The Birth Of A Tool. Part III. Damascus steel knife making (by Northmen)

This is the 3rd part of our documentary series uncovering the process of making Scandinavian Damascus steel or pattern welded knife. One of the most skilled bladesmiths in the Baltic States - Chris has recently joined our crew. This movie is a dedication to him with an honor to his skills and experience.
Special thanks to the band Foreign Fields for allowing us to use and license their song "Fake Arms" as a soundtrack for our movie.
"It is a tragedy of the first magnitude that millions of people have ceased to use their hands as hands. Nature has bestowed upon us this great gift which is our hands. If the craze for machinery methods continues, it is highly likely that a time will come when we shall be so incapacitated and weak that we shall begin to curse ourselves for having forgotten the use of the living machines given to us by God."
Mahathma Ghandi
Visit us:
northmen.com
/ northmenguild
/ northmenguild

[@with_ok]

I still watch this video.

[@Novur]

I found this on Vimeo when it was new, and ever since then it's been the video I go to when life is spiralling out of control and I need to unravel and recenter myself. The cinematography, the sound design, the VIBES, it's all so calm and cozy and relaxing and utterly gorgeous. I sometimes get through a whole year without revisiting this knife, but it's always a comfort to know it's here when I need it

[@Trollsky]

Still the best movies showing knifemakking on the youtube ! :)

[@leastdef7435]

I know of another guy that's pretty damn good too.

[@jesussanmiguel340]

least def who?

[@leastdef7435]

...Trollskyy of course

[@lukester478]

Jesus San Miguel checkout pave custom knives as well. he doesnt post much but what he has posted is really well filmed and edited.

[@surfearth1]

Awesome nice awesome filming and editing

[@TaylorSatula]

This was absurdly satisfying to watch.

[@timh8600]

Shhh... Only sleeps now.

[@kararam]

THATS IT, IM GETTING A CABIN

[@neemantools]

From masters before us, time, years of practice, and of course from our own mistakes.

[@PBstx1100]

Came back to this video after 10 years. Still incredible

[@gertomoberstep6229]

It is very inspiring to see something so beautiful can be created by man.

[@cderouen2012]

I have purchased 6 of their exquisite knives. Each one displays the true craftsmanship and love of their work. I just ordered another knife along with a axe. America needs to follow in their footsteps once again. Well worth the investment. Keep up the wonderful work Jacob.

[@RobPulson]

I humbly request some more videos of this quality, editing style, and music choice. These type of videos are almost a form of meditation. Can't even explain how amazing it would be to have these regularly.

[@SolaceSearch]

I love coming back to this video.

[@leahsdreams]

The amount of time and effort put into things like these, makes you tear up at times.

[@CaptianGlory]

Please please PLEASE make more of these videos. I love everything about them!

[@duncanmaccleod3000]

want to live like this people

[@intj9639]

duncan maccleod So do I seriously haha

[@davidrahn9903]

Free, I started blacksmithing with nothing but a piece of railroad track a hammer and a tin washtub to make my fire in. and have made some nice knives. Never have I made a knife that beautifully finished, but you have to remember that a high polish does not make a knife beautiful, the most beautiful knives I have ever seen had the hammer marks and scale left on and a simple maple handle, but the emotion that flowed from the knife when I held it brought tears to my eyes, it was simply beautiful.

[@huynhminhtuan1609]

I've watched this video so many times

[@SentinelIP]

I have just watched all 3 parts of "The birth of a tool" and I can say the filming, the music and, of course the craftsmanship are all inspirational and truly food for the soul. As an engineer in industry for the last 20 years I don't think I have ever seen such a moving combination of artistry and skill. Thank you for these films. I think the axe and chisel would be a delight to use everyday, but the knife & sheath are a precious work of art, if they were mine I'd frame them! Cheers! DeepEye

[@omarab837]

The title sounds like a book my mother should right about her son...

[@LVL_1Hp]

Wee all should be proud because of this artist we have in Latvia!!

[@erikjohnson2976]

Wow. I am absolutely blown away by what the crew at John Neeman are capable of doing with their hands and stunning skills. In a day of disposable junk, it is not only refreshing but inspiring to see such incredible and functional art being developed by true craftsmen. Bravo.

[@eddieboggs8908]

Out of all the video's on KZbin, this is the one that just makes you to want to go make something. It is truly a great video.

[@mitchmortenson6017]

Watching this video gives me a true appreciation for an almost forgotten art. I wish all weapons/tools had the level of care that you put into yours.

[@828media2]

The content that you produce on this channel is literally poetry in motion!! It is so soothing to watch!! The way the music is aligns with the cinematography is seamless!! I look forward to more videos like this. Great work!!

[@PaebloLeon]

It's been years and I keep coming back to watch this awesome vid.

[@PeterPounders]

No talking. Just doing. Perfect.

[@maggotpudding]

When we can expect birth of a tool number 4. these videos are so good.

[@EXPHunterForce]

I think Ive watched all 3 of this series about 15 times. Working on my own knife again after having put down the hammer for years.

[@winstonmisha]

Better than porn

[@manuelruiz8742]

Boris Grunwald Certainly... It excites and you won´t be sick after watch.

[@LUCKYB.]

+Boris Grunwald knife PORN at its finest

[@Konrad-ur1jd]

+Boris Grunwald The music in this could be porn music.

[@LUCKYB.]

Eggbert it is porn music Black Smith porn ..

[@alexdies2980]

porn 2

[@burde0708]

There is something incredibly peaceful about these videos. The music is so well blended with the singing of the steel, and the soft humming of the fire in the background makes everything come together in a masterpiece equal to the blade you are making. Please keep on doing these videos. They bring me, and many others, peace and serenity. Thank you.

[@LongboardingDreams]

Your beautiful videos somehow makes my son who caries insomnia, sleep. The intricate and complex beauty of creating such fine works of ancestral tools will always be done so well by the Neeman Crew

[@MrPartypooper]

the fact that you put your heart and soul into everything you do is amazing. The tools are beautiful and the vids themselves are very thoughtfully put together and the music... man it all just fits.

[@brianmooney701]

Man will never be able to make anything as beautiful as that by machine! You can see the passion of the crafter in that knife.

[@chrisrea7347]

Watching this video clip of modern day craftsmen using age old techniques warms my soul!! I can't wait for my 2 hunting knives which are ordered - well I can wait and will have to wait because i want to be part of what you are bring back to the world.

[@Dustydime]

That is real beauty. The dance of a craftsmans hands.

[@tigahshark]

Wow, I'm just blown away by the skill and craftsmanship

[@ZorkFox]

I know there's a lot to admire about this video (kitty!) but I think what I like best is that he uses the knife to not only mold the sheath, but also to carve and trim it.

[@chayang5757]

This video cured my porn addictions. Just beautiful!!

[@georgeboaru5935]

+Cha Yang Best comment ever for a forging video

[@ianman6]

This is porn.

[@jamenja1887]

My new favorite channel with everything from house building to knife making, all from scratch. Love it

[@flameforGod]

Simply incredible. A true craftsman in every sense of the word. You have kept the honorable tradition and integrity of bladesmithing in tact.

[@krisjanio309]

there is 5 craftsman: 3 bladesmiths, 2 carpenters(one of em is leather worker too)

[@cedricdessureault8378]

I've never seen so many positive comments at the same place on the Internet...This video creates an aura of harmony

[@AlexWhiteAuthor]

I would love to spend a day in your shop watching you smith. These videos are as beautiful as your work.

[@v8bunga]

absolutely one of my favorite clips of all time .

[@sailormandave1]

Nice work - I always enjoyed watching men work with metal. My father was a carpenter and we never got along. I always wanted to do something with metal in the garage and he would never let me. Didn't want to get the garage all nasty. So when I grew up , I bacame a machinist. Prob just to spite him. Again I salute you.

[@bechmich]

Absolute perfection. And a very hypnotic video one could watch for hours.

[@chrismarsh1067]

This is the most soulful depiction of craftsmanship ever

[@Greenmick6982]

Incredible...almost brought me to tears. The whole process was beautiful

[@SolaceSearch]

I can't tell you how inspired I am by this video. Every time I watch it. Perfect.

[@BabakPA]

What elegant, warm and cozy videos! Amongst the best on youtube! I for one absolutely appreciate such great workmanship and precision! Something other manufacturers are now totally neglecting! Thank you for these amazing videos!

[@andrewlivingston92]

Watching this with my Northmen Scandi Brother in Silver Steel on my belt. Amazing while admiring my northmen knife being able to see the care that went into making it.

[@ESADE08]

Thank you very much for sharing. Absolutely amazing. A true piece of art.

[@redbearpreparedness2882]

That is so beautiful, it makes me feel like weeping.

[@jeremyharmison8173]

I like this, old fashioned blacksmithing with a touch of modern.

[@LiamMitts]

Hey from Canada,Of all the knives I have seen in many years,this is my favorite.

[@SmokinQuixote]

This was an absolute pleasure to watch.

[@MarkArness]

I could just watch and watch this stuff. There's nothing like seeing true craftsmanship in progress.

[@Smirnoff44]

True craftsmanship to the highest standards, now where's my cheque book

[@binghambk]

This video inspired me to make some life changes and to start to create something that will out last me. One of the best videos on KZbin!!

[@p_n4839]

Bruh

[@bigbillysbeard]

ART Sir just pure ART, my great grandfather was a Blacksmith and I hear family stories about the things he could make, unfortunately his skills died with him, something I seriously regret but that was a long time ago with slower pace of life ...... but people like you sir have gave me the urge to get into the forge and find what was almost lost, as we say in Northern Ireland "More power to your elbow!!!!"

[@lukeeson]

Bar none the most beautiful youtube video series out there! Thank you for sharing, and I appreciate your craftsmanship in an age when most people do not care about doing something the right way.

[@americanmambi]

6:43 wow, beautiful.... gorgeous blade, gorgeous sheath. Amazing craftsmanship.

[@pewnis]

Not just the handcraft but the video itself is a true masterpiece.

[@falcon02012]

This is not a tool it is a jewelry, Damascus steel such beautiful work.

[@Hogavich]

John and crew, thank you for allowing us to witness your beautiful craftsmanship. The leather work at the end just left me speechless. Merry Christmas.

[@elzorro9987]

Amazing work with the steel, wood and leather. Beautiful.

[@uncle_bones]

after four years this is still my favorite youtube video. far and away.

[@Loafy23]

Been waiting for this one for a LONG time! Absolutely beautiful.

[@mikejensen-fogt4662]

these vids are truly inspiring to watch!!! such AMAZING craftsmanship and filming/editing skills. top notch stuff right here, please make more :)

[@Murf1802]

Just incredible, I'm blown away by the mind set, that stated the piece of art needs a Nest to settle into when it's done doing its job!! Beautifully Done all around!! Thank you again, you've made my day ,,God Bless!!

[@maggotpudding]

I loved the axe making video when I first saw it but this is even better. Style and simplicity in one great package.

[@Justinsviewfinder]

Beautiful tool, beautiful video, outstanding!!!

[@coolgearSK]

This is art...

[@javachopTV]

What you do is absolutely amazing. I’m brand new to trades and I’m starting metalwork and carpentry. Your videos and content has inspired me to do what I love, and that is to make stuff with my own two hands. Thank you.

[@getback182000]

Please continue to make these videos. They are truly wonderful.

[@mattjns]

And I present to you; the greatest video on KZbin. That's just phenomenal, man. I'm inspired & jealous all at once. I. Love. This.

[@Nelyous]

As usual, absolutely incredible video. Thank you for taking the time to make and post these. It is greatly appreciated.

[@chisler26]

Beautiful work, beautiful video, beautiful life!

[@Metalmorfose]

a true artist! a joy to see the videos

[@jdswanner]

Truly a fine piece of art thats what that knife is and I can't wait to get one.

[@McCl3lland]

Absolutely amazing, Sir. Thank you for sharing!

[@theaudiofiles3142]

Agreed. This left me in a trance.

[@haldonz06]

This is so awesome, great passion, precision, accuracy, relax and peace... I watched this 3 times already.

[@BrosephRussell]

Wow such amazing craftsmanship went in to make this knife .

[@Goffstown03]

That is a beautiful blade. You are a true craftsman.

[@danilovsky22]

My totally admiration for your work!

[@bluehill681]

Works of art, two thumbs up.

[@Aswaggoner]

This is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Id love to see more videos like this.

[@OvercastWorks]

Totally agree. There's something about the manipulation of materials we associate with permanence (metal, wood, etc.) that give these pieces a very magical appeal. The confident, intentional movements of a master craftsman are hard to ignore.

[@400OTD]

The marriage nay symbiosis of old and new technologies used in the crafting of this stunningly gorgeous tool is a testament that craftsmanship is not an idle art but an ever changing and ever improving art. The finished product(s) when put together ie knife in sheath is the keeper shot of the video! Masterfully created tools captured visually so clean and clear that I swear I could smell the oiled leather that caressed the blade. thank you so much for posting this! 400OTD

[@xHubert0]

This is... so awesome. I love this video.

[@Hogavich]

Thank you Jacob! I really appreciate it. Take care. ~David from California

[@AdventureSworn]

Another masterpiece. Well done. "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle

[@jameslester6785]

Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@mattcoblentz74]

Absolutely fabulous!

[@Escapingthedailygrind]

Amazing! I wish I could do that. I am going to start saving up for one of these. This brings a new meaning to craftsmanship that I have never seen before.

[@JoeyRF]

Amazing. Absolutely beautiful piece of art.

[@pvhurdle06]

Wow, that is an incredibly beautiful piece of work!

[@SpLitSecondS_]

Perfection in all moves! Bravo!

[@NathanNostaw]

fantastic video and a beautiful knife & sheath.

[@Nortoncb]

Gorgeous work! Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesart9]

Absolutely beautiful.