Next Level Ball Bearing Damascus Knife, Blacksmithing and Knifemaking, Forging Knives, Bladesmithing

[@FireCreekForge]

Have you ever seen a blade like this one?

[@TheCheeseGladiator]

FIRST

[@doorman8623]

compared to every other bladesmith ive seen you can actually prove how well you made the blade, you are definitely the best on this platform. so the answer is no, your blade is beautiful and incredibly well made.

[@alanwalker6708]

There is a Ukrainian smith on youtube who makes some very interesting cansister/steelpowder/hex/bearing blades. (the guy who puts chillis peppers in his canisters) But your technique of bending a bar around the edge is for sure very original and it works very well from the results of this vid.

[@manta0731]

Never seen one like it before. Truly a beautiful knife 👍

[@docbones213]

Never seen one like it. Looks like an excellent knife.

[@bottlebrushmedia]

I never even dreamed of watching a video about a knife being manufactured and came across this randomly. So nice to watch a craftsman do his thinking. It was quite fascinating to watch. Good job!

[@Yrch16]

Sane here! Haha

[@Brawndo2008]

I had the same thought. I thought it was funny that he was like, "You're probably familiar with ball-bearing damascus as it's known." and I thought, "No. No I do not" lol

[@nazaxprime]

I never even dreamed I'd see a talking bottlebrush, yet here we are.

[@deleyt4312]

Dito!

[@bertkilborne6464]

I was about to say the same Very Impressive ! !

[@AlexBC25]

this is exactly the blacksmithing channel ive been looking for: shows the whole process, fully explains what is happening and why its happening, gives full measurements and definitions to the materials being used and the end results are amazing. Keep up the great work!

[@Alucard6921]

If only he had the brain to call it what it is, this is not damascus at all. Just simple pattern weld steel.

[@xeviurh2078]

@@Alucard6921 the pattern name is ball bearing damascus.. and he even states in the video at like 1 minute and some that it’s just a pattern weld.. if you had the brain power to pay attention to that.. you wouldn’t have even needed to state your invalid opinion 🙏🏼

[@TheTuttle99]

@@Alucard6921 you just got roasted son

[@JaeJae95]

@@Alucard6921 Yikes.

[@williamminyard1952]

Fully explains what is happening and why its happening. Words to teach by. Real talk. M53. 31 year fabricator/welder.Alm. Mld.Stl./S.S... Very straight forward and informative.

[@joeyruh]

That pattern is magical

[@williamhrachovina2593]

Gotta admit bro, this is some amazing work. Especially like the way the blade still has a keen edge to shave after the wood chopping.

[@Zeeboklown]

That's cus of that tool steel billet he uses for the edge/hold the ball bearings

[@Zeeboklown]

@Matthew Timmons I'm not an expert enough to know the eccentricities of all the different types of steel, but I do know it's a very hard tool steel, in my experience extremely hard steel can take a really good edge, but tends to be kind of brittle, and will snap easier. I had a straight razor made out of silver steel and it was so hard that it was so sharp, it was a true scalpel, but I dropped it, while closed mind you! Once and it literally cracked and broke like porcelain. It was crazy

[@LunchboxNinja]

Thank you for being one of the few forging channels to talk through key details that would normally drive me MAD not hearing, little things like drill bit size, distances, side of the hammer, etc. It's all those little things that make ALL the difference, and that most channels COMPLETELY do not discuss in their narration. It's usually like "I'm gonna make this, SMASH SMASH SMASH, DRINK TEA, DIP, hey check out this pattern!"

[@brunohrvatska]

Very interesting an innovative approach. Turned out astonishing. Love the overall geometry. Keep up the good work

[@Projectmakerocd]

You brought back many memories! As a kid I went to bed many nights hearing Dad’s “trip” hammer pounding away in his blacksmith shop down behind our home! The majority of his work was for the Indiana limestone quarries around Bloomington and Bedford! He sharpened and made tools to cut the stone.

[@autumnsimril535]

What a wonderful memory to keep of your father. I can feel the pride and admiration you hold for him. That you for sharing.

[@dab42bridges80]

Makes me appreciate the time, effort, and artistry that goes into hand-made blades. Innovative design, looks cool.

[@user-pk2fg8im4u]

I really like the way the ball bearings fade from the edge to the center of each separate bearing, while the nickel gives such distinct contrast. The handle does the blade justice with the multiple pins. Very nice! Blessings!

[@ControlledWrinkles]

I've taken a few smithing classes and found that now that I know more about the process and the steps involved, I am even more intrigued by your amazing creations. looking forward to perusing your collection of creations and getting inspired.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Great pattern! I love it! 👍

[@FireCreekForge]

Thank you!

[@oliverjones660]

@@FireCreekForge I always love seeing Tyrell knives commenting about how well another builder does. A true gentleman!

[@lukeb8265]

Awesome pattern it made! Great work sir!!!

[@edwinlawrence1299]

Beautiful work from you. I was surprised to see it was still available. It just became unavailable and added to my collection.

[@FireCreekForge]

Thank you sir!

[@inlimbo6019]

your one lucky guy,beautiful knife... how sharp it was after chopping through that wood twice,simply amazing... one day i may treat myself and import one into Scotland

[@Tracer_Sweat]

went to buy it, twas gone :P

[@acebongo5707]

Mother!@@#$"@'

[@edwinlawrence1299]

@@acebongo5707 I've been called worse.

[@timothycurzie2191]

Most of all, an honor to have been guided in the sequence, an invitation to creation, assured by structure, calmed by words, forged in wisdom, a walk with the master, contented to simply step, naturally persevering so as to enjoy it by his confidence. Awesome. Thank you, dude.

[@hexdiagonal6450]

your workmanship is very impressiv, your workshop is just valhalla, super video quality, editing and voiceover, thanks.

[@x8jason8x]

That's an ingenious way to make a canister, and the spray paint tip is pro level, too many people use whiteout. How imaginative though, and incredibly unique pattern!

[@Invertedworldx]

What a beauty you made, just in awe with blacksmithing and the craft of it. Crazy to think how deep it goes with us humans and the ingenuity it took with making metal and making a useful tool for us. It's pretty primal in how I look at it.

[@IthXero]

I've watched hundreds of knife forge videos and this is easily the best because you explained EVERYthing.

[@soorajmz]

Not only your sir have a great craftmanship, you also got great narration skills as well, Great video and Awesome Knife

[@peacebewithyou911]

I’m sure many of you know this already but I just learned it last year. If you wanna save money on steel drill bits, buy a masonry bit and grind down the point to a “spade” that thing will cut through almost anything like butter, for a tenth of the cost of a good steel drill bit. 🔥

[@BennysCustomWorks]

Love the Damascus finish.

[@abbadabadoo9116]

You are truly a practitioner of a 'fine art' as shown in this video. This work of art that you have created is no less than many other great works of art and in my opinion is priceless. Thank you for sharing your creative process.

[@AustinMuellerHandmade]

That was impressive to see it shave after all that chopping, I really like how this came out, good job all around man!

[@slickultra]

Like to see how it would shave that bad arse beard!

[@Unklescam]

Facts ☝️

[@angellopez1418]

I'm right there along with how impressive it can be but I believe it all starts with the basics and remember ball bearings are made to resist pressure so perhaps that helps the blade?

[@vondahe]

You mean the Taliban bush on his face?

[@mmaaddict78]

That is very impressive edge retention. I only have experience with consumer grade blades, and this is much better than anything I’ve used in the past.

[@GRIZZLYSGEAR]

I mean this as a complement, you sound like a golf commentator. It's really nice to hear this and actually helps to focus on what's happening on screen. This was a really interesting video. Thank you for posting it... :)

[@FireCreekForge]

Thanks for watching!

[@shepardsforgeh2031]

I haven’t seen this kind of innovation or experimentation since bigdog forge! Nice man this is what draws me in! New chefs messing with old recipe’s!!!!

[@marcsenteney3160]

Indeed….. I do miss Tim’s projects!

[@davedoessomestuff8176]

Did something happen to Tim?

[@marcsenteney3160]

@@davedoessomestuff8176 to be honest I do not know. He retired built the little smithy shop and stoped producing on KZbin. He was one my favorites!

[@blairlock]

I couldn't agree more. What ever happened to BigDog?

[@mike196425]

I just found your channel and you are the first person that actually explains the whole forging process. I've always found it fascinating and wanted to learn but no one explains anything of what they are doing. Thank you for making this video. I still have lots of questions but now I am even more curious about this age old artistry. Thank you and blessings to you

[@redactedmichael3733]

That blade turned out really nice. The etching really brought out the decorative element. Absolutely gorgeous!

[@FanSolo44]

Neve seen this style of damascus before. It inspires me to explore this trade more than ever. Beautiful handle as well. Wonderful craftsmanship all around.

[@Bear-Ur2ez]

It turned out great. I wish I had the space equipment and knowledge you have. I have always had ideas on how I would design and make my own knives since I was a kid. As a disabled vet and in my senior year. I don't believe that will ever happen. So I have to be content living my dream through good craftsman like yourself.

[@DanRamosDR]

This video popped up randomly for me.. and I'm glad it did. Fascinating stuff! Beautiful results!

[@JPsBladeworks]

That came out real nice and crisp. Im going to have to give it a try myself sometime. Great video.

[@waynewendel655]

I'm living my dream of being a knife maker through you. I love watching you make a work of art out of metal and wood. Keep grinding!😀

[@doctorzombie5483]

Nice genuine guy, very impressive. Great to see a true craftsman at work.

[@bruceb51]

What a great idea, each time I do ball bearing I use a canister, the balls come out stretched which is cool but your ball bearings look much better. Great job !!

[@FireCreekForge]

Thanks for watching!

[@rumanchu]

Man, that pattern (and the whole finished knife, for that matter) is beautiful.

[@ezraplettner2007]

The pattern is absolutely astonishing!

[@andrewallason4530]

Beautiful knife. I love the definition of each bearing. That handle positively glows. Great job, mate.

[@paratrooperrn4647]

I am a VERY amateur knife maker and seeing his Prosecco helps to guide me in future builds. I love the cocobolo handle as well. Beautiful.

[@Idunno2186]

You had my curiosity, now you have my attention. See ima knife maker myself, and I LOVE making weird knives. And a ball bearing Damascus is new to me.

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

Absolutely incredible. You are a master craftsman and artist. What a beautiful and unique blade! Thank you for showing us your process and what goes into making a work of art like this. I have no experience in this field, but I can appreciate fine craftsmanship and the high degree of dedication, expertise and skill it takes to do this kind of work. Huge thumbs up from me!

[@michaelbarnhill5187]

Wow that was a great looking Damascus pattern. I used to work as a materials and reliability consultant so I had to learn a lot about materials and how they react in different environments it was an interesting career. I love watching forged in fire and now that I’ve found you channel here I’ll definitely be watching other videos that you post. Great job! Keep it up 👍

[@bagofchips8813]

So the ball bearings show up all the way to the very end product. I appreciate this.

[@nicholaseedy3244]

When you sitting there with that new little boy of yours tonight you be sure to tell him how you just released one of your best videos. My God that knife and the video around it was just amazing.

[@FireCreekForge]

Thanks Nicholas!

[@TheShorebird]

Wow! I love that pattern, that's a great knife anyone would be proud to own.

[@iblue2963]

There is just something about watching a master at their craft perform that is satisfying to my soul. You have done that sir.

[@charlesolrich5898]

That turned out really nice. I always have liked a nice damascus pattern blade. It’s refreshing to see a smith doing some original designs; or so I’m assuming as I’ve never seen this technique before. Feather pattern will still always be my favorite though!!

[@soonerfrac4611]

Such a simple classic blade. I really enjoy the big, extensive builds, but often they’re more works of art that will sadly never be used. But a classy, simple blade that’s exquisitely done says more about the craftsman than the guy that spent 45hrs fitting up a guard on a blade that will sit on a shelf.

[@FireCreekForge]

Thanks!!

[@uuzd4s]

Although Ball Bearing Damascus is among my fav's, I kinda liked the randomness of ur earlier versions. That said, I'd Still toss my name in the Hat if you were to put this Knife up for Raffle. ; )

[@ianwainner2294]

Me too

[@greekveteran2715]

Hats off, What a beautiful knife!! Handle couldn't be better designed for that knife,great proportions, ergos and some of the most beautiful Ball Bearing Damascus, I've ever seen!!! Well done sir!

[@FireCreekForge]

Thank you sir!

[@TheMightsparrow]

@@FireCreekForge Your current stock is mostly sold out. Any chance of a restock soon?

[@FireCreekForge]

@@TheMightsparrow yep, I'll be adding more over the next several weeks

[@trevorunderwood9170]

@@FireCreekForge 6

[@jakeyocum5213]

Great process, great narration, excellent skills. Beautiful workmanship.

[@mikaplexus]

You’re incredibly skilled, I’m very envious of how casually you go about doing this. You’re a true artist. Keep up the killer work!

[@FireCreekForge]

Thank you!

[@anthonygordon9483]

hah, its a lot of work. The time jumps make it look easy.

[@Jasoncohenour]

I like the way that pattern turned out pretty simple design without a lot of layering, but the end look is pleasing and unique. Definitely want to give it a try some time..

[@samuelswearingen8435]

That turned out wonderful, very nice design with the handles and the blade. They mesh together really well.

[@bhazlett13]

Great work with this blade! I personally prefer the layered demascus look more but that's such a cool and unique design with the bearings. Also first time I've seen someone use white paint instead of whiteout, looks much more effective

[@NRowe]

Thanks to KZbin for showing the world that there are people out there with exceptional skills and talents. Excellent work and cool knife, Sir! 👍🏾

[@FireCreekForge]

Thank you sir

[@ILike2Tinker]

That is a pretty sweet looking pattern, a bit different than what I would have expected. I think it would be cool to try that same concept with different shapes inside, maybe some hexagonal rods?

[@sweetdrreemz]

I was just thinking that after finishing watching it. Could use some screw nuts instead of ball bearings; that'd be neat..

[@alphabuilders]

@@sweetdrreemz yeah neat but the steel in nuts is rubbish plus the welding process works well with spheres

[@alexsis1778]

@@alphabuilders They're obviously much more expensive and not what you'll find at your local hardware store but there are definitely nuts and bolts made from tool steel.

[@alanwalker6708]

@@alexsis1778 If you buy from larger steel companies in bulk, hex bar and flat bar is actually cheaper than your local harware store.

[@zxggwrt]

That is very nice! I've done a lot of research on steel for use in ball bearing balls and can say almost without exception the steel used is the best you can get. Even better than the races they roll in. Of course, it's got the carbon for thru hardening which may make it brittle but since you added the tool steel and powdered then forged it it should be a lot more plastic in keeping with what you need.

[@danconklin4531]

Great knife making. Beautiful blade

[@jeremyraines6362]

Wow that's incredible brother, it looks great and works like a boss! Keep it up I'm learning from you and Alex steele yalls craftsmanship is impressive and drives me to do better!

[@ajwalou-nack2343]

That knife is beautiful.

[@XxTavoRxX]

I really appreciate the way you explain the process... I have seen other channels where they just show what's happening, but for guys like me who don't understand the process, it helps to hear why you are doing each step and what you expect as a result

[@FireCreekForge]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@Zodliness]

I've seen some exquisitely made knives in my time, but this one's on another level. 👍🏻‍

[@builtbyblackwood7416]

That is amazing. Really unique. Always nice to see someone taking their work to another level.

[@Orpheusftw]

Wow. The finished product was _far_ more beautiful than I ever expected.

[@BradGryphonn]

That is an awesome pattern! I love the way it converges at the choil area and seems to disappear under the handle. An x-ray image of the intestines of the knife, much like the way some Australian Aboriginal artists depicted animals in paintings.

[@billsaso4333]

First time Ive enjoyed learning this process. I love blades and chopping stuff, recently been working on a new multiuse chopping took made from recycled cutting edge off a skidsteer loader attachment. Thank you for the bitchen content!

[@dominicdwk]

Brilliantly done. Extra kudos for doing the 2x4 chop test.

[@ripbuchanan775]

Dude first time seeing your work, all I can say is Badass that blade is flat out amazing going to your store NOW to see what other goodies you may have

[@TAGyourit]

This same method with smaller ball bearings would look really cool.

[@BCM1959]

Good idea, or maybe use two or three different size ballbearings?

[@TheBlueFabbit]

I think it would end up looking like snake-skin

[@us6316]

Not only excellent craftsmanship but well done video and narration. Good work, brother.

[@PhileusActual]

That worked out really well! Be interesting to see what sort of patterns you could make or how fine you can get the details to make pictures or something?

[@jeffallen1151]

Awesome knife!! I have one of the bull cutters that you made and I love it!! It is the best knife I have ever owned and I carry it every day to use at home and work. You make some great knives. If you ever need a tester just look me up and I’ll be glad to help!!!

[@FireCreekForge]

Thank you sir!

[@JohnHandle-]

@@FireCreekForge I do not like this video because you do not protect yourself while working. You are using a blowtorch and touching the metal with your open hands, no gloves at all. That is unsafe and exceedingly dangerous.

[@SuperSpecies]

@@JohnHandle- you must be fun at parties.

[@cameronb851]

Stumbled on this video randomly while exploring another KZbin rabbit hole. I'm not a metal/wood worker, but I do enjoy seeing people who obviously have a lot of skill and knowledge in creating with wood and steel, so this was great. I particularly like that you provided a running commentary of your thoughts and choices, so that with my near total lack of knowledge of the subject matter I was able to follow why you were doing what you were doing. I've liked and commented here to add to the visibility of the channel, thanks for the demonstration and great work, very impressive.

[@aronkovcin7442]

Very nice blade, I especially liked that you formed basically the enitre shape while smithing the blade and did not just grind it out after roughly shaping it. This is what I call real blacksmithing! Not everyone that can heat up metal and has a grinder should be allowed just call himself a blacksmith in my opinion.

[@delta911]

Omg what a piece of art , I love the look of that knife. You are truly skilled . The pattern of it in the end was well worth watching and waiting to see. You must've been proud. Well done ....liked and subscribed 🍺

[@hotrodpawns]

When you can make a knife or sword that's so sharp you can shave with it, your one h3ll of a craftsman. you are pure awesome!!!

[@nobleplace40]

have you considered using different sized ball bearings so that there are more in the metal for a blade?

[@larrybud]

You have to go smaller to have more bearing material. The larger the ball, the bigger the gaps.

[@torydavis10]

@@larrybud It doesn't matter what specific size the balls are. Spheres (or in 2d, circles) of any uniform size pack with the same efficiency because you can just scale your reference frame from one to the other. Whether the radius is 1 inch or 1 meter, it's still one, right? What matters is having a distribution of sizes, so smaller balls can pack into the otherwise empty space between bigger balls. Or if you prefer, you can consider the bigger balls to be solidly filling space which would otherwise be only partially filled by small balls with space between. That's essentially what's going on with the balls+powder situation in the first place. The powder itself, below some maximum, has a fairly random distribution of particle sizes, all of which are in thurn much smaller than the balls. The hypothetical ideal would be to start with closely packed balls of arbitrary uniform size and place the largest ball that will fit in each void, ad infinitum. So really, it just comes down to how you want it to look and just how much of a pain in the dick it is to actually do it.

[@torydavis10]

correction: since the arrangement is 2-d, but the balls themselves are 3-d, you will actually find you have more mass of ball bearing if the balls are larger. They get to hide some girth which does not fit in the 2d world up in the 3rd dimension. That's sort of taking this too far though because in the limit you're just smashing one big ball into a knife shape and it's not damascus anymore. It would be pure ball bearing, though.

[@BearlyOutdoors]

Sir, would you be able to fill in the space between the metal spheres with smaller bearings? Or would doing this mess up the pattern you are looking for?? Great educational video.

[@anonymousgamer2837]

Heads up, not a smith here. I assume it would make the design/pattern more intricate but would make the weld harder to do/less likely to succeed.

[@SherlockHomeless221b]

I do like hearing your thought process and a walkthrough of what you are doing. I don't forge myself but I've watched a shed load of forged in fire so I did know what you was doing. Also like the fact you do a test for how well the edge holds. Seen a few forgers that only test sharpness but I've seen you test the edge it fail and then you learn from it and improve the same blade.

[@adamkeith3625]

even if it didnt cut, thats still a beautiful knife. thats a stunning design. you do some very impressive work.

[@yellowmuginc]

And absolutely beautiful knife I love the attention and detail rather than some of the standard things you see, and thank you very much for walking us through the process and being so descriptive ✌🏼

[@leonardhirtle3645]

That knife is a piece of art. I envy the new owner.

[@dogboneknives7938]

Great looking knife, now I got a question. How did you keep the O1 steel from turning into beach sand?? Every time I've had O1 almost at a welding heat it has come apart or crazed like old pottery, and has broken to bits when tested. Yes I test them very toughly. O1 is the only steel I've ever used that does that?? Anyway great job on the knife.

[@FireCreekForge]

As I under stand O1 can be hot short as you describe, I believe it's just a matter of temperature control, not getting it too hot.

[@weswoods4814]

Slick work dude, especially loved the riveting epoxy curing shot! Keep up the awesome work.

[@FireCreekForge]

Haha thanks!

[@360pickleball]

I had no idea the skill and many steps required to make a high-quality knife. Very impressive. Thanks!

[@StephenLPhotos]

"Don't tread on me." ?? More like "I don't understand how to be a citizen that can participate in the welfare for all Americans because I'm too selfish".

[@FireCreekForge]

That's an ignorant statement. You don't know me. And apparently you don't know the history of the United States. This flag was flown by our forefathers as they fought for freedom from the British Crown. Freedom is always under attack; it is the exception in world history, not the rule. Perhaps you don't understand how good your life is in America because of the freedoms we enjoy. Or perhaps you prefer a government that makes your choices in life for you. Either way, I wish you peace.

[@hobosorcerer]

@@FireCreekForge Don't try to pretend like that flag doesn't have different implications. That flag today is flown by people who turn their nose at the idea of helping their fellow man, and that's disgusting. The government should provide welfare, get over it.

[@FireCreekForge]

@@hobosorcerer I disagree fundamentally with your position as I believe God made man to be free and responsible to Him first. I believe in helping people, and I do. I don't believe in government running that. I value freedom and personal responsibility over the coddling of a nanny state. Social safety nets are not the responsibility of the government; justice and equal protection under the law are.

[@crosstika]

@@FireCreekForge I'm sorry to say this, because you seem like a nice guy, but that flag is sad, oh so sad...

[@Perroden]

@@hobosorcerer no its flown by ppl who know that handouts won't help and know that other ppls problems are not there responsibility. Welfare was originally to help ppl get back on there feet. Now ppl live off it.

[@mastart4971]

you definitely know what you are doing..... Steel art at it's best. thank you

[@aol11]

Beautiful! I started at 12 years old buying steel from fleet farm spending all day on the grinding wheel in the barn. Much respect for your efforts.

[@davestewart1656]

This is the first video I've seen from Fire Creek. I thought to myself, "check it out and see what this guy's about". Then I saw the power hammer and knew you weren't messing around. I'll be watching more videos as time permits. Great looking tool.

[@heatmizer-jim6762]

GORGEOUS artwork in this beautiful knife!

[@ryanwarren7600]

That should be 1 of the best knives ever made. That thing is awesome

[@unkldamo]

Unreal my friend! Not sure how this landed in front of me but I'm glad it did. Headed to the website now to see if I can afford a souvenir!

[@dorianhoward47]

Stumbled on to this channel. I really like the way you breaknit down, and it is not over produced. Makes it easy to follow.

[@FireCreekForge]

Thanks for watching

[@jahsunhandy]

I love the idea and how clearly you explained how to make Damascus steel

[@j.o.s.h.o]

the commentary in this video is amazing. So nice to hear the thought process alongside the visual elements. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@markstogdill6117]

You sir are a true blade master craftsman for sure ! It was a pleasure watching your process of making that bad assed blade !

[@twjosullivan]

Such a great video - I never comment on KZbin videos, but watching that whole process was as hypnotic as it was impressive. Awesome to see a craftsman at work, thanks.

[@Hugh.G.Rectionx]

you be thuggin it on da youtubes yo

[@jonathanbrooks1857]

Pucker factor went over 9000 with the MAPP torch crossfire at the beginning.

[@FireCreekForge]

Depth perception... It's like 4 feet away

[@jonathanbrooks1857]

@@FireCreekForge lol if you say so brother, all I know is made me a bit nervous to watch!

[@FireCreekForge]

@@jonathanbrooks1857 haha I get it

[@charlesduhamel8921]

A great knife making video and the finished product looks amazing. I think anyone would be proud to own and display it.

[@gregorywilliams5017]

I've seen tons of videos about knife/sword making but this turned out incredible.