Making an Integral Damascus Hatchet (Part 2)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@Freeman-Dl70]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!!!!

[@ericmitchell985]

That thing looks simply stunning.

[@TheSilent333]

Every single detail of this is spectacular!

[@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.

[@krissteel4074]

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

[@69Buddha]

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

[@pcbart1]

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

[@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.

[@MrGerd]

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

[@davidselander3798]

Beautiful work - love that carved handle!

[@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.

[@troystaten5633]

Turned out amazing, thanks for showing us.

[@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. 👍

[@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.

[@FRIED_TERIYAKI]

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

[@jeffreydauterman]

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

[@yodasbff3395]

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

[@danc6167]

I'd 100% take that out for a winter camping trip. What a beauty!

[@thepoynt]

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

[@jeffbuller6708]

That carved handle is absolutely fantastic!

[@d.fresh.750]

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

[@stevendelvecchio3721]

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

[@tyef8061]

I liked it in all of the close up shots . . . but then when you were holding in your hands and talking at the end of the video, it really brought it to life. I was surprised to like it even more.

[@Merennulli]

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

[@leehenry1165]

Wow! Beautiful work, Will!

[@jeffmcdonald101]

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

[@MURPH10US]

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

[@joshpierce4993]

Absolutely incredible! I love the handle work. Beautiful

[@itmachinist]

You sound so casual when you talk about making an absolutely amazing piece.

[@garrettshadbolt6443]

From a guy that has a hard time keeping an even basic bevel on a knife…. How you got all those lines perfect is beyond me 👏👏

[@jaypearman9528]

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

[@almadeckard8360]

Bravo! Love the carving!

[@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.

[@chacehawkins4708]

Absolutely stunning work of art.

[@Gogsnik]

I don't think I've ever seen someone make a spear, certainly not to this level. It may well take a million years to carve the shaft on a spear but still, imagine it, a carved shaft spear with a demascus blade! Incredible.

[@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.

[@josephtwilley7187]

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

[@ianstiehl1994]

Yo Eill, I just had to say: I REALLY appreciate the extra historical info you dropped in this one. It's exceptional to have such a resource on the depth of history, tradition, and revolutions in the bladesmithing world.

[@sherizaahd]

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

[@Vivallamannen]

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

[@bignuance]

This is incredible 😮 you've done it again!

[@scottmayfield8229]

Another great build, you have an amazing talent.

[@trevorcole4089]

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

[@Mounty621]

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

[@paulrapp6]

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

[@rigelhinckley6103]

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

[@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!

[@PDYALL]

Wow absolutely amazing it came out beautiful

[@supperwelder]

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

[@magnusshawn4698]

That is incredibly beautiful. Excellent work! Thank you 😊

[@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!

[@irritablearchitect]

Beautiful work, Will.

[@julianuffelmann42]

What a wonderful piece of work

[@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.

[@BraxxJuventa]

Looks great Will. Well done. 😁👍🏼

[@Dave_0993_I]

Supremely outstanding brother.

[@m0w6l17]

That is one beautiful piece of artwork

[@dragonwaterforge]

That handle is awesome almost as much as the hatchet

[@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.

[@microbuilder]

The moment I saw you carving that handle design I was reminded of moments when I had some great idea, started working on it, and quickly realized I bit off possibly more than I could chew and it was going to take me forever lol very beautiful though, definitely worth the time put into it!

[@robertzarfas9556]

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

[@matthewtucker4636]

Man, that is beautiful. Very nice work sir.

[@Branden1226]

Absolutely insane piece Will. I have loved seeing you grow your skills over the years of watching you on yt. Every time you keep on impressing me with how amazing your work is.

[@rjptrucking4598]

That handle point on dude. Fn amazing

[@ItekTackle]

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

[@thetexianpatriot2201]

Bravo, Will.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@darren_vd9379]

Beautiful work Sir!

[@FluffyWonKenobe]

What a beautiful piece! And that handle - you did an amazing job on it! God bless!

[@waynellewellyn5625]

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

[@nunyabizness4354]

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

[@seeminglyRANDOM88]

Will, your workmanship is always impressive. You make some beautiful pieces. Keep up the great work and good luck as you continue your journey!

[@jbenstead1330]

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

[@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...

[@Machineius]

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

[@piokul]

Stunning, gorgeous, a true beauty!

[@b2bogster]

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

[@gee7801]

Stunning work there young fella!👌

[@robertcarpenter2444]

WOW! It looks like it belongs in a museum. You never cease to amaze me. Keep up the good the awesome work!

[@gavinsalzberg2331]

It will be at Blade Show. I will gawk.

[@martinuso7446]

Absolutely Awesome.

[@kha0sv4ktor72]

now thats one good looking hatchet...damn

[@robertr4193]

Very nice looking hatchet Will. I like the pattern of the Damascus or pattern wielded steel and the work on the handle turned out really well also. Your work and work ethic is just really nice to watch.

[@DevilDog36th]

Beautiful work Will and another amazing handle. You are the king of clean lines and gorgeous handles

[@henkvandebeek7921]

How awesome is that handle!!

[@drowninggames]

This is beautiful, that handle is especially exquisite!

[@MartinClark-f9o]

Brilliant work

[@markbroadwith9601]

Stunning work Will

[@lukelofgren4108]

You did an AMAZING job Will! I would really like to see a more in depth video of the handle pattern carving. I can't imagine how sore your hands were after all the filing. I am doing a fancy fighting axe and I will be inlaying a piece of petrified walrus tusk into either top or bottom of the handle.