How to Forge Bevels on a Blade - The Right Way !

In this video Ilya shows you the ins and outs of forging bevels on a blade. Using a tamahagane blade made from traditional bloom from Japan as his demo piece he gives you a step by step of how to forge a blade. Everything from how to swing the hammer to proper anvil stance for bladesmiths and blacksmiths alike. He makes a Japanese style blade, but this technique is good across all cultures of blades.
Secrets and tips from pro craftsmen for you to expand your skill sets.
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#forging #knifemaking #bevels

[@ThatWorks]

Thanks for watching this episode of -Your Edge- and thanks to Ilya Alekseyev for sharing this awesome knowledge with us. Be sure to leave a comment telling us what topic you want us to cover on the next episode !

[@generalyyy]

I have an idea for next or one of the future episodes. I would love to watch video of You guys talk about steel, i mean which steel is good for knives, which is good for swords, tools, axes etc.with pointing the properities of those steels, and maybe temperatures. It doesnt need to be full AAA grade episode with fountains and fireworks, simple vlog would be just right for this. Thanks for all those lessons and knowledge and experience You share with us :)

[@David-kd5mf]

Anthracite nut coal vs charcoal vs blacksmithing coal vs wood vs propane for heating metal would make good video

[@rafaelvasconcelos8889]

I wish i have infinitys likes buttons for this video. Please, make more of those.

[@patricioberasategui7429]

I want to learn how to have a razor sharp edge with natural waterstone

[@timjackson5555]

Why the water on anvil before forging?

[@DopetheWind]

As a manufacturing engineer, when we refer to stock removal versus forging as not "making it stronger" by forging but by "making it less weak" by using forging compared to other alternatives for geometry generation (machining, casting, etc), which may also contribute to this myth. This applies to any type of crystalline structure of antiquity or otherwise (myriad particularities nonwithstanding)

[@mattthescreamer177]

The demonstration with the wood was mind blowing, absolute game changer for me. Holy cow thank you so much for making such quality content. I am binge watching your channel now to see what else I'm missing

[@budove58]

I learned more in this one video than all of the other videos I've watched combined.

[@bpcaboutpconapc5461]

Thanks for the Vid.... finally someone else that does what my Granddad did. He also had a small wedge set on a stump rest near the Anvil, he'd use to start different project types with different angles. I remember him saying "start the hammer and the hand will follow". sure enough your work hold hand follows in line pretty quickly. he used to say drawing it out lightens the edge and leaves less material for filing, that fine for finer work its not much good for blades. he also used to say "work it only as much as your eye sees" usually he'd follow with " see it right at the start, in the end you'll see it please the heart" . He was so skilled.

[@fluxbe2737]

I'm super thankful to all the KZbin creators that lend their knowledge of blacksmithing and knife making. It's how I learned to make demascus knives!

[@TDGCmote]

Ilya is such a wizard with smithing.

[@adamparker9765]

As someone who had to change my hammering technique because of tennis elbow , I can't tell you how much you're right about relaxing the arm. Took a solid six months to recover because I was constantly re injuring it till I changed how tense my arm was . I suppose I was just trying to use more power in my swing , but it really isn't necessary and quite detrimental . All good now and teaching roughly 90 students a year for the last 6 years. The basics are really so important.

[@elirobertson2324]

amazing how the body can experience an injury, and then the mind moves forward with the tension as part of its character ...sort of recreating that tension

[@ronaldmarsh7025]

Another great video. I watch these mainly to learn and sadly a lot of other channels have moved into a more entertainment driven style, ones which formerly focused on learning and teaching. These are still very entertaining, but its nice to have a channel that helps drive the community forward in such an active way.

[@ianlowe4666]

'cough' Alec Steele? 'cough' 'cough'...

[@ThatWorks]

Ian Lowe I’d say he used to teach a lot in his videos but not nearly as much lately.

[@ianlowe4666]

@@ThatWorks He's the only one I could think of off the top of my head who now does significantly less 'educational' material. I was familiar with Brian's work before Alec popularised it but Alec has always been more prolific on the media side of things. Fair play to him, he's making a living. You lads have gone the opposite way though it seems and deserve much credit for doing so as far as I'm concerned. All about the edamucation :)

[@ronaldmarsh7025]

I honestly think that Illya is gifted at teaching while Alec is not. While Alec can and has taught, the ability seems more of a trained thing while Illya makes it seem natural. This has been a big difference for me and I have learned more within the vastly less content. If I had the means I would definately take a class taught by Illya.

[@rbessuges]

@@ronaldmarsh7025 Alec is 23 yo, so maybe we can grant him some time to become a master for others, when in the time being he's already an inspiration for everyone.

[@ericcartrette6118]

In my experience, there are very few people out there that teach how to properly use a hammer. As a result, I developed bad habits that are threatening to take me out of the forge. Thanks for the explanation! I am working to correct my posture and swing. Hopefully when I have the money, you will have more hammers in stock. I WANT ONE!

[@gushlergushler]

As a physiotherapist I would advise you to get medical help early, the more you delay chronic problems the worse they become and early beginning of treatment can prevent problems spiraling out of control.

[@ericcartrette6118]

@@gushlergushler Yeah, I've seen an Orthopedic specialist. I have rehab exercises that I have to do. If things don't get bwtter, I'll be seeing him again soon.

[@gushlergushler]

@@ericcartrette6118 Good luck!

[@flyingpigforge]

FWIW, I would like to offer another opinion from being a farrier/blacksmith for 37 years. I've found that if I keep my shoulder, elbow and wrist in the same plane I have fewer soft tissue issues. When I move my elbow away from my body to the side i get a compound arc that gives me tennis elbow, yet I could still hammer with my elbow in. I also set my anvil at a height I can stand upright and move easily around as I use the edge, horn and face for different effect... but then, I'm no knife maker, either.

[@henrymonroy9533]

I really appreciate that you are so good at explaining and demonstrating PROPER techniques.

[@jandastroy]

Swinging a hammer is all about creating that moment of inertia where you want whatever you're hitting to move, be it steel, a nail, or whatever you're hitting. It's nice to see someone demonstrate that clearly love your style Ilya

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

Thank you guys so much for teaching the technique! And I would love to see an in depth of making bloom steel and refining it.

[@stevesyncox9893]

Veteran Iron&Wood check out Al Pendray and Ric Furrors.

[@DFloyd84]

The protagonist of a book I'm writing is an apprentice to a master blacksmith, so the tools and techniques you're describing and demonstrating in this series and on this channel in general are a great resource for my work.

[@limj5543]

Derek Floyd what’s the book called would love to give it a read?

[@stevesyncox9893]

Better give a character a name that honors the Master....😜

[@ghostcraft9343]

How’s the book coming?

[@evanscott4323]

Valuable information for sure. Proper technique is the key to longevity. I sure see a lot of crazy hammer styles out there in forge land. And the bending over thing...hoo boy. I'm goin' on thirty years of full time work in the shop now, and the only thing that makes my arm sore is working cold iron. Great vid.

[@analog56x]

Ilya slays myths and provides techniques for staying in the game. what a great show, and an amazing teacher! cheers guys!

[@lanettekarner]

I've watched countless blade forging videos and I have to say, this video was more useful to me than all the others combined. Thank you.

[@rybaneightsix5085]

That initial explanation and demonstration was great. And confirmed what I have suspected for a long time. Absolutely love your videos.

[@williamhart4896]

Thanks Ilya your letting the tool do the job not forcing your body to get it done . Thanks for sharing this information

[@psylegio]

Thank you for producing in dept content! Thank you so much! Forging that wood - brilliant way of showing your point! I learned some new stuff here!

[@mattmcdonald6034]

Makes his anvil bleed at 11:16 😝🔨 Really appreciate the explanations and demonstrations. Thank you for these types of videos.👍

[@richardlindsey5341]

This is awesome, I really appreciate a master of his trade passing his knowledge and skills on to amateur such as myself. The posture part has really made a big difference for me. Thank you so much for your time.

[@amishplumber4251]

Very valuable information. Thank you for sharing. The correct art of blacksmithing can only live on if people like you keep on sharing information like this.

[@Castaway_glass]

This is one of the best instructional videos I have ever seen, the demonstration was very helpful in explaining the physics at play. Thank you for putting so much attention to detail into this video 🙏

[@agentzier4443]

Watched this over the weekend and just tried the compression technique that was shown. Wanted to come back and say how amazing this worked...so much easier and with a much straighter blade Instead if the sabering before...thank you

[@normanbayona4636]

I'm so glad I stumbled onto this video. It's unfortunate how in the current age of KZbin, content creators that can drown the subscription feed come out on top, and I hadn't seen this video until 2 years later. I'm noticing that the idea of whipping your tool into materials is likely a universal impact tool technique, whether using a hammer, an axe, or even a baseball bat. Thanks again!

[@jarredjones3358]

Ilya, Thank you for demonstrating that you don't need to be clenching onto your tools to do meaningful work. Everyone I work with insists on wearing gloves whenever they pick up a tool. I almost never wear gloves and I work with hand tools (hammers, axes) all day. I have no strain in my joints and my hands are still soft, I've only had maybe 3 blisters my whole life, and I rarely even get a callus. I hold my tools really loose, and my arms are really relaxed because I do all the work with the rest of my body. I've noticed you stand really close to your anvil and I feel like that's an important factor as well. I always tell newcomers to stand as close as they can to the anvil and really get on top of their work, I like to be right on top what I'm working on if I can. There's just so much less strain if you're working close to your body. That's true for almost any tool as well, wrenches, screwdrivers, drills, angle grinders (to an extent, they can be dangerous). Great video by the way, bevels aren't really talked about in any capacity beyond "Grind it in or forge it in?", no one really goes into detail about how you're supposed to forge it in. This was very informative and I learned a lot, thanks!

[@TokyoCraftsman]

I found this very interesting and you really show the technique well, thank you. I'm no blacksmith or knife maker, but I find it all very interesting to watch. One day if I ever can convince my lovely wife to move out of downtown Tokyo, I'd like to set up a blacksmith shop. I have often wondered how smiths of old formed the bevel on knives or swords. What I see so many smiths do these days is to grind the bevel into the blade blank, fair enough they are working with modern steel and have access to belt grinders etc, I'm sure if smiths of old had access to belt grinders they would use them in a heartbeat too, but like I said, they did not, so how did they make the bevel. This explanation makes complete sense to me, and the maybe not obvious difference between compressing and pinching is now clear to me. Your tips on hammering technique are great. Thanks for the instructive video, I subbed. Cheers from Tokyo!

[@narusawa74]

Glad I found your channel. I'm a friend of Fabrice Cognot and he kept telling about you . I watched several old Men at Arms Reformed and learned tons from you already. Just subscribed here so I can even better detailed classes. Thanks for sharing Ilya !!

[@christospapakostas8405]

One of the best videos (if not the best) on forging technique that i've watched so far. Thank you for sharing this information

[@Entrixstormwind]

I learned the basics almost 30 yes ago at a class being held at Old Fort at #4 in Charlestown, NH. The blacksmith there at the time was Jeff Miller. A lot of what this video just taught came back to me from those early lessons. I still have all my equipment and now I want to set it up and get back into it. Thank you for these excellent techniques.

[@StrayWolfForge]

Thank you for sharing your hard won knowledge. I really learned alot and appreciated the simple way you explained it aswell as demonstrating the techniques. I think a video on fire management and how the piece is placed in the fire would be great.

[@starsixtyseven195]

My problem was burning a hollow fire and not pushing the sides in

[@wolfparty4234]

Wow!!! It takes a lot for someone to stand up in front of KZbin land and tell everybody that they are forging wrong!! So for you sir, a true outlier to prove and provide a video showing the KZbin world the correct forging and hamming techniques, I am at a list of words!!! Well done Sir!! Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

Personally, I'm very interested in metal engraving, and would love to learn how to do it traditionally, by hand. But the only tools I can find are Dremmel-like mechanical engravers. Traditionally, craftsmen would make their own, so would be cool to see a video on Ilia and his engraving tools, and maybe how to make them.😉

[@paul-emilefrancois3731]

Michael Berthelsen they did a video about engraving

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

@@paul-emilefrancois3731 I know, I was hoping on a more detailed video on how to make the tools. I can't find anything locally, and online it's almost impossible to find the tools, since they're crowded out by Dremmel clones. So a video on how to make your own would be cool.

[@julianitama468]

this. after talking to some more experienced engravers it turned out that there's really only one place in north America that teaches metal engraving, and apparently alot the people who come out of that academy are extremely insular and don't like sharing those skills, so there aren't a lot of easy to find resources out there. a video dedicated to the shape/geometry of different gravers would be great.

[@Sebastian-ed5kt]

@@julianitama468 Ilya did a quick show of his engravers previously here, you may have to search but I think it is in his video to his Bladeshow sword where he is engraving

[@julianitama468]

@@Sebastian-ed5kt I know, I've seen it. it was a good display of technique, but other than briefly saying (paraphrase) "I made these; this one does this, that one does that. blyat." he didn't go into the materials/construction/geometry of a good graver. Just from talking to engravers after the fact, its obvious to me that a lot of information was left out on that end.

[@chewher4171]

Very educational. I love the way he explained it and modeled the wrong way first and pointed out all the mistakes. Then he showed the right way. That way we can compare the two.

[@vanloockeaxel3622]

I started forging a month ago and I had some trouble forging my bevels. Thanks for your job guys !

[@Curtislow2]

Some people ar nature instructors An Ilya you are one of the best.

[@dakota-joel7590]

As always very informative and educational. Previously I've avoided forging my bevels because the blade would get twisted as well as curve horribly. I hope to try some more of these techniques soon!

[@starforged]

Very good and knowledgeable about Blacksmithing. But where you really excelled is your teaching skills. Thank you very much.

[@darrenwidas2473]

Awesome. I accidentally used this technique but didn’t understand what was happening, now I know. Thank you!

[@dadsfriendlyrobotcompany]

This is excellent. When I was forging my first double bevel dagger, I was chasing the snake and was constantly looking out for the trapezoidal cross section. It was a handful.

[@RovingPunster]

Love that analogy ... chasing the snake. 😃

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

I have often wondered, half-jokingly, if maybe that's how the kris design was invented... perhaps a bladesmith was having trouble with all that and just decided, "Fine, screw it, this dagger is going to be curvy." :p

[@hankatmaggies8819]

@Dogslobber gardens lol 😂

[@Adam-ie3cf]

By far one of the best videos I've watched. I watched this while my forge was heating up to start a new project. The better technique was obvious immediately. Thank you

[@sethmullins8346]

This technique has made a major improvement in my blade forging. I’m still a beginner, but the hammer marks are drastically reduced and my blades don’t need so much correction. I’m currently doing this on a rondel dagger style blade I’m doing to give to mg dad.

[@mandamados]

Ilya you are a forging scientist !!!

[@GreenBeetle]

Nice video ty! My experience with milled steel is that the reduction in saber curving with this technique is not a pronounced as it is here in bloom steel. Is that your experience or am I doing it wrong? Thanks.

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

I can't say for 100%, but your observation seems correct. Because mill steel doesn't have that "stringy" "loose" grain to it in the first place. I enjoy your videos, by the way.

[@bktfrank]

19:37 "Let's go to the *chalkboard* and take a look" made the next cut so hillarious.

[@danthemakerman]

You are a great teacher.

[@arejetko]

I have no aspirations to be a blade smith, Ilya, but your videos are very interesting and instructive - good work.

[@HMSRadzeer]

just the other day as i started to form my honsanmai tanto, i thoght it's time to try out Ilya's beveling technique. I was unsure at the beginning, but the blade really did yatagan itself. Thank you for the great tip

[@raymondraptorclaw2901]

Thank you very much for teaching me this technique! It answered all of my questions: best fuel, making a blade properly, and efficient hammer form.

[@suminagum6605]

Excellent video I learned the proper technique for a beginner as I am. 👍

[@southernblueblood5402]

This is the best blacksmith video I have seen by far, you explained clearly and simply. The camera shots and angles were up close and can see everything, thank you Ilya your instruction is the best I have seen.

[@kellynalley2251]

Very informative. I like the way you explain things. Thank you so much for being on KZbin you are awesome Kelly Forge.

[@merryman9423]

Your videos are very good and insightful - thank u very much. Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@kylebakner2119]

Thank you! Awesome video. Explains "Edge Packing" in a way I've never seen before.

[@MrOldclunker]

I just found your channel and enjoy how your give complete detailed instructions on proper technique. Thanks for taking the time to make your videos and share your expertise with us.

[@rodneylangstroth4577]

I've watched this episode several times, and keep learning. I really appreciate your sharing this with me. My technique is improving greatly compared to 6 months ago. And now I'm sharing it with others who want to learn bladesmith techniques. Thank you very much Ilya

[@johnphilipllegado9413]

Now this is worth watching. Thanks for the information. You guys are my inspiration to make knives..

[@paulcummings5876]

Gday Slav Mate i tried your technique with a piece of 25mm x 5mm cold mild steel and it worked a treat but the best thing i found was your stance at the anvil the control i had was brilliant. Thanks for this vids. Cheers Paul

[@mountainwolf1]

Thank you very much Ilya and matt for making this video sometime ago. This had and has improved my technique greatly in no only blades but in everything I forge godbless and be well.

[@outcast_performance]

I've just come from one of Jason Knight's videos and I noticed the difference in how you two forge bevels differently. Thanks for clarifying this.

[@joshyingling]

There are a lot of different techniques, in always cautious of someone declaring"this is wrong" mind you he is only talking about old fashion blue steel, not the homogenous steels we use now. He also started to saber that piece he was working which kinda contradicted what he said earlier about this technique not doing that. You aren't going to make a bevel with any technique that won't saber the steel to some degree or another.

[@rodneylangstroth4577]

Awesome man. I'm self taught in forging and knife making. This is just the direction I need. Thank you

[@bumblingblacksmith]

Ah, packing is done on old wrought iron to help refine grain and maintain layers, which is also why the old books also talk about cutting the tip into a knife versus forging the shape. Forging would cause splitting, so they advocated cutting the tip shape into the blade, along with packing, it still goes back to the grain structure of the old wrought irons and steels. I always wondered why the old books talk about cutting the tip in while new bladesmiths frown on it (as a few encourage packing), the explanation at the end help clear that up, thanks.

[@TheKenpachiZaraki13]

In your description of holding your hammer makes me think as a drummer of how we hold our drumm sticks. We pinch them with our first 2 fingers and thumb and use our other 2 and pamb as bump guides

[@BrokenWar46]

another thing I've heard is, just like a drumstick, to not death grip the hammer and to let it bounce

[@EvilSewnit]

@@BrokenWar46 very true

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Yes, that's more or less true of holding everything from drumsticks to hammers to knives to even baseball bats. The "death grip" thing *will* injure your joints sooner or later, and those kind of injuries never really heal up right. People think they have to force the thing; but it's really more about just guiding it smoothly.

[@nealhinrichs]

This technique is wonderfull. Avoiding the saboring problem is instrumental to avoid work hardening and cracking while compressing the metal for the best edge. I like to go all the way to sharp before grinding using flatters to need only minimum sanding. This is a great presentation, congrats you have a fan.

[@maxmeier4039]

Nice video man. I think a lot of smith's have figured out a lot of what you were talking about here just through trial and error, but it's really nice to see it all explained clearly. I know I learned somthing.

[@aidenallen4518]

Thank you Ilya, I will be trying this the next time I forge a knife

[@joesmith6199]

wouldn't have believed it if i hadn't seen it. have to order some more steel and try your method. Thank you.

[@noone3734]

I would love to have a very rich understanding of a craft. This is a great one.

[@AngrodPalantir]

The best tutorial made ever.

[@hassuntzu6523]

Damn no joke this guy explains so much better than any teacher I have every seen.

[@bliblablubb9590]

This one and the bone carving videos were my absolut favourites on this channel. I really like the new concept you guys are trying out.

[@BigOlHogie]

I enjoy watching you. I mess around with metal work and the knowledge you have is so old style. Your one of the best in my book.

[@Thechemist777]

Awesome video guys! Thanks

[@deligneeric6804]

Excellent, finally good explanations on how and why properly use a Hammer.

[@tqh7926]

This video is wonderful. I wish you guys would publish a book with all this information and more as well to go with this video.

[@dyemondeye]

I have been watching for awhile and this is is very helpful because I have been trying to get into forging and you are teaching me the right way thank you

[@rodneylangstroth4577]

I've watched this video several times. I keep learning more each time, and am now teaching my students this method. Thanks for the awesome tutorial, Ilya

[@tntchitwood]

Thanks for the tips, tried them today, worked great!

[@shanek6582]

I honestly didn’t think I would learn anything from this video but I sure as hell did. Never seen this before

[@ThatWorks]

Awesome! We wouldn't do any of these videos if we truly didn't believe that it has info and techniques that would help people!

[@dasnurk]

Absolutely invaluable advice, thanks Ilya!!!

[@gustavoalmeida624]

Love this kind of content. Especially the posture and way of taking care on using a proper form to preserve your health.

[@schoolsout15]

THANK YOU: Now I understand why the first blade I tried forging came out looking like an odd fishing knife. If you could cover distal tapers, that would be beyond helpful.

[@Excalibur-je5pk]

Same. Proper distal tapers look so good but for the life of me I just cannot lol

[@jamesspry3294]

Awesome stuff! I love this stuff about the right techniques. It's like an apprenticeship with a blacksmith.

[@88nzmike]

One of the best videos on forging!~ thank alots

[@B-leafer]

Amazing. No joke forging! Nice anvil.

[@m.d.customs3751]

Awesome video Matt and Ilya I wondered why I saw everyone else beveling a different way. I've always done it the proper way on instinct

[@redlionforge9173]

Wow I can’t believe I’ve been using the wrong technique for bevels! Thank you for doing this video. I can’t wait to try this!

[@alexkatsaros6180]

Great lesson Ilya! I have learned a lot that you!

[@kevinreilly3369]

First time watching for me……..very interesting and valid points of the do’s and don’ts. Your Hammering technique is definitely going into the next blade. I’m in…….Keep it up, and keep it in👍🏼

[@Paulsinke]

so much learned from one video, thanks!

[@jaredpaddick5879]

This was so helpful and informative! Thanks for all this freely given knowledge. You guys are great!

[@vincentwillis6846]

Fantastic video, really well explained. If you can, I find it very hard to find reliable information about Armorsmithing, so if you guys could do some videos on the basics of Armorsmithing that would be awesome. Please consider, thank you for your time, and keep up the good work.

[@larrywright7005]

You are a master at the craft great job God bless

[@taterbug70]

I regret not seeing this 12 years ago. I do all the hard methods he described.

[@genedavis759]

Great instructional on fundamentals ! Thanks !

[@mikegibson7977]

Thank you so much , your explanation was very helpful and your methodical easy to understand teaching style is appreciated !

[@neilyakuza6595]

Best video I have seen yet on bladesmithing. Let me rephrase that, awesome video!

[@stantilton2191]

Great explanation and back facts about the myth of edge packing. This is bound to help new smiths as well as the posture and hammer techniques. Thank you very much, awesome idea for a smithing series.

[@bamslife2812]

from the US and this was how i was taught