Making an Integral Damascus Hatchet (Part 2)

The best place to follow along with the day to day updates in the shop is through my instagram @Will_Stelter / will_stelter
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Editing by the talented @isaiaharnoldfilm
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Website www.willstelterbladesmith.com

[@JeffKnoxAZ]

Holy cow Will... That is an absolutely gorgeous piece. Can't wait to see your Master Smith set come together. You just keep getting better.

[@jaypearman9528]

Will is not a cow😊

[@piokul]

​@@jaypearman9528but holy maybe?

[@nicholaseedy3244]

Few people get to the point where they master form and function. You continue to push your art forward.

[@Freeman-Dl70]

Everything about this is as exceptional as I knew it would be.

[@jeffbrown4382]

It is rare for me to love a handle more than a blade, but that handle is simply delicious. Every aspect of this piece is amazing. I have loved watching you grow in your craft. Congratulations on this piece!

[@carolbuzelim]

I really like that you are not only very talented but very cultured, knowing well the history of blacksmithing in the US

[@sgsax]

That handle carving is really nice work. I like the low contrast finish in the steel also, don't get to see that quite as often. Thanks for sharing!

[@russtuff]

That looks amazing

[@kylongrifle]

Don Fogg was a great bladesmith and very free with his knowledge. He use to be very active and free with his methods on his old Bladesmith forum. Lots of those old greats were on there. Even Dan Winkler was on there for a sharing. Good on you for giving them credit for their contributions.. Great work man, love it!

[@EPICNESS8991]

Will, aside from being in absolute awe of your work (as per usual), the "wrapped" handle got me to thinking. It may be an interesting idea to stabilize leather fiber-board with resin through a vacuum impregnating process. I think that would add an even deeper level of paying homage to the Estwing style hatchet by maintaining that leather while keeping it very strong and absolutely unique! Please keep killing it!

[@mattferrell2696]

The testament of a master Craftsman is to put the attention into the detail no matter how subtle it is. I love the hidden Tang exposed butt capthat tripped my brain. And this is the first time I've seen it. I was a master finish carpenter. And once did a whole house with 18 pieces of trim around each side of a door but add a quick glance. It only looked like 5. And it was out of stained oakand it was so subtle that all of the grains bent around the corners and followed themselves. It took me one day for 2 sides of one door.

[@ThatWorks]

The whole piece is top notch but you are right, that handle is stellar and you should def use it on at least one of your MS knives!

[@FRIED_TERIYAKI]

I love how the Damascus pattern almost looks like a topographical map in some places. Absolutely beautiful.

[@69Buddha]

That handle is the most exquisite thing I think I've ever seen and I love it!

[@ItekTackle]

This came out so nicely Will. It belongs on a wall instead of a workshop. :) Thanks for a great vid!

[@paulrapp613]

Will, Obviously Master Smith quality on that little hatchet! I have no doubt that you will pass your master smith tests first time and first in class. Keep the aspidistra flying! God bless, Paul

[@UkDave3856]

That’s special. I used to be a joiner and my Estwing tools were my pride and joy. And I would have been proud to have an axe like that on my belt

[@mkcrew225]

That is the most attractive handle i think i've ever seen. Phenomenal execution.

[@miquerto]

the whole thing is beautiful, but that handle is something else. It's a pleasure to look at and I'm sure a pleasure to hold. Thanks for sharing.

[@WEKM]

Absolutely beautiful. I honestly thought you did leather wrap that handle before you showed it being done. Bravo sir. Bravo indeed.

[@steelefarmllc142]

That handle is absolutely amazing!!!!

[@TheSilent333]

Every single detail of this is spectacular!

[@LYNX2418]

I've been watching you since your very first day at Alecs Montana shop! You leave me with no choice but to tell you that you are definitely worthy of the title 'Master Smith'. Looking forward to more of your fantastic creations. 👍

[@piokul]

While I enjoy the technical information on the process, I am always surprised by your sense of esthetics and love when you share your thought process regarding the form and making the piece visually pleasing. Very inspiring.

[@Machineius]

You have made some really nice stuff before, but THIS is amazing!!! That handle is ridiculous!! Great JOB!!!!

[@jeffreydauterman]

Great job. That’s ridiculously nice!!! 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@jaypearman9528]

Dare I say the best looking piece of art to date,good work.

[@jeffmcdonald101]

To your absolute credit, from the thumbnail... I thought it was wrapped. Lovely carving and great choice of wood mate. Beautiful piece.

[@blakemckee2304]

That thing is absolutely awesome. I have been following you for years it's awesome to see how far you have come and continue to learn would love to see more of that handle work as well as most of your damascus work is always awesome.

[@d.fresh.750]

Good God, that thing is beautiful! Nice work, as usual, Will!!!

[@pcbart1]

Absolutely amazing! Love the wood work of the handle, looks like wrapped leather, beautiful job.

[@yodasbff3395]

That is the most beautiful hatchet I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing your videos. 👍

[@ericmitchell985]

That thing looks simply stunning.

[@Mounty621]

Stellar work, Young Stelter!! That's a beautiful hatchet!!

[@artor9175]

The metalwork is as beautiful as what we've come to expect from Will, but the carving on that handle! Wow! That's frickin' amazeballs!

[@sherizaahd]

that handle is very fancy, everything on that hatchet is very shiny.

[@mikeabbott2396]

You have an artist's eye Will. That was very evident when watching Stelter vs Steele (did Alec ever win lol). A pleasure to watch your work.

[@robertzarfas9556]

This may be one of my favorite things you’ve ever made!

[@Cargohold]

Although this piece was aesthetically pleasing, I can not help but worry about its long term durability against fatigue, especially in the handle design. Eventually, I feel as if the adhesive will give in, causing the axe to loosen from its handle. Then again, this is a hatchet and not an axe used for something like chopping wood so there is probably no reason to worry. Great job, will!

[@davidselander3798]

Beautiful work - love that carved handle!

[@magnusshawn4698]

That is incredibly beautiful. Excellent work! Thank you 😊

[@troystaten5633]

Turned out amazing, thanks for showing us.

[@leehenry1165]

Wow! Beautiful work, Will!

[@jimcorbett3764]

Good looking hatchett; I do think the handle is the best part. Personally, I like the high contrast patterns, but that is pretty cool looking Damascus. Nice build!

[@stevendelvecchio3721]

This was an amazing project. Beautiful work and always great to watch what you do.

[@trevorcole4089]

Dude! So incredible! That handle is next level!!

[@timmeisburger3808]

Beautiful! As an old-time hatchet user for traditional carpentry, I would prefer the edge more parallel to the handle, but that is a personal preference. Just to note, the poll is not meant to be a hammer, but to balance the weight of the steel in the blade. In old hatchets and axes only the bit (edge) is tool steel, with the rest mild steel or wrought iron, because tool steel was expensive. The poll on old tools is often beat up because later generations did not know this, and used it as a hammer.

[@supperwelder]

That hatchet is wicked can't wait to see your master Smith builds

[@krissteel4074]

Glad you went the extra stretch on the handle and cap, it finishes it

[@Vivallamannen]

Insane. Just insane. Can't wait to see your mastersmith blades. Thank you for sharing.

[@matthewtucker4636]

Man, that is beautiful. Very nice work sir.

[@petercameron8379]

Stunning!

[@bignuance]

This is incredible 😮 you've done it again!

[@joshpierce4993]

Absolutely incredible! I love the handle work. Beautiful

[@Dave_0993_I]

Supremely outstanding brother.

[@AK-ContentCreatIon]

Very nice to look at! I can imagine that if you use it, there would be blisters and those "edges" dig into the hand.... But so nice. Great work. Can't wait to see you becoming a MASTERBLADESMITH

[@almadeckard8360]

Bravo! Love the carving!

[@williamstevens7934]

Beautiful!

[@A1BASE]

Looks sick! Amazing patience and technique on the handle. I absolutely wouldn't want to use it though. I can imagine the blisters now...

[@martinuso7446]

Absolutely Awesome.

[@DougWyman]

Your growth as a artist is amazing. This axe is a wonderful piece of art. I hope you get a tidy sum for it.

[@waynellewellyn5625]

Wow Will the axe looks awesome and the handle is beautiful. Next please .we need the axe in the UK .

[@scottmayfield8229]

Another great build, you have an amazing talent.

[@Gefionius]

Stunning!!

[@josephtwilley7187]

Looks amazing Will. You skill level and artistic talent just keep getting better.

[@Merennulli]

That came out so beautiful. I can't wait to see your master smith set!

[@irritablearchitect]

Beautiful work, Will.

[@gee7801]

Stunning work there young fella!👌

[@braylon3233]

Absolutely gorgeous, awesome work!

[@rjptrucking4598]

That handle point on dude. Fn amazing

[@julianuffelmann42]

What a wonderful piece of work

[@BraxxJuventa]

Looks great Will. Well done. 😁👍🏼

[@ChipoSkippy]

I’m so excited to see your master smith set Will! This Hatchet is gorgeous and that wrapped look carved into that black rose wood was perfect.

[@Call_Me_Mom]

Nicely done.

[@user-fm3nl3vs7t]

Brilliant work

[@dragonwaterforge]

That handle is awesome almost as much as the hatchet

[@F0XD1E]

In the thumbnail I thought it was a leather cord wrapped handle and figured meh a bit of a quick and dirty cop out. Boy was I wrong. Looks amazing and I agree with the low contrast finish.

[@merkyworks]

Amazing work

[@piokul]

Stunning, gorgeous, a true beauty!

[@MrGerd]

This piece is just over the moon. Handle looks magnificent and the damascus is filling this esthetic just perfectly.🎉

[@thetexianpatriot2201]

Bravo, Will.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Donorcyclist]

Beautiful work, Will!

[@itsaposcj5]

Beautiful!!!!!

[@D.Schrader]

Beautiful work Will!

[@doriWyo]

Just WOW!

[@chacehawkins4708]

Absolutely stunning work of art.

[@jbenstead1330]

i love your new makers mark, also we want the truck sir

[@utahknivesandgearnick7647]

Turned out amazing man!!! Love the etch, I’ve always preferred a lower contrast etch👌🏼 that handle is 🔥🔥🔥

[@christianpoynter7971]

Absolutely gorgeous! Anyone would be proud to have that hatchet, even more so to have made it!

[@darren_vd9379]

Beautiful work Sir!

[@MURPH10US]

That handle might be one of the coolest things I've ever seen! It looks phenomenal! Excellent piece!

[@rigelhinckley6103]

Will, a beautiful work of art as well as a fantastic tool!

[@PDYALL]

Wow absolutely amazing it came out beautiful

[@markbroadwith9601]

Stunning work Will

[@m0w6l17]

That is one beautiful piece of artwork

[@eddybear771]

Beautiful work Buddy

[@nunyabizness4354]

Will, that is a NICE piece. Well done. I may use that handle pattern idea on my next knife! It looks so good.

[@kzarnold3678]

Nicely done 👍

[@b2bogster]

Very nice! I can't wait for more brother!

[@felixdiemling235]

Stunning work Will!

[@GoldmansGarage]

That MS stamp is gonna be no issue. Wow. Great work

[@TurinAlexander]

Really like the carving. When I saw the thumbnail, I actually thought that it was wrapped. The only downside is that while it appears to fully functional, no sane person would ever actually use it.