The Samurai Challenge! Forging a 1000 layer Damascus steel KATANA
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
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OLD HICKORY FORGE said " I have zero training but I do have a sword and 15 beers in my stomach" Please make a shirt with that saying that would be awesome.
I second this motion, can we make this happen, please?
Please yes
ill take two
I'll take two in XL. (he made 'em yet?)
I'll buy that shirt
"I have zero training, but I do have a sword and 15 beers in my stomach so let's see what happens."
That is the single funniest thing I've heard in a long time. Great stuff.
😂 yeah, usually famous last words to lose an arm or a leg but he will probably fabricate a Damascus 🦾 or 🦿
If I write any kind of litRPG as I sometimes think of doing, I am absolutely stealing this line... Too good.
The power of bud, a force from above, cleaving my tatami 😂
Your humility in acknowledging your mistakes and recognizing when you need help is refreshing. Thank you for this effort. It is appreciated.
Really great build, John!! You put in a ton of work on this sword and it really shows! That mat slice at the end looked so gratifying. I'll be purchasing some entries and hope to own this weapon! Great job, my friend!
That's high praise coming from the likes of Tyrrell knifeworks.
Hi John, how can I contact you? I want to import such pieces of work for my personal collection.
BEST QUOTE EVER!!!
"I have zero training, but I do have a sword and 15 beers in my stomach. So let's see what happens."
Everything we do in life should start with this quote 😂😂😂😂
I appreciate your balance of being informative and humorous, as well as editing to keep the video to a watchable length. Finally, your skill level is impressive.
21:29 IIRC, the hand guard is called a tsuba.
Correct!
16:56 Both hecklers and fans of Katanas need to remember that the “Master Japanese Sword Smith” spent 99% of their time making cut-rate swords as fast as they could to arm soldiers during war; during peace time, they largely made farming implements. Their true skill was only ever seen when they took commissions to make Master Swords for Generals, War Lords, and the like.
Repetition is exactly how one becomes great at a thing; aka Deliberate Practice. Those "cut rate swords" (great accidental pun) were probably fantastic from the guys having to bang them out so quickly & continously.
41:44 Damn skippy first attempt! As you seemed to really enjoy chopping up the bamboo, maybe try increasing the bow of your next blade. That curve in the blade is what makes the katana such a good slicing weapon. I think you’ll be able to feel the difference in the ease with which you can slice through the bamboo rolls.
Hey John, so sorry about your Dad. I lost my Mom to cancer in 2005 and it still hurts. Stay strong, man. Additionally, your katona is beautiful. The ladder pattern is unreal. Well done sir! Good luck in the challenge! But can it cut through a tank? Nothing to it, really.
If I learned anything in this video besides sword making, it would be perseverance. You sir, are tough. Overcame hurdles on just about every step of this project. Well done!
Your personality alone makes your videos a joy to watch. Your skill is without question. I have No doubt your Father is very proud of you. I look forward to your next build.
For your first attempt at creating the Samuri you did one hell of a job!! the finished item looks brilliant and extremely functional.
All the very best from Scotland..😊
Nicely done! I appreciate you including some of the areas that fought you and your dedication to push through. The end result was worth it. I’m sorry for the loss of your father.
Bro, you're now my hero, I'm really into making knives and swords and watched thousands of videos. Yours is my favorite by far. The way you explain everything as you go so ppl will understand is amazing and thoughtful. Not only a brilliant blacksmith but a good person as well. I will be checking out all your sword stuff. Tyvm kind sir.
Hey Man, I'm new here, and I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to explain each part of the process and why you do the things you do. I've learned TONS from you! GREAT video!
Nice looking Katana, John! Sorry to hear that you lost your dad. I lost mine several years ago and I still shed some tears sometimes.
I appreciate that you did an explanation for almost EVERY step of every aspect of this job. 9 out of 10 will just show the big things and gloss over (if even bothering to mention) the little tedious work. You show how truly difficult and time consuming smithing is.
This had to be the MOST unorthodox katana build I've ever seen....and I LOVED IT! I loved how genuine you came across during your process and were not afraid to admit and show your mistakes. Excellent job. Sword looks great and I look forward to seeing your future videos.
Condolences to you about your father. I'm a "III" too.
It kinda cool for Me.
In Japan, Katana's scabbard or sheath they called "saya (鞘)"
The moment when you doing a test cutting always use the right handed and don't use the left handed. Also when you use 1 handed, that mean your left hand is holding a saya (scabbard seath).
Man, that was fun! 😆 I feel your pain in having to start over on multiple parts. And oh boy, making a kashira for the first time is brutal... It's so easy to shear it, like what happened to you, or accidentally grind into it later to refine the shape, right? Anyway, congrats on the outcome! It came out great and cuts like crazy. And nice thought about the charity raffle. Keep being strong.
You ain't kidding. It looks like such a simple piece but it's really not an easy thing to forge.
Whit all of the cuts burns and tore up knuckles on my hands from knife, making I was feeling clumsy. Then I saw your hands and arms I guess it's normal. Nice job on the sword thanks for taking us along 👍.
Great to watch you at work. The Burns on your Arms & Hands have already been mentioned. Just consider them to be Badges of Honor. We all get them no matter how hard you try to be careful. Always remember that if you drop a small part you are working on, DON’T reach out and grab it! Red Hot is just that, bloody hot. Consider taking the time to learn the different parts of a Katana and how to pronounce them. It really does add not only to your knowledge but you present yourself better as a Knowledgeable Smith. It all helps. May your Hammer show your Magic.
Man, you talk TOOOOO MUCH !
We're barely on the 3rd minute and you're tiring me out. I try to continue but after I turned off the sound...
7'35" - No really, even with the sound turned off, it's too painful: we have to wait (nothing to see in the meantime) for you to finish your endless blah... blah... blah... and it's boring as death!
I'm giving up.
Before I even watch this, using Damascus for a Katana blade is kind of silly. One clashes with another blade, and it would smash into 210,432 pieces.
That said, yours turned out pretty good so call it art or call it a functional Katana. Just realize that neither are even close to the other and that pretty blade is going to go BOOSH if you hit it hard on anything.
Great video of the sword over the water. That was seriously great framing.
I'm really sorry to hear about your dad. My condolences to you and your family. God bless. Keep up the great work. From Texas.
That is a beautiful weapon. To me, you are the New Yankee Workshop of blacksmithing. I am so happy to find you!
"I have a sword and 15 beers in my stomach..." 😂😂😂😂 💀💀💀💀
Killer project brother.
I'm sorry for your loss. And as a survivor myself, albeit from Canada, I'm grateful that you're doing such a good thing with the money from those entries. I think your father would be proud of your work.
I see now why the charcoal is so clean. In the process of cutting it to size the worst of the dust is lost so the resulting fire will be clean. It does look very similar to Sweet chestnut charcoal, except that you don't get chestnuts for roasting from the woodland! The place I get my charcoal has been a coppiced forest (woodland managed to produce fuel) for over a thousand years, and I can go there and make my own charcoal, which is fun and a good opportunity to sit around a fire (not the charcoal clamp) and swap stories. In the old days the charcoal makers would sit on a one legged stool so they didn't fall asleep!
My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Lost my father at age 63 in 2016, gone too soon. Great work on the katana and I hope you raise a lot of money in honor of your father.
The sword looks great and functions perfectly, and the commentary is hilarious, thanks, John!
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad passing, condolences and prayers are sent.
One of the very best videos I have seen. My prayers for your loss of your dad. Your professionalism and honesty are extremely sharp. I am looking forward to more great craftsmanship in your videos and hope to purchase some of your fine work. 👍🏻🇺🇲
This has been the coolest UA-cam video I have ever seen. Your attention to detail was refreshing. The most amazing sword I have ever seen. Major kudos brother
I am a woodworking guy, we make mistakes all the time, trust me. I loved the making of and you did great. I remake pieces of wood sometime 15 times. Your craft is up there with the best. Keep it up.
The mix of overt and subtle humor is really a work of art. Instant sub
I loved the video. For your first katana, it's a piece of art, you can be proud. Your blade is magnificiant, the patern of the blade is amazing. Good job.👍
Great video John!
I am a wood worker for 32+ years. Do not worry, you did an awesome job. Man That sword LOOKS AMAZING. The fact that you layered it 1000 times speaks volumes of your skill level. Try doing it 5000 times, then 10,000 times which is what a few of the Katana's are made. History does not show this but I was in the US Navy and stationed in Japan, Yokosuka, and have seen these.
It was amazing to see you refine things and learn in the process. I love how humble you are and calling out any untraditional things that you had to do, but you made a beautiful blade. Loved the “15 beers in my stomach’ comment, lol. Regardless of your training, the geometry and edge are absolutely amazing and it cut beautifully! Awesome awesome job. Thank you for sharing.
Liked the video very much. Enjoyed your attitude and the attempts at humor. I mispronounce words all the time to make my family laugh. First time making a katana.....hell of a job.
40:13 Uhh no. Martial artist here with training in Kendo, Iado, and Kenjutsu. I (along with probably thousands of 80’ kids who grew up in the “Ninja Cinema” era) know from firsthand experience that you need exactly *ZERO* training to cut through bamboo, wood, drywall, your Mom’s curtains, your own denim shorts, your friend’s hands, etc. so long as you have a sufficiently sharp blade in your hands.
I understand you, because of your father, my father died on August 22, from bronchopneumonia, caused by Covid, all my support and you have done a great job, nice katana, greetings.
Glad I found you're channel through these challenges. You definitely need merchandise that has "nothing to it really" on it! Awesome work on the Catani 😅. Glad that you not knowing how to do most of the parts of the katana didn't stop you from this build.
Condolences on your father.
John, I have been following your channel since you started and have watched you make some really awesome projects; but this one young Sir, had me glued from the get-go and was very impressed with the outcome! So sorry to hear about your Father!
8:56
This is a bit of a misconception, the length was not based on how tall you were (though that is done in iaido nowadays). This idea mostly came about because of us westerners trying to justify why the ‘standard’ katana we know today was so short. In reality, it got its length and homogeneity because of restrictions placed on them in the 1630s. If you study antique Japanese swords, you’ll notice evidence of shortening (those “messed up” holes you see were just previous holes) on swords made prior to the edo period.
Anyway, amazing video nonetheless! The end product turned out great 👍 I especially appreciate how you didn’t just make the mune flat and tried to emulate the general shinogi zukuri shape
Nothing to it
Edit: Any sword prior to the industrial period will have inclusions, that’s just the nature of historical steels. This is purposefully brought out by Japanese polishers. That only makes the ones with no flaws even more awe inspiring
I love watching you, your not afraid of messing up. You just make fun and keep going.
This so the best one I've seen so far. A big part of this type of sword is the history and having all the pieces.
You actually explained little things. Like what flux is and why it’s used I really appreciated the educational value this video gave me. Thanks!!!!
Very well done John! All of the setbacks and challenges will be the best at learning this. Truly sorry for your loss John! Thanks again for sharing John!
In the Army stationed in Japan, so I had to watch. Great video man. Funny and informative. Don’t listen to the haters. You did what you could with what you had, that’s the American way!
Something strangely satisfying about watching a Carolina boy making a Samurai sword. Well done!
Killer work! I love North Carolina is representing in this challenge! Gorgeous katana! RIP to your pops man! Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers
Nice KATANA. I've done a lot of research on the blade and what I like about you,is you say up front what you know/ don't know about said work. You have my respect. I enjoy watching how you deal with each problem. I wish you and yours all the best.
I think thats an amazing first sword!!! Great job! I would kindly suggest considering acquiring a mini mill or even better an actual full size mill will open a whole world of possibilities! It would certainly make making the tangs easier! Loved the pattern on the blade too btw! So sweet!
Good deal. I appreciate your work and effort. When I get my cash right I will definitely find you. Thank you.
John this was such a fantastic video. From the sword build, to some great smith education on to seeing some great spots of your sense of humor (I LoL multiple times) and then on to seeing the love for your late father at the end. This is an amazing video and I thank you with my whole heart.
Props for following almost all the rules. Amazing job.
Dude! The most entertaining sword creation video I've ever seen. You've got a great attitude bro. Keep making swords & keep making videos of yourself doing it. Looking forward to your next one.😊 😊😊😊
I love how you keep saying “nothing to it really” every time I’m thinking that would take so much skill. Great work and video!
This video made me wanna get into forging even more. I love making things and I wish I knew someone close to me that did forging, would love to apprentice somewhere and learn. Thanks for this video man!
It did what it was supposed to, good job!
I am just a little into this video, and I will start by saying I’ve never forged anything. I have watched a lot of people forge, and I don’t just mean the common tv shows, but lots of even traditional documentaries. The finessed and attention to detail that you have is pretty awesome. I also think that you really embody the humbleness when you’re like “nothing to it really”, when it’s all the little things really, lol. I may even throw in another comment before the end of this, but I’m really enjoying it and you doing things with the best chances of success like heat treating it thicker, even though it’ll be a lot more work for you later to thin out the edges, etc. Beautiful video, and I wan’t wait to get further into it.
your Damascus Katana, was simply the most beautiful blade i have ever seen,if only i had the money to purchase it, stunningly beautiful
I am truly a man that appreciates functions over form. However, that is one beautiful blade. Well done.
Great instructional video from someone who has never built a Katana before. A beautiful blade all around John. You made me tear up 🥲 at the end. Great way to honor your now late father. I lost my beloved Mom on Dec 4th 2020 at the age of 59 because of complications from the Vid and pneumonia etc… 😢 so I know how you feel brother.
Pain-staking process does not do it justice. You made an awesome Katana for a first go. Absolutely well done my friend.
Your father would be so proud. Masterful work. God bless you
You make me laugh with every video, this was great, love the self deprecating humour and humble honesty with everything you do. great work as always, thanks!
Proud of you you did not skip perfection to get her done great job
I know nothing about sword making, but to my eye it's absolutely beautiful. Good job!!
That is a thing of beauty! Congratulations on such a gratifying outcome! Just beautiful!😊
Oh that habaki.... What a thing to make. lol I'm sure that in person, the steel looks amazing. It's difficult to capture those subtle details in camera. Great work!
I loved this! You did a great job! I love you don't take yourself seriously. I'm sorry for your loss.
Wow, that's one awesome 1st sword. Please keep it up. I'd love to see what you can pull out after the 100th. Oh and my condolences. my mother just passed away from cancer, if I had that sword of yours it might have made it easier for her. Terrible way to go.
I love your attitude ! I've been into swords of all kinds for decades (studied a little fencing/rapier and chinese jian and dao styles and yes a little kendo) and have always loved samurai movies, years ago I was a manager of a gift/cutlery store at a local mall so I've had a lot of experience with mall ninjas/highlanders they are hilarious !
some food for thought, 35:28, weld/solder a pair of short pins into the back of the leaves, drill out some holes into the handle using a hole punch on the skin then the drill on the wood, align the leaves, add some glue to the pins x hole, press together, then wrap. It'll help them be more stable in the long run.
additionally, you can make the pins on the back of the leaves work as your mekugi pins if you make them long enough to go through both sides of the handle. in this instance, you would not use glue on the pins, the wrap itself and the tight fit would be enough. idk. just a thought ;)
Beautiful. The Pattern on the blade reminds me of a Tiger shark. Stunning and Gorgeous.
This video makes me respect the amount of work that goes into a sword. SIGNIFICANTLY more work than a full tang knife. Beautiful work!
The brightness/exposure is so high, I couldn't see the blade clearly, but man was it good watching you having fun building the sword and the cutting the thing at the end 👏🏼
I've never seen anyone have more fun with a tatami mat.
Thank you for the chance to watch you work again.
Definitely not a piece of crap, dude. Thank you for the video and lessons you learned throughout. There's a lot of good information here for the beginner sworx maker
Sworx = Sword. Sorry, I've had some whiskey in my belly!
That was fun too watch! Looking forward to seeing you making more Katanas and refining your techniques
looking at hot steel getting squished under a hydraulic press, and hearing the clattering sound the power hammer makes is just so soothing..
I am so sorry to hear about your dads passing I am sure he was such a good man! I am sure he would be so proud of you mate!
Amazing work, I bet your Dad would be proud.
You made a really good job. You have all rights to be proud of you.
As an amateur American samurai armor (o-yoroi) maker myself, I can relate to everything in this video 110%! The small, rural home workshop & tools, the solitary & independent long distance research, the backbreaking work, and most of all: the frustrating DO-OVERS!! Love ya brother 💪 🙏 🗡 ⛩️ 🇺🇲 🇯🇵
looks perfect, just the right subtle curvature, looks great
Nothin' to it! 😆 Such a hoot to watch. Sorry to hear about your pop! I watch so many blade makers but your site is a bunch of laughs. Keep 'em comin'!
It's always a pleasure watching you John3 luv your work, work ethic, & what you do for your community, our community, and the brave men & women of our country! Sorry for your loss. John2 is more than proud of you, I'm sure. I look forward to bidding on this and thank you for giving us this chance, sir. God bless
Great advice on the oil bath temper tips. I made the massive mistake of over-filling my quench tank and had a major oil overspill and was fortunate to not have it ignite. Definitely prefer doing heat treats and tempers with my extra long Evenheat oven.
You are very good at black smith work a true artist I love your work and style I just found your channel this morning very nice work.
My condolences for your father. Great video and a beautiful sword.
Man those menuki turned out really good!
Man the camera really doesnt do it justice. That pattern is gorgeous 😍
I like that you made the blade with a slight curve thats barely noticeable, versus the more often seen pronounced curve... way cool. ;}
Dude! Awesome build!
The history lessons were definitely the best. ;)
Great vid to watch! I just made my first ever sword, and of course, i had to go with a Katana....And EVERY hurdle you came across, i went through exactly the same! I wish I had seen this vid before that. lol.
As someone who studied the katana for years I salute you. This is beautiful
That sword looks absolutely amazing to me, maybe I'll try making one in my next life.
Great job John, that Katana is absolutely amazing. I don't know enough about the names of the accents to even know when you were joking around lol.
Great video and content. My girlfriend kept saying, "And girls" instead of just boys. 😊