Reacting to My Most Popular YouTube Series... The Katana!

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  • Опубліковано 27 вер 2022
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,5 тис.

  • @JamiePopple
    @JamiePopple Рік тому +883

    Alright, I hear ya. After the next short project you'll see on Friday I'm going to hound him to make something bladed and damascus... a ***A*. 😉 (Oh and there's something special early next week also first)

    • @theZDOME
      @theZDOME Рік тому +50

      You talking needs to be in more videos, you’re hilarious, and you add a live representation of us noobs to the videos and it’s fantastic. You’re fantastic!

    • @JamiePopple
      @JamiePopple Рік тому +15

      @@theZDOME You're fantastic! 👉

    • @theZDOME
      @theZDOME Рік тому +5

      @@JamiePopple Awh you just made my day! Keep up the amazing work Jamie❤️

    • @frankierzucekjr
      @frankierzucekjr Рік тому +20

      Sounds good buddy, I just commented to you lol. Would have put it here if I would have known lol. Yes we love when the music lines up perfectly with the machines, hammers, etc. You guys are being too hard on yourselves, I for one enjoy the older videos and its what made us subscribe. I agree that some videos are better today, but there's nothing wrong with the old ones either. The close up hammer sparks are the best shots I've seen. Where it squishes the fire off the hot chunk of steel. I really would like to see what that Borax does up close as it melts into the metal. You guys make a great team, the banter, jokes/comedy, good and bad.. it all makes these videos great. Don't critique yourselves too much, because us fans are here because we like what you guys do. Longer videos are cool with me, sometimes it feels way too short. But I can't speak for everyone.
      Stay safe fellas and I can't wait to see what's next. The medieval type weapons I think are my favorites. That and the homemade Damascus tools. Hell anything Damascus is cool.

    • @frankierzucekjr
      @frankierzucekjr Рік тому +12

      @@JamiePopple I agree, I like the silly banter, corny jokes, and everything that you guys do. Don't change, just make whatever you want, we will watch. If you guys knitted a sweater we'd watch hahaha. Keeping it different and original is what makes the channel. Cheers fellas

  • @scbafreak
    @scbafreak Рік тому +624

    I really liked the older format. This channel isn't a "how to make swords" or "report on how I created this thing" channel, I always thought of it more of us joining you in the shop and spending time making things and learning stuff. Seeing the side stuff and how much time it takes to actually achieve things was a big part of why I started watching.

    • @Zackfish12345
      @Zackfish12345 Рік тому +21

      Yes, this x1000

    • @alias_not_needed
      @alias_not_needed Рік тому +19

      same for me. what i really liked was the fiddling around, trial and error etc. to see the whole process that goes into it. it was spiced up with intermissions (installing a paper towel dispenser). you explained a lot more about what you do and how you try to set up the machines. I get, that it is boring for you to explain the same thing every time, when with practice it becomes very intuitive for you.
      Maybe it is the fascination of taking part in someones life a little bit and see how and what he is doing, mixed with learning interesting stuff and relaxing to see the nice montages with time lapse, macro shots, matched music, etc.

    • @joeschmoe5795
      @joeschmoe5795 Рік тому +3

      100%

    • @tomsilver6536
      @tomsilver6536 Рік тому +5

      that is exactly why we all started watching Alex.

    • @VinayVarsani
      @VinayVarsani Рік тому +2

      I couldn't figure out how to word it but this is spot on. The reason there's so many people watching is because of his energy and antics

  • @johnmcgough1217
    @johnmcgough1217 Рік тому +1627

    I miss the old videos. There was a period of time when we were literally watching Alec growing as a leader and as a good human being in general. It was obvious he was pursing growth and it was contagious. It would be great to see more of that. I’d love to hear what you guys are doing now to grow.

    • @theprisonerofthegoldenhead4030
      @theprisonerofthegoldenhead4030 Рік тому +16

      I couldn’t have said it better myself.

    • @swing-o-gram
      @swing-o-gram Рік тому +82

      Absolutely agree. They're critiquing the things that made them great: natural, following this young high-energy chap, that was so contagious.
      Today's videos feel way too overproduced and have lost what I liked.

    • @sourcererseven3858
      @sourcererseven3858 Рік тому +28

      Yes I think that's exactly it. The sad thing is I don't think it can be reproduced, you can't "grow up" twice... I haven't actually watched more than 2-3 Alec videos in the past three years or so, and this might be exactly why it lost the appeal for me.

    • @Bushlore1
      @Bushlore1 Рік тому +28

      I came here to post almost exactly this, and the top comment is right on the money. This was my post...
      Am I crazy or were Will and Alex on top of the world and when they went separate ways, neither has the views or support that they did together? Maybe I am wrong, I do wish them both the best, but I miss the Will and Alex days.

    • @smashyrashy
      @smashyrashy Рік тому +1

      Its literally not even that long ago

  • @JohnRoux
    @JohnRoux Рік тому +404

    The best part of the older Alec Steele videos wasn't the camera work, the voice, the unique skills or even the metal work.
    It was the human personality which was incredible.
    All those random scenes which you don't quite value now, those are the human moments which made it so relatable and fun!

    • @cavemanvi
      @cavemanvi Рік тому +13

      For me it was how the editing would go hand in hand with the music and the “drawn out” part was my favorite really

    • @Beezhan7337
      @Beezhan7337 Рік тому +4

      Truth

  • @robertprzybyla1109
    @robertprzybyla1109 Рік тому +225

    Im just gonna be real, basically everything you guys were like "we just cant do this anymore" or "its boring" are EXACTLY what I miss from your channel. Id love to see you guys make an older style video/project and just see how it does.

    • @jacobburke5122
      @jacobburke5122 Рік тому +2

      I completely agree.

    • @Ockhams_Razor
      @Ockhams_Razor Рік тому +4

      hundred percent agree. I used to watch immediately every video that posted because it felt like a series. If I missed a video there were shop changes or something that I would miss. Now I'm just not learning anything in 10 minutes of video and if I'm not learning or feeling engaged in the process it's quite easy for me to switch to a different series.

  • @robinastro4466
    @robinastro4466 Рік тому +323

    The side tracks didn't make it boring it made it more interesting. And watching a long episode with damascus forging was just the best

    • @nicojar
      @nicojar Рік тому +3

      This.

    • @serenityhope4039
      @serenityhope4039 Рік тому +2

      My thoughts exactly!

    • @the_sharp_carpenter
      @the_sharp_carpenter Рік тому +1

      Yep, just the every day norm in most creative makers days, very relatable.

    • @SuperDragonegg
      @SuperDragonegg Рік тому +1

      Exactly that!!

    • @davidhemond9043
      @davidhemond9043 Рік тому +3

      Couldn't agree more. The process of how you start and all of the twists and turns along the way are the best parts.

  • @marmorabladez420
    @marmorabladez420 Рік тому +461

    I love watching the process of making Damascus and I really miss the long drawn out sword projects

    • @Tremere1901
      @Tremere1901 Рік тому +11

      Exactly what i was going to say ... i thought maybe he doesnt want to made videos anymore

    • @McNasty43
      @McNasty43 Рік тому +4

      @@Tremere1901 He probably wants to, but the UA-cam algorithm is fickle, and he needed something more stable and consistent, which is part of the reason he started making goods for sale and hiring staff.

    • @vernonvermaak5161
      @vernonvermaak5161 Рік тому +5

      yup... yup... Those were the DAYS!!!! :D

    • @doxastoel
      @doxastoel Рік тому +6

      Agree! I love smashing hot steel the fine jewelry is stuff is less for me

    • @AltNixon
      @AltNixon Рік тому +9

      Yeah, the long series are my absolute favorites. Especially the ones with trying new things like the Viking sword with engraving. Best content by far. Oh, and watching he says he doesn't like the unrelated/filler stuff like almost vlog style bits. I liked the crazy/weird bits of how he actually works, like you're actually going along with the workshop, not just watching progress like a slideshow.

  • @jasperblake5077
    @jasperblake5077 Рік тому +104

    Also, Alec, your weird, random, quirky, ridiculous moments were and are what make you one of my favorite creators, because you are absolutely unashamed of who you are, and you have fun with life.

  • @lukasparo194
    @lukasparo194 Рік тому +81

    I think the connection that the old video brought was key. The simple tasks. The human moments and the off shot journey moments are the core of the character the channel presents. Beyond your demeanor there’s a presentation of character through both of your learning and growing. Don’t go back but don’t forget all the things we appreciated in the old days.

  • @andrewbelcher
    @andrewbelcher Рік тому +476

    Would love another crazy 20+ episode project like this!

  • @koolaid53
    @koolaid53 Рік тому +175

    I really liked the old style of your videos. Three days of Damascus, and I watched every second. Haven't watched much lately, to be honest. I loved the whole process, and more videos per week.

    • @andyt3233
      @andyt3233 Рік тому +1

      I stopped watching him

    • @Fentoncbr
      @Fentoncbr Рік тому +1

      I imagine it's a fine line to tread. I watched every video religiously when there were 20odd episodes a project. I enjoyed the side quests and wackyness that made it feel more that you were just hanging round the shop, to a point. I dropped off once he'd been in a America a little while and it then felt a little bit too much like he'd dropped off the project making and was just filming office and work stuff. Like I said, incredibly hard line to walk and he's done an amazing job. I wouldn't want to do it.

  • @TheWanderingOkie
    @TheWanderingOkie Рік тому +119

    I miss these old videos so much. Never once got bored even with things like a paper towel holder in a katana video. Such things are what set this channel apart from others. It was just something different and so entertaining

  • @samuelhitchcock8547
    @samuelhitchcock8547 Рік тому +64

    I agree with all the other comments I've seen that I miss the old videos of joining you in the shop with all the weird quirks and tangents. It was fun to see the whole process and the time it took. I really miss watching all the intricate detailed work you did you.

  • @josephreeves103
    @josephreeves103 Рік тому +285

    Truly was never bored watching those long videos where not much happens. It was nice to feel like I was just along for the whole process. For a lot of us here I think I can say we're not really looking for a 100% efficient cut the fluff "product" from you. I'm happy just to watch you challenge yourself and learn for the sake of it without compromising or cutting corners, especially if that takes 20 parts to make haha. Make it 100 parts idc i'll watch every one intently!

    • @TheRaptorJezuz
      @TheRaptorJezuz Рік тому +6

      I think that was why the viking sword stands out to me to this day, it was the first blade that incorporated first tries at both engraving and stone setting, that really made the sword into an art piece, and the attention to detail was just insane

    • @Brian-mp2mv
      @Brian-mp2mv Рік тому +1

      even enjoyed watching him make the chair with the old man... very relatable

  • @michaeljudd2341
    @michaeljudd2341 Рік тому +128

    Alec, I honestly miss the hand work. Machining is cool, but it's a lot more interesting to me to watch you build a project with as little machinery as you can. Also, the process of making the Damascus has always bee my favorite parts of your projects. Watching the sparks fly is so satisfying.

    • @shawno8253
      @shawno8253 Рік тому +1

      Yes! My favorite project was when he made a knife entirely with hand tools.

    • @audreydodgen8699
      @audreydodgen8699 Рік тому

      That hand tool only project remains my favorite.

  • @adamschwartz484
    @adamschwartz484 Рік тому +66

    I can't speak for anyone else, but I really liked seeing all of the things you did on any given day in the shop. I also really like the elaborate, multi-part projects; they made me excited for each new episode.

    • @derigel9783
      @derigel9783 Рік тому

      Yea, being carried along through all stepps, mistakes and learning was awesome.

  • @Draco301293
    @Draco301293 Рік тому +94

    I would honestly love to see Alec make another Katana, just to see the build quality difference after 5 years!

  • @garthgeorge8046
    @garthgeorge8046 Рік тому +87

    I always loved the old style of videos. The random side tangents showed how life in a real shop happens. I loved learning alot of little tips or tricks and watching the failures and the successes

  • @TheBluealan2000
    @TheBluealan2000 Рік тому +249

    I'd happily watch another build series, especially a sword. 1 or 2 episodes on the Damascus would be fine. Also would like to see you rebuild early projects to compare now and then, might be fun.

    • @jhbryaniv
      @jhbryaniv Рік тому +3

      That would be really cool. To see the process changes and improvements... Than the wife and camera guy could critique and compare the videos in a seperate video, like this one. :) LoL

    • @chiragjaisinghani8118
      @chiragjaisinghani8118 Рік тому

      Oh, i know i would love to watch that!
      It's a superb idea they making projects from the past but with new learnings and comparing!

    • @quickstream
      @quickstream Рік тому +1

      a rebuild of the katana would be epic

    • @josephreeves103
      @josephreeves103 Рік тому +1

      agreed, we need a katana rebuild, he's improved in a lot of ways since then.

  • @RyanJohnson-et9pv
    @RyanJohnson-et9pv Рік тому +53

    These videos are the reason I subscribed to the channel. I loved how he made everything by hand, enjoyed his energy (even if he thinks it's silly) and all the interesting projects he did. The fact that we had the chance to be there while he learned new skills was amazing. Like a father watching his son come into his own. I didn't mind that it took 5 episodes to do one small thing. It was fun.

  • @jestermarcos
    @jestermarcos Рік тому +20

    The old videos were so relaxing, fun and informative. All the things that you commented that were useless actually are what made your videos personal and friendly, it made us feel like we were your friends and made us really care about you like real friends

  • @archkittens
    @archkittens Рік тому +205

    I love watching you forge Damascus for 3 videos straight. It’s very soothing. You could almost have an entire channel just of forging videos

    • @Y2KNW
      @Y2KNW Рік тому +6

      A B roll channel with no music, just shop sounds. Hours and hours of fire and hammers and red-hot metal being forced into a new shape.
      Like violently artistic ASMR.

    • @petercreps7215
      @petercreps7215 Рік тому +1

      I think you just found them an easy, extra source of money, they’ve already got countless hours of footage(if they saved it) and if not, they’ll really just need to set up a couple cameras(like game or trail cameras that are passive) around the shop to capture it

    • @-RyN-23
      @-RyN-23 Рік тому +1

      Yessss an we get the full idea of work time an heart placed in the work

  • @randalldodson7374
    @randalldodson7374 Рік тому +80

    I personally love seeing all of the little things in the videos that are just part of a shop working. There is more to making a sword than just making a sword and the old videos made me feel involved.

  • @ryancookrj13
    @ryancookrj13 Рік тому +34

    as someone who has been watching you since the start of your channel I have to say I was locked in on your videos and this project specifically I was excited for each and every video. I thought the way you were on camera was genuine and actually added to my enjoyment watching the videos. I do miss the big sword projects multipart series to watch your art come to life.

  • @jimmerrell3757
    @jimmerrell3757 Рік тому +18

    The thing I miss the most about the old videos is the life lessons from Alec. Even though he was so young, he had a way of getting through mistakes and failures that was very admirable.

  • @TheWulfman1313
    @TheWulfman1313 Рік тому +91

    The Damascus episodes were some of the most satisfying for me. When I could finally see that pattern made into a beautiful piece was some of my favorite parts.

  • @Torganth
    @Torganth Рік тому +147

    I ABSOLUTELY LOVE these old videos, there's just something calming about the long drawn out style of you just in the workshop showing everything.

  • @mrnoodle3777
    @mrnoodle3777 Рік тому +34

    Don’t crunch it down so much you push out everything that makes your videos that much better to watch. I love seeing the small processes that you take to finish things.

  • @t.Mooney
    @t.Mooney Рік тому +22

    I'm glad I'm not the only one that misses the older long form content. I know it isn't as efficient as the shorter videos, but it offers more complex projects, and more interesting blades. I'm here for the process personally, and the personality (you all rock), not short concise how to vids. Keep up the great work, love the content.

  • @sciencestuff2.038
    @sciencestuff2.038 Рік тому +57

    The old videos were great. It was super cool to see every little part of the process. It gave us a little bit of a look into how much work went into each project and we got to see EVERY step. The different speed parts were also great. The mix of hyper speed and slow motion was also great!

  • @bytex2
    @bytex2 Рік тому +113

    The skill and chaotic energy, combined with Jamie's amazing filmmaking is why I watched every episode from that period. It might be repetitive now but the mesmerizing synchronized power hammer montages was something really unique.

  • @jamesdurowse7445
    @jamesdurowse7445 Рік тому +11

    I think my favourite series was a 35 part make a Viking sword one and that had about 7 full videos on engraving and fucking it up. You used to be a very similar watch category to primitive technology for me, where it’s something to watch just to see someone dedicatedly and energetically at work

  • @jamesnoble3572
    @jamesnoble3572 Рік тому +138

    I would love to see you remake some of your older project just to see how much you’ve improved. Would literally watch hours of your forging too it’s all just so satisfying to watch.

    • @Jusdin057
      @Jusdin057 Рік тому +2

      Yes. Me too. I would love to see a remake of something. Maybe the Cutlass!!

    • @cavemanvi
      @cavemanvi Рік тому

      That’d be great

    • @caldasReport
      @caldasReport Рік тому +1

      Like he did with the chef's knife! That one was a great revisit!

  • @HighKingTurgon
    @HighKingTurgon Рік тому +7

    I do like to see the process of forging! I wouldn't mind more forge/machining montages back again! That's quality content for me, even if it's not diversified in itself-the context grants diversity!

  • @Warp-zu2zk
    @Warp-zu2zk Рік тому +2

    I love your old lower production value videos with random inserts into it it feels so much more genuine and fun

  • @karlwagoner9949
    @karlwagoner9949 Рік тому +24

    The content that seems like a waste of time today is really a big part of why we've all been watching faithfully for so many years. The filming and editing got better almost weekly over the years, Alec got better at presenting and at making catastrophic mistakes. All the best stuff.

    • @joshrepik
      @joshrepik Рік тому +1

      Definitely here for the imminent failure and correction process

  • @LetsPlay968
    @LetsPlay968 Рік тому +37

    I rly liked the "old" videos. Watching you making damascus steel and an 20+ epsisode series was so much fun.

  • @E_Turne
    @E_Turne Рік тому +4

    The Damascus videos where Alec was experimenting with making deliberate and exceptional designs like the buckles and things like that are some of my favorite videos ever on the channel.

  • @Nox_39
    @Nox_39 Рік тому +6

    TBH I think you made your best videos in the year leading up to you leaving for the US. You seemed to be more into each project and you were pushing yourself. Also I really liked the "daily blog" feel more where you added stuff that wasn't necessarily related to the title of the video. It made the videos have more of a personality in them and while perhaps not the most efficient in terms of chasing the youtube algorithm but it meant the videos had more character rather than a "perfect" professional production.

  • @RS_AFKing
    @RS_AFKing Рік тому +31

    I really miss the old videos… random side project thrown in there, 15 minutes of doing one thing and the relentless pursuit of excellence, and multiple videos a week. Love watching your videos Alec. Keep up the good work.

  • @baileylang1293
    @baileylang1293 Рік тому +100

    Man, I remember finding you when you had just a few thousand subscribers at your very first workshop. Crazy how far you've come!

    • @jerimybutler897
      @jerimybutler897 Рік тому +2

      Me too

    • @baileylang1293
      @baileylang1293 Рік тому +4

      I think it was the baker street forge if I'm not mistaken. I remember watching the first time you had will in the workshop and you guys make a pirates scimitar I believe.

    • @luish8056
      @luish8056 Рік тому +2

      I got here way late, but those old videos hold a lot of charm and these new ones are still really good.

    • @AlphaMachina
      @AlphaMachina Рік тому +1

      The guy is inspirational, that's for sure.

  • @bjoernlubetzki
    @bjoernlubetzki Рік тому +2

    I'm one of the guys that really loved the videos where you did 3 videos about making the Damascus. I enjoyed the longer hammerings sessions on the Powerhammer and I enjoyed the fact that the pace was a bit slower.
    The new videos are edited really cool and you can see the progression in Jamies work. But I would really like to see one of these oldschool builds again.

  • @Kleenur
    @Kleenur Рік тому +1

    One of the things that makes UA-cam such an interesting platform is that I found the channel about 6 months ago BECAUSE of the katana video. Since then I've been watching lots of the older stuff and seeing the change in crafting skill, video production skill, and in tool access has been really cool. I'm an aspiring Bladesmith and have been seriously considering starting a channel to track my journey. Videos like this one are super helpful. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

  • @Minemac2
    @Minemac2 Рік тому +79

    I am never bored watching the work progress slowly. I actually like seeing more videos that take longer to get somewhere as it feels like I am a part of the process more

  • @EtchyLives
    @EtchyLives Рік тому +36

    It is just you. The time and instructions on how to do damascus are what brought me in to your channel. And the awkward singing is the authenticity that brought me to your channel. You are where you are because of all these things. Yes - grow, evolve, learn, change. But don't forget you got where you are because of all the things you "don't do anymore".

  • @samstirling4279
    @samstirling4279 Рік тому +1

    Jez, where did five years go? Watching an amazing transition from Boy to Man! From a garage workshop to two large workshops one in UK and one in the USA. What an amazing life journey. I always loved the project series. ❤😊

  • @MurrayBarton
    @MurrayBarton Рік тому +3

    We watched this as a family when you released it and loved the whole series. Newer isn't always better :)

  • @zulous
    @zulous Рік тому +30

    You should definitely run a long project as a series each year/twice a year. It has the benefits of drawing the audience back and you get to work on something bigger. You can then still put out the single video stuff. That way youre not trying to rush something out and you can take a break from it to do other stuff. I think a lot of the older audience would enjoy it and you still appeal to the newer audience.

  • @chailatte312
    @chailatte312 Рік тому +18

    mooorrreeee of these in-depth builds please! watching the whole process, the failures and successes, is more entertaining for us than you'd imagine.

  • @stumpy2165
    @stumpy2165 Рік тому +1

    What i enjoyed about watching alec was him learning new craftsmanship skills, and then using them for a forging project, like the engraving and jewel setting stuff.

  • @jamescagle5208
    @jamescagle5208 Рік тому

    I love watching the whole smithing process. Stacking, welding, heating, drawing out, twisting, all of it.

  • @MightyElf344
    @MightyElf344 Рік тому +21

    I love/miss the shenanigans, the daily goings on in the workshop. I've definitely used some of the things you've talked about for efficiency and workshop arrangement. Love seeing you grow from the old shop to the production you've created here.

  • @legosharktruck59
    @legosharktruck59 Рік тому +21

    I gotta say, the long sword projects were so inspiring. The cane sword is still one of my favorite video series on UA-cam. Your longer knife and sword videos are why I just made a forge.

  • @wakule
    @wakule Рік тому

    As someone that has been watching Alec since he was doing videos from a little garage in England, it has always been about your personality as well as the content. The live streams and hammer drop count always cracked me up! Your love of life, never ending energy, and diligence in your craft, were a large part of what caught my attention, and has kept me watching all these years. In my humble opinion, the relationship between you, the production team, and your audience is what made your channel what it is Alec. It always gave me a feel of being "in the room" as opposed to feeling like I was just watching an impersonal documentary. If I was to offer any advice it's this; Your business sense is amazing without question, but don't lose sight of the elements that helped get you here.

  • @bookdragonenabler6539
    @bookdragonenabler6539 Рік тому +1

    i loved watching you make damascus for 3 episodes... the tangents are fun and show off your personality that we love. the fact this series is 14 episodes was beautiful and i felt like i was making it with you... not just watching you make something.
    BRING BACK OG ACEC!!! but with regular voice🤣

  • @TorqueTestChannel
    @TorqueTestChannel Рік тому +32

    It's always worth trying new things to see what your audience likes, even if those new things are things you used to do. I wouldn't say no to watching a 5-8 part series with Damascus forming for 1-3 of those.

  • @Nick-xe9me
    @Nick-xe9me Рік тому +87

    I truly love the amount they have been featuring Jamie as a partner and equal in Alecs videos! He's an amazing filmmaker who always captures the skill Alec has in the shop. What a cool team!

    • @backtoearth1983
      @backtoearth1983 Рік тому

      Well... Until Alec gets bored with him and ditches him like the boys in Montana

    • @Bramble20322
      @Bramble20322 Рік тому +1

      @@backtoearth1983 What boys in montana? What happened?

  • @TheAtarilord
    @TheAtarilord Рік тому +1

    I don't know about everyone else, but I enjoyed the old videos. It was a blend of blacksmithing and vlogging. Honestly my favorite videos are the ones of you fixing your power hammers.

  • @jockejansson1413
    @jockejansson1413 3 місяці тому

    The old videos was so fun to watch. All your energy and just watching the process of your work would love to see more of them again. My favorite one is making a knife by hand. No power tools.

  • @Mysticmountainforge
    @Mysticmountainforge Рік тому +16

    I really miss the longer builds as well. Your work is what got me started in the craft.

  • @danielaricha9684
    @danielaricha9684 Рік тому +31

    It's obvious that you've grown, and now watching your younger self is a bit awkward, but we've all loved you then because all of your shenanigans and because we could see the fire in your eyes and heart...
    We loved you then and we love you now, please don't stop Alec, and please let us see more of you like you used to do ❤️

  • @sir.thunder4020
    @sir.thunder4020 Рік тому

    I LOVE these videos. This is what got me into watching this channel. I love the editing and I really enjoy watching the whole forging process, all the random bits in between, making tools for the project. Everything. My favorite videos from you.

  • @leadingseamanphilbillingto100
    @leadingseamanphilbillingto100 Рік тому +2

    I really really miss the old million part builds. They were what grew the channel. I want to see the whole process and don’t get bored with tangents. You are both way too critical of yourselves. You did and do a killer job!

  • @hattersmadness4701
    @hattersmadness4701 Рік тому +31

    There is something very soothing about watching you make the different Damascus patterns, I really miss them.

  • @zmasterrahlg
    @zmasterrahlg Рік тому +22

    I actually really love those in-depth videos. The Damascus process is fascinating.

  • @rickricotta8630
    @rickricotta8630 Рік тому

    I remember getting excited when you did these long projects. The perfectly times music/editing and the time-lapses where hypnotizing and when you failed and had to remake something really made me appreciate the channel bc it was real!. I miss these old videos.

  • @lifeXcRICEs
    @lifeXcRICEs Рік тому

    I just started the Katar video that just dropped today, and the opening shots made me think of some commentary in this video about your processes now versus back in the old days of your videos. There was a comment about how you don't feel like you could spend a whole video on just one bit of the forging processes anymore but I think there is a balance there with spending more time in the past when you would focus on a single process for a long time but i felt like i learned so much through those videos on the actual reasoning for doing things in a particular way and found them not just entertaining but incredibly informative. The opening scene to the newest vid was the welding of steel plates to make a damascus bar but in the past that would've been the video. I know you can't spend a whole video on each project for teaching the same thing over and over but i think that was some of the charm of the videos in the past. We, the audience, learning along with Alec.

  • @pallindsetmo3393
    @pallindsetmo3393 Рік тому +52

    I've never come across a content creator who makes hours feel like seconds like you!
    Absolutely love the longer and even repetitive content

  • @StarlightQueen
    @StarlightQueen Рік тому +14

    I honestly liked when the videos were a little more meandering and long like this. Sure, many people show up just to see the thing get made, but some people also value the creator. So being able to just see bits of your life and personality exist in this workshop is satisfying. I remember this katana build video, and I loved hearing about the random little things happening. I distinctly remember loving the knife throwing board, and the viewers questions.

  • @patmancrowley8509
    @patmancrowley8509 Рік тому +1

    5 episodes on just the blade. Yes, and I enjoyed each and every one of them. You WERE working on the blade. Your damascus programing, your drawing out, the quench (which, I agree, was disappointing) and the hand sanding. All of these are relevant to the story, to the build and that is why I appreciate these older video's!

  • @Grvmm0394
    @Grvmm0394 Рік тому

    I liked it when you let your personality fill the space of the video with your "everyday" cowboy hats and random issues while getting satisfying shots of the power hammer and raw nature of what you do. Then seeing how and how hard/long it takes to make each project and what you learned during the process was the best parts. 25 part series every so often and following along the the process was great.

  • @DJ.B930
    @DJ.B930 Рік тому +10

    Wow it’s crazy to me that you guys decided to make a video like this, literally just last night I was going through UA-cam with nothing to watch thinking about how much I missed the long multipart sword/weapon builds Alec and co. would do, not only the beautiful end product but the detailed bit by bit process that has taught me so much over the years. I then decided to start watching some of the playlists of the old builds, first with Gendry’s power hammer and then the khopesh (my 2 personal favorites) and then started watching the 24 part cavalry Saber built from when you first moved to Montana and Will first joined you full time. It shocked me to see that I had to go back to 3 years to find the most recent of those projects and made me realize how much I (and millions of others) LOVED watching you grow as a blacksmith and artist and from a kid living out his dream into an adult with a legitimately successful business. Man, those were the peak years of this channel and I honestly have not been able to find anything that got me that excited and invested ever since. There are obviously plenty of great blacksmiths and bladesmiths to provide us with content on UA-cam and I enjoy watching them all, but none ever really seem to hit the spot the way those videos did. Crazy to watch it back now and to watch you guys watch it back with the perspective you have now, it was super insightful and nostalgic. I hope you guys are reading all of the comments showing how much we all love watching you forge Damascus and leveling up in skills and learning new things and grinding and hand sanding for 3 straight videos of a 18 part series lol I’ll always watch your content Alec and Jamie but I’ve been missing this for so long. Thank you for entertaining and teaching me for all these years and hopefully many more to come!

  • @bwma
    @bwma Рік тому +23

    I remember the days of dirt floors and rain buckets around the shop. You've inspired so many people and done so many great things. You are one of the UA-cam greatest personality for education.

    • @sanna8633
      @sanna8633 Рік тому +1

      Aww the streams! I miss the streams

  • @patmancrowley8509
    @patmancrowley8509 Рік тому +1

    At minute 4:10 I enjoyed the comment and run across the room to the tool box for a battery and return throwing a knife! What's not to love about that? You've broken the work sequence, put in a short run and THREW AND STUCK A KNIFE! That is a great interlude.

  • @escher2112
    @escher2112 Рік тому +1

    Been watching since around 2016 or so - was researching Damascus and found your channel (lol)... I truly think you have gotten into a situation where you have grown away from what made your channel popular. I still love the vids, and I get it.. But the main reason folks like me started watching was the raw quality and the more personal look at your shop. While the new vid's are very polished, and very well produced - its that older style that holds the draw for me. Many of my favorite channels are going through this same issue - for example - Vice Grip Garage - Derek's channel has blown up and now isnt a simple guy in a shop style anymore... If I want polished perfect shows, I can watch regular TV. UA-cam is where I go to see folks do what they love - and show the warts and human side... thats what I'm looking for - the person. I do truly contgratulate you on your success - and will continue watching for sure. A simple sugggestion though - Similar to what Shawn James from MySelf Reliance does - Maybe a polished vid as regular intervals, but a more "behind the scenes - warts and all" style on a second channel for those of us that just want to hang out int he shop and watch you make damascus bars 20 times and fail 19 of them... :)

  • @EdwinWiles
    @EdwinWiles Рік тому +21

    As much as I enjoy seeing the final product, I love seeing how you do things, preferably with explanations. Including the mistakes please. You always learn more from the mistakes, and can teach more from them.
    Edit: Have you ever considered that using hand tools, instead of depending on epoxy to fill the gaps, is better for both the quality of the product and your skills?

  • @hazeltollz5695
    @hazeltollz5695 Рік тому +16

    I also really liked just watching several episodes of making Damascus. I miss a whole series making one gorgeous sword plus a ton of Alec’s stream of ideas. I’ve watched the Viking series multiple times; it’s soothing lol

  • @thebassrogue
    @thebassrogue Рік тому

    I like the showing everything in the day's work of the workshop... The why you make every step, and cleaning, and just messing around.... That's a part that made me become a fan of the channel tbh

  • @davelangford2439
    @davelangford2439 Рік тому +1

    I really miss the old long-form videos.They are what got me into your channel in the first place

  • @bradymcphail9690
    @bradymcphail9690 Рік тому +11

    I honestly like your older Damascus videos. I also like the multi-part series’s. I do understand that this is your business and you now have a life outside of Alec Steele Inc. you’re an amazing Artist, Craftsman, & Businessman. I’ve been following you guys since the very beginning and I’ve learned so very much from you. I only wish I took your tool making classes when I could…

  • @justinruh7336
    @justinruh7336 Рік тому +10

    Love watching the whole blade build with all the quirky moments in between.

  • @kikkomann07
    @kikkomann07 Рік тому

    Been a long time viewer. Just returned after a year ++ break from your channel. Some people just love those series Alec. I watched every second of the 'boring' parts. It lit up a child -like wonder inside of me and it was just a happy time watching your vid and it was way simpler back then. Plus the feeling of belonging seeing everything that you do in the workshop makes me feel that I'm working with you.
    Plus I was really really hooked to your series that I was checking daily for new vids. We love everything failure and all.

  • @OptimusMo
    @OptimusMo Рік тому

    Watching you forge is why we're here Alec! The slow motion shots, the montages, the high speed (especially the shots where you use the track for the camera). It's not boring in the slightest.

  • @khoop009
    @khoop009 Рік тому +13

    I think the old videos were successful because it felt so genuine and as though we were there with you guys. Almost like a vlog. It had an entirely different feel to them. I miss seeing those 20 part video series and watching you mess something up and make it over 3 or 4 times. Idk it was just something about them that I miss.

  • @joshrepik
    @joshrepik Рік тому +13

    Alec - we love to watch you do what you love to do and what keeps you engaged and enjoying yourself. If that’s three days of Damascus making, that’s that stuff we like

  • @derigel9783
    @derigel9783 Рік тому

    What I realy liked about with your old videos was just the amaount of hanging out with you. It was great to to fallow you arround your day and chenanigans.
    It was a nice rythem of interresting project, cool craftsmanship, getting a problem, getting distracted, solving a problem and much more.
    I loved these.

  • @InFlamesOfSorrow
    @InFlamesOfSorrow Рік тому

    I LOVE the old video format for exactly all the things you described as boring or useless!
    love the 3 episodes on making damascus, slomotion shots from drawing out the material, heck even the "useless" little side notes were great!
    I just love seeing people working on stuff :-)

  • @znerolz
    @znerolz Рік тому +13

    I loved the well timed drops, bases, etc. With the slowmotion shots. I also love the long projects. It felt like the projects were actual projects.

  • @KjellTF
    @KjellTF Рік тому +13

    I would watch you make Damascus like in the old days. I think most people watch too see you, Alec, just as much as you work. You're fun to watch! So, keep the singing in!

  • @KnightDragon20
    @KnightDragon20 Рік тому +1

    Not lying, I like watching three episodes of you making the Damascus patterns Alec.
    It's interesting seeing all the processes and planning that goes into using or creating a completely new pattern sequence (Viking Sword), you are in my top three forging UA-camrs, the others being that works, and man at arms franchise. Keep on forging from a fellow Brit

  • @Christ4ever86
    @Christ4ever86 Рік тому

    I still go back to watch/listen to the older videos. So much information in those videos. I love how you would explain what you were doing with the metal to get various results.

  • @Hiero1986
    @Hiero1986 Рік тому +5

    Actually have always enjoyed the longer-form video series showing the whole process, I don't think people find it boring - having said that, this video is really quite interesting watching you and Jamie look back at it with some new insight. Good video.

  • @BillyCardano
    @BillyCardano Рік тому +14

    Of course I loved a blacksmith being a blacksmith through the entire process necessary for a specific project! I learned so much about steel and forging because of your channel in that era

  • @Unbreathless
    @Unbreathless Рік тому

    I will say, having watched every one of your videos since before the Katana, it's been an evolution.
    I think the 'installing a paper towel' thing actually was a part of the OVERALL narrative of watching Alec and the business and the team grow. It was part build, part slice of life, part personal/professional growth in a weird way.
    I think it worked out!

  • @marc-andrecharlebois5312
    @marc-andrecharlebois5312 Рік тому

    Been following for years now and I have to say that I do miss those old series videos. Not only were they informative because we followed the entire process they are what inspired me to start to forge. I designed and built my venturi burners based on the one you used in those early video as well as my foundry furnace. Hope to see some more long format series like the rapier and Falchion ect

  • @jonjohnston5333
    @jonjohnston5333 Рік тому +7

    While we get wanted to keep people engaged everyone and their dogs are doing videos like this nowadays. What drew me to your channel and I imagine everyone else as well is the authenticity and creative ideas you have shown. You don't have to be so numbers focused, clearly you are successful, be you and make the content you want to make.

  • @jamesc140292
    @jamesc140292 Рік тому +5

    I love your older videos... watching how the forging is done was one of my favourite parts I just love seeing all the work that goes into a piece ... especially since I want to get into blacksmithing at some point it's fun to watch and learn what to look for

    • @jamesc140292
      @jamesc140292 Рік тому +1

      It would also be great to see what Jamie does too

    • @TheEric2977
      @TheEric2977 Рік тому +1

      He should have an episode where he teaches Jamie and another one where they do a build off

  • @DrunkWaffleChef
    @DrunkWaffleChef Рік тому +1

    I have never commented on UA-cam before. These are the videos that made me start watching UA-cam. Alec Steel you are literally the channel that for me into watching UA-cam and miss these types of videos. I enjoy your current vids, but let’s be real. After a long day at work in the machine shop, I just want to see some quality video of metal being beaten into submission. The challenges of making a beautiful knife. Let’s see the challenges of making an amazing knife!!
    Regardless, great work.

  • @405Couch
    @405Couch Рік тому +1

    PERSONALLY SPEAKING i love when you work with Damascus watching the different patterns you make and process is just what it is, if the video is longer and more drawn out it makes sense why. I have no problem with it personally .

  • @krissmith7589
    @krissmith7589 Рік тому +8

    There’s a certain amount of satisfaction to watching the process of Damascus. Almost an ASMR with music to the hammer blows. (Well done jamie). To the whole thing about relevance to things happening like blue roll holders and the work shop development, I think is highly relevant to the process of the builds. Throw it back to the old school once in a while