BLADESMITHING | Which Steel To Use For Knife Making | Beginner Tips

[@irondaggerblacksmithsupply1237]

"#1 reason i'm doing this is to help you" And that sir is the #1 reason I am your fan.

[@josephfortenberry684]

Agreed

[@elyanae9588]

Which are you, pedestal fan, ceiling fan, desk fan, tower fan etc? Nice to meet you

[@Koyotito20]

I've been a welder fabricator for 1 year and now I'm getting into blacksmithing. This has been a huge lesson! Thank you.

[@Ivor-e3n]

Always nice to listen to someone who has worked it out for themselves, no hearsay here. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@matthewfarinella2704]

I enjoy your honesty about what you know and what you don't know. No bragging.

[@HaplesslyUnhapless]

It’s nice to have someone who doesn’t just repeat what he has heard. You’ve obviously done a ton of metallurgical homework. Thank you for the video.

[@markpaulson6539]

I’m very grateful for your help in these videos. I know that some processes don’t have a short cut without also having big repercussions following, but your advice has been priceless and very helpful for me. Thank you for your willingness to teach and share from your experiences.

[@Eirik_Eiderdrake]

Perfect man these are the actual questions I've been asking and nobody wanted to give me an actual clear answer you finally did it in this video. #1

[@TheRdickey]

I wish I would have heard this advice 10 years ago. I waisted way too much time on mystery steel and eventually lost interest in the ordeal. This video has renewed my inspiration.

[@colinheurter617]

Thank you for dropping knowledge on us Apprentice Smiths!

[@geoffford7648]

I have just started my research of forging and knife making and super keen to get started. From everything I have watched, you give the best no-nonsense advice. I have learnt more about steel selection in the last 15min than I have in the last 2 months.

[@edgarrolla6748]

Great mindset, Jason. Thanks for sharing. I only disagreed on one thing... "I could keep on going on and on abou this stuff but..." Mr. Knight! Please, go on about this stuff! You have all this incredibly curious, precious, robust and elegant knowledge. Make webinars, teach classes, reach as many people as you can. You ARE already changing the world. Beautifully!

[@elijohnson8323]

Awesome video. I am fairly new to knife making but I'm getting old quick. I made about a dozen knives about 15 years ago. I now know that I made them very poorly but all are still in use and doing well. Now, at this late stage of my life, I am picking up the hammer again and trying to make really good knives. As it turns out, I really didn't know anything about properly making a good knife. Thanks to your video's I'm learning the right way. I know these are old video's and you probably won't ever see this comment, but I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I will work my way through all of your video's that I can find.

[@SandMDOTCOM1]

Thank god for people like you. You share your knowledge instead of guarding it. I just purchased my first Anvil on line today (NC knife maker) and haven't forged since 1983 (high school metal shop). Looking forward to trying the knowledge that you share.

[@jacksanborn7474]

Just ordered 2 flat bars of 80crv2 thanks appreciate what you do ! BE A MAKER !!

[@shane-zt9ix]

Whats the specs and how much was it? Thanks Boss

[@jacksanborn7474]

@@shane-zt9ix 2 bars .... 3/4x1.5x24 .....$78 with shipping

[@jacksanborn7474]

Jason !!! Would love to see a how to on custom tongs ! Thanks

[@Puppybreth242]

The 5 dislikes must be from forged in fire contenders you sent home. Awesome video!

[@levvy001]

😆😅

[@moneyslayer8416]

There's 51 now now it's those people's friends and family

[@jeffreymiller9706]

Thank You...I have a burning desire to forge my own blade. This information is invaluable.

[@thedarwinexperience5312]

Always enjoy your content. Something you've said earlier this year that has really hit home. "Cheap things are expensive" I think this rings true to what you've talked about here.

[@forgelefemme]

I agree. It's been a thought I've kept in mind since he said it.

[@guloguloguy]

WOW!!! Thanks, for this information. What sort of heating equipment do you prefer?!... coal/gas forges. or an "induction forge"? What are some of the best grades of steel alloys, for making longer swords?!... Do you heat-treat the entire blade identically, or do you recommend some sort of differential heating/hardening/tempering process?!...(Perhaps only the very edge of the blade needs to be very hard, and leaving the majority of the blade at a "softer" temper...(?)...What about "cryogenic tempering?!...

[@wildsnook]

I love 80CRV2. Thank you for recommending it in a text years ago. I love it. I forge it regularly and know it is solid steel. I'd say it is also relative!y expensive,that's why manufacturers use steels like 1075. I can make a great blade out of some spring steel I've done the work to figure out. So 80 CRV2 is excellent all around but other steel may work great by aplication.

[@kevinmichael9999]

Thanks for the video. I just purchased three billets of 1084 because I read I was good to start out with. Plan on doing stock removal to start out. You are on of the many people I watch and I appreciate every video you make sharing your knowledge and passion. 🙏

[@bmcmanuswpd]

I've watched every episode of Forged in Fire since it started. I always thought I would love knife making. I made/forged my first knife on July 24, 2021 at Resilience Forge with Kyle Gahagan and was in love with forging knives. I desire to Be a Maker. Your Videos are Great with Info for Beginners. I've also started listening to your podcasts. Thank You for Sharing Your Knowledge!

[@nightsquatchprepper6965]

I am super new to bladesmithing thank you so much for your videos they have been a huge blessing to me and my 13 year old son we are learning together.

[@markdressler6651]

Thank you for doing these videos. I'm just starting out at bladesmithing and live in a small town so this is the only way I can get the information. Again thank you for doing this

[@jeaninebotha6888]

I am really enjoying your content Jason. Becoming a black smith/ blade smith has been a dream i have had since i was a young teen. time has passed, life has happened and i now find at 37 years of age finally rediscovering that dream. I am tooling up to have a real go at my passion. thank you Jason Knight for imparting your knowledge. I am a maker!

[@zaneamberbeard135]

When you posted this I was forging 80crv2. I love this steel and the only other steels I use are the w2 and Hiatachi 1085. I love all of them but, my favorite is the 80crv2. I tried it after it was recommended by you ! Thanks for the sound advise.

[@greekveteran2715]

What's your opinion on 52100? My favorite user knife, is made from ballbearing steel and I like it more than my 80crv2 knives. I would say, that ballbearing is more suitable for small and medium size blades and 89crv2 for large. I could be wrong though, because I;m a user and nor a knifemaker. Happy new Year!!

[@levigivens]

@@greekveteran2715 Why even post? Can you not read?

[@greekveteran2715]

@@levigivens As if you could read,that the comment was made more than one year ago. What's your problem anyway

[@noahnipperus7320]

2:35 This is one of the reasons I love you brother, thank you so much for all of your videos; they work

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thanks again........Jason...no fubar is very good...!

[@wildhorseoutdoors7659]

That clip spring thing you show in the video is a railroad anchor they are placed on both sides of a wooden railroad tie they go under the rail the loop end hooks over the base of the rail and then it is squeezed to the opposite side and the groove end presses tight to the rail. They are used to keep the rail from sliding around and holds it tight to the ties. Just a background of the item. Thanks always for awesome videos and knowledge Jason.

[@MrBlack2062]

Such great info! I wish I wouldve heard this years ago. Just now starting to use 80crv2 after years of forging. You are right about it.

[@TheFlintlockStalker]

I'm new when it comes to knife making, for the first knife I made I used this steel I got from home depot. Tbh I didn't know what kind of steel it was when I got it but later on I found out it was a low carbon steel. Thanks for this video, it kind of helped me understand the types of steels more.

[@stevenjohnson2273]

Most likely it was 1018/A36. It's good for general blacksmithing when you don't need hardenable steel.

[@bobsanders356]

Great explanation of why not to use scrap to make blades. I make other things like plant holders, incense burners, and practice moving metal with scrap. Great for teaching my kids.

[@joker0206]

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and thought. It's much appreciated.

[@davefman1984]

80crv2 is probably my favorite knife steel as well. Ive made several knives with stock removal. I can't vouch for the forging aspect but the heat treat is easy and a very tough, strong result. I would recommend it to anyone getting into knife making

[@TheJaguarspark]

Beginning bladesmith, about 30 pieces in the year and a half since I started. I've been leery of 80CRV2, and have been using either 5160 (from Jantz) or 1095. I'm happy with my results so far, but if 80CRV2 is better, I'll have to give it a shot. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights!

[@ericcartrette6118]

That is the single best description of 80CRV that I've heard so far! I'm curious about this steel because so many are using it right now. A word of "testimony" if you will: I work at a sawmill and can get the industrial circular saw blades for free. That is what I started forging with. Now, the vast majority of blades I have sold have been made from that steel and I have had no complaints from the customers. BUT! It does get expensive. I don't have a plasma cutter so I cut out the bars with an angle grinder. The edges aren't necessarily straight. It takes extra time in the forge to get them straight. There is lots of time put into just prepping the steel for use. All of that is time that could be spent forging a blade instead. While I'm not totally against using "reclaimed" steel, it increased my learning curve substantially and I don't suggest it to new makers. As Jason said, new steel isn't really that expensive, especially when you turn it into a custom blade that would buy you multiple bars of steel to replace the first one.

[@helix_helix]

Thanks for this gem. I like how common sense and basic logic intersect with facts and experience in your videos. Makes it real easy to learn 👍

[@joehicks1930]

I like what you said about making damascus with steels that will make a blade by itself... makes a lot of sense. Thank you for that little bit of knowledge.

[@junebrooks665]

I watched your video with great interest I never knew there was so much involved in step, thank you

[@manny3655]

Mr. Knight, hands down, this was the most informative video I’ve seen on basic steel. No nonsense, no bs and explained in such a way that even a “metallurgy moron” like myself can understand. Thank you!

[@jimo6934]

Learned more in this video then I did in 3 weeks watching others love the plain speak and experiance based knowledge over other sites...

[@FlameBlue9016]

Your camera guy’s are doing a great job! The video’s are looking awesome!

[@bentoombs]

Great info. The uncommon stuff is great for learning and trying different things and then replicating that into a known steel. Nice shirt, Mine just showed up. Thank your whole crew.

[@noahnipperus7320]

That was exactly on my mind. (I categorize myself as an "advanced beginner" because I've only been forging steel for about 3 years but i have also been teaching/supervising/production forging for about 3 years...) I've been banging on some free truck spring and learning pre-form, profilling, tapering, beveling, etc... I still feel like I have basic things to learn from "junk" steel because I don't have a lot if money right now as well...

[@RedWest2010]

Glad someone else is on the same page :) Can't disagree, nor would I be qualified to do so, with anything he said. All sound advice and based in knowledge I only wish I had. But that $40 piece of 80CRV2 is before shipping, and it's a few feet long. I pick a 3" wide spring that is "likely" 5160, and it gives me 30 linear feet of steel to work with in 1.5" billets. For someone who doesn't know what he's doing and has only been blacksmithing for about a year, I'd much rather learn and experiment at $1.00 per blade. And if I get lucky and it's clean 5160 and heat treats accordingly, I may just end up scoring. But you go into it knowing you're gambling, but practicing. If the day ever comes that I'm making a blade to sell, then all that goes out the window and we're back to the 80CRV2 for a sellable quality product.

[@chewyakarieckenicholas6049]

First of all I would like to say that I think that you are an amazing Smith I truly appreciate everything that you post and I really enjoy the videos thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@ronamedee2475]

Thanks Jason. Always great to hear from your no nonsense view on knife making. Keeping it real.

[@jorojinnomad549]

Very insightful... can't wait to visit metal shop now...

[@kirkholden5389]

Thanks, I am 53 and just started. I was planning on railroad spikes, but now I think I will buy some good steel.

[@danunger3240]

Good advice from a wise man. Long time fan here.

[@mariusbarnardo5592]

Only saw this vid now.... Great advise from one of my favorite bladesmiths! As a bladesmith myself (South Africa) I need to agree! 80CRV2 is just different! I don't make Stainless steel knives, and this is due to personal preference and experience. Some love it and others hate it. (Guess where I fall in). Also it's one of the more "simple steels". Like 1084 that doesn't need any soak time. If your forge, kiln or oven is dialed in, it hardens pretty damn easy..... 1095 is a great steel but need soaking at the right temperature to really shine. I absolutely love using SAE5160 and naturally 80CRV2. (The 1080 series is just "as" good) but hey, that's just me. Each to they're own I guess.

[@BlackHoleForge]

Thank you Jason. I've been doing my research, but there's so much to learn, and the amount of information just makes my head spin. Again thank you

[@thomasmcgovern2431]

I deeply appreciate your sharing your knowledge,I myself like to work smarter not harder,as you said our time is valuable,so if I can pick up a great tip on working with steel it is deeply appreciated,thank you for your knowledge.!!!!

[@Incandescentiron]

I'm not sure what is meant by making an "integral". I love your no nonsense advice. Thank you for posting!

[@scbane]

An integral knife has bolsters that are a part of the bar stock. Material is simply removed around the bolster and pommel to form the blade and handle. Thus the bolster and pommel or just bolster, is integral, rather than a mechanically attached bolster.

[@Incandescentiron]

@@scbane thank you!

[@jameskapales4696]

You just turned my whole world around... loved the style of the video by the way.

[@mastersplinter5600]

Thank you for making this and sharing. A lot of great information

[@hmann0314]

Great information. I feel much more confident in listening to advise when it comes from someone that can explain why they make the choices they make. Compared to the person who says....."Because, that is the way I have always done it." I admire the person who does their own research. Thanks for the info.

[@glitched4070]

Thank you for a brilliant informative video 👍👍👍

[@elimiller7142]

Mr Knight thanks for your videos and direct candor. I know you have your preference in steel. Do you have anything good or negative to say about 52100? My friend Ed taught me with ball bearings, I was wondering if you think their is a better option?

[@printingnewb7840]

I love watching your videos. Ive learned a lot and have a lot more to learn. So far I've failed and making a decent demascus.

[@mylarhyrule3752]

One point I may make against your free steel argument.... for a new smith, sometimes the experience of making said knife/whatever is more important than coming out with a great product. As long as the maker understands that forging mystery steel may be nothing more than practice, I think there is for sure value in free steel... that said, I appreciate your mindset and it really is refreshing to get your point of view

[@rickward4384]

i tried the 80crv2 and fell in love with how much smoother my forging comes out, its almost like the steel "flows" in to shape. With out question using good quality steel was the best advice i have received, from an earlier video of yours, in the short time i have been forging. The video with Bert Foster was awesome and i learned a lot from the "point forging" demo, hitting the right spot not just swinging a hammer. Thank you for giving your knowledge so freely, i have learned a lot from you. Just a side note the Tigerlilly was my Great Grand Mothers favourite flower and i still grow lots of them. Thanks again.

[@kevinmcneill2693]

Did you use a power hammer or hammer and forge it out by hand? i have debated on getting 80crv2 because i do not have any power tools like a press or power hammer yet. I m not sure how easy this metal is to move purely by hand.

[@rickward4384]

@@kevinmcneill2693 all by hand, no press no power hammer. It is the most user friendly steel i have used

[@daviddelcasale8808]

Thanks this answered questions without me asking. Just subscribed

[@robertwebb8511]

Try to watch your videos as as often as possible. New to knife making, been forging about 4 years mostly making tools. Great info. Please keep them coming. Learning a lot. Thank you

[@RedBeardOps]

Hell yeah man... 1084 / 80CRV2 are the winners in my opinion. Buy a nice clean mono-steel and get in the game! Excellent advice, sir! I have yet to try out W2, but it's on my list to do! Also, love the pop's knife supply plug. That place is the bomb!

[@forgelefemme]

You break it all down in an easy to follow way.

[@joeaguirre7074]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Super fun hobby and I've learned a lot from you. Keep posting and I'll keep watching.

[@rre1953]

Thanks , i realy like your straight forwardness and all your knowledge

[@thehouseofronin9209]

Thank you for all these great videos. They are very helpful for beginners like me

[@anthonyp7051]

Thanks for sharing all these tricks&tips

[@wesp3779]

Thanks for help along the maker journey!

[@tnhillbilly1307]

Thank you for explaining things in a simple down to earth manner...I look forward to watching all your videos that you and your team put out 👍👍

[@CraigPinhorn]

Great video! Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge!

[@charcole_https]

Just wanted to say thank you. Just started building my first forge and look forward to applying the knowledge you so kindly shared. Much appreciated!

[@nickelmickel4170]

I found a one inch metre long round bar on the side of the road.its been sitting beside the shed outside for about six years now and still has no rust on the end cut.i am no no knife maker but it amazes me after all these years the round stock hasn't rusted and still is shiny on the end after six years of weathering.

[@Kainosktisis]

Starting with good quality materials gives you good quality products, your talent makes it even better, don't waste your talent, time and money on inferior materials, great advice.

[@chrisjacobo7997]

Wow thank hope you do more Damascus pattern making 👍🏼

[@daytonjonesia]

It helps to know you are still learning much about steels. Learning steel is such a rabbit-hole... the more i learn, the more i realize i don't know lol

[@Hunter-wd8id]

Straight to the point liked it Thank you

[@mikesummers5860]

Hi Jason. Thx for the excellent straight forward videos. No BS is so rare. Can you recommend a HT oven for newb knifemakers? You have convinced me that the HT is critical. Thx Mike

[@JasonKnightMS]

Jen-Ken jenkenkilns.com/knifekilns.aspx

[@firefistforge1982]

Hey Jason I'm glad you are putting your knowledge out there but remember some people can't afford to buy known steel and I'm going to experiment with unknown steel to make things that are not blades and still make money the good thing about this is I can experiment with unknown steel to see if it's worth making a knife but still make useful items that people can enjoy.

[@Eric-gi9kg]

I recently became a sub. And from the first time I saw what and how you do your videos I'm a fan. I'm seriously interested in getting started. Hoping to get in a class this fall. I have an anvil that belonged to my grandfather, and I am buying used tongs and other tools that are nearing 100 years old. Excited to get into this great hobby/ way of life. Thanks for all that you do

[@alexanderjammes8253]

The spring that you showed as 1084 is a rail clip. It is used to keep the rail from moving (due to thermal expansion and contraction) causing sun kinks and broken rail.

[@projectt-tech8885]

Please keep making these videos, picked up more knowledge in these videos then any other I watch

[@Aleeknives]

After watching your unknown metal wakizashi I forged a gladius sword from a similar spring! I agree with you about buying known alloy steels, however, there is a certain feeling of accomplishment you get when you turn a piece of scrap into something beautiful! I love that gladius even more knowing that it was just trash and I transformed it into a sword. You wakizashi was the bomb man!

[@lasersight70]

could you tell us more about vanadium carbides that you mentioned around 1:45?

[@jacobschumacher8562]

Started to use 80crv2 vary good steel thanks Jason.

[@althesmith]

If you know your spring shop, you can usually find the alloy (in Canada, most often 5160H) if you take the time to get a hold of the supplier and you can get off-cuts of brand-new steel cheap quite often when they cut up stock for new springs, or you can get 6 foot lengths for a decent price . I like 5160H for really monstrous bowies and big swords.

[@BYGPoetry]

im probably not the first to comment this, but im fairly sure that "mystery steel" is an "E-clip" they are used to clip into the bottom of rail tracks on either side of a railroad tie, to stop the rail from sliding, I have been keeping a few aside to practice with. Awesome to hear youve sent some away for testing. Love your content

[@traboester4538]

I love this video I’m really trying to get into it idea where to begin I think I may have anvil and hammer but front here I’m lost

[@safcorp1969]

Thank you Jason. I’m going to start forging soon and I’m trying to get a lot of knowledge about everything before I get my experience.

[@Maelthorn1337]

Knowledge is great, but remember to not hesitate to take action. A common pitfall that people fall into when they want to start doing something is that they plan and learn, and this makes them feel accomplished. This dopamine hit sends all their productivity out the window and they never take action! Good luck!

[@Vivallamannen]

for some reason i trust everything you say, 100%

[@baloneylorddonkeyhammer2273]

Thank you sir . You inspire me greatly

[@TomofAllTrades]

Thanks for tip on 1085 steel source in round bar. 👍🏼

[@chadbrown7217]

Thanks for all of the helpful information. Love watching your videos.

[@doelbaughman1924]

Awesome information! I VERY much appreciate the service you give all of us! As a materials science fan, and a budding knifesmith, this is fascinating and invaluable info.

[@ajsaenz2295]

Thank you for the great knowledge! I really like the way you layout the information with no BS. You have a new follower here!

[@breese7488]

Hello Sir, I've just subscribed. I appreciate the fact that there is very little ego in your video's. Practical info, useful and observable techniques. Sincere thanks to you. Blessings to you and yours.

[@erniebeswick7675]

Thanks for the knowledge Jason

[@joshuamahler1690]

Great short lesson! What type of oil would you use for the quench on 80crv2? Thanks for keeping the old school skills alive.

[@sergios8859]

I'm having trouble finding the answer for this question, but what do you put on your steel chef knives to stop rust and is food safe. Many thanks for the helpful video.

[@jasonknight8173]

Sergio S well they will oxidize and developer a patina no matter what

[@FiredUpKnifeandTool]

Clean immediately after use use food grade mineral oil its cheap and commonly available as a laxative in all developed countries ... Gotta swallow a fair bit of it to have a laxative effect a simple wipe down wont have that effect

[@trevorteague8430]

I'm just getting into forging. Been a welder/ fabricator for about 20 years now, and have made a couple knives, but I'm definitely no knifesmith. But I want to be one. I'm trying to soak up as much information as I can before I get started. Thank you for making this video and showcasing a few of the different types of steels. I ascribe to the "but once, cry once" philosophy, so I ordered a few pieces of 1095 and 15N20 to play with. I'm going to have to check into that 80CRV2 steel also. Thanks again.

[@kennycampbelljr5896]

Great video. I'm a paraplegic trying to get into forging knives. Glad I came across your channel. Slowly getting tools. I have some steel from old farm equipment that's probably 100 years old. Do you think that it would be good to work with?

[@JasonKnightMS]

Without knowing what the steel is I cannot say it would be good to work with but it doesn't hurt to play with it. I really love your enthusiasm. You are looking at bladesmithing with eyes like a child. To be clear, I am not saying childish eyes, but "eyes like a child." When children discover a new interest the spectrum of possibilities they see is broad because their vision has not yet been veiled by the expectations or truth claims of those who believe they have the only answer that matters.