MAKING A DAMASCUS BOWIE WITH A HAND HAMMER!!! Part 1

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My name is Alec Steele and I am a 22 year old blacksmith from England, now living in Montana in the USA! With a great team of hardworking folks, we upload videos showcasing the projects we get up to here at the workshop. Lots of sparks, lots of making, lots of fantastic-ness. Great to have you here following along!
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Alec Steele Blacksmith 2020

[@AlecSteele]

When Will said he was going to make a damascus bowie by hand... I had NO idea it was going to be such high layer count and such an incredible pattern! Making damascus this good by hand is no joke - Will crushed it! Insanely great and hard work on his part went into this video! Great job Will! Big thank you to our sponsor today for helping keep the videos coming! Visit www.audible.com/forge or text forge to 500500 to get started with them!

[@acoop101]

What are you working on Alec while the Rona is out and about?

[@dangolfishin]

Will is a beast! Glad to see another episode up. Keep up the good work guys. Hope spirits are high up there!

[@pablonicholashill4974]

Get this man a Steele kit grinder for his house. He's been at it with the files and sanding for days

[@CitizenSniiiips]

Go will! He's becoming a natural in front of the camera and obviously a beast blacksmith. by the way the editing on this video was great please let your editor know that!

[@JohnnyWednesday]

Yeah man! I'm blown away with his skills - no wonder you wanted to work with him!

[@DirtbagCarpentry]

Let's take a moment to appreciate how wills hammering is synced to the music.

[@atomicmonkeysquad]

Jamie is a legend.

[@Warlordjp778]

I love this

[@jessecarpenter6434]

What’s the music he was using. That was my favorite part of the whole video and I’ve been trying to figure out the song ever since

[@joewilliams669]

Skills like that make it seem like he's been making knives professionally since he was 5

[@cooperbrahmsteadt5123]

Josiah Young that’s some damn fine editing from Jamie

[@benjaminblair6098]

I won't lie, I want more of this. Big projects are cool, but there's an artistry to the hand-forging, the smaller blades, that you just don't get in a Zweihander or a Dane axe. I'd love to see more of this in the future.

[@Kami8705]

I do like that he is explaining more of what he is doing. Alec used to do that, but hasn't as much lately. Theyve been liking the long timelapse alot instead

[@maxduvall9055]

same, I love the content they produce but its not every day that I want to sit down and watch a 20 episode giant ass sword series. I just wanna see a small knife project that is unique and fun and really no big deal. Plus I love seeing will doing work now (im not passing judgement or anything) I just feel like we never really get to see wills talent, we just know him as the second hand in the shop which I know he is more than that, I just want to see it. Plus this was a really awesome build and he did it by himself which is worth noting.

[@tornoutlaw]

Yes! All that Belt sanding sometimes takes it away for me. Forging the shape and bevels out is what I like to see more.

[@nathanbartlett2770]

I'm the same, love seeing and learning about the Smithing

[@Zak_McKracken]

I'm 500 times more inspired by watching this "little" handcraft episodes than watching the whole 35 episodes series of forging on big machines (not including the 5 episodes knife handle fiddling special episodes outtakes). Great job Will! You will find a solution for the tempering issue, i'm sure.👍

[@321jono]

One of the BEST things about you guys: y'all screw up a lot. You're humble. You admit it. And you learn how to fix it. We learn so much from seeing how to fix things when they go wrong. Thank you, guys.

[@void3923]

the footage you see of Will hand filing isn't actually sped up. hes had so much practice, its actually how fast he is with them

[@nathanielscholtens2812]

Actually I think it might be slow-mo 🤔

[@thewayofthemandalore2095]

Will must have a sore back from carrying the channel through this pandemic.

[@galootlovestools]

I’m reaaaalllly enjoying these Will-in-the-garage episodes. He’s a talented and highly skilled knife maker.

[@Zenlacrosse]

T Duprix seriously... Will is an incredible craftsman... it’s insane

[@edwartschwarz7136]

Yes indeed !

[@skylerengebretsen8370]

Stelter Shelter

[@raccooneggs5433]

He does live stream on instagram

[@OneToughPawn]

He is rather avant-garage...

[@valen94500]

I just realised that your editor is the only person on the planet with a folder of music of BPM close to a blacksmith rythm

[@joshs5313]

Ok. So can we just take a moment and appreciate the editor that edited each strike to the beat of the music please. That is some work dedication there.

[@nathan87]

He's been doing this for years!

[@soldierjohn786]

@@nathan87 how have I never noticed it

[@rafaelbittencourt2823]

Shout out to Jamie, the editing legend

[@achromaticmediant2738]

Some of the best editing on the internet, imo

[@CraigH999]

@@achromaticmediant2738 Yeah I agree with that. In fact it's part of what set Alec's channel apart from the others. I'm so glad he's still working with Jamie even after moving to the US.

[@isaacsudduth1574]

These back to basics episodes are great! For someone who is a novice knife maker like me who doesn't own an forge or heat-treating oven, it's great to learn other ways to work on knife projects.

[@NemoA90]

best thing about this quarantine is that we get to see how damn good Will really is at making knives!

[@tylermumma714]

Jørgen Nes I’ve wanted to see more of will doing his own thing since he first started working with alec. He has a lot of talent and it’s great to see him doing more than filing all the time 😂

[@Isnogood12]

I feel every video starring Will ends in tragedy!

[@Phahel7]

How good Will is at Sanding*

[@Isnogood12]

@@Phahel7 Enough to have a movie made after him: Good Will Sanding.

[@jamesjacobs8594]

If this quarantine has taught us anything, it’s that will stelter is a f’n boss of a bladesmith!

[@Tinker_it]

I'm only one person, but as I have a "simple" shop; I really hope you guys consider doing more of these simple builds. Thanks!

[@xqiuvmah]

Lucky, my "shop" is the 10'×15' patch of mulch in front of my apartment. I have to haul all of my equipment outside everytime I want to make something. I'm also limited by what day I can work so as to not piss off my neighbors

[@cyrussacay3903]

@@xqiuvmah life of a blacksmith is hard huh, you guys okay?

[@jacooosthuizen3593]

i agree, maybe one big job for the month and smaller builds in between. :D hell i dont care if u make forged door handles lol.

[@cyrussacay3903]

@@jacooosthuizen3593 I kind of miss the time of knights with armor and swords, medieval is what it's called right? I wonder if the armors and swords in the past versus today who's stronger

[@cyrussacay3903]

@Lonely Wolf damn, i kind of want a full set of medieval armor T.T with a sword too

[@frugalforge3657]

The drill press vise is a central forge. One of us. One of us! ONE OF US!!

[@VicEiland]

Welcome back to Stelter in Place!

[@BeardedBaldGuy87]

Good one

[@dalekidd420]

I second that! Best pun I've heard in days...

[@MrGothicruler666]

I love it!

[@twojuiceman]

Please make this the name of this series

[@69Buddha]

Up-dooting for exposure. Jamie!

[@jamess2873]

This lockdown is a revelation. the first time you guys have really gone back to the nuts and guts of simple bladesmithing.

[@jgp6761]

Really liking these Will vids, he's getting really good at talking to the the camera and explaining the process. Hope for more of these in the future, well done

[@atomicmonkeysquad]

I want to see the strange locations Will chooses to sit at home while hand-sanding, although nothing beats being perched on top of the power hammer.

[@jgp6761]

@@atomicmonkeysquad I really enjoy the snowy mountains/hills in the background when he's outside

[@DaBuild]

It's really cool to see that one doesn't need the big shop to make this happen! Cheers.

[@stnyr]

Good to see Will's Dad make an appearance in the video at 11:45...

[@alex0589]

These guys might not be older master bladesmiths but they are *working* for it. Mistakes and bad days, all on the table for millions to see. They might just inspire the next generation of a dying breed of craftspeople and that's enough. Respect.

[@calcifer3184]

I love that he is showing that it isn't need of expensive/complicated tools to have, really making me have faith that i can make stuff like that

[@saikawanderer9166]

Before my tools were stolen, an angle grinder, belt sander and corded 18 volt drill. Was able to a fair bit with them. Miss making and modding blades

[@BMWHP2]

Back to basics. That's how they did it for centuries 😎 Brings back the callus (and blisters) Thanks for helping us get thru this period with these great videos.

[@sirpiken]

When Alec makes Will work from home... damn he really makes him work.

[@trentbowen3649]

Alec, I really hope you know what a huge asset you have with Will. He has brought so much to your content. Great complement to the skills you were already sharing with us. Great Job WILL!!!!

[@Mrwafro1]

Will, what you need is a Paragon heat treating oven!

[@JJoker687]

Really enjoyed the editing on this one (not that I don't always) but really like when Jamie lets the real sounds integrate perfectly with the music, makes it feel like Will "the Power Hammer" Stelter is conducting and driving the music with his strikes. Well done, Mr. Jamie.

[@stevenlindenschmidt4049]

I just want to send out my admiration to you Will. The amount of work and dedication is unparalleled. Keep up the good work. Hope to see everyone back at the workshop soon. Stay safe gentlemen.

[@dungeonmetalworks4281]

I really enjoy these simpler builds without all the heavy machinery. As a hobby blacksmith i learned so much from this video, thank you Will!

[@kpuff2477]

When you notice how good the video editing is. Great job Jamie, and great video as always Will

[@holdenedwards8506]

Will should represent the Alec Steele Co. in Forged in Fire after this fine performance of his!!

[@BananaBandit13]

Props to the video editor for always syncing the beats of the hammer to the beats of the music!

[@aaronwood3540]

Can definitely tell Jamie is still doing the editing

[@symbioteduck3980]

Don't let the bump in the road knock you, some of the best lessons are learned when our backs are against the wall and we have to think outside the box. Loving these videos whilst on lockdown.

[@collinmartin1286]

Im soo glad you teamed up with Will be us such a talented guy

[@MrSmileyn]

syncing the hammer with the music was an amazing idea ! bringing so much energy !!

[@joshmcfayden415]

Ladies and Gentlemen: Will Stelter single-handedly making the lockdown bearable.

[@rhino5419]

Hi Will. Best episodes for a long time. Getting things made in less than 20 episodes. Alec is lucky to have found a bladesmith like you. I hope you will keep this coming after Rona. All the best.

[@DreiPPP]

"Mom, the clean material is touching itself again"

[@BodyBag_Gaming]

🤣🤣

[@nickkowal6537]

Will's forging is unrecognisable from when he first joined the channel. Awesome to watch.

[@CaribouKH]

Well wishes also to editor Jaime. The editing with the music starting at 2:24 is simply great!

[@JamiePopple]

👍

[@Vapemon56]

Nice to see how you can make things even with the simplest of tools for people who want to get into the art but can't right away :)

[@bobrobert6277]

oh ya a forge and a anvil are easy to get

[@BradsLang]

Does anyone else get joy that the editing team timed the hammer blows with the beat of the music during the first two forge welds at least. I founding very satisfying. The traditional damascus pattern is an enjoyable change from the normal complicated pattern welds.

[@Gogsnik]

Godly editing on the video and Will's skill at knife making never ceases to amaze me, watching the blade emerge from the steel, fantastic.

[@YoungST23]

This series is dope... really inspired me to start making my own knives.... like it's going to happen this year for sure lol

[@erikgoettsche9368]

I said that exact thing last year. I had to bust my ass to get ready, but I managed to finally do it and am so glad I did! Go get it man! You won't regret it!

[@Max_Griswald]

I have some steel stock coming in sometime this week (Not from the Alec Steele shop, sadly) and will be working on some of those "$100 knives" next week. I don't have any nice tools, but we'll see how this goes!

[@therockmassive]

That sequence of forging whilst the shadow line crosses the anvil was just great. 6:56

[@grommit641]

I love this will line of episodes really brings out the american of this channel

[@nieronfire7203]

this is what this channel used to be and love the detail work. a lot gets lost in the big projects. also the background is just amazing

[@donaldbirkner4870]

3:00 I am loving how the hammer and the music line up.. Very good production value on that guys thanks.

[@dalekidd420]

That was some SERIOUS forging by hand right there... on a cold anvil yet, and that makes it even tougher. (That anvil just sucks the heat right outta your piece...) Nice of Alec to drop by and strike for him for a little while there on Day 1... Looking forward to part 2 of this one, to see if Will can save that blade. Heat treating this way is SO much more challenging than when using the high-end ovens at the shop!

[@trollingmodeactivated2500]

I like how we get to see low budget somewhat useful knives made for once instead of practically "useless" art pieces. Dont get me wrong i do love big bladed weapons but i prefer items with actual use aswell. Keep doing both guys!

[@elitecpudoc329]

That ending... Will seems so defeated. He hasn't watched enough Alec Steele. Good things will come, or lessons will be learned. Either way, keep up the great work.

[@Sinnistering]

I LOVE these episodes. As someone who started watching very late on (just after Alec moved to the US), having stuff explained like why to run the forge rich, what a ladder Damascus pattern is, etc. is all super cool. Plus, it's really inspiring with it being so low-tech--I love the workshop stuff and the giant projects, but alas, most of us don't own power hammers, belt grinders, and the beautiful Paragon heat treating ovens, so it's hard to know what I could even attempt.

[@JackLeMetis]

Keep these inspirational videos coming I can't get enough, stay safe all the fam!

[@MyGraKat2]

I like these "small" knife builds! It's something doable for the average person.

[@bluedogguy]

I'm really liking the Will scaled-down versions. Seems like a back-to-basics. Very nice.

[@reidguhr5313]

I love when the hammer blows line up with the music

[@ninjahombrepalito1721]

Ikr?

[@dalekidd420]

NO coincidence there... pure top-notch editing. Jamie is a master...

[@atomicmonkeysquad]

Thanks again, Jamie!

[@CaptEirikr]

WHOOO! Hell yeah Will, hand forging damascus! Like a champ!!!

[@blaynespringer]

Will is the CEO of posting more content than Alec.

[@beaugrylls7771]

Are you forgetting the daily Steele series that went on for hundreds of days?!

[@CB-dn5fk]

I've always appreciated this channel for the details. Especially the matching of the hammer blows to the music. Brilliant.

[@ИльяУшаков-о7о]

Will: I could rest from handsanding for a bit on the quarantine... Alec: No you won't...

[@jonathanperry6462]

I like these quarantine videos. It is taking you back to your roots and it is closer to what most of us actually have access to. I think you and Alec should do more videos without the power hammers.

[@kameronlescantz941]

There is nothing more satisfying than watching a skilled Smith forge a blade with a hammer

[@evanquinones1090]

aight... maybe gonna say something controversial but we'll see. I love the content and everything about the channel, i have been here for 2 years and its only gotten better. But since the channel features will just as equally as others, i think it would be fitting to rename the channel Alec Steele Co. or something thus representing all members of the company which Alec has amazingly built up.

[@Jorge-po9tl]

Lol, I just thought the same without reading your comment

[@lufmesquita]

Not controversial at all, alec had been taking some strides away from being hands on for a while now

[@bobrobert6277]

i wouldn't say controversial but more like who cares...

[@nicktourloukis]

@Paolo Caso Yeah, the onscreen talent seems to be a 50/50 partnership where Will might even get more screen time. I don't know what their business arrangement is (though I'd be pumped for a video explaining it). I've always assumed Alec owns everything and Will is employed, but Alec did move out to Will, so maybe they went in on it together to some degree? I don't know. Putting Will's name in the channel would make sense if he's a partner. Even if he's not a channel name change might be fitting. No matter what, I'm all in on both of these guys.

[@VashTS7]

I think they need a new blacksmith stamp that incorporates Alecs old symbol and wills. They both work so hard on their projects I think it’s fitting that a symbol of their hard work should be on the metal.

[@charlesbowman129]

Again, the channel is about problem solving. I love that you show the good and the bad and the journey to correct the bad.

[@valdiorn]

These videos are actually just as enjoyable as the big projects from your shop. keep it up guys!

[@TXHeat1776]

Stainless foil wrap for heat treatment, maybe? I'm kinda surprised I've never seen y'all use it.

[@lMrClean]

Duude! I havent watched your videos in a minute but Im loving the back and forth banter you have now.

[@jaeric]

The parts where the hammer blows match up to the beat of the music are really cool. Good job Mr. Editor

[@markfergerson2145]

Will, I was gonna give you a hard time for not making mistakes, learning from them and sharing what you learned with us, then you go and blow the tempering of that blade. Whew, what a relief. (Okay, that sounded better in my head.) So, do what Japanese swordmakers did- coat the whole blade with an even layer of Satanite, then put extra layers on the back of the blade so that it doesn't lose heat as fast when you quench it, and the rest of the blade serves as a heat reservoir to help the edge temper evenly. Or is your forge just too short to get the whole blade up to temperature?

[@jasonmorton9619]

The hammering to the beat is SO satisfying.

[@waynethompson8416]

You should add to your list of Audible books the title "Leadership Secrets of Attila The Hun"...you will be glad you did!

[@liquidminddesign1367]

Brilliant! These at home videos are really driving home the fact that all my limits are in my head, not in my pocketbook. Thank you both so much for continuing to inspire my creativity and ingenuity! Time to get to work!

[@garyblessing2253]

Outstanding work, Will. Great to see you go back to the basics. A lot has been lost setting gems into 90 day builds that never seem to end. You could have a very successful run at this on your own. Nice work

[@dustinlockhart4505]

Your swings matching the beat to the music and the video is amazing

[@TheSatyrblue]

Beautiful Damascus Will. The heat treat mishap is rough but you will get her done. Just don't break her... Lol. Awesome editing by Jamie as usual. I love that he left in the actual forging sounds in sync to the music. Great job guys and as always have a beautiful day.

[@loicchevallier2562]

Like my father always tell me : "Son, when I bought that hammer I bought the whole handle too." xD

[@etiennetremblay2026]

Will is doing what Alec did a few years ago: forging, mega montage quick update, few beauty shot of a hike( or on the of his father's boat) and continue project :) still a great channel one of the best on KZbin !! Thanks to keep up the good work guys !!

[@Gantzz321]

still love Alec but this past year the lack of WACK WACK from Alec has been extremely disappointing. I miss late-night pizza nights with Sam and the rain leaking through the roof. Those were the times when it was more about the craft and less about running a business. ffs dude hire someone to run the damn office and get back to swinging a hammer.

[@EmronWalker]

Absolutely agree with you. Work smarter, not harder.

[@ashleywilson5312]

Really enjoying the hand forging episodes. It seems you are more proud of your work and the lines look cleaner.

[@christianshipley7472]

Dang bubby! Tell ya what ol' son, that was one heluva job ya done. You'll get it licked, dontcha worry about it. Build up the refractory heavily along the edge so as not to burn it up. And man alive, that Montana is beautiful. Definitely see why you fellas wanted to set up shop there. Another great one Will, and I saw Alec sneak in there to give ya a hand. Way to be a Bro Alec, cheers ol son 👍

[@greymonster8669]

Christian Shipley that wasn’t Alec

[@kenlude97]

Thanks for this series, working with limited tools (like most of us have) is much more relate-able. Keep up the awesome work guys!

[@Pickswitch]

I've been reinspired to try my hand at making a knife from a file watching these simplified videos. Bought a 10$ toaster oven, now just need a Mapp torch and I can heat treat! Thanks will and Alec!

[@jacobkaltz1958]

What are your thoughts on an induction forge for a knife maker?

[@atomicmonkeysquad]

I've been curious about this as well. Alec, Will? Please respond to JP.

[@rgoodwinau]

Loving these minimal make projects. Really getting to appreciate Wills knife making skills. And he is sanding and filing is so much faster!!!! :-)

[@dawsonwalker8923]

No one in the whole world can convince me that a Damascus Bowie with a traditional walnut coffin style handle with the multiple pins like the old western knives done with hand tools wouldnt be the coolest thing to see. Look up traditional vintage Sheffield knives for an idea...

[@bradenlumley2700]

Will is the hand file king! Those bevels and plunge lines look perfect. Crazy amount of work to do by hand, great job will.

[@levilueth7778]

You're doing great Will, I enjoy watching you and Alec equally.

[@kregertooker]

Did you guys ever finish the zwiehander?

[@bobrobert6277]

no

[@johnnywalker7475]

Yeah what happened there?

[@DaroffApFire]

@@johnnywalker7475 They can't work together right now due to the quarantine rules going on there right now. They're waiting for the go ahead from the local government to go back to work.

[@johnnywalker7475]

Why is it all Will?

[@cunhafixit]

Because Alec has a fiancée making him do stuff around the house?

[@SouthWestSouljah]

Whoever edited this one, bravo! Some really nice editing going on. 👏👏👏

[@BeardedBaldGuy87]

Jim Bowie (Boo-ee) Not David Bowie

[@bmc2591]

I am enjoying seeing Wills skill at powerless forging, amazing work

[@billmahy1948]

Alec needs to do more forging. That's why I started watching.

[@timreid9556]

You are skilled beyond your years Mr Will. Tip top edit today Jaime Thanks for the Quaran-tainment

[@knifethrower9733]

For a young fella will is one of the best blade Smith's on utube love ur work will

[@TurokShadowBane]

I really love the editing done on the videos. the timing of he hammer blows with the music is supper satisfying

[@Seluecus1]

Forged in fire needs to do a YT Blacksmith special and hopefully you, or alec, would be able to get on it. that'd probably be my favorite episode.

[@yello4bangazuki147]

This is my favourite episode yet. Absolutely love the work man.

[@dstockbridge1]

Syncing the hammer with the music was super satisfying to listen to

[@theparkyarms1694]

Best video I've seen for month's from the lads. Back to how it should be hand forging! Keep them coming like this.

[@undahh]

1 view and 22 likes, nice job KZbin, i'm impressed

[@bobrobert6277]

its not youtube its the fans :)

[@ronjones-6977]

You don't hit the like before you watch?