Can I Make a Damascus Viking Sword in 24 Hours?

[@jhublades]

I have decided to give this sword away for free as a thank you to all my viewers :) Enter the giveaway at: GIVEAWAY WINNER DRAWN ON 1/19/2025, THANK YOU FOR ENTERING! Also check out my Patreon if you have time but please read my update in the video description first: www.patreon.com/JesseHu

[@olligesd9343]

Looks like I got here a bit late, but I think it would be cool to collab and hand it off to a YT channel that does engraving and or filigree. THEN, even cooler, is if they could hand it off to another creator that makes leather goods for a scabbard, then on and on... Just an idea. Great work! Keep it up! 👍

[@Luiz_Alberto.P.K]

Jesse, I don't have social media, so I can't watch the stream on Instagram. The winner should answer you during the stream, or you will send an E-mail to inform them?

[@AcousticGuiterist]

Hey Jesse I am from India and please make your audio tack in hindi please

[@hardeeshater6996]

Ever made an axe? Would be cool to do a matching style Viking axe and give it away next. Great work, keep it up!

[@they-call-me-mister-trash847]

Just entered the raffle, can't wait to see it in person!

[@ApexATL]

I’d like to see a challenge where you make a signature blade once in the normal Forged In Fire time frame, and then remake that exact blade again in your normal time frame and test them against each other. I’d like to see how much that time really improves the finished product

[@jhublades]

Ooh, that would be interesting, I like that idea. I’d predict that performance wise they wouldn’t be worlds apart, but fit and finish would be night and day. Will have to see though!

[@edwardwesterfield6697]

This is a great idea and would be great content for the channel!

[@edwardwesterfield6697]

@@jhublades eventually Jesse, once you’ve monetized a bit more, it would be epic to see you make a pilgrimage to Japan, to participate in the once a year making of katana steel from black sand, and study with a Katana master

[@ThatWorks]

Biggest tease on the internets! Can't wait!

[@hydrogradd]

says you!

[@Tacodave1679]

Glad i read this comment cause now i'm not finishing this video

[@Wukomet]

@@Tacodave1679 the sword is made in this one video

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

Congratulations on your degree. You should be proud of yourself. Thanks for taking us along on the sword build 👍.

[@jhublades]

I appreciate it :D thanks for watching!

[@Yintii]

I think i can safely speak for everyone when i say we all just love watchin you work. Just keep doing what you love and we'll be here for the ride. I like long detailed builds....but it is also fun to see other things....and its always good practice to challenge yourself

[@campbelldaniel58]

Best video yet. To answer your prompt: I like the idea of you doing challenges like this. As a viewer, selfishly, I want to see you learn because that’s how I will learn. But definitely show commission projects, too. If you do both your business will grow from both ends… and you’ll be building a house with cash in a year.

[@Vetveto001]

I was so stoked to see there’s a notification from Jesse then I saw it starts over 25 hours😂

[@jhublades]

It'll be worth the wait :D

[@dubssalamander]

Sameee

[@Vetveto001]

@@jhubladesit always will be

[@binyominmartin3308]

​@jhublades do i have to be on the Instagram to win or will I be notified after if I win?

[@KDLknives]

Finally, been needing some good bladesmithing content on KZbin.

[@thewestfire9729]

I’m only 5:30 minutes in and I’m already happy. You’ve been on Forged in Fire and you watch Alec Steele. I swear if you name drop Man at Arms somewhere in this video you’re earning an automatic subscription.

[@MacNugg]

I think I actually prefer the longer builds where you are putting maximum effort into every aspect, but I still watched the full 58 minutes of this video so just keep doing whatever makes you want to keep putting out videos!

[@urkidingright4811]

I don't know what it is but your videos are far more satisfying then the other channels out there. Not that the other smithing channels are bad, your videos just scratch that itch i guess. Maybe its because of the precision and engineering you add in to the mix.

[@amysthe-wise-one8493]

Congrats on finishing the Engineering Degree. Well earned! Kudos to the 'rents for encouraging you to succeed.

[@SteveSharps]

I am no where near any handy person, but I think a heavy-duty ventilation system might be delightful for your workshop.

[@Moritz10045]

I would love to see a video where you make something with a hamon, as its your special technique!

[@jhublades]

Stay tuned👻, big hamon build is on the way

[@valeharperx]

@@jhublades oh I'd love to know how you go about making a neat hamon for sure!

[@MNSmiths-on2qz]

Hey Jessie, I have some advice for you that I learned from an abs master smith that I thought you might want to hear. #1 then your steel is covered in flux or scale take an angle grinder to it. An 8” is best but a 4.5” works. It blasts off scale much faster than a belt grinder, keeps the belt sharper, and keeps the abrasive tips from glazing over. #2 when quenching or normalizing use a small magnet (like one that would go on your fridge with a hole through it possibly with a clip on it) because it will swing easily if the metal is magnetic. Which is much easier to see then holding a large magnet next to a hot blade. #3 after quenching your blade you might notice that it isn’t hard right after the quench, which is a major concern but the blade only hardens at about 600° I believe. This is also why your blade will sometimes crack if you try to straighten it after it is cooled. To properly straiten it it should be done immediately after the quench and beforethe temper or hardness check. Thanks for the awesome video you teach me something every time I watch your videos. I hope this can help on future blades. If you like my advice feel free to give me a shoutout, I’m trying everyday to catch you on subs! God bless you man, you make my day better everytime you post!

[@Kharnscustomringsthings]

So glad your back! One of the best blade builders in the game!

[@jhublades]

I'm honored :D Lot's more videos coming soon

[@shadow6432]

@Jesse Hu thank you brother i was getting distracted by youtube while trying to study for exam and seeing you do a 24 hour run helped/inspired me to do a 8 hour study run

[@jhublades]

Let’s gooo, get urself a triple shot coffee to help :D

[@RyokoVT]

I like the longer builds because I like watching you work through your process, but watching a challenge build means you're working through that process differently, so that's also interesting. I just like your videos is the easy answer!

[@marccus83]

I appreciate your objectivity and honest self assessment. It’s that discerning eye and pursuit of constant improvement that makes you the craftsman that you are. And all critiques aside, you have created an absolutely beautiful sword.

[@jacobstout4552]

This is so sick. I'm a bladesmith too but I mostly do production runs, your vids always inspire me to take a break from the batches and make something awesome ❤

[@michaelhartman2645]

Love this challenge format!! That was a captivating watch and a hell of a beautiful blade.

[@MMKnight_1]

Finally a Jesse video to save the day! Cool "game" that always ends up as 15 ;)

[@duoQian-q2m]

It's still very exciting!!! The little events are still so interesting!!! In the end, you're still in great spirits. You really love it

[@cooperbrahmsteadt5123]

Can’t believe how far you’ve come. I remember the old chef knife builds on instagram. Back when Big Kev was the biggest thing you’d made. Even though I don’t bladesmith as much anymore you were a major inspiration for a lot of what I wanted to build

[@ceooffrog2683]

I love the full build/ challenge style!!! im a newer self taught blacksmith and bladesmith so seeing all the little steps, all the problems and how theyre solved, it really helps me learn!

[@Flieguy]

Challenges or not, i appreciate the craftsmanship and story telling. Make what makes you happy and we’ll be here to watch

[@sperber-knives]

Yeeeeeeaaaaaaa, new video ! Cant wait. Love your videos. Greetings from germany !

[@official_lixl1841]

From where in germany? 👋

[@Andys4n]

One more from Germany 😊

[@sperber-knives]

@@official_lixl1841 Westerwald, Hessen. Herborn 😁👍

[@sperber-knives]

@@Andys4n yesss 😁😁

[@official_lixl1841]

@sperber-knives grützli aus Darmstadt ✌️

[@javajoecupofcoffee6816]

Truly a work of art for such a short time to make it. Love your videos man and keep up the amazing work.

[@aserta]

Change your blade bending jig from welded rod to eights of a pipe, that way, when you apply tension, instead of putting tension on one spot, you're spreading the load towards a larger surface. If you can get a piece of 10cm OD pipe, that could work really well. You'd have to cut the portion of pipe and then put a piece of fitted metal between it and the jaw fitting L bracket so it doesn't collapse.

[@Bhrz]

I like your intricate full builds a lot, but seeing your challenge video is an interesting twist to see how you compensate and risk certain steps. Overall, sure, more challenge videos would be nice (maybe with different twists, too). Though, without a doubt, I love your full build episodes most with your intricate detailing and care for explaining your steps and design choices.

[@graydogllc]

Bro, I like the challenge and the long builds. I'm just here to see what you're getting into, so make yourself happy with these vids and don't get burnt out!

[@vatic941]

Time constraints can be interesting, sure, but I think you should go for ones that challenge your technique, skill, and creativity. Time crunches mean you sacrifice some quality just to be fast. Good for a gameshow, but most of us want to watch you take your time and make something beautiful.

[@draketimmerman3837]

it’s also a really easy way to sacrifice safety. as cliche as it sounds, it takes one second to make a mistake that you have to live with forever. no challenge is worth that risk. i hope jessie realizes we watch these videos for him and not the challenge. i’d watch him make anything to be honest

[@henriksorensen82]

Stumbled across this video by chance and being a Viking I had to watch it. Great that you succeeded in your challenge. But to be completely honest I think it's much more interesting and rewarding to see someone turn the challenge around and come up with an idea of ​​what they want to do and see how long it takes to get there with the best possible result for their ability, after that it's just a matter of seeing if you can get an even better result or the same but in a shorter time.

[@intergalactic1068]

Love the challenge style video, but love all your videos, your narration, your constant attempts at getting better at your craft, it's all wonderful to watch!

[@Eysh2009]

I just love watching this channel, it’s like a therapy for me, specially when I’m trying to relax. Love every type of video, and loved the challenge. I would love to see another one, HOWEVER I would suggest you did like “24h challenge” with breaks - like, when it’s time to sleep you pause your timer. I fear the challenges and internet life might be detrimental for your physical and mental health, so I wouldn’t mind if it was like “18h in one day and 6h in the other day” you know, or 12/12 something like that. Anyways KEEP IT UP, love it! ❤

[@benoitrenaud625]

Love to see these full builds videos. Great job 👍🏼

[@garysmcdermott]

Congratulations on getting your degree and good to see you back.

[@MrBrutalMachinee]

This vid got recommended for me, decided to watch and dude actually mentions Alec Steele in first few mins as someone who's work is good reference. After that watching your progression and planning it become pretty clear that ur worth to follow and watch your vids. Hopefully you can meet Steele and mby visit his place some day!

[@GuillotineStare]

Grate stuff my guy. Long form is my preference. Always happy to see your updates

[@blakOrkk]

What I'd like to see more sword makers do, is make the scabbard for the blade. It's just as integral part of the weapon as the blade. Still amazing work on such a time crunch!

[@cassiusmishima]

swordcrafting speedrun, bless you swordsmith!

[@beaumattat]

This was a joy to watch. Loved seeing your thought processes and time management methodology. Hope I can win that raffle for my birthday!

[@Flying0Dismount]

Sharpie marker to help you figure out where to file/grind and a proper broach for handles are two little tricks you will want to add to your toolkit.. If you color your tang or other part and then shove on the guard wherever the color gets scraped off is where you are getting contact and filing or grinding that specific area on the corresponding part will make fitting much quicker. A handle broach will also remove wood both accurately and also much faster than the files and rasps you are currently using. Since I have my broaches, I would never consider burning a handle as they are that fast... Finally, don't give up on your 3-point straightening jig as these are very effective. Replace the round bar with flat blocks of aluminum with rounded corners as the round bars put too much stress on a small area and can cause snappage. Wood or plastic blocks will work really well as they compress and conform to the blade, but cannot be used with a hot blade whereas the aluminum blocks can be used with a blade straight out of the forge

[@Dmanwinters123]

Every time I see your damascus, it inspires me more and more to get back out to my forge. I am in no was set up or capable of making damascus right now. But your content encourages me to keep creating in preparation for the day that I can.

[@jeremiah7disimone]

I personally like to watch the full builds, but challenges are cool every once in a while. You should run a poll.

[@Wildkirblet]

hey jesse, if you would answer a few quick questions for a beginner bladesmith, that would be great. 1. what 2x72 belts would you recommend for a budget 2. where do you get your steel 3. approximately how fast do you go through your belts thank you so much for your videos, you're my favourite bladesmithing youtuber and ive learned a whole lot from you, and congrats on the degree!

[@jhublades]

Sure! 1. I’d recommend cheap VSM belts, they’re the cheapest ones you can find new. If you have a knife maker nearby, using their worn belts is also an option if they’re willing. 2. I get my steel from New Jersey Steel Baron and Pop’s Knife Supply 3. I go through them pretty fast, I’d say for every average blade I use 2 of each grit

[@Wildkirblet]

@ thanks a ton

[@EnigmaticDrifter8]

Awesome video as always!! I enjoyed the challenge and your longer videos. Honestly man it's a joy to watch whatever and I look forward to seeing what is next!

[@zachyoung5917]

Most winningest human on Forged In Fire. Always fun to watch you work.

[@olivierpepin4097]

Please keep making these videos!!! You’re my favorite knife maker! And i love to see that you can do all that crazy stuff while being young! Which gives motivation for me!

[@newclearly]

To be so young and already a blade master. Can't wait to see your works in 20 years.

[@73ella182]

i just like seeing you proud of your final result and having fun through the process

[@ericforst438]

Ok i just finished this video. This is my 2nd video of yours and I have to admit your very good at your craft. I'm a Will Stelter and Alec Steele fan and now I'm also a fan of yours. You deserve my subscription. Can't wait for more videos.

[@michealwriska2920]

i’m glad you explain it as you go

[@pjamestx]

This is the first of your videos I've come across, and I was very impressed! I'm hoping to make a viking-ish sword this year and I'll be using this video as one of my references, thanks!

[@trikitu]

Since you asked… I couldn’t care less for the challenge. I’d like to see you in the top of your craft without cutting corners or rushing things. Bit of both if aids the algorithm but I’ll support you anyways… take care, homie!!

[@hayescrawford1]

Your Videos are so Refreshing. The editing and filming is perfect.

[@_HENRY_S]

YAY YOURE BACK!!!!

[@federicojpp]

First congrats on finishing the degree. Second nice to have a new video! and lastly I suggest you use one of those mics that grabs your shirt that everyone uses for youtube, your throat will thank you for not having to be screaming a lot

[@Happydad491]

Amazing work Jesse and in 24 hours!

[@guillermoalfaro2714]

Hey 👋 Jessie, I'm pretty sure that you can use two 4x4 clap it until the metal is cool when you quinch it

[@Little_River_Forge]

I feel like you make the process hard on yourself, you got this man, have fun and relax. Thank you for sharing again. ✌️✌️

[@nightleaper]

This was the video i was looking for after I saw you on the show ^^ Love the transparency on your mistakes ... mistakes makes masters ! Keep it up !!!

[@wixxoyt9273]

about the challenge format. i like how you approach the challenges, because you show us all the planning. of course i love just watching you work on the blades, and having a comentary that i still relaxing to listen to. i think a challenge here and there and some projects here and there would be perfect! i think another cool suggestion might be to make some unique blades sometimes. with how relaxing but informative you are to watch, i dont think what you build should matter too much, as its the adventure that is so fun to watch. hope you see this, i think i can speak for most of your fanbase!

[@BeemerBob73]

I'm just a fan of your work. I just started randomly watching FiF and saw the Gladiator championship run which of course brought me here. You do incredible work. I could care less about the format on your content delivery - I just enjoy the final product.

[@TheRondeaut]

No matter the hiccups, It still turned out to be an absolutely beautiful sword!! Amazing job!

[@sherif2994]

I love this style of videos, and don't mind trying different videos, just as long as you don't completely stop doing the full build videos

[@jhublades]

Thanks! This video was definitely more of an experiment, and the full build videos will still be the main focus of the channel!

[@Fjlasers]

44:22 off course we like it but one important thing u need to remember is to never make content for us make it for yourself make what u like and we will support you dose that make sense? Idk love your work!

[@catalinaurica107]

You're a great bladesmith! I loved to watch the challenge, but i would love even more to see challanges where the end result is awesome quality and the challenge is something else than time restraints. Something like functional fantasy, custom works going more to family weapons, customize to be functional but have something unique, family swords, etc. Anyway man, do your thing, you are great deserve every great thing in your life. Take care!

[@cristianmarin6564]

Hi, Jesse! Since you like trying new things maybe you should make a dacian falx. You know... just for fun! Thanks! Your awesome, man!

[@operationsauce]

So beautiful, something i can really imagine being used!

[@dankaczor8965]

The ladder pattern was a very nice touch. If you were going to do another Viking sword, I would do a twist Damascus core since a lot of the swords from that time had that. Hilt is definitely longer, but it is in the right shape.

[@jhublades]

Yeah if I attempted one of these again I would do the Turkish-twist pattern that you're talking about, super difficult though so I might put it off for a little bit. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@Dragoon.knifeworks]

Hi Jesse, Greetings from Deutschland. For swords after hardening you should clamp them down in between two pieces of long thick straight wood. Also when you temper in a fixed jig straight, it will naturally straighten. Love your work, Message anything, and keep up the Awesome Work…;-)

[@enriquepalomino8636]

I absolutely loved this video! But I also do love watching your other videos. Both this video and your other videos are awesome! As a bladesmith my self, your videos are inspiring and motivating! Thank you!

[@josephlane1614]

Love your vids. I am honestly just interested in seeing you make super cool blades. I really like the sword builds. Don't really care if you do it in the form of a challenge, or a standard vid.

[@Helicrom47]

Can’t wait Jesse. Your videos have been a shared interest for me and my 13yo son. Well done and thanks for your hard work. Your Australian fans!

[@xlbaggyCOD]

Dope video as per usual, also super cool to have 0$ entry to have a chance to get this piece. I was fully willing to pay 3-5$ as said in the video too.

[@KingKamikadze]

Congrats on finishing your degree!

[@aviweisbach7816]

Great build! I really appreciate your input on doing the fuller - the thought of doing one scares me no end. As to those pesky metal pieces that get stuck on the hands, try wading up some masking or duct tape and patting the problem areas. Often the tape will pick the metal off the skin. I like both the short and long build formats, equally.

[@flam1ngicecream]

Be careful that you're not doing an illegal lottery! Pretty sure there needs to be a free way to participate. Double check or you could get hit with a fine!

[@jhublades]

Got it! I ended up making the giveaway free so I think I’m good but thanks for the heads up!

[@Nitehawke]

That came out great, especially for the time constraints.

[@edster612]

Really well done! Beautiful sword!

[@jhublades]

Thank you!! I appreciate it :D

[@stewnelless2416]

Hi. I like the format of these challenges. It also keeps you on task and on schedule. A great build.

[@dylancnguyen]

I think I speak for most viewers when I say that while the challenge format is definitely fun and likely easier to do on your end from a time standpoint, I think taking your time and really putting your all into a client build or just something you are inspired to make a auction off is a better watch because your constraints are just your own creativity and ability rather than time. And in the long run, I’d get it if challenges are more profitable on the KZbin side of things given that they’d likely get similar views for days if not weeks less in forging time, and it would be understandable if that’s what makes the most sense to you, but those are just my two cents.

[@YeOldeBelmont]

This was fun to watch! Let's see some more challenges.

[@osirisatot19]

Really impressive that you got a piece that nice in that short amount of time; very well done. I think your next challenge should be something that pushes you to use tools or materials that you aren't comfortable with, to push you in ways other than time constraints. I'm making canister damascus with meteorite in it and it scares me, but I'm excited to see what I can make out of it.

[@thecaitiff]

I'm not a blade smith but I use a dremel an awful lot so I have two suggestions for the micro shards. First of all, even a nitrile glove will catch most of them when I use a carbide burr on brass the slivers are just too small to get that deep right away. Second suggestion for when I refuse to wear gloves, duct tape. You can cover your hand in duct tape, push it down until you have firm glue to skin contact across the area. When you remove the tape it should take most of the metal shards with it.

[@jhublades]

Ooh, wait these are some good tips, I will keep them in mind next time I use my Dremel! I wish I knew the duct tape trick when filming

[@plikderp]

So siked to see another video welcome back and congratulations 🥳

[@Bob-t5i7z]

Just a tip. If you take a stick about a foot long, tie a rope to the middle then, tie a weight to the other end. Hold your arms in front of you and slowly roll the weight up and down. This will strengthen your forearms and save you a lot of pain down the road. 💪

[@mammothaudioengineering]

This was awesome to watch! I am surprised at how much I enjoyed the "challenge" aspect - that was super enjoyable, even for someone like me who has 0 knowledge about the stuff you do. Thank you for the awesome content! About your question if more challenges or what not: both is awesome! ❤

[@turbotax1374]

The challenge style is very enjoyable. I think more historical builds would be very successful, I wish to some.

[@AMF1]

Great Job Jesse , thank you for the video.

[@eddypretorius]

I prefer you take your time on your creations. Watching you figure things out and trying new things at your own pace is relaxing and makes for a better video imo.

[@Temp0raryName]

I like challenges. If you do another 24 hour challenge I would suggest splitting it into 3 parts: 8 hour days with 20 minute videos. An hour long video is harder to commit time to, even when it promises quality entertainment. And I think the algorithm will like it more too. Plus you can get cliff-hanger effects that leave viewers looking forward to the next part!

[@l0rdbaine575]

I enjoy all your content! Keep up all ltge great work and congrats on completing your degree as well as continuing your reign as gladiator of the forge!

[@volqur]

I wont lie idgaf about how you make your videos but because there all high quality and long and Imo that all it matters. As a view I feel that you need to upload more often but it is a far fetch knowing that you have so many extracurricular stuffing going on with getting degrees and other stuff that WILL take a lot of time and energy to do.

[@Sigfreð]

8/10 would raid England with this. Dane approved.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

The challenges are cool but a longer build affords greater detail, which i personally think is better.

[@Cultivatorr]

I cried out YES, and then cried when I saw the 23 hours. Can't wait to watch.

[@samsonthemad123]

Love your work, wish I had space to build a shop as this is always a hobby I have wanted to pursue. Keep up the good work!

[@Booming-letsplays]

I was really looking forward to see a new video from you! When I was thinking about trying blacksmithing myself I was looking at one of your videos and you inspired me. The result is I just started working on a dagger. 20 cm blade length, but monosteel. I wonder how my experience compares to what I have seen in your videos.