MAKING MY FIRST SWORD! Part 1: FORGING the Damascus Steel *MAXING OUT POWERHAMMER*

[@bryankerns7708]

hey Alec, if I may say so, for only being 19 it 20 sir, you impress me so much. You speak so candidly about how your feeling. You admit that you are terrified, yet you dive head first, right in and start an entirely new process. that is immensely difficult to do in life. thanks for making these videos, and I can't wait to see your first sword emerge. good luck!

[@AlecSteele]

+Bryan Kerns Thank you Sir!

[@Moeller64]

Well written Bryan Kerns. Best channel on KZbin!

[@juppschmitz1974]

You nailed it. No more words needed! Big thanks to Alec, for another great video. Also the damascus looks absolutely faboulus!

[@AmazingKrimispinner]

Alec: I am afraid to make a sword 'cause of the difficultie. Also Alec: Let's make it out of damascus.

[@OTnvJuna]

AmazingKrimispinner "Sometimes you have to run, before you can walk." -Ironman

[@FelMaple]

go hard or go home

[@digitaIgorilla]

Jerre Koehntopp That's Steele-man's older brother.

[@KyleMeyer949]

If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing

[@josephwheelsgaming1594]

go big or go home he killed it tho

[@jackzijdenbos5496]

"I want to quickly run into the bandsaw" Alec I often feel the same way

[@rossjlee]

This is my favorite channel on youtube. Theres nothing like 10 minutes of positive attitude, good information, good tunes, and seeing something turn from material into a tool. Keep it up, young man!

[@HelwigTV]

Hey Alec, from the little personal experience I could gain from the Sachse-Schmiede, a renowned Damascus Smith from Germany I would try a smaller billet with an easier lamination. The pattern might weld really good if it was parallel stacked. The pattern can be enhances achieved through a cross-pattern indentor punch pressed on the hot billet or something. You might not need this much steel(e) to make a sword... but: Keep on learning, dude. Your skills are already amazing. Love it. Liked every video so far. And keep microwaving the S**t out of this Tupperware :-D

[@ackerkartoffel8627]

HelwigTV the white pattern is hardenable and the white isnt hardenable thats the Special about damascus Steel

[@ackerkartoffel8627]

HelwigTV that makes it hard and flexible

[@randoprior4130]

Acker Kartoffel That isn't quite correct sir. 15N20 (the shiny metal) is quite hardenable, and it's possible to make high quality knives from only this metal. the other steel is 1084 or 1080 or something, which has almost the same processes for hardening. this means Alec can simply quench it in oil to harden rather than doing a really weird HT which is necessary if you have a soft steel and a hard steel. when combining these steels, it is impossible to get a hardenable but still soft blade unless the steels are almost homogenous. so either smelted and combined or folded so many times the layers are so small they may as well be homogenous. but simply folding two different carbon content steels will not give you a strong, but flexible or soft knife. the only way to achieve this effect even in Damascus is the same process as regular steel. either an edge quench, or a full quench and then a few tempering cycles to increase the blades flexibility without compromising it's hardness. so to sum it up, no mixing a hard steel and a soft steel will not result in a blade that is both hard and soft or flexible. the shiny steel Alec uses in Damascus is not hard and soft it is a hardenable steel just like the other component high carbon steel. mixing these two will result in a very tough blade, and using similar carbon levels will ensure every square inch of the knife gets hard, not only one steel. if only one steel hardened in Damascus it is almost certain to create cold shuts and delaminations.

[@joecostello1624]

Jake Pryor thank you lol

[@joshuaurbany6468]

been watching your stuff for 8 years. crazy how much of a better blacksmith you are now.

[@xTheHumanoidx]

Take 3 or 4 of the small forges that Sam and you showed us and make a long forge for more even heating and tempering of the longer stock.

[@theswaggeringwombat3084]

I think that they should be free you did after all utterly destroy probably Alec's favourite chair

[@ModernBladesmith]

yeah sam! that chair was definitely equivalent the $1,000+ that 4 forges are worth.

[@MegaDeath458]

Young blacksmiths and modern blacksmiths in general make a tear drop out of my eyes. Being a lover/fan of medieval and "antique" techniques is one thing, actually taking and going through is on and entirely new level Love ya, Alex Inspired me to learn and practice the *art of blacksmithing*

[@bentroskie3190]

next video title: "found a crack."

[@koosh6876]

Bernard Troskie Don't jinx it....

[@RoyaleWitCheese04]

Bernard Troskie yup

[@leftcoastfunk]

Let's get crackin' on!

[@fromtheusawithlove]

oh crap! I hope not.

[@Syrade2713]

NOOOOOOOO

[@Itben69]

I love videos that show people making something as complex as a sword from something so simple such as a metal. To any new people who like the same as I described above, this is one of the best channels ever.😊

[@jeremyhunter2833]

Hey Alec, I love the music. It's nice and jazzy

[@MMunnerlyn1]

Love your videos. Love your honesty & willingness to take risks & hang it all out for the world to see. You have inspired me to build my own forge and tools. Thanks for all you do to promote blacksmithing. Love your work!!

[@michaelmuller8877]

In South Africa it gets insanely hot, the hottest day I was at my forge the outside temperature was 42 degrees C, then it starts to get a little less fun

[@azelignacio2598]

Michael Muller here in the phillipines 42*c every summer is normal temprature it can go up to 45

[@cptawesome5234]

Ace Magic I live in Denmark and I have never felt more than 36C, I felt like I was melting

[@BiggerFudge]

Michael Muller live In Tennessee. Almost always cold

[@williamknox6115]

I used to live in Arizona and they've already hit 50 degrees today; I can't imagine trying to forge anything in that heat, let alone a sword!

[@mrcaboosevg6089]

30c in the UK yesterday and the tar sticking started sticking to car tires and pulling up the road... How anyone gets any work done in 40c heat is beyond me

[@VictordeMelo223]

the best part of your videos, is how you show enthusiasm!

[@ollieginno5503]

Alec, have you ever thought about doing a collab with the 'man at arms reforged' crew, that would be the best collaboration on you tube ever because youre both the best channels on here

[@Anino_Makata]

Ollie Ginno Well, that gonna be... kind of a long shot. Since the Reforged crew are in Baltimore, and Alec is somewhere in Britain. But, yes. I agree. A collab would be awesome!

[@berengerlefort8612]

I really, really love Alec work. He is fantastic to watch but he is very far to have the skill of Ilya Alekseyev (another Alek aha) in Man at arms Ref, the difference of experience is huge and Ilya is a genius. But i'll like to see Ilya teach Alec, should be Fantastic.

[@seanbullard3931]

Ollie Ginno true that would be awesome.

[@cheesecrumbs380]

Ollie Ginno it will be dream comes true for us if Alec doing collab with Ilya Alekseyef from Man at Arms Reforged. Ilya is genius, it'll be hard for us to reach such a skill, but Alec videos make all of us want to forged something someday. ☺️

[@levistandley1505]

Ollie Ginno Agreed

[@BrokenHammerLLC]

HYPE!!!! FINALLY! Good luck boss, swords are brutal to learn but extremely rewarding once mastered.

[@Denvr2]

*Your editing is top notch!👍🏽*

[@joeyrz8041]

Hey! Finally the sword! When your done with all the videos, you should put them all together as 1. So we get to see the whole process in one sitting.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

It had to happen! Every forger eventually has to try.. Wishing you the best, .. you gonna need it! .. they can be addicting too! One of local Oregon guys got into it and eventually became the only non Japanese man in the world to be come a certified Samurai blade smith. I predict in 5 years you are in Japan for a least 3 months studying..

[@ModernBladesmith]

he has been a smith for about 10 years. I am sure he would have folowed the way of the Japanese swordsmith if that was his heart's desire. Many people would rather go the path of a European swordsmith, or as our friend Alex has done here and just be a regular old blacksmith doing whatever he wants. He already has a company, and to go study he would need to turn down many jobs. He likes what he does very much. P.S. there are many none Japanese swordsmiths that are Japanese swordsmiths. In fact one of the best ones i know of is a German... I think he is German anyway. Have you ever picked up the hammer yourself? If not you should ask your buddy if you can use his equipment.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Modern Bladesmith The Japanese techniques one learned can be used on any Damascus blade..It is my personal belief that even traditional European sword crafters can learn something of value from old school Japanese methods. There are a million things one can forge..but crossing the line and getting into sword making is a step into a whole new passion. I hope Alex enjoys this experience and continues to explore blade making from time to time. His fundamentals are excellent.. it is natural to make this step. I will be watching!

[@ModernBladesmith]

That's true, but at his level, going to japan to learn what he already knows would be a bit of a waste.

[@The4cp]

I believe in you! I've never seen anyone do damascus like you and I watch tons of blacksmith videos. You are unparalleled!

[@pauloreyfigueiredo]

just passing to remember you when you were afraid of making a sword, and now i just saw the cavalry saber. keep up the good work

[@ParticularSkills]

This is such a nail-biting series!!! Your excitement is palpable--AS USUAL :) :)

[@leftcoastfunk]

My, my, what a large...billet you have there Alec

[@gunterschone8402]

Beautiful video, Alec. So it is when you work in a smithy, in the summer it is very very warm and in winter you have a nice warmth. Looking forward to the continuation

[@spiteaporia4674]

first you should make a Viking axe

[@thejfresh09]

i guess you're getting your wish

[@anguish12]

Yes! Alec Steele, I have been waiting for you to make a sword, and extremely excited to see how it turns out!

[@deathhamster_2213]

You have wayyyy to much steel there my man.

[@koosh6876]

DeathHamster_ you need to go see the damascus steel machete its like a bat with a blade

[@Anino_Makata]

DeathHamster_ Considering this is damascus, the more steel in the billet, the better. Because when you grind into it, you'll expose more of the pattern. Plus, it makes sense, since he's usng the restack method, and you lose a lot of material in that method.

[@deathhamster_2213]

I know that. Even still looks like he could make a claymore and still have plenty to spare. That being said, spare Damascus is never a bad thing.

[@Jordan_C_Wilde]

That billet weighs like 10 kilos, how much metal do you think he will lose ??jeezus ...

[@liamparker2590]

DeathHamster_ He has enough, a bit too much but not that bad. Remember how much steel is lost to oxidising and grinding, in the end it will be fine ( also he may do a tanged blade in which case he will need that extra steel.

[@damionlowther78]

I'm glad your enthusiasm is matched by your skill set Alex.

[@axemastersinc3269]

Sword production/winter only.

[@SpyderTheSir]

Wow, that pattern is fantastic!

[@coenschut3596]

Been waiting for this, I think it will be badass!

[@chrisjohnson6669]

Can't wait to see how this turns out! Much respect for the skill and patience your craft requires.

[@TwiztedSeed]

Why not weld the block as 4 smaller billets then weld those together instead of one massive lump like that?

[@JamesBrown-wo2qj]

Chris - I wondered the same thing...seems like the risk for delams is much higher doing it the way he did.

[@cptawesome5234]

James Brown that was the first thing I thought of

[@randoprior4130]

Chris Because did you see how badass that was? fuck it even if it doesn't work that is the biggest mass of steel I have ever seen anyone successfully forge weld

[@mynameismatt2010]

"Successfully" don't count on it till the heat treat is done.

[@OnlyoneHit]

My apologies for always getting people to chant Damascus Sword during the live show Alec! :) But you've always shared with us so much including the failures. Your humble honesty and skills in the workshop is why your channel is so great! Keep up the excellent videos bud and I can't wait to see this sword finished!

[@jacob4884]

They say some men don't mind getting dirty, but Alex steele is GLAD AND READY to get dirty

[@georgebrown6540]

Yet another fantasic video Alec,, your enthusiasm probably adds a fair few degrees to the temperature in your workshop. Thanks for sharing.

[@Hallworks]

hes defo gonna get some delams in the sword

[@motor2of7]

Now you've done it. After putting to rest the "you should go on Forged in Fire" question, this series is going to start it all over again. Love how you jump right in. Just setting up my new shop with one side for wood and the other for metal. Because of you I'm planning to add a forge. I've been collecting the necessary hardware for a while now.

[@EmilReiko]

Why so much steel? swords generally weight between 800g to 1.2kg

[@viceskyre]

I imagine - since it is his first sword - he just is way over-compensating. Also, I would bet good money he'll cut it down not too far into the forging and have a spare billet.

[@coenschut3596]

Allthough this is a lot of steel, there usually is a lot a grinding needed, I think especially when you start forging. Still could be smaller I think, but hey, I'm not an expert.

[@IPostSwords]

With damascus steel and stock removal, you normally use way too much steel and grind down to reveal the lower patterns. But yes, 800-1.2 should be about right for an arming sword. If he's going longsword, he can go up to 1.6 (like the Alexandria Arsenal swords)

[@HellYeahCorp]

I think he's deliberately going for as much stock removal as possible to make the damascus pattern come out.

[@coenschut3596]

Only one way to find out, I guess. I hope he answers it next video.

[@eniwtna72]

Awesome set of videos man. I've actually been thinking of black smithing. Thanks for the motivation.

[@Ms.Nightshade]

If I pour Flux on a Capacitor, do I get a Flux Capacitor?

[@erodriguez3232]

Ms. Nightshade I don't think your fluxed capacitor is gonna do much good...

[@joep5627]

Everyone needs a friend like Sam

[@parlangaulegend6984]

finish the green beetle collaboration

[@Only_Cans_101]

Well done Alec, so exciting to see you just go all in, cant wait for the finished product!!

[@nachosftw113]

I dont see what all the hubub is about Alec, it only took you what 8 minutes? cmon now.

[@NonJohns]

that's kinda fast kinda

[@Ty_N_KC]

I've been kind of worn out on Damascus until witnessing that pattern. That looks really trick!!! Great job as always!

[@ryanbrewer6657]

Swords r easy, just like pee on it or something

[@chaeairsoft]

Ryan Brewer damn ass rock

[@ryanbrewer6657]

CraverCuts That video is gold

[@koosh6876]

Ryan Brewer ik ive heard this from somewhere but where

[@tombreen8146]

All swords must be quenched in the piss of a young redhead virgin

[@tombreen8146]

+Majin Snake I heard piss anyway

[@dominicclark8488]

Your products are absolutely amazing i cant wait to get my forge set up looking up to you on my way forward

[@skalle1448]

I absolutely love the smile you give after talking to the camera! keep ip the good work, your videos are very entertaining!

[@eddie2000ad]

i like how much you vary your music, good luck on this build friend! the hinges came out great btw

[@TLangI-di4rh]

Your editing is pure genius

[@dolan-duk]

Perhaps you could consider making damascus steel paperweights or blocks or desk ornaments. Was admiring how nice that test chunk of metal that you chopped off that billet looked.

[@chadmd71]

Yes! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Been waiting for this build for awhile now. Keep up the great work.

[@py5cjl]

Hi Alec, I'm from Brazil and I really enjoy watching your videos. congratulations for your work

[@matthew365cool]

Alec. I've been doing bladesmithing for 7 years. been working on my first real sword for the past six months in my garage and it is very nerve racking considering the work put in but I'm glad your making the step!

[@johnquasebarth6565]

Watching this after Alec just moved to the U.S. and it's really amazing to see how far you have come in such a short period of time, he has done a bunch of swords after this one in only like 1.5 years!

[@lukebrew2623]

Quite excited Alec. Can't wait to see how it looks when it's finished

[@ovidiub13]

Your video production is amazing. I still can't believe how you manage to do this every day

[@SternyBoi]

loving the pattern! I would love to see a Damascus billet or blade with a carbon fibre like pattern

[@Tobias_Fuglemad]

those slow-mo shots with the power hamer where where everything shakes, looks so cool :D

Loving this project!

[@cam-pm6by]

I'm a wood guy, i'm starting my business and I am about your age, your an inspiration, keep going on steel!!! Cheers from France ;)

[@chadcooperconsulting]

love the electroswing!

[@COSMOKRAT_616]

hell yeah man! take chances, make a sword and reap the rewards! ive been wanting you to make a sword for a long time. good luck!

[@coyotejohn3101]

Been waiting on this one for a while. Great stuff! Btw, I think Sam needs a Stetson now.

[@AlexSmith-on6je]

You have to be the nicest and most positive guy ever!!!

[@talldarkandsam]

and now you're making a huge-ass sword. Well done, Alec! You've come a long way.

[@CannonHamaker]

That pattern is awesome!

[@HCIMR3GULATOR]

Can't wait to see your sword man I was interested in blacksmithing then I seen your epic leaf video and said screw it let's try. That was 8 months ago and I'm working on my first Bowie knife now. Keep up the great videos watch them every day now!!

[@nickhdeep6leatherworks338]

Another awesome video. Your killing it can't wait for part 2,3,4

[@jokerx1988]

A year later and you can't stop making swords now its great👍🔨🔥

[@pvbenninger]

Alec I think your attitude is great and the fact that you are challenging yourself to make a sword is fantastic. I can't imagine the heat but if you still have that chimney from your coal forge in the roof, and it's still open, put it to use. Hook a couple of Muffin fans inside and have them pull the heat from the shop out and up. That way they'll draw some "cooler" air from outside. Might help with drawing some of that nasty forge exhaust out too.

[@fallenmaniac8052]

Looking at that damascus pattern, the sword will look really nice. You are a great blacksmith and an inspiration, just make sure you don't melt before you get it done though.

[@samwalker8200]

I love your work so far!

[@samwalker8200]

again alec you are an amazing Smith and a great inspiration!

[@umbalaba]

1:32 Epic suffering and concentration! Watching you work is such a joy, Alec! I know I am late to the party, but I AM going to savour every single minute of this sword build! Thank you :-)

[@Crustygtav]

These videos are absolutely stunning man

[@MrDowntemp0]

Hey Alec, you've made some pretty incredible things on this channel, including knives. What is it about a sword that has you more worried than normal?

[@adiboss1]

You have so much passion !

[@neilgillmore]

Well done Alec... Takes a brave black smith to take on a sword. Best of British to you bud .....

[@kspec2001]

remember to not expect your success rate to be 100% when making swords, especially with damascus steel. cant wait to keep seeing your progress. the only way to grow is to push yourself outside your comfort zone

[@3DTyrant]

I can just tell from the small piece of steel you etched, it's going to turn out to be an absolute beauty of a sword.

[@richardchapple1607]

congrats on finally giving in to the masses, Hopefully you succeed. watching with GREAT anticipation. SAM, take it easy on the furniture

[@mortenjaeger4997]

It's been so hot these past couple of days, and then this on top. Props Alec! Looking forward to seeing more of this sword :D

[@USAUSAM82]

Been waiting for you to make a sword for a while! Thank you and good luck!!

[@crimsonblade19ify]

For those looking for the music, it's all electroswing. Not sure of the names of all of them, but I know the last one is called "bop it" by Gavin Luke, and I'm pretty sure the rest are by him as well

[@debris6974]

I LOVE YOU

[@ikache1038]

Love the dedication to the editing of these videos! Makes it very fun and very interesting to watch :)

[@mfillbac]

Best pattern yet!

[@NitrousDiecast]

Looking forward to seeing the sword completed! 😎👍🏻

[@coffeesstudios2122]

pattern looks cool, great job. put a roof vent in, heat rises.😎

[@jeredphillips8744]

what an awesome pattern!

[@Soothsayer74]

I've been looking forward to this...*rubs hands* Good luck mate!

[@jackevans5737]

Nice roping skills Sam.

[@mattcerbone4313]

Alex does a great job. However, I wouldn't do Damascus for sword billet. Possible for layers to delaminate with impact. If I were him, I'd also consider a 20 ton press for this vs a power hammer for making the billet homogeneous. With that said. Alex's Damascus work outshines most smiths I've seen. It's beautiful. Keep it up man!

[@JustinTopp]

Alec you never would’ve imagined how many swords you would make in the future

[@johnclaudio8799]

You're doing your best Alec.

[@drawvenmusket]

Alec that pattern looks great so glad the forge work went so well, this video is great loving it so much BTW the music choice for this one was just great love it I can hardly wait to see the next section of the build

[@HawkAPedia]

dude. I can't wait for it to be finished man. I love the videos. and I love your work. please keep it up.

[@WorkingTimbersCo]

Alec, starting to get some arm size and muscle at 2:07 - Great stuff! Thanks for sharing!

[@metalhead666mudafuka]

You got this my man. All the support from across the pond. love you and your vids

[@Isheian]

Anyone else loving the electro jazz/ swing music?