Making carving knife - blacksmithing, bark sheath, burl handle and bushcraft trip

Making and using a carving knife. I forge the blade from coil spring, carve the handle from birch burl, make the sheath from elm bark and use the knife on a bushcraft trip. Open the full video description for more information.
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Date: June 2024
Day: about 20°C (59°F)
Night: about 10°C (50°F)
Hours of daylight = about 16
Location: Scandinavia, Northwest Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.
_________________
A few questions:
1. What steel did you use?
Spring steel - coil from unknown farming equipment.
2. What wood did you use?
Birch burl.
3. What bark did you use?
Elm.
4. How did you heat treat the knife blade?
Normalizing in air, hardening in oil, tempering on a hot piece of steel to a light yellow collar cutting edge and a blue collar spine.
5. Did you drill a hole in the handle before burning the final fit?
Yes.
6. What glue did you use?
Epoxy.
7. Can you tell me more about the knife design?
Yes - just a typical scandinavian sloyd knife - for general crafting/wood working.
8. Why use water on the anvil?
It helps removing scale/keeps the steel cleaner. Scale is hard and will be forged into the surface leaving a rough finish. No problem doing the rough forging, but for the final heats is water on the anvil a great way to achieve a smooth forged finish
9. Is the blacksmith setup inside a tent?
Yes - a large lavvu/tent. Just made from cheap tarps, spruce poles and nails. Nothing fancy... Made it last winter.
10. What blower do you use in the blacksmith shop?
One made in Denmark for the danish military. Similar is common for blacksmithing - if you want one try to google "Hand crank forge air blower" or similar.
12. What axe are you using for making the handle and spoon?
C45 steel, oak handle and oak sheath. Made it a few weeks ago - Here is a video of how I made it • Making small axe - bla...
13. Where did you get the anvil from?
Forklift fork, cut with angle grinder and heat treated like an anvil.
14. Do you sell?
At the moment do I only sell locally here in Denmark and only very limited amount. I am currently considering making a a website and starting selling global (though still very limited amount). I am also considering doing giveaways here on youtube.
15. How did you learn blacksmithing?
I learned the basics from watching youtube videos - trial and error. Also learned from a few skilled local/danish blacksmiths. It was my fulltime job for a few years and on off is it still my job. My father/grand father was not blacksmiths. Still a lot to learn and a lot to try for the first time.
16. What is you're full time job?
KZbin and on off making and selling axes and wooden spoons.
17. Where do you live?
At the moment is my home the tent/blacksmith shop shown in the video. The tent is on my own property - a tiny piece of a larger nature reserve in Northwest Denmark.
18. What have you been up to the last two years?
Just enjoying bushcraft trips in Denmark and simple living. Living in a tent/lavvu makes all mundane household tasks take a lot of time time. On off making and selling axes and on off doing youtube. A few trips to the Italian alps to help a friend renovating a traditional stone cabin.
19. Why not forge weld?
It is future videos.
20. What materials are you're old carving knife made from?
Laminated blade from mild steel and an old file. Birch burl handle and birch bark sheath. Made it a few years ago.
21. Where is the woodpecker nest?
Near the blacksmith shop. In the footage can you see the male giving way for the female - both parents is very busy feeding the chicks. Soon the chicks can fly and will leave the nest.
22. What tarp did you use?
A canvas tarp made by Tschum in Germany. It is a prototype - for more information contact tschum.de
_________________
Some of the gear used in the video:
1. Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
2. Axe and knife = homemade
3. Boots - Lundhags Forest
4. Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe F1
5. Tarp = Tschum
_________________
Camera gear:
Nikon D7000
Nikon 50mm 1.8
Nikon 20mm 2.8
Nikon 300mm 4.5
Røde videomic NTG
iMovie

[@BertramCraftAndWilderness]

Thank you for watching. The video description include gear list and answers to the most asked questions etc.

[@lorettawhiteside3153]

I will always watch and wait for you're next vid I very much appreciate what you do 😊😊💘💘

[@MattBlackbike]

Thank you for uploading

[@turksheadbushcraftsurvival8717]

Good to have you back dude! A pleasure as alwaysv

[@Jasonstone369]

love your videos mate, fellow blacksmith here. but if i may give you some constructive criticism id recommend not forging the coil spring too cold, helps to avoid cold fractures warps and cracks after hardening

[@tomaskovacik6238]

Aka kôra stromu je to

[@DungarSinghChauhan]

He returned when the world needed him the most.

[@marciotemperante1]

Assistindo aqui nas florestas do Brasil.

[@jamesswick7534]

Ummmm ok

[@ichbinderhamma851]

Ok cool 😂

[@boodleg]

When there is a new Bertram Video, you know it is a good day on youtube.

[@namelastname9576]

"Bertram" and the original "Primitive Technology" video on the same day. What a day to be alive.

[@britinmadrid]

I've never seen smithing videos before where the craftsman spreads water on the anvil. Fascinating stuff!

[@castelltercol]

The world need you back!

[@256087]

Simply the best, simple and smart. 4 years ago, you bought a homestead and you were to built a cabin, please let us know if you achieved this project.

[@BertramCraftAndWilderness]

Thank you. Great memory - I did build the log cabin and soon after did I remove it due to laws/not possible to get building permit. No hard feelings. I still own the property and on off is it my home - it is a tiny piece of a larger nature reserve in Northwest Denmark. I can use tents on the property without any needs for building permits or problems with laws. The tent/blacksmith shop shown in the video is on the property. Long term plan is just to keep the tiny property like it is - one large tent and let the rest be bog/forrest. I don't have the money know - but maybe in a few years buy another piece of nature and make another cabin.

[@supertr3mp]

Rewatched all your old videos recently. You are the best, by far.

[@timothytakahashi1747]

Your anvil and doghead hammer remind me of Japanese style blacksmithing. I'm always impressed with your hammering techniques, very efficient. Can't wait to see you forge weld. Beautiful knife Thanks for posting.

[@Александр-д3в9ч]

Бертрам! Не глядя - лайк! Знаю, уверен, что отличное и полезное видео! Спасибо большое!

[@Моймирвдвижении]

...поддерживаю Ваше мнение...

[@АрКострома]

Умелец.

[@BushcraftWoodsDevil]

That was EXCELLENT. Wonderful to watch!

[@starringchristopher]

awesome video! ......really enjoyed watching....thank you!

[@izzyG710]

Peeling the bark off the branch was so satisfying

[@terrym1065]

Thanks Bertram, great video. Too short for my liking but I'll take what I can get... Nice work on the knife, like the other one it will be put to good use. Filming was spot on as usual, well done. Again thanks for the trip and work. See you next time.

[@plgyg3897]

Hi, Bertram. Great to see you again. As many people said before, your peaceful and skilled videos are great. I've notice there is something that appears in all of them..... your smile!! Thank you for sharing your job and those wonderful landscapes

[@BushcraftWood]

Craftsman ☝🏻🤝 Minimalist

[@ЭльдарГаджиев-к3в]

Хорошее видео

[@daiki51]

Hello. I watch your video in Japan everyday. Your video is very interesting. I have got interested in bushcraft. So, I began camp these days. Also, I began to make wooden spoons. Especially , I like spoons made from japanese cherry tree .

[@eshackleton8248]

Rune, you should be inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Ministry of Arts & Culture by your country. I wish more youths would be like you.

[@YAVUZ_K_O_C_]

Please don't stop posting videos. I'm looking forward to it.

[@hidex13]

Great video Make your own tools and use them to make new tools. I was impressed.👍

[@MASI_forging]

Never boring and very well woth watching as ever 👍👍

[@PapaBearOutdoorAdventures]

Nice - always exciting to see when you create things with your creativity and skills 🇸🇪 😀

[@tonyroby6788]

This world needs 10,000 Rune's in every town.💯

[@fabrizioguillen2885]

Más videos así por favor!!!! Eres el mejor!!! Saludos desde Tucumán - Argentina

[@lubos175]

Nice job..sometimes I also make knives for friends, loved ones...god to see you

[@herbertmaucher1007]

Vielen lieben Dank für das tolle Video habe wieder viel gelernt weiter so und liebe Grüße 👍👍🤘

[@synsiekerfury7057]

Your video really calms my soul. Thank you.

[@kevinlittle9483]

The most stressful thing in this is the rough chopping of the handle!! Cheers brother! Keep the videos coming!

[@trapperbushcraftmarcobuti8333]

Super 🔝👏

[@krisslindberg8440]

Excellent craftsman well done

[@ИванКореневский-ж4я]

Наш брат снова нас радует своими атмосферными видео❤

[@andreatonelli8291]

the Master is return !

[@NuocMamDaily]

Love your videos. Keep them reeling in !!!!

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

Thanks

[@voskoutdoors]

Thanks for the inspiration.

[@barbybushcraft]

Parabéns pelo vídeo e secessso sempre

[@ericcole978]

All his videos feel evolutionary connected. best words i got.

[@ericcole978]

you are drunk

[@ericcole978]

yes

[@bac135]

Answers in "A few questions" is a good idea.

[@YuenMinLing-kw6qb]

Love rustic knife

[@joebill663]

KZbin isnt sending me your videos. I had to wonder and go look. Glad to see you back! Very peaceful show 😌

[@Pirate_Dave3778]

Everyone else has said it, but...so glad you're back. Your videos calm my anxiety issues a ton. Thank you 👍

[@jestr102763]

The legend has returned.

[@ПётрсынПетра-ь3э]

Благодарю Бертрам.

[@hamzatuluoglu6585]

MAŞALLAH HOCAM, MÜKEMMEL ÖĞRETİCİ VE BELGESEL TADINDA OLMUŞ. ALLAH HİDAYET VERSİN.

[@tyates.]

Works of art, within a work of art. Masterfully done as always, thank you for sharing!

[@joudjoud6010]

what a good vibe in this video while u forge ... can't get bored at all of ur videos of making knives ... wish to see others like this soon bertram😇

[@stanbrown915]

HELLO HELLO HELLO!!! Glad you're back!!

[@MarceloPaste]

Good to have you back

[@lanstarmarbaniang5830]

Good to see u again

[@kingrafa3938]

Great job on that Rune. Thanks for the video!

[@rfq95]

Yeah new tent

[@ewryzarate8380]

Excelente, se extraña verte trabajar.

[@mattharrison9550]

I loved this one, more like this please! Excellent work!

[@pierreaucoin2480]

That’s a cool way to make a sheath.

[@polyaddict]

His blacksmithing technique reminds me of a professional caveman

[@kekipark77]

no talking about money, no stupid music, just great content. best outdoor channel on youtube.

[@LockwoodAmbient]

I'm so glad you are back at it. 👍🏻

[@phredrocks]

Great video! Thank you!

[@M_syaiful99]

Hallo from Indonesian

[@ClintHollingsworth]

Good to see you again!

[@Bobby56-200]

Always calming ☺️☺️❤

[@EatCarbs]

Awesome knife! Thanks for the video

[@Greenmaninthedesert]

You work with what many would see as "primitive" tools; yet your work comes out so beautiful. You are an inspiration to us.

[@anthnymalclmrberts3847]

Quality craftsmanship 🔥👍

[@lorettawhiteside3153]

Spectacular craftsmanship always happy to see you're vids . 😊

[@159Ironman]

Perfect! Thank you for taking the time to post your work

[@АндрейНазаренко-ы9ж]

Увидел сразу лайк , будем смотреть )

[@ocamposbodybuilding3076]

BERTRAN SIMPLESMENTE O MELHOR! 😊

[@MrDragline33]

Awesome job

[@markv151]

Forge on Rune !

[@ftfat9340]

Saya menunggu video survival no water no food dengan durasi 2 jam darimu. ❤ 😅

[@rubenho9476]

Great your back

[@MostlyRCSlovakia]

Maestro is back!

[@paullooper558]

Please don’t disappear again 😊 god blessed you and stay healthy 🫡

[@borisgadon]

Well done and thanks a lot!

[@rdy602509]

He's back!!! Yay!!!

[@ВладимирКоваль-д7т]

Дуже чудове відео👍

[@yabandakiturk]

Nice

[@rasikunfelix9207]

Selamat malam👍

[@daniilshramko3497]

So good.

[@hoiboim]

I love your videos, it`s so refreshing

[@alessguti2470]

Por fin te tenemos de vuelta, gran amigo un saludo!

[@yufanblake3992]

加油，继续，寂静的满足

[@catjesus6058]

wow! First i looked to the hammer it looks like it in traditional japan stile and then i saw the anvil is looks like anvils in video about japan blacksmiths )))

[@GustavoHernandez-uj1pm]

Que bueno que volviste 🎉

[@mizumusi1]

ずーっと待ってました。おかえりー(^^♪

[@731-l3o]

hope you’re well brother

[@666exothicc]

who's 4 people unlike this video? i guess you new huh btw welcome back mate ..

[@alejandroleiss8775]

Gracias por compartir Saludos

[@AlexBushcraftmyWorld]

Friends! Why are your videos better than mine? I live in caves and nobody cares.

[@bembeme1201]

😂

[@lucastraulsen6486]

Du er tilbage bror, jeg har savnet dig

[@NikoNatur]

pure.

[@IIIukodo]

Здорова, совет, чтобы вытянуть режущую кромку нужно сперва сделать форму банана, нож потом по мере ударов по режущей кромке сам примет правильную форму.

[@ІванСтепан-ъ9г]

👍

[@WoodCarving-u2p]

Hello Bertram!! Great video for making a carving knife. The only thing you don't show in the video is how Scandi downhills were taken out on a pilot pilot and at the end that cut did not show the finish. Make a little more video, it'll be better. I'm waiting for your video of your axe being forged with which you've been making a huge tree. Make this axe again!!! Good luck to you Master

[@tolisn1044]

Ωραίο μαχαίρι Bertram

[@Barlofontain]

Using one carving knife, to create another carving knife... "Look what you will become"

[@adilahnaf]

❤

[@amsenita8017]

Do you carve fresh cut wood for the kuska or spoon? How old can the wood be to still be nice to carve? Poplar ok wood? Apple wood? I have several poplar trees blown down over winter. So wood would be 4 mos to 6mos old,drying in my woods. Enjoy your videos very much. Very relaxing.

[@juudjemore3525]

Why did you use water on your anvil and hammer, it cools your knife?