MAKING A VIKING SWORD!!! Part 27

[@danielcrawford7315]

So what if you put a black horn spacer on either end of the big oak? Horn and bone were 100% period correct materials and on a lot of Vikings Swords?

[@hbcgraphics5058]

OUAVE THE SAME LST NAME A ME

[@DWillingham56]

I had the same thought. You could even use a lighter color oak. It would play off the gold and black background

[@GenericSpace]

Just read this after posting my own comment about the same thing except I suggest gold spacers. Either way would look awesome! You can always tell a when someone has done some blade-smithing when they know right away how to screw something up and still "fake it til ya make it" with that same material lol

[@Briguy1027]

Water buffalo horn is black and polishes up really nicely.

[@tomatobrickstudios8458]

He would probably have to get it reassessed, and that amount of gold is... well a lot. It's a pity though - it would look awesome.

[@Rockhopper1]

I would stack the off cut into slices with the other handle, and cross the grain glue it together then recarve it, they used pine resin glue on the handles in the viking era, You could use the cross grain as a decorative feature.

[@alexhutchison3547]

Richard Cave LBPPA Please read this comment, Alec. It would look really good!

[@gawdzila]

I was just thinking the exact same thing. Make a "spacer(s)" with the off cut to cover the gap at the hilt, glue the whole shebang together, and you could even shape or carve the spacers decoratively. Making a pattern with them by cutting across the grain differently is something I didn't think of, but that could be awesome as well. You'd get to keep using the bog oak, wouldn't have to totally re-do the handle, and it would look amazing!

[@derekdial2850]

Great idea

[@BipolarBLKSheep]

What if you used the remaining bog oak but split it in half and have a metal or some other band in the center.. almost like a spacer? so you would have the two pieces of wood sandwiching a metal ring that you could either engrave of just stamp your logo in... idk. Just thinking of a way you could get some use out of that amazing wood.

[@HickokForge]

@@MrNutty39 Life is about the journey, not the destination. It's simply entertaining to watch him work.

[@Jovi_97]

Again another good spacer idea.

[@ALoadOfOldScrap]

Great idea! A gold band in the middle would look incredible!!

[@HickokForge]

JoVi []_[] yeah, I didn’t read the comments before I posted my idea.

[@yotamdelayahu93]

That's a great idea it will work great with the theme of the sword with all the metal stripes already existing (although it might be one stripe too many.)

[@greywuuf]

Bone or horn spacers. Do not abandon the bog oak.

[@yotamdelayahu93]

Oh my God engraved bone spacers

[@HOLT4415]

Welcome to part 73 of the Viking Sword where we are in Africa on a Safari hunt for a Water Buffalo in order to get the horn necessary for our spacers.

[@Gr33nB4st4rd]

5:27 Alec begins surgery on the guard. Jamie, get this man 10CC's of blue dykem, stat!

[@calebmccarthy7298]

Viking sword part 27 “We have to start over”

[@calebmccarthy7298]

Lol

[@mattycreek384]

*Bangs head against wall*

[@dragonwing4ever]

idk about alec but if that happened i think i will literally cry

[@Gr33nB4st4rd]

A Viking shield for the next project would be sweet

[@shawno8253]

It would but i think after this alec is going to do some smaller projects for a little bit

[@fledermauseimglockenturm7655]

You could easily fill/cover that gap. Spacers top and bottom of the handle. Horn, bone, antler etc. Twisted gold wire collars would actually look really good and blend in with the overall style. (Have a look at the collars fitted to the hilt of the Sutton Hoo sword for an idea of what I mean)

[@SourcePortEntertainment]

Full viking armor should be the next project! 🙄👍👍

[@android61242]

only if you want a 154 year video series that has multiple breaks to extend the kids life so he can finish.

[@realproductreviews1779]

@@android61242 LOL good one! 😂 His work is awesome though!

[@sethwinters3556]

Viking armor isn't like plate mail or anything like that so it'd likely be mostly leather work and shouldn't take too long. Although it'd still take a while I'm sure because he likes to make things authentic.

[@TheAsj97]

@Seth Winters Vikings didn't wear leather armor. They wore tunics, chainmail, and maybe gambeson.

[@SourcePortEntertainment]

@@sethwinters3556, Alec does like the leather work too so.....~fingers crossed~

[@GoodandBasic]

Your attention to detail and commitment to quality is profoundly admirable.

[@privateportall]

Soooo many options of fixing this. Don't let it go to waste man

[@richeppler6894]

That sword is a great piece and your attention to detail is making it a model of craftsmanship. Excellent work!

[@helpigotaquestion]

Alec, stick with it brother. You’re a very positive guy and I know you emphasize that on camera. Must be very frustrating but don’t rush it now. You’re doing the right thing and not one of your fans are gonna knock you for this series’ incredible length. In fact we all admire all the more for your truly inspiring dedication!

[@thebridgeninja]

This sword has been a marathon. Keep on trucking my friend! Don’t get sloppy as you get close to finishing. You’re doing great!

[@ManCrafting]

Welcome back from this brief intermission. Now onto the Main Attraction. Bummer on the offset. That is absolutely something I would do. Well, maybe not the fixing it part....lol

[@Humilityismyaim]

Me too, I'd say I can caulk that ...lol

[@ManCrafting]

Chris Nelson haha. Yep.

[@Ukthis1]

Would it be possible to add a spacer to the handle like you did with the rapier? A chunk of blued / Damascus steel on either side to contrast the guards? It would be a shame to waste that bog oak.

[@OGQueenMedusa]

I would make a metal or wood wafer to fit in between the guard and handle. That way you can still use the bog handle. Just make a bog wafer.

[@roxykupetz8594]

Uncle Shifty Add a 3/8 slice on the lower guard side after jigging it up and cutting 3/8 off. Then reshape with a little flare. Do it with ebony and feature it. Job done. Except he'd OCD and have to do it to the upper guard side too.

[@dankidaddy2814]

With the elegance and carefulness and passion Alec puts into this sword it's considered art. And this art is beautiful.

[@Gantzz321]

really hope he gets in touch with one of the authors of one of those sword books he has been referencing to come to the shop an give there impressions of this project

[@brainvom1t]

Brilliant idea

[@SeanBook001]

Hey Alec, have you considered putting some sort of steel spacer at either end of the bog oak handle, or even in the center of the handle? That way you could still use that beautiful wood and not entirely scrap the handle you have made.

[@VektrumSimulacrum]

Props for not cutting corners when you can see the finish line even though it's painful.

[@ricardoruiz2781]

Alec, for this being your first attempt at making a sword, you're doing a fantastic job! You are going above and beyond. I appreciate your use of mathematics in your projects. I love showing my son what you do, he's six years old. It gets him real excited about using math to solve problems.

[@henryeccleston3470]

@alecsteele I’d think a horn or bone plate at either end of the handle would help. A very thin one at either end with the current piece after it has been sanded down a few millimetres, or a decently thick and visible one (I’d think black horn for the contrast with the steel and to bring out the warmer tones of the wood) on either end of the cut off section after it is shaped would let you solve the problem of the gap as desired and open up interesting design possibilities.

[@mandrew20111]

Mad props to you for wasting so much time and not giving up. Admirable determination!

[@Joe___R]

To address the gap you could use some twisted gold wire around the top and bottom of the bog oak handle to cover any gaps and it would look good as well.

[@therealsourc3]

No he can't then they need to re stamp it to account for the new pieces of gold. Same as if he removes some gold

[@EvilLeprechuan]

Was SO waiting on this update. Your integrity never fails, you always point out your flaws, and then overcome them. If you were my kid I'd be hella proud of you man, but I am glad as hell you picked up the craft and are carrying on for those of us who can't any more. Good show Alex.

[@beckygiblin2106]

Hi Alec, I know you can’t do much about it now but if you haven’t started a new handle... that hole you mentioned at 8:45 you could of covered by wrapping the handle with a thick leather (with a dark dye coat) or something like that.... also the work you put into your pieces of art and the details in the blade, handle and guard is incredible I have so much respect for you.

[@nanaki-seto]

that would defeat the purpose of using bog oak that is something that you show off not cover with leather

[@suncu91]

I think he doesn't want to do any cover ups because its his first sword that he will sell and he is public with his making process.

[@1eltino]

Great idea. I’ll use 5000 year old bog oak because it looks beautiful then cover it in leather. Gtfo

[@alexh3974]

covering Oak in leather thats older than ancient Rome! That would be sacrilege

[@toyfreaks]

Always appreciate how you always seal with the consequences of unforeseen problems and come up with the best ad hoc solution.

[@ericm8811]

Hey Alec Steele! You won't fool me! I do not believe it will be done in one more week!

[@kaylor87]

My goodness, I can honestly say I have never watched a series THIS long before, not to mention enjoyed every single minute of it! Alec, you're the man.

[@redlionforge9173]

When all of these parts come together they’re going to create another dimension in the universe! Lol

[@Dondon6x7]

I like that you do not make mistakes and "fix" them off cam. You learn from your mistakes and own them. Thank you so much for an entertaining and informative channel.

[@philmorton4590]

The sword needs a name, all true viking swords do!

[@phillipschmidt7658]

I don't normally comment on anything like this, but I had a truly horrible anxiety attack today. Watching this video helped bring me back down to reality. Watching you work, and seeing you get back up and start over again and again gives me a little ray of sunshine when I can't see past the fog. Thanks for everything you do. Your videos always give me something to look forward too! I can't wait to see how this piece turns out.

[@BH-rx3ue]

*looks at sword*..............*looks at money saved up for a deposit on a mortgage*..........*looks at sword*............*looks at deposit* CURSE YOU SENSIBLE DECISIONS!

[@suncu91]

Buys a sword. It accidentally gets embedded in the stone.

[@Just_Sara]

Most of the people reading this would probably understand. :)

[@SynthRockViking]

I must say, I recognize and appreciate the hard work your doing Alec. Keep up the fine craftsmanship!

[@antonmarkov2893]

You can use the off cut of the old wood if you try it on the diagonal the grain will be at 45 degrees but it might be cool, I don't know.

[@Firstandthirdday]

I am glad you are pushing through I have really enjoyed this series. I am inspired by your dedication to getting it right. I was getting nervous that we weren't going to see the sword finished so I am very happy that you are pressing on. Keep at it. Thank you for what you do I am learning a lot from you and I am twice your age. You are tenacious focused and you enjoy what you do it is a real pleasure to watch and learn from you.

[@jamesbraine]

Googled bog oak and this is what I got. What is bog oak and bog wood? Six to seven thousand years ago forests of oak, yew and pine grew where these bog lands are now today. The remains of those forests are found 4.5m to 6m deep in the bogs. These trees have undergone a great chemical change over the years. The oak changes in colour to black, the yew to a reddish brown and the pine to a golden yellow.

[@Sal_1355]

I wish I could remember the word for it, but I hope you keep the handle simple to enhance and counter the more complex designs. I've seen some comments calling for an intricate handle, but I believe art needs balance. Complexity mirrored by simplicity. Beautiful work so far Alec, I love your craft.

[@crushedcranium]

Yay I'm early! How about a Damascus guitar slide? 😃

[@phillipwatson63]

crushedcranium that would be awesome! Would love to see that!

[@stefanotincani]

+1!!

[@logazipam]

That would be amazing 😍

[@cheekoandtheman]

I’d pay good money for that ! And much easier to make !

[@gusjohnnson9641]

That would be incredible! It would also just probably be a one episode project, which is nice sometimes.

[@bradameerbeg6422]

I love that you are so committed to creating something that YOU are happy with rather than having little things that, to you aren't good enough, and saying, stuff it, it's good enough.... because it isn't. And you push on, you keep going, striving to meet your own standards of quality, and for that, and much more, I admire you and your tenacity and your willingness to improve your knowledge and skills. You and only you are your own champion. Be hard on yourself, but learn from the mistakes. Don't be so hard on yourself that you decide to give up. You are the most talented craftsman I have seen in my life and you are half my age! Please don't change, don't give up on yourself. Because we, your viewers sure as hell won't. Peace.

[@GreenBeetle]

Maybe add metal decorative spacer instead of throwing out wood handle,. Widening handle at top to cover gap might not look right?

[@Mycobob]

Green Beetle I was thinking the same exact thing. It would give him a chance for more engraving and inlays.

[@patman0250]

It wasn't even going to matter because hes wrapping it anyways so it would of just been covered! You have to make compromises when working with a 5 thousand year old wood handle! This was just stupid of him to start over !!

[@Thightanic]

Honestly? Props to you man. It’s always hard to want to go back and fix something minor but you’re really putting your heart and soul into this piece and it really shows. This is truly your greatest work!

[@dreadin]

i think a gold wire inlay in the handle to match the pommel would look awesome.

[@thomasp9511]

bit too much gold if u put everything on the one end you will lose the balanced look

[@gizanked]

@@thomasp9511 also, he already sent it out for the assay. So no more gold added or removed.

[@sethwinters3556]

@@gizanked hopefully, he said he might have to send it back in tho 😓

[@efrotera]

Seth Winters that would be absolutely terrible. But also inspiring. Because his standards are so high it makes me take a second look at what I do and how I carry myself as a chef.

[@sethwinters3556]

@@efrotera agreed he makes me want to look more closely and do better at all things not just wood/metal work. He has an amazing work ethic and I like how he's gradually raised his standards as his skills improve.

[@crippa2]

I realt admire the effort and attention to detail you put into this project. Don’t worry about the people wanting immidiate results, you’ve done plenty of videos they can watch while you finish this. Don’t be hasty, be thorough.

[@davidchudleigh1249]

"im going to get a lot of work done in this episode" makes no progress

[@Isnogood12]

I think he actually made reverse progress, because he had the beginnings of a handle at the start, now he doesn't have even that. Truly 'tis the darkest hour for this piece.

[@Dasmaster1]

Technically he could cut out a bit of the handle and laminate on new material which could both contrast in color as well as give him another chance to get it right.

[@CedarloreForge]

Hey even setbacks are a learning-gain! Welcome to the reality of high-quality swordsmithing. It teaches you patience through pain. ;) And Alec’s doing a great job 🙏

[@stoffers6419]

Failure is progress. It teaches you how to be better, you then know what not to do.

[@joshkeates6692]

when he always talks about doing thing right first time look where that has got you 27 videos and 27 of those had a imperfection

[@tacmedic304]

After the medical training videos and showing how important all those tools are to have in a workshop, you learned and used the most important action of a medically trained person EVER!! At 7:16 of the video you flicked a pen top off just like a Medic would the medication tops prior to administrating to a patient. And as a medic of 25 years, qualified in 2 countries, military, and helped train your very own NHS Paramedics, I applauded you for that. YA - it was just a pen top people, but that action means so much to many people. :)

[@Bobba_fett]

Didn't get anvil time in during this video. I say you make one hammer per day as anvil/power hammer practice. (i of course would have to be first in line for a hammer since I suggested this amazing pactice/skills exercise as a daily routine)

[@elterga6224]

He probably does off screen

[@estbeta]

The guards are some of the nicest things I’ve seen on KZbin. You did an amazing job on them and you inspired me to take risk and learn new abilities. Thanks for sharing Alec, all the best

[@PJTForging]

What ever happened to anvil time? :)

[@c7ndk]

more whack whack

[@Jrian92]

Less yac yac

[@PJTForging]

:D

[@fogshot]

Wow! This must be sooo frustrating! I have the utmost respect for your perseverance and your determination to uphold those high standards. If this was a project of mine, there would have already been dozens of times where I would have said "Eh, good enough." and left it there - you on the other hand always go that extra mile. Awesome.

[@CrichtonAsTheseus]

Alec, I did some research on Viking Sword handles. Depending upon the time period, some were leather wrapped. I know that's a nemesis of yours. Just check before you put too much time into a wood only handle. P.S. I still think silk cord is your best bet for getting a smooth exterior when gluing.

[@Antiganos]

Using the beautiful 5000 year old bog wood but covering it with leather would be pretty wasteful, sort of like making a foundation with fancy bricks would be a waste when they get covered in concrete.

[@CrichtonAsTheseus]

@@Antiganos Yes, but it'd be historically accurate.

[@Antiganos]

Aside from the damascus steel blade, extreme amount of gold, etc. It's an art piece, not a replica. There's no point covering an expensive and nice looking piece of wood with plain leather, hiding the beauty completely. If a leather wrap was to be used, a piece of cheap wood would be a better choice, as it's not hellishly expensive or wasteful.

[@spectrumofcreation5679]

Keep it up alec!! This will be a lesson for many about not ever saying it is what it on the work!!! Make what you truely intend it to be.... NO SHORT CUTS!!!!! Well done!!!! Quality quality quality!!!!

[@doubledarefan]

Save the hilt. It might fit something else you will build.

[@TheBottegaChannel]

Agreed Double Dare fan. I think he should make a seax blade to fit the bog oak hilt and use brass or copper inlay on the blade.

[@ALoadOfOldScrap]

Your doing a great job on this and also a great job on getting across just how frustrating it can be when things go a little wrong, it's also nice to see people sticking with the 'series' even if it takes a long time. Most people will never appreciate the time things take but I think they are able to see it a bit more with something like this. Your doing awesome Alec keep on keeping on.

[@digitaIgorilla]

Nooooooooo! Ok, deep breath. Onward and upward!

[@chasehoherz5311]

I am thoroughly enjoying the change in the tone of the music. Not every episode needs to be loud and cacophonic; I am really digging the more peaceful music. Excellent choice.

[@hikerbro3870]

What did I miss? When did the hallmark get dammaged???

[@TheEveryMaker]

I was just looking through the comments to see if it was referenced somewhere, I thought I had missed something.

[@willowrabbit]

might be the tiny pixel black dot above the logos.

[@Biggestmac27]

Alec Steele Dude you’re not a blacksmith, you’re an artist, that sword is beautiful.

[@goldeneaglearbor614]

I think a burned handle would look great. It would be super dark and match everything else Edit: maby burn a handle then carve a swirl down it for contrast??

[@crazywegian]

Upvote this fker, brilliant idea

[@gizanked]

Why would you waste bog oak like that. (edit:just saw that the handle is screwed anyways so if you want to burn a handle use regular oak)

[@michaeldaugherty3540]

Needs contrast a light handle would do nicely

[@goldeneaglearbor614]

@@michaeldaugherty3540 I would normally agree with you for sake of balance but I think with this build that much contrast would throw it off because so much else is dark Go for more of a unified dark look.

[@michaeldaugherty3540]

@@goldeneaglearbor614 its just my opinion but pine or crapemyrtle as a light ebone as a dark

[@lightsaber10001]

Alec.. when using the really expensive/nice woods. make a prototype with the cheaper wood like pine or other cheep wood and then use that to them make the really nice wood. I enjoy your videos... Keep up the good work and keep enjoying what you do!

[@contracabal]

How about some armor?

[@oualid7343]

HOW DOES HE STAY CALM! damn love his patience and positive mindset

[@moritzkamp4251]

I must say, in my opinion i think these episodes are getting too long for the "little amount" of real content. Do not get me wrong, i have been subscribed to your channel since 150k, but i would prefer it took you a little longer to do an episode, but then actually make some nice progress on the piece, rather than making almost 30 videos by now. Keep up the great work! That sword is looking absolutley stunning. Ps: maybe make the handle out of ebone wood? Has a really nice and dark colour to it.

[@michaeldaugherty3540]

I second this

[@Benzy670]

I can’t help but read that ebony misspelling as E-bone lol. (Not trying to be a prick, it just makes me chuckle.)

[@doffendoffenson4917]

If you want longer videos, you would have to wait longer. He can't show progress if there ain't lol

[@firespark7092]

@@doffendoffenson4917 most of us asking this understand that.

[@doffendoffenson4917]

@@firespark7092 obviously not

[@ifabforfun]

Wow, here we are, part 27... My beard is a little grayer and my kids have grown and left me but this channel keeps me entertained.

[@b_wrld]

On my phone is says 0 views 1 like and 88 comments. 😂😂😂 Good Job KZbin. 👌

[@Humilityismyaim]

Yeah good job Tube you!

[@rupertmiller9690]

Right now this video sits at 84 views, 304 likes and 107 comments. That's some funky math.

[@b_wrld]

Oh my gosh. I can’t believe he liked this. 🙏😂

[@pekkasaarinen2902]

It means there's too much talking and not enough watching and learning. 😋

[@sharkfinn2379]

And mine said 100 comments 305 likes and 84 views

[@alexfullriede1423]

Love your dedication to quality, that's what separates the pros from the hacks.... Nice work on catching your mistakes and fixing them, good luck Alec!

[@tarjeiolsen148]

Im sorry alec, but i gotta be honest, i'm rather disapointed with the choice of handle style, it just seems so simple and boring compared to the rest of the sword. Kind of glad the gap was there so you can reconsider. Sorry for the toughf love, but i want this to look its best and that choice of handle wont do it justice

[@TheLtVoss]

If he would do a not so simple handle it could be too much u know like too many colors And same "straight" lines in the handel would rematch the rather simpel geometry of the blade

[@tarjeiolsen148]

@@TheLtVoss well thats kind of the whole deal about ornately made viking swords in perticular the whole hilt is very ornate. The plain wood stands out like a sore thumb

[@TheLtVoss]

@@tarjeiolsen148 the historical one that a in a nice shape/condition have a decorative leather or cord wrap around the wood so the handel isnt finished jet so i think it is just the geometry of the handel u see by now if alec haven't planed a surprise for us

[@milanschouten6533]

I think he definitely would’ve added decorations to it. Although I do agree.

[@AuroraAlchemy]

I think he was going to do more to it. He was just at the simple shaping phase of the handle when he noticed the issue. I think if it had been the right size handle and had covered the hole, he wouldn’t done more to the wood. We just didn’t get to see that because he noticed the mistake and he stopped working.

[@Jovi_97]

Ooh reading through some of these fixing ideas gives me hope. This could be saved and look amazing.

[@mastermindisbest]

IMO that handle is too short for man's hand.

[@irgendwonurwann]

Viking sword's handles are supposed to be a tight fit to promote a certain way of cutting. The guard pushing into your lower hand stiffens your wrist so you have to take wide swings from your elbow or shoulder.

[@theponkster]

You are an honnest lad showing your errors as well as your success - respect to you ! Remember that the low days just help to make the final success taste even sweeter. Keep up the good work

[@freddie-ug1sy]

wow makes a lotta sense, no views, 54 comments....

[@Gamebattles1946]

for me it has 96 comments with no views

[@vulcan874]

ive been a blacksmith for 5 years, and a machinist for about 4 months. never heard of a hand broach till today

[@skuzlebut82]

Honestly, have been enjoying this Viking sword series for quite a while but as time passes, each video has less work and more talking. It seems like you are trying to just drag it on as long as possible. It's Thursday here in the US but the package from being marked came back on Monday? You were releasing a video per day on this sword but the last 2 or 3 weeks, it has been 1 video per week.

[@elterga6224]

Editing videos takes a long time. Planning on what to do next takes a long time. My theory on work quality is, the more time spent on a project, the better the quality. The less time spent, the poorer the quality. So, probably a long time on the work as well.

[@Thelastcritic]

Hey Alec, my wife and I love your videos! We have been looking at houses and different furnishings. This got us to thinking about damascus steel items for around the house. Here are a few that you might find to be an interesting challenge. Faucets and fixtures, FARMHOUSE SINK (Sorry for the caps but she kind of shouted that), skillet(s), drawer and cabinet hardware, maybe a heater vent. Love what you do! Godbless!

[@Vampyredh]

Your videos are getting shorter and shorter and providing less work. I guess real life is taking over and you need to actually work to make some money. Hope to see better content soon. I have been watching you for awhile and have to say the new format is making want to watch less and less as you are not actually producing any informative content as of late.

[@wemustrizetogether6840]

vampyredh I totally agree with you. I really enjoyed his older videos with less editing. This Viking sword arc has been very sad to say the least.

[@VicEiland]

I can totally understand where you are coming from. The viking sword has taken quite a while. However, something that I like about the channel is that Alec is a blacksmith first and a youtuber second. Sure the more you can pack into one short video, the more "entertaining" it can be, no doubt, but I personally see value in the true daily process, even if it takes forever. I think it keeps the integrity of what it really means to do this work. As an artist, I am encouraged by seeing other artist go to the nth degree to make something as perfect as possible; it teaches me discipline. It's something I think a lot of channels have lost. Again, that's a reason I like the pacing, but can totally see your point as well.

[@kman556k]

great job sticking with it, if and when you try another project of this size you will be very glad to have this experience.

[@KaminKevCrew]

Alec, you might be able to use the offcut of the bog oak with two thin pieces of lighter wood on either side, or something like that. That way the bog oak is still the showcase of the hand grip, it would just be framed on either side by something else.

[@Jusdin057]

Keep going Alec. Great work. It's been a long build but it is awesome to watch. I can't believe how far you have come. Watching you has made me go and start blacksmithing

[@dad_moose]

I personally appreciate the fact that you aren't calling anything "good enough". There is something to be said about working something to absolute perfection regardless of the time it takes to achieve. That is true artisanship and something truly lacking in many makers these days. I know "done is better than perfect" but that is only when done is the end goal. Keep it up and I am expecting something truly unique to be done to that wooden handle (carving/inlay). You got this Alec!

[@joshdoesathing]

You could cut the bog oak in half and use a spacer made of brass or bronze to make up for the missing length? Darkened bronze might look real nice

[@Jomama7272]

Today, I've spent many hours watching this series. I am not disappointed.

[@grafikal100]

Nice update. I check in every 500 episodes or so to see how the viking sword is going. Going good, going good.

[@tannerbobanner9453]

Man, I envy those who can binge watch this entire series without having to wait for each episode. But I will say, it has been quite incredible watching this sword go from hunks of steel and coils of gold to what it is now. Just incredible!!

[@AllChemystery]

Oh Man the anticipation is killing me!!!! Absolutely cannot wait to see the finished product go all fruit ninja and hack into sides of beef. Plus the artistry gone into this piece of work. Really looking forward to the next build. Maybe William Wallace' Great sword from the film Braveheart. That would truly challenge your abilities to the max. Truly Great work Alec!

[@pidplayer7340]

love how dedicated you to make this this perfect you even redo stuff over hair line gaps. looks awesome so far cant wait to see it finished

[@ozmobozo]

Hopefully it will fit in a lifetime I want to see that finished.

[@SKEPGFX]

I’m in love with this series man! Well done! You should be proud!

[@aurvangar9811]

Such harmony with these colors! Bon travail Alec!

[@mikajoseph623]

I like that there's a butt ton of variation in the music you use for videos

[@roxykupetz8594]

As a woodworker my inclination would be to add an ebony slice to each end of the bog oak handle and reshape the ends with a slight flare. Viking epoxy!

[@shadedamarion]

Fill those spots by the handle with gold so you can still use the bogg wood. It will tie in well with the rest of the gold and look pretty cool too.

[@RogerGracieAcademyHQ]

Alec, I’ve been watching your channel for the last 3 weeks ... every day , 4 or 5 videos every day. Very entertaining presenter, very dedicated to your craft and perfection not allowing mistakes get brushed under the carpet, skill of a very high level, and fantastic editing and music. Honestly such an entertaining channel even though previously I never had an interest in black smithing ! Fantastic!! I’m also a big Skyrim fan , any chance you would ever attempt the Daedric war axe ? Such a badass weapon would be so cool to see it made! Anyways, made a big fan out of me keep it up !!

[@Lfomod1Dubstep]

I've followed this build since video 1 and it's amazing to see how it comes together! Beautiful work Alec! :)

[@CliKnight]

Nerves of STEEL.... Thank you for making this sword and these videos.. I love love how you are taking the time to be so spot on.. No need to rush....I so look forward to this one.

[@Aleks_Z]

This took so long with all the modern tools and machines. I can't imagine how long would it take back in the day.

[@thibni_]

ALEC. You can use Wood Glue to glue the pieces after cutting them and then giving you the length needed! Simply reshape the new ones to fit in with the old cuts and then Bam! A design, sort of like a mixture of Damascus wooden patterns! 😁😁

[@thibni_]

Please read this, @AlecSteele I think you'll benefit greatly from this idea

[@Indian_Ravioli]

You can just add a plate in between them to cover that hole being exposed..... But then you pay way more attention to detail than I ever could. Which is why I love this channel.

[@mattjc]

You could laminate a layer of new wood onto the lower end of your handle, and sculpt it to meet the existing handle while being wide enough to cover the guard slot.

[@thefluffycornlord3688]

I love you Alec I love Vikings I think this is the best build you've done on this channel.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Good eye, Jamie. Save the Bog-oak for another project or put some leather washers at either end to take up any imperfections in the wood.