Making a Knife from an Old File - Backyard Blacksmithing

As a new blacksmith you may by planning to make your first knife. Today we look at making a knife from an old file using a simple backyard forge setup. The blower used was provided by Vevor for an earlier video.
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Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
www.abana.org/
Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.t yourself.

[@BlackBearForge]

This knife is now listed for sale on Etsy - www.etsy.com/your/shops/me/listing-editor/edit/1691856976

[@ozarkscarguy540]

After blacksmithing for 3 years I have a much better setup than when I started but I'm still loving this no excuses series you're doing with the backyard setup.

[@firtalaionatan8283]

"-Honey wake up, Black Bear just posted!"

[@bigredbeard65]

That would be a great tag line fir this channel. Great part of anyone's Sunday morning!

[@RobertBranch-FL]

Hahaha.... Awesome!

[@kevind7617]

100% accurate.. though my wife listens to him.. more than watching

[@sosteve9113]

Great line indeed

[@poindexter1387]

Awww I wish I thought of that.. 👍

[@Chemanic1]

This channel reminds me of when my dad and I would sit down on weekends and watch this old house or whatever was on pbs at the time, brings back good memories

[@Joe___R]

What many people wanting to start blacksmithing fail to realize is how simple our ancestors' tools were. Despite that, they were able to make incredible items, some that are still in use to this day. All most of them had was a wood or charcoal fire, some method of stoking it anything from a hand fan, a blow pipe, or some sort of bellows. A small metal steak they drove into a tree stump of log for their anvil, a hammer, and some sort of tongs. But with only that, they were able to make everything from a nail to a full suit of plate armor, and the weapons used be that man. Today, people are used to watching people using tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment to forge even the simplest of objects. They think all that is necessary to get before anyone can start blacksmithing.

[@user-fw4mo3es1t]

That just takes so much time. Like you sir have said, imagine making full plate of armor or longsword on that steel piece embedded into stump with something that resembles a hammer. Doable 100 percent, but people developed these power hammers and different steels and big anvils and blowers further for a reason. I made chisel, punch(coil spring) and knife(old file) on setup almost exactly like in the video but instead of electric blower i used a hand fan. Very fun too, haven't invested anything but made very useful tools out of nothing basically.

[@Phil_Cleaver]

A great tip I was shown for glue handling: squirt the epoxy into a tiny zip lock bag, mix it in the bag by squeezing it with your fingers, nip the corner off the bag and squeeze the glue right where you need it. It is a really clean method.

[@BlackBearForge]

Great tip!

[@CALDues]

Nice! I've done that with sour cream and taco seasoning but epoxy 🤯

[@Grave_Digger606]

I can’t believe it’s never occurred to me to do that, but I’ll definitely be trying it out

[@stevenstarlin]

As someone that's looking into make knives, this is an amazing video! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@ga5743]

One of a kind for sure John. Beautiful job on the knife and set up to do the work. Thank you for taking time and all the extra work it made for you to film for us. Love spending part of my Sunday learning from you. Be well my friend.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for watching

[@sasssquatch1467]

I can smell that antler being sanded lol. As always, great work.

[@dcmsr5141]

This is actually relaxing

[@FooBarr68]

That guard is brilliant. Had not considered a guard like that for knives. As always your videos are fantastic, informative, easy to watch and very enjoyable. Thanks for all your work

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@boglurker2043]

Some civil war knives were set up this way.

[@frankburndam4037]

Thank you sir for being so forthcoming with information that so many knife makers keep to them self thanks again Frank from Georgia

[@xsro84]

Beautiful knife anyone would be proud to make and own. Thanks for taking the time to show us some primitive smithing, especially when you have such a fabulous shop inside.

[@jeffreyjones6409]

Watching this reminds me of what I had when I started. The first forge I built was made from a tire rim, a variation of a brake drum forge, had the rim, didn't have a brake drum. Used the lump charcoal for fuel and a hair dryer for the air source. Man that thing would melt steel like nobody's business if you didn't stay on top of it. Good times..........

[@BillyG.]

I've always wanted a forge! I'm an old welder. Looks like fun!

[@jacobbrayton4227]

I have to say, as a long time viewer I really appreciate this content. I found your channel right around the same time started blacksmithing, and grew along with it. However, due to circumstance, I went from a custom 300sqft forge to a 6x4 shed behind my elderly mothers house. I feel like I'm starting from scratch, and it's nice to do so on this channel.

[@toddcaldwell5614]

Looks great , it is amazing what can be forged on a simple set up

[@burakc9673]

File knifes are some of the better hand made knives I've made. Very good starting material for average skill guy. Nice video and Bellows.

[@RyeDoug]

I love how the angle grinder shows the sparks, and if people pay attention to them, will know be able to see what a higher carbon steel spark test should look like. I know it is probably W-1 or 2 but those are still higher carbon. I know a lot of beginner blacksmiths that want to know how to identify steels via spark so I think that should help if they pay attention😆

[@user-fx1kw2dt2y]

I literally watch hundreds of videos of knive making and I love your style and the looks and performance of your knives this one here my favorite

[@russellsullivan8947]

Hey John, just want to say how greatly I admire the time and thought you put into making these videos and the work that goes into it. It's easy to see that you really care about getting people involved in this hobby/trade, and we greatly appreciate you.

[@markmartinblacksmith]

Nice looking knife John, and perfect timing too! I helped a friend butcher a deer a couple days ago and saved the antlers to make him a knife. Thanks for all you do!

[@stuffbywoody5497]

Great video John. A really good way of showing people that want to have a go but don't have the budget to buy the gear for a really nice shop set-up and providing some inspiration as well. I think some blacksmiths get too caught up in perfection and forget where they themselves started from.

[@ericvogel1126]

Excellent job of teaching and demonstrating.

[@Bangalangs]

Another excellent video sir. Always fun to drill the pith out of an antler.

[@Narrow_Gate_Forge]

❤ totally love this backyard setup. I hope this series encourages people to pursue this hobby or business. I've been blacksmithing and bladesmithing almost a year now and I started off with a simple setup that has enabled me to buy more material and uptool. Haven't made any real money, but I'm a part-time hobbyist and not ready to pull the trigger to go full-time yet. Might be a few years. 😊

[@davidlee9299]

Well I'm inspired... Now just to make time to set up a forge... I'll get there...

[@Narrow_Gate_Forge]

@davidlee9299 heck yes! I'm still using the railroad track section and double horn vevor anvil I started with. The part I splurged a bit on was my propane forge and 100 lb LP tank. Didn't want to run out of gas in the middle of a project and bituminous coal is scarce around me. Not as cost-effective to use charcoal as it burns up too fast in my (limited) experience.

[@chewyakarieckenicholas6049]

I love the knife it is awesome and I truly appreciate that you are showing how anyone can can do things without spending a ton of money

[@dannelson2563]

Thanks for showing how simple it is to attach an antler to a knife. Another great video that I expect will be well received.

[@patrickharmon9459]

I like your knife 🗡, and you just gave me some new ideas for my own forge. Thanks. Keep up the good work and God bless.

[@BadgerRobot]

I had the exact wood stove growing up, fond memories of starting a fire every morning.

[@gregwells8764]

John you were the first blacksmith i saw when i started in 2020, you totally inspired me then and I have replicated many of your projects ( the hose / cord holder has been very successful ) and today again you have inspired me now to try my first knife. i have accumulated a few used up files ! There are many youtube smiths but your calm style is extremely easy to watch and learn from. Im in Queensland, Australia and to see snow there when its 32 ( 90 f ) here is just lovely. Thank you for teaching and sharing your life skills. Legend mate.

[@BeaverLakeForge-2023]

Perfect timing - one of the next pieces I want to tray and tackle - a Knife out of a file. I don't aspire to be a Knife smith but I do like the simple - utilitarian "tool" aspect. I look forward to your "how too" back to basics tutorials. Proof that you don't need "all the cool tools" to "make something". Thanks John!

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Very nice! I'm chomping at the bit to make a file knife. I've got 3 old files that I kept just for this.

[@doylerabjohn3435]

That's a great looking knife... reminds me of my antique 477 hunting knife. Looks good.

[@fingerz1245]

Learned from my cousin: you can also use wood stain for the antlers. You have a lot of options to get the right color you want, works great. Great job as always, John!

[@TalRohan]

I made a file that was my grandfathers into a knife recently, it had lost most of its teeth and it had a really nice taper on it already so I made a sort of bowie shaped blade with a full tang handle and some of my T shirts made into a rather rough micarta but it was great fuin to make and I am really pleased with how it came out. I think there are pictures on my instagram but thats beside the point. Sometimes the materials you use are as impotant as the knife itself and being able to make a new tool out of somethings that have had their day is a really cool project Thankyou for sharing your take on this cool type of project

[@randyhall7797]

Thank you for sharing your talent.😊

[@Ostilogoth]

Possibly the best video on starting to forge I've seen. Great information and instruction. Thank you so very much.

[@davidoliver2826]

Love how you keep it real John! You have been a real pleasure to follow! Thank you for taking us all along on your journey!

[@BlackBearForge]

I appreciate that!

[@jamessissem7319]

Gotta say, love that anvil.

[@woodsroamer6175]

That type of sledgehammer head makes a fantastic anvil. Beautiful knife. Love it!

[@vgamedude12]

Came out beautifully. I need to try this someday

[@metalmanproductions9267]

looks cold there, snow already, I wasn't expecting a knife video here. Thanks for showing us knife people some love. Looks good

[@projectdirtbikes]

Good video and cool knife! I appreciate you making this basic knife with basic tools. There are lots of folks doing this with $1000s in fancy equipment that make it seem impossible to start out without all the jazzy stuff. I have all of the tools you used in the video, so I'm going to make my first blade now! Thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

Just remember, all the jazzy stuff helps make the process more efficient and more profitable for people trying to earn a living. But for a small hobby shop, everything can be done by hand.

[@timmynormand8082]

Good luck. I hope to set up a forge one day Looking for a rail track to use for anvil. Maybe one day I'll be able to give it a try. Thanks

[@scottmorgan5370]

Heaven knows, I'd love to have a knife exactly like this.

[@captainprairie5790]

The thing I like best about this build is that the file was actually forged. So many videos show a file knife build where the file was only ground to the size and shape. Great video! I enjoy the use of "low budget" equipment, it helps folks like me get started!!!!

[@rickywhite7578]

I want to see more videos about making rustic knives. I find this extremely interesting

[@josephsmith1210]

Thanks again, John. Good to see that some simple tools and techniques can work. JD Forge (Joe), “…consider everything is hot in the shop…”

[@ronnie2115]

Same, I started with a wood fire and a black of steel. Upgraded to a charcoal/coal grill, then to a 3 burner forge. Yes, all the bells and whistles make it easier, but they didn't have this stuff back in the day, it can be done!

[@cholulahotsauce6166]

Really nice to see minimum viability builds be demonstrated.

[@jeffgrier8488]

Love the knife John, it has a great look!

[@max_fjellstorm]

What a great video and a dream of a knife! That would be my dream trappet knife as a kid!

[@DanMarsh-ev3ed]

Good job,Thanks for sharing. This is encouraging. I think I’m going to give it a try.

[@tomayrscotland6890]

Good to see the job being done with the minimum of tools.nicely done blacksmith.

[@sebkent6691]

Lovely knife and great video. I am so glad that your hand healed up well after that power hammer accident you had, honestly the youtube algorithm thing stopped presenting me your vids so I had got very worried for you. I also deeply admire the manner in which you set out to demonstrate how this project is accessible and to show how to make it so. That was kind and generous of spirit Thanks very much

[@honthirty_]

Subscribe?

[@JOHN-fx3xo]

So beautiful. Love it.

[@JesusLopez-fc7bd]

Very nice job.!!I like the handle.

[@jerrygoldfuss466]

Looks great! Well done.

[@Watchfuliz]

FWIW John, I really like the narration video format. Allows you to do the work much like how we would do it in our shops without the pause’s and allows you time to watch the video to decide where and when to comment. Awesome job!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@justinaragon9296]

Loving this backyard series! Keep up the great work!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@RyanBarnes]

Yep, I bought a harbor freight angle grinder and it's done everything I needed it to do for the one off jobs I needed one. As a note too, Vevor has a 3 pack tongs kit for $60, which can be added to the budget if needed.

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

I like the idea of that little anvil in the log. I find these typ of hammer/spliters in the road. I have way more then ill ever need. Thanks for the tips 👍👍.

[@terrancemitchell3420]

I love the ingenuity involved in your setup. My dad was a master smith. He was 42 years old when i was born and he died at 72. By the time i wanted to learn, my time was short. Wish i had used my ears more and my mouth less.

[@blademan175]

Nice job. I had the exact same model fisher wood stove, loved it. My first forge was a brake drum 40 years ago. My grandfather was blacksmith and wheelwright. Born in 1894 and served in wwI as a blacksmith. I’ve made too many knives to count and sold them for 6 years, good times. Keep up the great videos my friend!

[@jeremiahmccutcheon3234]

Good lookin lil knife

[@user-ei9yu9pe8d]

Brilliant video, I enjoyed every minute. Much appreciated. Thank you

[@wytchypu7412]

fantastic video thank you x As a learner/enthusiast I find your videos clear, informative and helpful. Truly the best out of ALL of the content on YT. Much love and please keep 'em coming!

[@Oinnelstan]

Just quietly, mate, that knife is a work of art! Love the æsthetic.

[@bernardhill1622]

As a retired Arch'/ Eng'., & Designer i will certainly vouch for that..❗👍🏻👍🏻🙇‍♂️

[@Bucklerbjorn]

What an really nice project, and i really like that handguard.. Gonna check if i can get hold of some really old files:)

[@XavXavBoi]

Thanks to you, I started blacksmithing yesterday, my forge firing was satisfying and I got inspiration from your dirt forge video, I managed to Smith my first rebar Chisel, couldn't get the fire hot enough to mold it effectively, so that is a lesson learned for my next firing, thank you blackbear forge, you are truly truly an inspiration.

[@BlackBearForge]

Enjoy the journey

[@XavXavBoi]

@BlackBearForge Thank you! Made my first tool, was meant to be a firepoker but turned into a Chisel instead. Spent two days refining it and emptying out my ground forge of ash and rinse and repeat, it was an exciting process and I learnt a lot from it.

[@krischangeckeler3606]

A beauty. Cool workmanship sir. Greetings from Germany

[@frenchcreekvalley]

We have used those bounce house blowers when smelting iron. They work great for that. No problem leaving them on for hours and hours.

[@frenchcreekvalley]

By the way, those bounce house blowers make really good leaf blowers too, if you have a long extension cord.

[@freshlycutlawnservice]

I love that handle! Nicely done

[@mattmckeown9806]

Really appreciate this effort, thank you!

[@DGA2000]

Wow! Beautiful knife. Great job! 👍

[@andreasjungbluth735]

I like this fine work. Regards from Germany / Solingen

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Fantastic job with so few tools John. That knife turned out beautiful and usable too. Thanks for sharing with us, that was an interesting build. Stay safe and get ready for winter, it's a coming to your area soon. Enjoy it and the animals that will gather around there too. Fred.

[@babyduke36]

The best "beginner knife" video I have seen to date. Thank you sir

[@PuissantPike]

But how do we know it's a good knife if you don't chop up some copper pipes and then try to cut a pig carcass with it???

[@Le20100]

Sure not

[@dannyoif06]

It will kell....lol

[@potatogaming3281]

​@@dannyoif06 I don't know kell will it keal

[@sosteve9113]

New viewer here and I have to admit, A really Beautiful rustic knife you made,with some very simple tools.

[@thadstuart8544]

Remarkable! I just bought a Vevor anvil and propane forge based on some of your other videos. This knife project is inspiring for someone who doesn't know what im doing yet. Beautiful

[@joestuttgen5058]

I love using my palm sander for finishing bevels! Leaves a really nice satin finish. My knives are made to be used and they 100% will get scratches so the satin finish helps hide scratches the customer will put into them.

[@roeberdt-bT.1021]

...thanks for the post, glad you popped up in my "feed"... Always absolutely appreciated.,...

[@BlackBearForge]

Welcome!

[@georgstudnicka9969]

Thank you. To adjust the guard by giving it some stikes while on the tang is so easy and clever. I never did this and always struggled. I also love the idea of the leather piece. ☺

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it helped!

[@glencrandall7051]

Nice project John. The blade turned out very well. The handle too, although I am not a fan of antler handle. A nice piece of rosewood would be more to my liking. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@triz1897]

I love your videos

[@tiagobrasil5910]

Wonderful video ,Mr. Switzer. Such a creative. I appreciate it so much .

[@richardsurber8226]

Great video John. I might be able to use this in the future too. Thanks

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@drut7512]

Thanks for this video. I will share it with my Scout troop as two are interested in blacksmithing. Here's to a great 2024 for you and yours.

[@doingitoutdoors7083]

I love it. Great video. A project most anyone can do.

[@bigredbeard65]

John, great video as always with great ideas. I love the primitive setup and enjoy watching how the steel flows for you, great hammer work, I've never heard oh using strong black tea as a type of dye! I'm going to have to try that! I've used canola oil for quenching and it's always worked well for me. Stay well and please keep these videos coming, great part of my Sunday mornings. John V.

[@aguilayserpiente]

Fine education, script, acting, and editing.

[@carpetania47]

Wow! I really like how you made the knife... Greetings from Toledo Spain.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇪🇸🇺🇸

[@Alanbataar]

John, thank you for an interesting and informative video. One aspect I love about blacksmithing is building tools. Perhaps a nice subject for an upcoming video would be making a knife handle rasp. It's the same thickness as the tang, and has teeth on one edge. It uses most of the same techniques as a knife, but has a lot more file work - the teeth can be formed with a chainsaw file and a flat file. I think it might be of Japanese origin.

[@pocketchange3543]

I took you recommendation on Ken's Custom Iron. 100% recommend.

[@MisterRose90]

I love the old sledgehammer head as an anvil. Very resourceful. Probably less than ideal but definitely gets work done.

[@pnr9730]

Awesome thanks from Australia

[@fernandobalina8787]

Muy bien trabajo señor. Saludos de Argentina. El último campeón del mundo

[@jackavalon8366]

Hey John, that hammer head in the stump really works to draw out the tang. It looks almost better than a proper anvil for that purpose. And greetings from Down Under!

[@clarabisson7299]

if you aren't apposed to tips from someone who learned from you

[@FallenAnvilForge]

That is a fine knife John, looks great.