therefore the respirator will not work as intended. Beards need a positive pressure system over the head full face. Not trolling 🧌 here, just an explanation of where issues may have occurred Lovely work as always 👍🏻

[@willhall2190]

Damn! Sold out in 3 days! Great work! As always.

[@safe1968man]

Just bought your knife. Can't wait till it gets here. ( Southern California USA.)

[@steveblewer1202]

WOW! That's it, just WOW!

[@anthonymiller8979]

I know the feeling of reactions to certain woods. My first job was in a foundry pattern shop. Even with a respirator the mahogany dust made me feel like a had a bad cold for days.

[@roderickbutler7673]

I'm upset and relieved that I wasn't able to watch this yesterday. Upset because you're sold out already and I've missed out again. And relieved because I definitely shouldn't be spending what it would cost to get one of your knives to the US. More than anything though, I'm super happy for you. Happy that you were able to sell out in a day and happy to see there's so many people throwing support your way. Keep up the great work!

[@linsen8890]

Wow! I am writing this comment just 6 hours after the video premiered according to KZbin, and almost every knife is already sold out. Your knives are in high demand, and that's awesome!

[@NordriOfUthgard]

Dear Matt, how in the bloody nine hells is your content just always such a joy to watch? Kudos! Sincerely, NordriOfUthgard

[@jbtallullah7009]

Sweat equity Matt. It's easy to do the work when it's about achieving your goals. Creating, marking knives, content, you do it all well. Hope the new shop and van is coming along well. Keep up the good work.

[@Zafor-ium]

Great to see you're all out of stock and the move would've went smoothly... maybe.. hope it did, the knives are really nice.

[@allystrya]

I would love to have one of these as they are absolutely beautiful and to to help out but my own finances do not allow me to. So sorry 😢 (for you and me both 😂). Since discovering your channel you have become a favorite of mine. Even though I can’t get a knife doesn’t mean I am not cheering for you in your new workshop. I think it is a beautiful thing to grow and expand as you have done. Not just your business but you as a person too. I am positive it will feel like home in a short while. 🥰

[@Sawtooth70]

Great video showing the process and pitfalls. It looks like the knives turned out great. I found your channel a few years ago when looking in to Tormek tips. I just purchased 2 of your marking knives, they’ll be headed to the San Francisco Bay Area. I look forward to using one and gifting the other to a dear friend. Keep up the good work and I hope your move goes smoothly. Cheers

[@sean6992]

Your a nice guy considering the fact you spent 100 pounds for a knife for your friend.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Matt! 😃 But, please, try not to get mad! 😬 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@TheMaxwellee]

beautiful.

[@lukebm5555]

Good on you mate you smashed your goal and you’re set up for the next leg of the journey. There’s often some good advice in the comments so even if you don’t respond I hope you take note!

[@marklittlejohn1457]

Beautiful looking knife thankyou for the video

[@mattradtke2190]

Great video

[@michaelthompson5875]

I'm watching this approximately 3 hours after it uploaded and I think I saw only 2 options still in stock. Well done Mr. Estlea, well done. If I may make a small suggestion...a knife with an Osage orange handle would look beautiful.

[@LyleAshbaugh]

I would like to see one made out of Ipe.

[@helenjohnson7583]

Osage Orange may be too hard on the machinery. But it is beautiful & durable!

[@thomasmichouxwright8922]

the title should read 'how to turn your hobby into a factory job'

[@chrisivens3413]

Wish I actually needed one. If you ever start making sculpting tools then that's definitely something up my alley.

[@chrisivens3413]

Looks like spam to me.

[@paulfriedman4767]

They remind me of all the different types of wooden wands in Harry Potter. Will one of those magically make my joinery better?

[@mathewmcloughlin8312]

got one!

[@ikerstges]

just 1000?? 😁😁 kudos, great insight! 🙌👍

[@patrickkeller2193]

One tip that helps me when I'm daunted by a large batchjob, break it up into smaller batches. Don't do all 1000 pieces in a row, just do 50 or 100, whatever you can do in less than 90 minutes, then switch to another step, maybe finish 50 before you go back to step one for the next 50.

[@aeniman]

Here for it

[@helenjohnson7583]

Your editor is obviously a genius.

[@Psychlist1972]

Wow! All sold out. Congratulations :)

[@HostileTakeover2]

I can't remember about most of the others, but Purpleheart dust has kicked my butt several times. Even with a respirator I have to be careful. Usually a migraine with no buildup. I love its looks almost as much as Redheart, but it does me no favors.

[@stjepanhorvatovic6848]

Cool!

[@WeeWillyWeiner]

Hi Matt I would love to see a series of challenges of pros using amateur gear Vs amateur using pro gear. You could also have guest woodworkers join the challenge much in the same way this is done by lots of photography channels. It makes for comical content, a way to stretch yourself but most importantly can highlight how much knowledge and technique reigns over the tools.

[@JNDCreations]

Epic video mate! Well worth the re edit! what brand of friction polish are you using?

[@tr6r71]

I would be interested in ferrule kits if you do that. I enjoy your work and presentation. Making it all fun is the best part. George (Maine, USA, Just across the pond)

[@evicol2117]

You could also have chilled the pins or heated the blade holders for some thermal expansion/retraction to get more space.

[@jasonthomas1760]

I know a lot of guys (myself included) who would purchase those ones you break as long as they are functional of course. Just for the pure character of blemishes

[@DinghyCruisingKingfisher]

Man, all the knives are gone already? Nicely done sir.

[@Binbag1010]

502 bad gateway error when clicking on the purchasing link Matt.

[@francon2453]

I'm getting the same issue

[@Maarc]

Maybe too much fan at the same time ;)

[@damascuseverything]

Woodworkers: you can never have too many clamps This guy: I literally NEed ONE THOUSAND CLAMPS!

[@simonspoke]

Unfortunately the rise in my electric bill has put the idea of owning anything this beautiful out of my reach for the foreseeable future. 😭 I'd so love one though.

[@Dooban]

Next time, just freeze the pins so they are a bit smaller and easier to get in

[@JonathanWilliams256]

Completely sold out. That was fast. Hopefully I’ll get one next batch