What a great discovery!! I am a blacksmith, for 36 yrs., a member of a contemplative community of nuns in Ct. who steward a working farm and land conservation area, with gardens, sheep, cattle, dairy, chickens, forestry, pastureland machinery, etc. and Pray seven times through the 24 hrs. of the day and night...Our primary mission. Our forge was built in 1750, I began with traditional technique and then acquired skills as the needs of our community called for me to answer. So... many of my male apprentices have wanted to learn bladesmithing. So..., I've got to learn!!! and I have sent this video forward. This is one of the best parts of blacksmiths... None of us can ever know-it-all, so I am always learning and when you teach the students are a big driving force and I know that same JOY when you see the "newbie" awaken to the challenge of the forge. So happy to have found you.
@cscott12705 жыл бұрын
wow what an inspiration.
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
You are truly an inspiration
@clayguinard36515 жыл бұрын
You could take on volunteer help, I'm from Maine I'd happily volunteer long term
@heardashot5 жыл бұрын
God bless you & your hands and good health to you and your work. Greetings from Ireland.
@MrFlyingSquirl5 жыл бұрын
I love how supportive her husband is. Not trying to steal the show or anything, just flat support of her skill and passion
@markrigsby24255 жыл бұрын
Why not?
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
Yes he is very supportive and a amazing artist!
@graydation5 жыл бұрын
What amazes me most... is that she can keep those nice nails while doing this kind of work. I have to keep my nails trimmed as short as possible or I end up with cracked broken and painful things happening with my nails, hands and fingers. But I have huge respect for anyone that can do this type of work... especially to the level of craftsmanship and art that this lady does. Good for you!
@mrsaskriders5 жыл бұрын
This is just a really great story with a really great couple having a really great life. I got into knife-making at the age of 59 because of forged in fire. I so wish I would have got into it much earlier as I love this art. I love that she says how she will do this for the rest of her life until she can't swing a hammer but of course she's got a back-up plan , a power hammer!
@bushna20075 жыл бұрын
I own two knives she's made. One had a snake-wood handle that cracked and she replaced the handle at no charge!
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
Well, Hello!
@fredfry51005 жыл бұрын
@@audradraper5689 Are you gonna go on Forged in Fire. There has only been one female winner to date. That was the falcata episode.
@keithcitizen73145 жыл бұрын
there is something to be admired in a woman that can brave a mostly man run craft like blacksmithing, salute Audra. 😉
@celiamarie15 жыл бұрын
Gorgeous...and the knife aint bad either!
@s10m0t10n5 жыл бұрын
Mike is a lucky guy to have a wife like Audra. In turn, she is fortunate to have a man who helps and supports her in her life's work. Loved every moment of this video.
@MrChrischi815 жыл бұрын
My wife is an iron worker she went to school to get her welding certifications and now she does structural steel and rebar work
@kennethcaine34025 жыл бұрын
What an amazing story, a Husband and Wife team like that can't be beat. Each one does anything they can to make the team successful. I love the dagger at the end of the video, a real work of art the bolsters, blade and handle go so well together it's just amazing.
@atolyedehayat29394 жыл бұрын
This is one of favorite side of america ....you can find everything yoı looking for
@cavtj15 жыл бұрын
Beauty, Brains and Brawn. And makes knives to boot.
@killerkane19575 жыл бұрын
I know you know what you are doing. Great skill. I was horrified that you would get that beautiful hair wrapped up in that Little Giant. Then I saw you had it pulled back. I know of two women who were scalped. Both with ag equipment. Nope not a scaredy cat nor puss cake. I just bleed a lot in my shop! Congratulations from an Old Texas Cowboy.
@AR-ml9eo5 жыл бұрын
Wow. You go sister! I thought I'd never seen a video on a woman bladesmith. Congratulations you are an inspiration!
@mya5145 жыл бұрын
She’s amazing! You go girl! .....Where can I buy her knives?
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
Audra Draper or Draper Knives on facebook. Thank you for your kind words.
@RedBeardOps5 жыл бұрын
Happy to see the craft getting some PBS publicity! Audra seems awesome!
@draven38385 жыл бұрын
Amazing work ,I love it when a woman shows she can do it just as good if not better than a man ,we are all unique, so be unique
@richardparker31505 жыл бұрын
Your video was fantastic. This is where love and compassion for the work that you do makes the difference. Both of y'all are fantastic. The dagger was spectacular.
@MatthewJSmith-gv7wo5 жыл бұрын
Nice to see someone step up to the plate and swing for the fences instead of complaining. She swatted one out of the park. Wonder if she ever thought of going on Forged in Fire?
@reddog694uk5 жыл бұрын
This person is awesome, She teaches the fundamentals, encourages the art and style in her student's imaginations and allows them to merge into our reality. You can't invent talent like that, that talent was simply meant to be.
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
thank you!
@debbiebissel505 жыл бұрын
Beautiful work and I can see you have solved the big secret that a lot of people are still trying to find and it's what my father taught me and I passed it on to my son and 2 daughters and that is ( TAKE PRIDE IN EVERYTHING YOU DO AND RESPECT THE MATERIAL) THANK YOU!) JAKE BISSEL.
@ramaroodle5 жыл бұрын
Wonderful. That's a lot of hair near that forge.
@PhilsWorkshop19535 жыл бұрын
Have you ever thought about doing Forged in Fire we have the programme here in the U.K. and I must admit I find it fascinating enjoyed the vid.
@MatthewJSmith-gv7wo5 жыл бұрын
We have it here in the states too.
@heardashot5 жыл бұрын
She's got a magical spirit, a very special lady. What a inspiration. Greetings from a small village in Ireland reaching out if it was only to say thank you. My little girl will help her daddy in the forge where I will encourage her as much as you has encouraged me with your video. Good health to you & thanks again.
@philfranklin43955 жыл бұрын
wish you lived in mich. love to take your class
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
we have rooms available! its a 4 day class, Wyoming is beautiful in the winter! lol
@tonyloechte99945 жыл бұрын
Simply brilliant.
@CowboyCarCrushing5 жыл бұрын
You hammer like a girl....👍
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
your funny! lol
@aldenunion5 жыл бұрын
No room for Ego in happiness.Just allow the pieces to fall where they may,naturally.Lucky family.
@ramjam255 жыл бұрын
would have been good to see more of her knives
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
We have a facebook page with a few galleries .. Draper Knives. Thank you for the comments.
@masgrey96085 жыл бұрын
So awesome , congrats. Cool earrings as well!
@fernandochavez43125 жыл бұрын
I think a good knife maker stems from who the person is, not what they are. From what little I’ve seen here, I’m willing to bet you make some darn good cuttin’ tools! Thanks.
@chrishayes57554 жыл бұрын
7:50 cameraman almost got beheaded
@sid_aic5 жыл бұрын
You are a lucky man. Take care of her.
@williemasonjohnson5 жыл бұрын
Wow, what a story! Congrats to to the Drapers; one heck of a team for sure.....
@leonardmettlach26144 жыл бұрын
Beautiful team work , beautiful knives
@Stavrakasgr45 жыл бұрын
Ok first of all, thank you for being in the trade. Second, I don't believe that someone has anything to prove by struggling for it except off his-her work. Just keep up the good work and follow your heart at all times.
@kensmapleleafretirement5 жыл бұрын
WoW, That is awesome....... Thanks for sharing....
@carysorensen30295 жыл бұрын
Mr. Draper is a lucky man to be married to such a beautiful and talented woman!
@damnright77245 жыл бұрын
Great story.👍
@MichaelHarto4 жыл бұрын
She's gorgeous!❤️
@tommylittlefield63105 жыл бұрын
Outstanding workmanship
@girliedog5 жыл бұрын
Just goes to show behind every great woman is a good man.
@sheikhharoon97264 жыл бұрын
i like this week❤❤❤❤❤
@craigljardine5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this great interview with an awesome master bladesmith.
@studyinsteel51865 жыл бұрын
Way cooler than that person from Brooklyn making file knives for $800.
@need100k5 жыл бұрын
Will she be on that "Forged in Fire" tv show? (or has she already?)
@matthewmcnabb74374 жыл бұрын
Just Me she’s far beyond that show. As an abs master smith she’s better qualified to judge the show than be a contestant
@b80-s9i4 жыл бұрын
Like Matthew said, only as a judge...way beyond having something to prove as a contestant. She's a Mastersmith!
@garethbaus54714 жыл бұрын
Generally speaking most of the people competing on forged in fire are hobbyists, and a lot of the full time bladesmiths tend to dominate the competition which generally isn't very entertaining compared to hyping the uncertainty of a close call. Perhaps as a judge.
@thetonymachado5 жыл бұрын
Your story is so cool, good for you Audra.
@joejackson42025 жыл бұрын
This is the woman you need in top level government positions.
@paul-davidalmond7165 жыл бұрын
I love it when folks from my town of birth make good!
@marcsenteney31603 жыл бұрын
Well done ma’am!
@buddynauman91955 жыл бұрын
Awesome, makes me very proud of Wyoming and it’s people. What a great story!
@b80-s9i4 жыл бұрын
Beauty Queen moving the steel scene! I feel blessed to have seen this vid...awesome American Woman!!!
@carpenter2845 жыл бұрын
What a stunning girl
@davidberry60465 жыл бұрын
Back when we lived in Lander, 'bout 1984, I think, I went to the Winter fair and met a couple of fellows from Riverton selling knives and they called their outfit "DC Knives." It was from them that I purchased the one and only custom knife I ever bought. The blade had two outer layers of softer, more pliable steel, and one bonded central cutting edge that has proven to be the best edge holder I've ever known. Have you heard of these folks? I don't know if they're still in business, but since you live in Riverton, I thought to ask. I still tell all my friends they they should own at least one fine, custom-made knife! God bless you and yours!
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
Dont know who they would be? But its true, every one should own at least one really good blade.
@JohnBrown-no4od5 жыл бұрын
So awesome!
@spudreviews88973 жыл бұрын
Hi there! I wish I knew that you all did this when I was in highschool! Audra Nisely(Yennie) here! Riverton native! Awesome work!! Looking forward to taking some classes when we get back home this Spring!!
@richnedkelly66685 жыл бұрын
Amazing
@abdullahbadru19935 жыл бұрын
Thats so cool
@AndrewJordanBladesmith5 жыл бұрын
Strangely enough I've ran into the same attitude with the ABS Master smiths on several occasions . On one occasion someone from the ABS shouted "" Yo boy, when your over here [ in the USA ] You do what we tell you " 160 Master smith ! How many Journeymen smith ? There is other ways of achieving Mastery in Knife forging than the ABS way ! All it takes is hard work .
@clydeulmer44845 жыл бұрын
I find that attitude deeply saddening. Especially so because I have a gallery of pics of your blades that I turn to for inspiration, in particular your handles and guards. And I understand your frustration -- I never even went for my Journeyman rating because the tradition-drenched ABS "culture" seemed so antithetical to the blades I enjoy making.
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
@@clydeulmer4484 My husband chose not to go for his master for the same reasons. He doesnt enjoy Bowies or Daggers, He chooses more of a tactical style knife. But his work is absolutely amazing!
@webneko98422 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad I found this video. I've yet to meet a female bladesmith, which makes it kinda tough as I start this journey. I am very much inspired seeing this.
@oldeays5085 Жыл бұрын
I collect Randall made knives. Now, I want one made from her! Amazing work she does! Check her work out!
@carrrexx71905 жыл бұрын
Uh Toots, best put that hair up in a bun before you become Michael Jackson.
@dwightschrute45605 жыл бұрын
3:10 looks like Sting (Frodo's sword).
@unclebellys5 жыл бұрын
I love this story.
@gregdondero51055 жыл бұрын
just tripped across this.. I met you years ago at the Atlanta Blade show via a friend of mine.. Roger Pol. unfortunately Roger has left us.. Hope to see you at this years show..
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear that! Hope to see you soon in HOTLANTA!
@giggidygiggidy48845 жыл бұрын
This woman is awesome but her long hair around the machinery scares the crap out of me. Absolutely amazing work though. 👍🏼👍🏼
@alfredlee52465 жыл бұрын
Beautiful
@Morganx635 жыл бұрын
So much talented and beautiful lady. She got a perfect macht whit her husband.
@wizard94035 жыл бұрын
Both Drapers are superb knife makers. Mike's folders are excellent!!
@pick4u25 жыл бұрын
awesome, would love to take a class, maybe some day as I have to keep adding to my bucket list because things are getting checked off, like living in Alaska, beautiful state, not like anything here in the lower 48
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
We have a class scheduled every month! Hope to see you down in Wyoming some day!
@jesseg90885 жыл бұрын
Very nice. Looks like your what's happening in Riverton. Your awesome. 🤗🤗🤗🤗
@mpace585 жыл бұрын
Awesome story. Beautiful knives.
@zdrahar89775 жыл бұрын
Нихрена не понятно. Но тетка молодец!
@Pushyhog5 жыл бұрын
Love your vid and the stage coaches, oil pump, beautiful country.
@neilfurby5555 жыл бұрын
Interesting hairstyle for working with heat, hammers and moving power tools!
@crazycat13455 жыл бұрын
Seems like everyone is a master smith now.
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
Actually, I believe there are 117 Master Bladesmiths tested and recognized by the American bladesmith Society at this time. (Plus a half a dozen or so retired (no longer practicing Master smiths)
@stevebeaudoin72345 жыл бұрын
wow that GREAT!!!!! beautiful work
@conautiver4 жыл бұрын
0:18 That open hair gives me scary toughts
@keithcitizen73145 жыл бұрын
to create a knife from red hot steel is such an art, for it to have enough hardness to hold an edge with just enough flex to bend not break, to make the handle be comfortable in the hand, it is very much a higher tier craftsmanship.
@londiniumarmoury70375 жыл бұрын
Do you know any other female blade-smiths? I've never met a female smith in person before. Quite rare.
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
Haley DesRosier , Veronique Laurent both received there masters in 2012 I think. Female bladesmiths are rare but are growing in popularity!
@BendtSten5 жыл бұрын
Wow what a knife you made 😍👍😎 I love it, great job. Thank you for sharing. ❤️😍👍😎
@zettle23455 жыл бұрын
Not so much with my parents, but I always took the word Can't as a challenge.
@eddiehucul60885 жыл бұрын
Wow,Wow,Wow. What a refreshing story. Keep up the good work.
@jakewood43292 жыл бұрын
Good for u that is amazing !
@PierreJeanLevy5 жыл бұрын
Nice Looks Ed FOWLER inspired from Riverton WY
@CrazedOne792 жыл бұрын
Incredible story
@dirtworks75115 жыл бұрын
Audra is also one hell of a good nurse.
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
Hi! and Thanks
@manga125 жыл бұрын
shes the first accredited lady blacksmith from the aba? even in this modern age thats crazy there are many lady smiths out there making knives and forging things, it took this long for a woman to be certified? crazy I mean like seriously ken zurters wife swings a good hammer sometimes the guy from mn that makes the kz powerhammers, like seriously
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
No. I dont know anything about the aba? AND I am not a Blacksmith. I am a bladesmith, there is a really big difference, there are many talented women out there swinging a hammer. I simply jumped through the hoops to become a master bladesmith and in doing so became the first woman to do so.
@LUCKYB.5 жыл бұрын
MUST HAVE BEEN ED FLOWLER ..
@NeilGraham.I.M.F5 жыл бұрын
Loved the videod
@kevinolivas56125 жыл бұрын
Saludos desde Nicaragua muy buena forja......te felicito
@2manysigns5 жыл бұрын
Super cool
@stevenashford13805 жыл бұрын
Congrats
@patriotnemisis5 жыл бұрын
That is one fine dagger"
@alpalmieri86445 жыл бұрын
I really love Damascus blades.
@OuroborosArmory5 жыл бұрын
Is there contact information for her? I would like to take a class.
@WyomingPBS5 жыл бұрын
Her website is draperknives.info/Home_Page.html
@mikedraper53495 жыл бұрын
please feel free to email at adraper@wyoming.com for class information. Thanks!
@cscott12705 жыл бұрын
please feel free to email adraper@wyoming.com or text 307-856-6807 we have a facebook page also Draper Knives. I rarely update my website. Thank you for the interest.
@audradraper56895 жыл бұрын
Call or text 307-856-6807 or email adraper@wyoming.com and I can send you some information on the dates available for classes. We host a class every month. Hope to see you!
@onijerad5 жыл бұрын
Gorgeous steel. It’s great to to see such an ancient art still alive.