Making a knife from a metal file.

[@fosterfindlay6615]

I consider your videos to be some of the best for a beginner to watch and learn from. I am 80 years old and was a pipe fabricator by trade. I have made some knives and have many tools at in my shop. I make axe handles out of hickory. After getting the handle cut out on the band saw I use half inch round over bit in the router to get my handle shape started. It works good as compared to using the various sanders. I also will add a different hard wood to the heel for color.

[@CertifiedSunset]

A quick tip for those who are heat treating, it is always a safer bet to drill your holes in the handle before you harden the blade. Some heat treats harden the knife past the blade if you aren't careful and make it nearly impossible to drill through.

[@rwdyeriii]

I enjoy the style of your videos. They remind me of ones like PBS used to do with Bob Ross and The Woodwright's Shop.

[@StevePage1]

Just came back and watched again a couple years later. Your videos are like a sanity check, a therapy session, and a how-to video all rolled in to one. Thank you for putting the time into making this video!

[@dawnybellaevans2083]

A

[@oneshotpete6.591]

The fact that you didn’t edit your mistakes and simply rolled with it , got ya a thumbs up and a sub !!! GR8 job friend !!!

[@jlmkulcinski8233]

See

[@tonyhetulio3125]

X)jl

[@jameshoffman1842]

Oh so true...❤👍

[@leekronforst4589]

Your use of PPE is commendable. There seems to be way too many people doing industrial things in videos on here and flip-flops and tank tops. When one points out that they look kind of unprofessional without PPE they generally go into a rant about their level of toughness. They often stopped responding after I point out the possibility of a staph infection. Thank you for the hard work on the videos.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Lol! Thanks

[@lewiswereb8994]

Been making knives including folders for a few years, since about 1978 and I can't tell you ANYTHING you don't already do and do well. I STILL learned some useful stuff, which includes how you mounted your angle grinder on the bench. Great idea. As you said, we (humans) can learn from each other. There is a blog somewhere on You Tube which explains how to make a jig to grind your blades easily and more consistently, it is easily made by yourself and consists of a 2 inch piece of 1/4 inch angle iron (made mine from aluminum) .It saves a TON of time and there is no wobble or burnt fingers. Another thing I have used for years is a "Sand O Flex" company contour sander. "Flap sander" to us dummies.And you can make your own refills for pennies. Used mine for about 30 years so far. Retired files make great knives, the "Murrican Injuns" insisted on them in trades. They are SAE 1095 alloy steel which is harder than the doorknobs of hell when done right. And, your handles are a real work of art also.

[@chuckhorn445]

Here is my favorite thing about your channel. You have regular tools that anyone can buy and yet you make amazing things. I saw Harbor Freight stuff, box store stuff, etc… I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for making them.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you! A tool is a tool, and it gets you to your goal of making. That’s what matters.

[@CL053DC45K37]

First off WoW that's a stunning knife from an old file. You have insane skill. I wish I could have half that. Second my grandfather used to do the exact same hour glass mark on the spines of the knives he made. He did 2 not 4 but they look the exact same. He did 2 because it signified the time taken with his 2 hands to make the knife, axe, etc.. I love the fact that you put a hourglass on the back of your knives it just takes me back to being 10 years old and "helping" my grandfather in his shop.

[@brianhorner6340]

That’s not a knife! That’s a piece of art!!! Great work mate, love your videos!!!

[@robertlaurendeau9394]

Mr. The Art of Craftsmanship, I only just stumbled onto your channel today. Are you ABSOLUTELY certain that you cannot be convinced to part with this knife? Very impressive! skills and presentation.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks for the compliments. This is my wife’s knife, so unless she want to sell it, that’s a no😉.

[@jiggjohns1028]

That is definitely way better than any knife you’ll find in any store, it looks like one that’ll be passed from generation to generation.

[@bluesky284]

Writer is glad that A-of-C took the time 2 show & explain what he’s doing. Eg. the sparks ⚡️ coming off the file & what he C’s & also what that means. Whatever it’s worth u have another subscriber-thank u. David E.👍

[@gabrielsantoriello7124]

I would like to come back now to this video, purely to let you know that it was this video you created that has launched me on my blade making path. So thank you.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

So glad our first video was also the one to get you started! Good luck my friend.

[@jamesgerrish6603]

I have been contemplating getting into a new hobby. This video made up my mind. It was very informative, even for a beginner such as myself. A great teacher and a humble man. Thank you for the listen.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Awesome! It’s an awesome hobby that you can get into with little money up front.

[@franks3509]

Humble & honest presentation. He learns as he goes, nothing wrong with that. Thumbs up man.

[@GremlinsVillage]

Enjoy all your videos. Don't know if anyone else mentioned this but I use the same epoxy bottles and took a sharpie and wrote the cap color on the side of the bottles. A voice of experience that the caps will stick if you put the wrong one on the wrong bottle. Again I enjoy your videos.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

That’s a great tip, thanks.

[@lindseyshaddon8505]

This guy is a beast.... He's was sure to talk and explain each step and process and was very informative... This guy is on point guys...5 stars from me... It's a must watch for beginner knife making....

[@jffqnn]

Agreed!! I definitely like how He Explains what happens to the Metal during the Heating Processes!! Certainly makes ME want to try this out for Myself SO I can make one for My Nephew who has began a Knife Collection at 8 years old, He's 10 now and Very Responsible with Caring for His Knives!! I've played around with Railroad Spikes just to see if I would want to invest the time and money in Making a small knife shop. This Man has Definitely made it even More Exciting and Informative!!

[@roncothran4866]

Jeff Quinn railroad spikes make some of the best looking knives but just remember they all don’t have the carbon content to get a long lasting edge.

[@jamessiereveld3139]

#

[@nmacgyver1]

I’m really enjoying your channel so I decided to go back to the beginning. It’s interesting to see how your shop and technique has changed/grown over time but also really cool to see that your ethos and style hasn’t. Great stuff as always

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Nicholas! It's been a journey for sure.

[@felixdzerjinsky5244]

When you need to drill through hardened steel like that, just use a masonry bit. It works pretty well and it's a cheap alternative to a full tungsten bit.

[@dvig3261]

During the first part (the first 2/3, actually) I saw a man with lots of shop stuff but really new to the processes... course work, not finely done...but the work on the scales was finished very nicely. Good work, very nice. Thank you for this.

[@barbarianatgate2000]

I really enjoy your work! As someone who likes to make sure I'm not wasting any material, the first thing that comes to mind is seeing your cutoffs as great pieces for marking knives for the shop. Would love to see you do a quick video on this.

[@mkds7756]

I've been watching knife making videos for a while but have been too intimidated to jump in. I truly appreciate your approach and how you show step by step a solid method to do this that is not costly and uses minimal tools. This video has given me motivation to jump in and I thank you for that.

[@slimshady4633]

This is a really old videos so probably won't see this but i have just got into knife making resonly and I have been watching alot of videos but most everyone always uses big fancy high dollar stuff I love the way that everything that you used for this wasn't nothing extravagant and was basic things and you done a great job

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Jacob

[@kevincolvey4406]

ABSOLUTELY beautiful

[@OUTDOORS55]

Awesome knife man! Especially liked the file work at the end! Really sets it off👍 Also, production value is great as well👍👍

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

OUTDOORS55 Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. I’ve watched a bunch of your videos and really like your work as well.

[@dameongray6412]

I read that in your voice love both of your guys content

[@brianhorner6340]

Not just an amazing craftsman but pretty much an artist!! The things you make are works or art!!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you so much Brian! Also thanks for watching.

[@aurawright2130]

Awesome video! Thank you for not shortening it up too much...it was a great journey to take with you! And what a beautiful knife! Thanks again!

[@thomasmurray4717]

Thanks, The best how-to video I’ve seen on knife making. 👍👍

[@edmundoroman8918]

The details work on the knife are very impressive. The handle came out great👍.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you!

[@tylerkrug7719]

The knife came out really good!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you Tyler

[@false-set]

Thanks for explaining the science behind hardening!

[@wytchypu7412]

beautiful. appreciate the love you have for creating, it shines through all that you do in your videos.

[@bjoernandersen8287]

Always a pleasure watching you making knifes Justin. Thanks for sharing.

[@ang8282]

thank you sir best explained knife making video ive seen yet nice easy well timed directions

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks OGS!

[@suminagum6605]

First time watching your videos and I think you do an awesome job, very interesting and informative, think I’ll be a regular now. Thanks!!👍

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks for the kind words. There's plenty to watch! Hope you stick around.

[@michaelmarks8954]

I would suggest you use denatured alcohol as a degreaser it cleans well and leaves no residue. Enjoy your videos.

[@backwoodsbushcraftingbaffo9400]

Good job dude! I used a very similar heat treat forge as you for a long time, if you put a second torch at the front of the forge as well it helps immensely! Your tip and center was non magnetic and toward your handle wasn't. The second torch at the front remedies this nicely. No need to drill holes or anything, just set the torch in the front and let it roll! It saved me a lot of time when I started doing it! Great work tho my friend! Thanks for sharing!

[@jffqnn]

Thank You for Explaining HOW and What happens during Each Process! Now I have a New Interest in Working with Making a Knife. Now I can Explain to My Nephew what is happening during each Heating of the Steel and WHY Each Process is needed in order to make a Knife Correctly!! Thanks for Your Very Informative Video!!!

[@ak-488]

I admire your relaxed calm attitude through the whole process. When pets are around there always looking up at you so put goggles on them also. NICE.

[@popscoulter7587]

Good video. I like the explanations of why something is done. Makes it easier to remember how something is done. Thanks 👍

[@cameronedward3541]

What you lot gotta remember is, this ain't your knife. Old mate made some mistakes or whatever, and in doing that he's taught himself something, but also us something. Get off your high horse and try remember that not everyone is perfect, and that your obnoxious comments aren't gonna help this dude make better knives next time.

[@jgavin57]

10-January-2018 Hi, great show, and beautiful knife! Would like to purchase.... John RET MILITARY Upstate New York [e-mail]

[@timhallas4275]

Shut up.

[@natek1993]

Amen

[@geraldhartman2336]

Cameron Edward, good point. 👍

[@jasonsadliberty1503]

First time my punch took a line drive out across the backyard like a bullet,..I went and got my safety glasses, b4 I hit it again...gorgeous knife bud‼️, and the video was top shelf content... thankyou thankyou ‼️❤️✌️☮️

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Lol. I was surprised when it just disappeared.

[@jasonsadliberty1503]

@@TheArtofCraftsmanship I know...you're like "whuuuuuhhhtt?" It's about the same as a rock getting shot out from underneath a lawnmower....it'll ruin your day for sure

[@denniskildall8106]

Dang, how inspirational was that? VERY! I am a beginner and this really helps thank you. Camera person was on their game, props please.

[@blackbird2856]

Thank you for your informative video’s, i like your home and surrounding area with the trees and water close by, idyllic. Back in the seventies as an apprentice i was taught to break in a set of brand new files by filing a 1/4” naval brass plate 4” square. Drilled with 3 holes 1/2” diameter and then file each hole, a 1” square, a triangle of similar size and a 1” circular hole, by the time the brass plate was filed on every single surface including the faces and edges of the plate the files were all nicely conditioned to move on to filing steels. Another useful thing to do was to use blackboard chalk and rub onto the file, it fills the grooves in the file and helps to prevent clogging, you still have to use a wire brush or a file card occasionally but it does tend to help avoid an ugly groove appearing in your workpiece as you get close to your finished edge.

[@milspecgrunt1778]

Awesome video, Beautiful knife.

[@jimwalker2869]

True Craftsmanship.. Amazing knife and attention to detail....

[@MountainFisher]

I made a file knife, but just tempered at 425 for 2 hours 2x. Then when I ground it I made sure I didn't let it get hot. That was a long long time ago. Made a nice small knife, was a small file.

[@thomasgallaspie9040]

I've always heard you set temptation between 350 to 400, for 3 hours

[@iannluci]

Wow great videos! Inspired me with ideas...thank you !!

[@sudo_nym]

Little did Devon and Dustin know how much their channel would grow! 🇬🇧🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks my man!

[@timjohle8876]

Great job. I was wondering how many have a problem with not being able to drill as many holes for pins. With all of the epoxy being used I see no problem with the scales staying on. Keep up the good work,you are an inspiration. Be safe brother.

[@snipereyes101]

Nice looking knives great video I know carbide drill can be expensive but if you buy 1 from msc a straight flute it will cut through up to 70 rc with no problem and they are easy to resharpen with a mounted diamond round stone or green wheel which you can get from msc or harbor freight it would last you a very long time

[@feellnfroggy]

Ifyou get a metal tube, jack handle or something, and a battery powered air pump for the coleman air mattresses, it make an insanely awesome billows, for increasing your heat range. But I love you current setup, and great video format. I'm gonna have to watch some more vids.

[@ashenwalls3558]

This video is super informative and helpful, thank you!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you for the kind words Ashen

[@joshuakenyon3207]

Fine job! very happy to see someone just like me using basic equipment and still able to produce a nicely finished product. very well done.

[@mercsmith]

just flat out impressive

[@HonestDoubter]

Is it perfect? Nope. But is it hand made and built to last? Yes sir. Well done.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

HonestDoubter Too true. Thanks for the feedback!

[@danielmiller2886]

Excellent work sir! At the start I thought “Oh that looks like a good project to try”. When I saw how much work you out into it, I dont think have the time to invest!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

You do. You can.

[@davidephraim2595]

At 7:22 That's a cool way to use your angle grinder

[@David-fv7zg]

Oh yeah, That’s a fantastic hack. I’m stealing that trick for sure!

[@roncothran4866]

David me too lol

[@dustinchase3365]

I thought the same thing. Way better than chucking it up in the bench vise with a zip tied trigger!

[@ExtraFreakyBobTv]

David Ephraim when I saw that I cringed so hard. Definitely gonna use it but I’m gonna do something to make it safer!

[@CaptainTwitchy]

It definitely works, but I’ve had discs come apart on me and it’s not fun.

[@runnywhart7440]

i dig what you're doing. Great seeing a maker with a bunch of harbor freight tools! Shout out to your wife for the camera work (Im assuming)

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

You know what they say about assumptions...

[@runnywhart7440]

@@TheArtofCraftsmanship then we are one in the same!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Ronnie White lol! (It’s my brother)

[@dtc602]

I never knew the physics of heat treatment, its very important for a sharp edge I see... Thank you for explaining.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

No problem. Thanks

[@terrywepner4002]

Nice job!! Thanks for the video. You also gave a lesson on patience and workmanship. 👍

[@pierresh78]

One of the best custom made Knifes movies on KZbin, if not the best. I enjoyed watching it. Please share more 👍

[@keithwilliams6119]

Beautiful - love the guitar work, cinematography and of course the craftsmanship - well done

[@TheRedhawke]

Very nice blade and great video.

[@tammaragill9347]

GORGEOUS knife!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you.

[@DrewEdwardBacklas]

Looks good. I’ve done a few knives in this manner and learned a couple things that I could point out in your build. Those deep scratches you notice during initial sanding are caused by clogged files. The file, when clean, can achieve a very nice even starting point for sanding. But if you have even one steel shaving in the file teeth it will scratch your work piece. So clean every couple of strokes. (Maddening but makes sanding go quicker). Also, on your forge... if you move your burner slightly closer to the mouth you can get a much more even heat by “painting” the workpiece back and forth through the flame. Also you can heat further down the tang because you’ve essentially made your useable space in the forge deeper. A more even heat will reduce the risk of warping during the quench. Great video and build overall!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

DrewEdwardBacklas Thanks for watching and for your helpful comments. Great advice. One thing I love about this channel, that I didn’t expect as much was all that I have gained and learned from my viewers. Thanks so much.

[@JohnDoeTheTroll]

Wow, great video. I have never made a knife, but I'm about to try it. I plan on using an old saw blade just to try and break the ice for myself. I'd like to make more elaborate knives as I learn more. Anyway, thumbs up from me! Thanks for the step by step!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Absolutely. I’m excited for you. Check out my saw blade knife video, where I show how I started out making saw blade knives.

[@aliabazaid4293]

Amazing and very beautiful work

[@ryonaicorp]

When sanding with a block, try crosshatching and keeping level, it will make for a truer block, give it a go, good work dude!

[@bojee7]

I love the thought process as well as the work! Great job!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

bojee7 Thank you! I really enjoy the thought process as well and was hoping that it comes across in the video.

[@caswallonandflur692]

Agree 👍 the design process is my favorite part 🙂

[@jerrypeterson2996]

Nicely done very nice. Hardened and tempering explination was especially appreciated.

[@ronthunders6124]

DUUUUDE!! THIS IS A WORK OF ART!! you sir are a fine craftsman! i want to try this now so bad

[@ronthunders6124]

btw, the guitar playing was really good as well

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

Just watched this video and I am glad you explained the different grinds. That was not a bad knife at all, I really like the orange liner, that made those scales stand out. Also, I love the hour glass jimping you did!! I can see that maybe being used on my next knife!! I know this was your first KZbin video, but there is a lot of good points you made for those of us just getting into knife making. Thanks again for taking the time to do these and post them! Juddie

[@franko1372]

The is absolutely the "BEST" knife making video in all of You Tube!! Thank you so much for posting! You are for sure a "Craftsman".....! Oh yea, absolutely BEAUTIFUL KNIFE! *****

[@ianjohnson298]

I love this video. The end result looks beautiful. The best part of this video is how much it makes me want to give it a try.

[@mattteichroeb1155]

One of the best file knife making videos I have seen. Nice work brother.

[@davemiller382]

Wow. That's a beautiful knife.

[@mikekilfoyle8891]

That turned out sweet. Your videos are inspirational, thanks for the great content.

[@Mora2002A]

Excelente perfecto lo felicito usted tiene un gran talento, hermoso cuchillo, una obra de arte 👍🏻

[@jvastek]

Love to see the combination of both file and power work. It's getting lost these days. Beautiful design. Handle was gorgeous.

[@TheImageThief]

I’ve watched my old man (tool and die maker) win a few bucks off guys betting that he could drill a hole through the cutting surface of a file blade with a normal drill bit. He would set his hole, align the drill press, and make a little volcano shaped modeling clay reservoir over the top and fill it with cutting oil and drill through it. Worked every time! Great looking knife!

[@stuartcartwright8992]

Just a tip from a mechanical engineer - when drilling hardened steel, use a cobalt drill bit , they're relatively in-expensive and drop your drill speed down to its lowest speed and put some decent cutting paste on it . You will breeze through that effortlessly . I use this method when extracting snapped off studs that are 12.9 hardness . ( the right tool used correctly and you will never have this issue again)

[@blado-666]

Gracias por mostrar su arte.

[@LeonMichaels]

Wow.. awesomely beautiful knife there bud.. love your humbleness in not editing your mistakes. Makes me feel normal when I do a project.

[@interestingfamilyorigin3574]

Excellent video excellent knife I've not long found your videos your a very talented craftsman.. I will be watching much more of your video's keep up the good work

[@grapplergirl10]

Very informative. Thank you

[@sidhugadu]

So a quick question. What else can you do? Bows, arrows, knifes from files, own tools for your circular saw. Damn it you are an artist too. Keep up the good work man. Enjoyed all your videos.

[@ianlucasac]

Hi! I´m Brazilian and your video helped me a lot to start in the knife making process! Thank you for your advices and I hope you channel get bigger to help more people like me! Cheers from Brazil!

[@cvzphotography]

Thanks for showing how to do this with simple tools.

[@josephburkhalter5105]

Excellent video. I am going to try my hand at knife making. Had to give up golf, so this will be a second life for me. Bless you and keep you safe. JoeB

[@paulstuart525]

Thanks for the thorough and detailed vid. Really enjoyed the process. Managed to pull out a old file and will proceed to create the beginning of my 1st bush knife during lockdown:)

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

I have bought knife blades already made but need sharpening and scales put on. I got the majority of them from Prime Knives, some from India and a few Damascus steel from Japan. I would, however, like to make some from old files I bought years ago. Watching you gives me the confidence to at least try one. What grits of sandpaper did you use for the initial smoothing and ending sharpening?

[@Stuckofftherealness]

Man that came out great

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Whenever I've made a knife I've annealed the metal but to me it's more of a spiritual thing. It's kind of the official start of the process, the knife is inside the metal somewhere and it's a symbolic 'Birthing process' to me. Nice evening, a natural fire and the horrible scrap of metal and I enter a pact together, I aim to make the knife the best it can be and the metal pledges to be the best it can be, a partnership/brotherhood ritual I guess, It's only watching your video that has made me try and put my habit into words for anyone else. 👍 The Seax in my pfp is named Ravensbeak but the runes on the sheath read, First set your mind. A rule I like to try and live by.

[@fourdeadinohio8303]

i did this over 50yrs. ago but didn't know about taking out the temper. used my dad's bench grinder to shape it. needless to say my allowance was used for 2 new grinding wheels. i still have that knife to this day.

[@scottleft3672]

Compared to the shellacking you would'v copped, i'd say 2 pounds was a bargain...asuming it was a choice between one or the other...lol.

[@davidholmes3776]

Lots of file-knife videos on KZbin. This one is without doubt the best. Your explanations are both descriptive & concise. Camera work, sound & editing totally on point. This is inspiring & brilliant and I’ll be hitting the subscribe button. Thank you man.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Cheers David!

[@davidbean5807]

A peice of advise. Draw templates out of Manilla folders and use clear folder cover sheets and cut them out they will last longer and you can then store them somewhere handy where they are safe. Keeps you from having to remake paper templates. Just a suggestion.

[@KnightsMultiMediaCapeTown]

that is a beautiful looking wooden handle

[@goldendreamer2122]

Very nice work young man,you remind me of,me 30 years ago. I sure appreciate watching you, everything you've built I have touched base with years ago, and built myself. It's such a stress relieving and satisfying level of craftsmanship to obtain. Myself, I suffered a debilitating stroke two years ago, and a heart attack two years prior to that. So I don't move as quickly as I used to. There's one thing that you're doing wrong in all of your work. Do you know what it is? I'll bet your people have told you in the past that you better start wearing ear protection. I wish I would have back when I was young. I would sure be able to hear a lot better today. So do me and yourself a favor and put those earmuffs on.keep up the good work young man..

[@garethbaus5471]

@@caswallonandflur692 foam earplugs are less reusable.