Reacting to My Most Popular YouTube Series... The Katana!

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Alec Steele Blacksmith 2022

[@JamiePopple]

Alright, I hear ya. After the next short project you'll see on Friday I'm going to hound him to make something bladed and damascus... a ***A*. 😉 (Oh and there's something special early next week also first)

[@theZDOME]

You talking needs to be in more videos, you’re hilarious, and you add a live representation of us noobs to the videos and it’s fantastic. You’re fantastic!

[@JamiePopple]

@@theZDOME You're fantastic! 👉

[@theZDOME]

@@JamiePopple Awh you just made my day! Keep up the amazing work Jamie❤️

[@frankierzucekjr]

Sounds good buddy, I just commented to you lol. Would have put it here if I would have known lol. Yes we love when the music lines up perfectly with the machines, hammers, etc. You guys are being too hard on yourselves, I for one enjoy the older videos and its what made us subscribe. I agree that some videos are better today, but there's nothing wrong with the old ones either. The close up hammer sparks are the best shots I've seen. Where it squishes the fire off the hot chunk of steel. I really would like to see what that Borax does up close as it melts into the metal. You guys make a great team, the banter, jokes/comedy, good and bad.. it all makes these videos great. Don't critique yourselves too much, because us fans are here because we like what you guys do. Longer videos are cool with me, sometimes it feels way too short. But I can't speak for everyone. Stay safe fellas and I can't wait to see what's next. The medieval type weapons I think are my favorites. That and the homemade Damascus tools. Hell anything Damascus is cool.

[@frankierzucekjr]

@@JamiePopple I agree, I like the silly banter, corny jokes, and everything that you guys do. Don't change, just make whatever you want, we will watch. If you guys knitted a sweater we'd watch hahaha. Keeping it different and original is what makes the channel. Cheers fellas

[@scbafreak]

I really liked the older format. This channel isn't a "how to make swords" or "report on how I created this thing" channel, I always thought of it more of us joining you in the shop and spending time making things and learning stuff. Seeing the side stuff and how much time it takes to actually achieve things was a big part of why I started watching.

[@Zackfish12345]

Yes, this x1000

[@alias_not_needed]

same for me. what i really liked was the fiddling around, trial and error etc. to see the whole process that goes into it. it was spiced up with intermissions (installing a paper towel dispenser). you explained a lot more about what you do and how you try to set up the machines. I get, that it is boring for you to explain the same thing every time, when with practice it becomes very intuitive for you. Maybe it is the fascination of taking part in someones life a little bit and see how and what he is doing, mixed with learning interesting stuff and relaxing to see the nice montages with time lapse, macro shots, matched music, etc.

[@joeschmoe5795]

100%

[@tomsilver6536]

that is exactly why we all started watching Alex.

[@VinayVarsani]

I couldn't figure out how to word it but this is spot on. The reason there's so many people watching is because of his energy and antics

[@JohnRoux]

The best part of the older Alec Steele videos wasn't the camera work, the voice, the unique skills or even the metal work. It was the human personality which was incredible. All those random scenes which you don't quite value now, those are the human moments which made it so relatable and fun!

[@cavemanvi]

For me it was how the editing would go hand in hand with the music and the “drawn out” part was my favorite really

[@Beezhan7337]

Truth

[@johnmcgough1217]

I miss the old videos. There was a period of time when we were literally watching Alec growing as a leader and as a good human being in general. It was obvious he was pursing growth and it was contagious. It would be great to see more of that. I’d love to hear what you guys are doing now to grow.

[@theprisonerofthegoldenhead4030]

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

[@swing-o-gram]

Absolutely agree. They're critiquing the things that made them great: natural, following this young high-energy chap, that was so contagious. Today's videos feel way too overproduced and have lost what I liked.

[@sourcererseven3858]

Yes I think that's exactly it. The sad thing is I don't think it can be reproduced, you can't "grow up" twice... I haven't actually watched more than 2-3 Alec videos in the past three years or so, and this might be exactly why it lost the appeal for me.

[@Bushlore1]

I came here to post almost exactly this, and the top comment is right on the money. This was my post... Am I crazy or were Will and Alex on top of the world and when they went separate ways, neither has the views or support that they did together? Maybe I am wrong, I do wish them both the best, but I miss the Will and Alex days.

[@smashyrashy]

Its literally not even that long ago

[@robertprzybyla1109]

Im just gonna be real, basically everything you guys were like "we just cant do this anymore" or "its boring" are EXACTLY what I miss from your channel. Id love to see you guys make an older style video/project and just see how it does.

[@jacobburke5122]

I completely agree.

[@Ockhams_Razor]

hundred percent agree. I used to watch immediately every video that posted because it felt like a series. If I missed a video there were shop changes or something that I would miss. Now I'm just not learning anything in 10 minutes of video and if I'm not learning or feeling engaged in the process it's quite easy for me to switch to a different series.

[@TheWanderingOkie]

I miss these old videos so much. Never once got bored even with things like a paper towel holder in a katana video. Such things are what set this channel apart from others. It was just something different and so entertaining

[@robinastro4466]

The side tracks didn't make it boring it made it more interesting. And watching a long episode with damascus forging was just the best

[@nicojar]

This.

[@serenityhope4039]

My thoughts exactly!

[@the_sharp_carpenter]

Yep, just the every day norm in most creative makers days, very relatable.

[@SuperDragonegg]

Exactly that!!

[@davidhemond9043]

Couldn't agree more. The process of how you start and all of the twists and turns along the way are the best parts.

[@garthgeorge8046]

I always loved the old style of videos. The random side tangents showed how life in a real shop happens. I loved learning alot of little tips or tricks and watching the failures and the successes

[@Plasma_Rain1]

I personally love seeing all of the little things in the videos that are just part of a shop working. There is more to making a sword than just making a sword and the old videos made me feel involved.

[@samuelhitchcock8547]

I agree with all the other comments I've seen that I miss the old videos of joining you in the shop with all the weird quirks and tangents. It was fun to see the whole process and the time it took. I really miss watching all the intricate detailed work you did you.

[@jasperblake5077]

Also, Alec, your weird, random, quirky, ridiculous moments were and are what make you one of my favorite creators, because you are absolutely unashamed of who you are, and you have fun with life.

[@josephreeves103]

Truly was never bored watching those long videos where not much happens. It was nice to feel like I was just along for the whole process. For a lot of us here I think I can say we're not really looking for a 100% efficient cut the fluff "product" from you. I'm happy just to watch you challenge yourself and learn for the sake of it without compromising or cutting corners, especially if that takes 20 parts to make haha. Make it 100 parts idc i'll watch every one intently!

[@TheRaptorJezuz]

I think that was why the viking sword stands out to me to this day, it was the first blade that incorporated first tries at both engraving and stone setting, that really made the sword into an art piece, and the attention to detail was just insane

[@Brian-mp2mv]

even enjoyed watching him make the chair with the old man... very relatable

[@koolaid53]

I really liked the old style of your videos. Three days of Damascus, and I watched every second. Haven't watched much lately, to be honest. I loved the whole process, and more videos per week.

[@andyt3233]

I stopped watching him

[@Fentoncbr]

I imagine it's a fine line to tread. I watched every video religiously when there were 20odd episodes a project. I enjoyed the side quests and wackyness that made it feel more that you were just hanging round the shop, to a point. I dropped off once he'd been in a America a little while and it then felt a little bit too much like he'd dropped off the project making and was just filming office and work stuff. Like I said, incredibly hard line to walk and he's done an amazing job. I wouldn't want to do it.

[@marmorabladez420]

I love watching the process of making Damascus and I really miss the long drawn out sword projects

[@Tremere1901]

Exactly what i was going to say ... i thought maybe he doesnt want to made videos anymore

[@McNasty43]

@@Tremere1901 He probably wants to, but the KZbin algorithm is fickle, and he needed something more stable and consistent, which is part of the reason he started making goods for sale and hiring staff.

[@vernonvermaak5161]

yup... yup... Those were the DAYS!!!! :D

[@doxastoel]

Agree! I love smashing hot steel the fine jewelry is stuff is less for me

[@AltNixon]

Yeah, the long series are my absolute favorites. Especially the ones with trying new things like the Viking sword with engraving. Best content by far. Oh, and watching he says he doesn't like the unrelated/filler stuff like almost vlog style bits. I liked the crazy/weird bits of how he actually works, like you're actually going along with the workshop, not just watching progress like a slideshow.

[@adamschwartz484]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I really liked seeing all of the things you did on any given day in the shop. I also really like the elaborate, multi-part projects; they made me excited for each new episode.

[@derigel9783]

Yea, being carried along through all stepps, mistakes and learning was awesome.

[@30calReloader]

These videos are the reason I subscribed to the channel. I loved how he made everything by hand, enjoyed his energy (even if he thinks it's silly) and all the interesting projects he did. The fact that we had the chance to be there while he learned new skills was amazing. Like a father watching his son come into his own. I didn't mind that it took 5 episodes to do one small thing. It was fun.

[@Torganth]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE these old videos, there's just something calming about the long drawn out style of you just in the workshop showing everything.

[@archkittens]

I love watching you forge Damascus for 3 videos straight. It’s very soothing. You could almost have an entire channel just of forging videos

[@Y2KNW]

A B roll channel with no music, just shop sounds. Hours and hours of fire and hammers and red-hot metal being forced into a new shape. Like violently artistic ASMR.

[@petercreps7215]

I think you just found them an easy, extra source of money, they’ve already got countless hours of footage(if they saved it) and if not, they’ll really just need to set up a couple cameras(like game or trail cameras that are passive) around the shop to capture it

[@-RyN-23]

Yessss an we get the full idea of work time an heart placed in the work

[@TheWulfman1313]

The Damascus episodes were some of the most satisfying for me. When I could finally see that pattern made into a beautiful piece was some of my favorite parts.

[@jestermarcos]

The old videos were so relaxing, fun and informative. All the things that you commented that were useless actually are what made your videos personal and friendly, it made us feel like we were your friends and made us really care about you like real friends

[@ryancookrj13]

as someone who has been watching you since the start of your channel I have to say I was locked in on your videos and this project specifically I was excited for each and every video. I thought the way you were on camera was genuine and actually added to my enjoyment watching the videos. I do miss the big sword projects multipart series to watch your art come to life.

[@andrewbelcher]

Would love another crazy 20+ episode project like this!

[@RamseyElmawardy]

Same Here!

[@erichkrausse2230]

Same! Go big!

[@mitchellpont7510]

Same here !!

[@adventuroushermit2590]

I'd call that a watchable series!

[@The_Gun_Room]

Man i binged like 4 different projects 🤣

[@bytex2]

The skill and chaotic energy, combined with Jamie's amazing filmmaking is why I watched every episode from that period. It might be repetitive now but the mesmerizing synchronized power hammer montages was something really unique.

[@sciencestuff2.038]

The old videos were great. It was super cool to see every little part of the process. It gave us a little bit of a look into how much work went into each project and we got to see EVERY step. The different speed parts were also great. The mix of hyper speed and slow motion was also great!

[@mrnoodle3777]

Don’t crunch it down so much you push out everything that makes your videos that much better to watch. I love seeing the small processes that you take to finish things.

[@jimmerrell3757]

The thing I miss the most about the old videos is the life lessons from Alec. Even though he was so young, he had a way of getting through mistakes and failures that was very admirable.

[@michaeljudd2341]

Alec, I honestly miss the hand work. Machining is cool, but it's a lot more interesting to me to watch you build a project with as little machinery as you can. Also, the process of making the Damascus has always bee my favorite parts of your projects. Watching the sparks fly is so satisfying.

[@shawno8253]

Yes! My favorite project was when he made a knife entirely with hand tools.

[@audreydodgen8699]

That hand tool only project remains my favorite.

[@TheBluealan2000]

I'd happily watch another build series, especially a sword. 1 or 2 episodes on the Damascus would be fine. Also would like to see you rebuild early projects to compare now and then, might be fun.

[@jhbryaniv]

That would be really cool. To see the process changes and improvements... Than the wife and camera guy could critique and compare the videos in a seperate video, like this one. :) LoL

[@chiragjaisinghani8118]

Oh, i know i would love to watch that! It's a superb idea they making projects from the past but with new learnings and comparing!

[@quickstream]

a rebuild of the katana would be epic

[@josephreeves103]

agreed, we need a katana rebuild, he's improved in a lot of ways since then.

[@Minemac2]

I am never bored watching the work progress slowly. I actually like seeing more videos that take longer to get somewhere as it feels like I am a part of the process more

[@t.Mooney]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that misses the older long form content. I know it isn't as efficient as the shorter videos, but it offers more complex projects, and more interesting blades. I'm here for the process personally, and the personality (you all rock), not short concise how to vids. Keep up the great work, love the content.

[@jamesdurowse7445]

I think my favourite series was a 35 part make a Viking sword one and that had about 7 full videos on engraving and fucking it up. You used to be a very similar watch category to primitive technology for me, where it’s something to watch just to see someone dedicatedly and energetically at work

[@jamesnoble3572]

I would love to see you remake some of your older project just to see how much you’ve improved. Would literally watch hours of your forging too it’s all just so satisfying to watch.

[@Jusdin057]

Yes. Me too. I would love to see a remake of something. Maybe the Cutlass!!

[@cavemanvi]

That’d be great

[@caldasReport]

Like he did with the chef's knife! That one was a great revisit!

[@LetsPlay968]

I rly liked the "old" videos. Watching you making damascus steel and an 20+ epsisode series was so much fun.

[@RS_AFKing]

I really miss the old videos… random side project thrown in there, 15 minutes of doing one thing and the relentless pursuit of excellence, and multiple videos a week. Love watching your videos Alec. Keep up the good work.

[@slayedbyhell3818]

I don't mind if it takes a couple of episodes to see you make damascus. I love the shenanigins in between as those actually keep the focus on the video. Also watching you forge is the reason people watch so a shot of several seconds on the power hammer is never bad. Love to see the glowing metal.

[@patmancrowley8509]

At minute 4:10 I enjoyed the comment and run across the room to the tool box for a battery and return throwing a knife! What's not to love about that? You've broken the work sequence, put in a short run and THREW AND STUCK A KNIFE! That is a great interlude.

[@chailatte312]

mooorrreeee of these in-depth builds please! watching the whole process, the failures and successes, is more entertaining for us than you'd imagine.

[@karlwagoner9949]

The content that seems like a waste of time today is really a big part of why we've all been watching faithfully for so many years. The filming and editing got better almost weekly over the years, Alec got better at presenting and at making catastrophic mistakes. All the best stuff.

[@joshrepik]

Definitely here for the imminent failure and correction process

[@zulous]

You should definitely run a long project as a series each year/twice a year. It has the benefits of drawing the audience back and you get to work on something bigger. You can then still put out the single video stuff. That way youre not trying to rush something out and you can take a break from it to do other stuff. I think a lot of the older audience would enjoy it and you still appeal to the newer audience.

[@405Couch]

PERSONALLY SPEAKING i love when you work with Damascus watching the different patterns you make and process is just what it is, if the video is longer and more drawn out it makes sense why. I have no problem with it personally .

[@davelangford2439]

I really miss the old long-form videos.They are what got me into your channel in the first place

[@Nick-xe9me]

I truly love the amount they have been featuring Jamie as a partner and equal in Alecs videos! He's an amazing filmmaker who always captures the skill Alec has in the shop. What a cool team!

[@backtoearth1983]

Well... Until Alec gets bored with him and ditches him like the boys in Montana

[@Bramble20322]

@@backtoearth1983 What boys in montana? What happened?

[@MightyElf344]

I love/miss the shenanigans, the daily goings on in the workshop. I've definitely used some of the things you've talked about for efficiency and workshop arrangement. Love seeing you grow from the old shop to the production you've created here.

[@legosharktruck59]

I gotta say, the long sword projects were so inspiring. The cane sword is still one of my favorite video series on KZbin. Your longer knife and sword videos are why I just made a forge.

[@timkirk3736]

I really do miss the old video series. The Kris is by far my favorite series. However, my #1 FAVORITE single video is the parody video Jamie made while you were in the US making the bike.

[@Warp-zu2zk]

I love your old lower production value videos with random inserts into it it feels so much more genuine and fun

[@baileylang1293]

Man, I remember finding you when you had just a few thousand subscribers at your very first workshop. Crazy how far you've come!

[@jerimybutler897]

Me too

[@baileylang1293]

I think it was the baker street forge if I'm not mistaken. I remember watching the first time you had will in the workshop and you guys make a pirates scimitar I believe.

[@luish8056]

I got here way late, but those old videos hold a lot of charm and these new ones are still really good.

[@AlphaMachina]

The guy is inspirational, that's for sure.

[@Draco301293]

I would honestly love to see Alec make another Katana, just to see the build quality difference after 5 years!

[@reneeschke]

+1 - "Katana revisited" with frequent comparisons to old footage and a clear explanation on what could be improved upon. Also making it "usable". Maybe even diving more into the traditional methods?

[@Mysticmountainforge]

I really miss the longer builds as well. Your work is what got me started in the craft.

[@DrunkWaffleChef]

I have never commented on KZbin before. These are the videos that made me start watching KZbin. Alec Steel you are literally the channel that for me into watching KZbin and miss these types of videos. I enjoy your current vids, but let’s be real. After a long day at work in the machine shop, I just want to see some quality video of metal being beaten into submission. The challenges of making a beautiful knife. Let’s see the challenges of making an amazing knife!! Regardless, great work.

[@patmancrowley8509]

5 episodes on just the blade. Yes, and I enjoyed each and every one of them. You WERE working on the blade. Your damascus programing, your drawing out, the quench (which, I agree, was disappointing) and the hand sanding. All of these are relevant to the story, to the build and that is why I appreciate these older video's!

[@pallindsetmo3393]

I've never come across a content creator who makes hours feel like seconds like you! Absolutely love the longer and even repetitive content

[@EtchyLives]

It is just you. The time and instructions on how to do damascus are what brought me in to your channel. And the awkward singing is the authenticity that brought me to your channel. You are where you are because of all these things. Yes - grow, evolve, learn, change. But don't forget you got where you are because of all the things you "don't do anymore".

[@joeschmoe5795]

Completely agree!

[@scbafreak]

He hasn't sung the blue dykum song in forever

[@shadowmancer7040]

This.

[@nathman65]

i personally used to really enjoy your videos the way they were and the frequency witrh which you used to upload them!! they inspired me to do a little bit of forging in my back garden !!

[@E_Turne]

The Damascus videos where Alec was experimenting with making deliberate and exceptional designs like the buckles and things like that are some of my favorite videos ever on the channel.

[@TorqueTestChannel]

It's always worth trying new things to see what your audience likes, even if those new things are things you used to do. I wouldn't say no to watching a 5-8 part series with Damascus forming for 1-3 of those.

[@danielaricha9684]

It's obvious that you've grown, and now watching your younger self is a bit awkward, but we've all loved you then because all of your shenanigans and because we could see the fire in your eyes and heart... We loved you then and we love you now, please don't stop Alec, and please let us see more of you like you used to do ❤️

[@hattersmadness4701]

There is something very soothing about watching you make the different Damascus patterns, I really miss them.

[@fre3bs628]

I definitely did not started watching, and subscribed to this channel, because I needed forging tutorials, I stayed because I found it interesting, fun to watch the shenanigans on the side, and the editing is nice to boot. To be brutally honest, this has changed over the years, and admittedly, not for the better.

[@rameking1]

Moment of brutal honesty. I've been growing less interested in the channel. Not because of you or your projects. It's the pacing. As a blacksmith, you don't appreciate those long "boring" shots of the power hammer and milling machine. To those of us that don't do that every day, it's awesome. I loved your 10+ episode series because I felt like I was coming along for the ride. Now, you rush to the end and I don't feel as included in your journey there. I want to see the screw ups and the moments of joy when you overcome a crazy hard task. I want to see the different steps. I don't care if you explain the science of something for the thousandth time. I'm here for the journey I don't have the money or time to have myself. Let me live my blacksmithing dream through you!

[@zmasterrahlg]

I actually really love those in-depth videos. The Damascus process is fascinating.

[@DJ.B930]

Wow it’s crazy to me that you guys decided to make a video like this, literally just last night I was going through KZbin with nothing to watch thinking about how much I missed the long multipart sword/weapon builds Alec and co. would do, not only the beautiful end product but the detailed bit by bit process that has taught me so much over the years. I then decided to start watching some of the playlists of the old builds, first with Gendry’s power hammer and then the khopesh (my 2 personal favorites) and then started watching the 24 part cavalry Saber built from when you first moved to Montana and Will first joined you full time. It shocked me to see that I had to go back to 3 years to find the most recent of those projects and made me realize how much I (and millions of others) LOVED watching you grow as a blacksmith and artist and from a kid living out his dream into an adult with a legitimately successful business. Man, those were the peak years of this channel and I honestly have not been able to find anything that got me that excited and invested ever since. There are obviously plenty of great blacksmiths and bladesmiths to provide us with content on KZbin and I enjoy watching them all, but none ever really seem to hit the spot the way those videos did. Crazy to watch it back now and to watch you guys watch it back with the perspective you have now, it was super insightful and nostalgic. I hope you guys are reading all of the comments showing how much we all love watching you forge Damascus and leveling up in skills and learning new things and grinding and hand sanding for 3 straight videos of a 18 part series lol I’ll always watch your content Alec and Jamie but I’ve been missing this for so long. Thank you for entertaining and teaching me for all these years and hopefully many more to come!

[@StarlightQueen]

I honestly liked when the videos were a little more meandering and long like this. Sure, many people show up just to see the thing get made, but some people also value the creator. So being able to just see bits of your life and personality exist in this workshop is satisfying. I remember this katana build video, and I loved hearing about the random little things happening. I distinctly remember loving the knife throwing board, and the viewers questions.

[@TheAtarilord]

I don't know about everyone else, but I enjoyed the old videos. It was a blend of blacksmithing and vlogging. Honestly my favorite videos are the ones of you fixing your power hammers.

[@Kleenur]

One of the things that makes KZbin such an interesting platform is that I found the channel about 6 months ago BECAUSE of the katana video. Since then I've been watching lots of the older stuff and seeing the change in crafting skill, video production skill, and in tool access has been really cool. I'm an aspiring Bladesmith and have been seriously considering starting a channel to track my journey. Videos like this one are super helpful. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

[@EdwinWiles]

As much as I enjoy seeing the final product, I love seeing how you do things, preferably with explanations. Including the mistakes please. You always learn more from the mistakes, and can teach more from them. Edit: Have you ever considered that using hand tools, instead of depending on epoxy to fill the gaps, is better for both the quality of the product and your skills?

[@hazeltollz5695]

I also really liked just watching several episodes of making Damascus. I miss a whole series making one gorgeous sword plus a ton of Alec’s stream of ideas. I’ve watched the Viking series multiple times; it’s soothing lol

[@jaredholland5844]

I love the old Alec Steele energy. It is the kind of thing that would make me walk up to my sister and go “wow have you seen the new video?! It is so funny and awesome!” And it allowed you to do way less progress in one video because it was still very funny and entertaining. That being said you can still implement that today and get more money out of your time. Also watching you fix power hammers or do random little projects around the workshop whether they are dotted in videos or a full series is one of the most entertaining things you do in my mechanical Engineering opinion.

[@Sooner4Life66]

I had a fantastic idea, I think Alec should make bottle openers, make them live until people stop buying them, he could raise the price each time he sells one, totally new original idea you guys are welcome to use

[@HighKingTurgon]

I do like to see the process of forging! I wouldn't mind more forge/machining montages back again! That's quality content for me, even if it's not diversified in itself-the context grants diversity!

[@bwma]

I remember the days of dirt floors and rain buckets around the shop. You've inspired so many people and done so many great things. You are one of the KZbin greatest personality for education.

[@sanna8633]

Aww the streams! I miss the streams

[@jonjohnston5333]

While we get wanted to keep people engaged everyone and their dogs are doing videos like this nowadays. What drew me to your channel and I imagine everyone else as well is the authenticity and creative ideas you have shown. You don't have to be so numbers focused, clearly you are successful, be you and make the content you want to make.

[@bradymcphail9690]

I honestly like your older Damascus videos. I also like the multi-part series’s. I do understand that this is your business and you now have a life outside of Alec Steele Inc. you’re an amazing Artist, Craftsman, & Businessman. I’ve been following you guys since the very beginning and I’ve learned so very much from you. I only wish I took your tool making classes when I could…

[@karyjas1]

I do like watching you make damascus. I LOVE when you work on big projects, and failures dont deter me. I LOVED what you used to do. You were a blacksmith, now youre a videographer. And i dont like your content as much anymore. If you make less videos, it will probably hurt your finances, but if that would be possible, i wouldnt mind that one bit. Just keep trying to make something amazing, keep improving. Keep doing what i think youre good at and love. Quality > quantity Also, all of those cheesy, messing around shots dont take away from the content. It was an honest thing. Just messing around and having fun. I dont mean you have to do it, especially since theyre good becouse of the honesty. Dont be embarrassed, at least i like it

[@escher2112]

Been watching since around 2016 or so - was researching Damascus and found your channel (lol)... I truly think you have gotten into a situation where you have grown away from what made your channel popular. I still love the vids, and I get it.. But the main reason folks like me started watching was the raw quality and the more personal look at your shop. While the new vid's are very polished, and very well produced - its that older style that holds the draw for me. Many of my favorite channels are going through this same issue - for example - Vice Grip Garage - Derek's channel has blown up and now isnt a simple guy in a shop style anymore... If I want polished perfect shows, I can watch regular TV. KZbin is where I go to see folks do what they love - and show the warts and human side... thats what I'm looking for - the person. I do truly contgratulate you on your success - and will continue watching for sure. A simple sugggestion though - Similar to what Shawn James from MySelf Reliance does - Maybe a polished vid as regular intervals, but a more "behind the scenes - warts and all" style on a second channel for those of us that just want to hang out int he shop and watch you make damascus bars 20 times and fail 19 of them... :)

[@Hiero1986]

Actually have always enjoyed the longer-form video series showing the whole process, I don't think people find it boring - having said that, this video is really quite interesting watching you and Jamie look back at it with some new insight. Good video.

[@joshrepik]

Alec - we love to watch you do what you love to do and what keeps you engaged and enjoying yourself. If that’s three days of Damascus making, that’s that stuff we like

[@edwartschwarz7136]

Just yes

[@KjellTF]

I would watch you make Damascus like in the old days. I think most people watch too see you, Alec, just as much as you work. You're fun to watch! So, keep the singing in!

[@choppy1851]

Don’t be too hard on your earlier self, dude. I enjoyed the honest enthusiasm and exuberance, and to be fair, I reckon a lot of people who are your longest and strongest viewers got in at this point. The other random things that pop up in your analysis of the sequencing just points to the other routines and realities that have to function in a working space. I write a little, and I cringe a little at my past stuff, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still good. That’s the growth of the creative process, as you know - at some point you cringe back at your awkward teenage creative self. Rock on!

[@NicksStuff]

"This is boring", "this couldn't be so long", "we couldn't do this anymore"

[@khoop009]

I think the old videos were successful because it felt so genuine and as though we were there with you guys. Almost like a vlog. It had an entirely different feel to them. I miss seeing those 20 part video series and watching you mess something up and make it over 3 or 4 times. Idk it was just something about them that I miss.

[@justinruh7336]

Love watching the whole blade build with all the quirky moments in between.

[@BillyCardano]

Of course I loved a blacksmith being a blacksmith through the entire process necessary for a specific project! I learned so much about steel and forging because of your channel in that era

[@stumpy2165]

What i enjoyed about watching alec was him learning new craftsmanship skills, and then using them for a forging project, like the engraving and jewel setting stuff.

[@TechnocraticDreadnought]

I loved the well timed drops, bases, etc. With the slowmotion shots. I also love the long projects. It felt like the projects were actual projects.

[@McNasty43]

Personally, I enjoy all your content. I don't think I've skipped a video in years. Long, drawn out projects, one-day builds, equipment rebuilds and maintenance, it's all good.

[@KrisSmith-p3x]

There’s a certain amount of satisfaction to watching the process of Damascus. Almost an ASMR with music to the hammer blows. (Well done jamie). To the whole thing about relevance to things happening like blue roll holders and the work shop development, I think is highly relevant to the process of the builds. Throw it back to the old school once in a while

[@bjoernlubetzki]

I'm one of the guys that really loved the videos where you did 3 videos about making the Damascus. I enjoyed the longer hammerings sessions on the Powerhammer and I enjoyed the fact that the pace was a bit slower. The new videos are edited really cool and you can see the progression in Jamies work. But I would really like to see one of these oldschool builds again.

[@Nox_39]

TBH I think you made your best videos in the year leading up to you leaving for the US. You seemed to be more into each project and you were pushing yourself. Also I really liked the "daily blog" feel more where you added stuff that wasn't necessarily related to the title of the video. It made the videos have more of a personality in them and while perhaps not the most efficient in terms of chasing the youtube algorithm but it meant the videos had more character rather than a "perfect" professional production.

[@vwrocco17]

I very much enjoyed watching you do off topic things in a themed video. Almost blog style. It made me feel apart of the business you were building and I always was ecstatic for the next installment

[@BlitzKreke]

I love the more drawn out episodes. Feels more personal and watching everything take shape. I understand a video looking polished but I certainly miss seeing the little struggles or you learning how to do something new for episodes.

[@jamesc140292]

I love your older videos... watching how the forging is done was one of my favourite parts I just love seeing all the work that goes into a piece ... especially since I want to get into blacksmithing at some point it's fun to watch and learn what to look for

[@jamesc140292]

It would also be great to see what Jamie does too

[@TheEric2977]

He should have an episode where he teaches Jamie and another one where they do a build off

[@bookdragonenabler6539]

i loved watching you make damascus for 3 episodes... the tangents are fun and show off your personality that we love. the fact this series is 14 episodes was beautiful and i felt like i was making it with you... not just watching you make something. BRING BACK OG ACEC!!! but with regular voice🤣

[@MegaMoe63]

I love the old videos i miss them they were NOT boring.

[@Wreckz_Tea]

I miss his daily uploads way back in the day. I dont even care what he uploads I just like his energy its contagious. Alec it's only boring for you because you've been with yourself for however many years you've been alive. We only see you like 20min per week tops. If you uploaded every single day videos of you cleaning your shop or sweeping a floor...I promise we would watch the crap out of it. It's your attitude and energy and words that we love to see. Regardless of what you are doing

[@frankierzucekjr]

Been a fan for going on 5 years. You're one of the very first channels I subscribed too as well. As a carpenter, I've always been interested in metal work and blacksmithing. Looks like sooo much fun. Thanks to you and others that I've learned a lot

[@jamescarr229]

Yeah, I loved the epic builds with episodes every few days. :)

[@alexermakov7399]

I really miss country-singing-cowboy-hat wearing Alec and those long videos format.

[@kyboy9730]

You’re dissing your old videos, but that’s what made you and what we love

[@brycevernon3725]

Man i miss these videos so much. Cool projects that last 10 episodes. Maybe we watch the same process a few times. Who cares. It was awesome