Dude you're the Bob Ross of knife making. Something about watching/listening to you forge relaxes me just like Mr.Ross. I look forward to your content, especially, after a long stressful day at work. Stay you! And keep up the amazing/beautiful work. By far my favorite forging channel on youtube
I appreciate the fact that you criticize your own mistakes and share those critiques with your viewers. It makes us much more aware of how really talented you are to see some of your other works that are truly wonderful. Thanks!
I almost passed on this video. Although I will say I’m glad I stayed till the end. Perfection is not always an option with trying new processes. Although it can end in quality, as per this blade. One of your best videos and knives. Keep up the great content!
You should totally livestream a build and get superchats. Great way to expand the channel, your business, and engage with your community. Just a thought.
I absolutely love the pattern that came out on the blade. in my opinion irregularities are the coolest thing about organic-looking designs. the high contrast of the etching kind of makes the steel look transparent. amazing job all in all
These videos where you describe what youre doing are far more enjoyable to watch and I feel like I learn more watching this. By the way this is a really cool execution of a cool idea
I really appreciate your critique. I think it taught more than most “how to” videos generally do for those that are trying to up their game. Thank you!
Cocobolo is a beautiful wood. I had a bass made with it. There’s another good hardly used super hard wood for scales or handles it’s called lignum vitae. Really beautiful and durable stuff.
The pattern really grows on you the more you look at it. I would have absolutely no issue at all owning a knife like that. Even though it didn't come out like you envisioned, it really is a very nice knife. Well done, sir.
I understand how it didn't turn out like you were expecting but... That's a cool knife! Stop being so hard on yourself, it's fantastic work. Have a great Christmas ⛄
First off you do incredible work. I’m curious how many days start to finish. Really enjoyed your contacts God bless enjoying the season with your family.
Awesome pattern. Sometimes by not doing it right, you end up with something better. It looks like a coast line, and the contrast between the steels looks almost 3 dimensional. I would love to see what you can do if you do this on purpose and build on the concept. oh.. and also. great work with the video editing. talking about what you tried to do, and how it came out, really takes this "genre" of videos up a notch.
Your critique commentary was very interesting. The pattern was interesting but not what I was expecting from a San Mai blade. I agree with too many layers and the offset pattern near the tip end. However, as you said this is a good learning opportunity. Nice work mate.😉
The blade speaks for itself, lovingly! I really appreciate your after-action report; you covered some aspects of pattern steel forging that are not discussed enough IMO. I always try to remember to count each blow on each side of the billet and match them. I try . . . and often fail. Such is the nature of my skill level at this point.
I understand your disappointment with the outcome not being what you wanted, but it looks fantastic dude, the contrast between core steel and cladding creates great visual depth. So fail successfully?
This was probably my favorite build so far. I love the way that blade turned out! Glad to see your new dies are working good on your power hammer. Merry Christmas!
It kind of looks like a metal with Smokey acrylic kind of blade. I think it looks very cool and even though it didn't turn out the way you pictured it I think it is a very unique blade.
Nice build. One thing that puzzles me in general, when I watch knifemaking is the use of nickel. Both pure nickle and nickle steels. In Denmark it is illegal to sell items containing Ni, if it will get in contact with your skin during normal use. This is due to Ni-allergy. Are there any rules about the use of Ni in the States?
Well, you’re definitely a better blade smith than a stand up comedian 😂😂😂. Quite a good knife really, enjoyed watching the whole process 👍 Regards from Down Under.
Transparency, Yes, I'm a big fan. You sound a bit disappointed on the pattern, but what you created was true art. That pattern looks like a "Damascus-Marble" motif. That nickle really made that shine pop. Great job. You created a new look. Look at it as Tony Stark creating the new element.
The balance of the knife could be adjusted by putting some inserts into the handle at the end (metal, stone),, or adding a bolt-on end. 🧐 I have enjoyed the voice over and the analysis, and really like the way the blade turned, although unintended. As a customer, I'd most likely choose this knife over its future improved version. Happy holidays! 🍿
Hi! Just a bit of constructive criticism here. That knife looks great, but because of your camera setup, the image gets warped on the knife "pros and cons" at the end of the video. I don't know if you are using an "action camera" for that, that's a common problem with those, or it may be because of a wide angle objective and lack of correction. Anyway, when you are making a closeup, you should correct those warpings so it doesn't look like your knife bends away from the corners when it's not focused dead center. Hope this helps, cheers ;)
Nicely done. Remember that the Japanese smiths who get that even core steel reveal have been doing these blades for years. They also usually use a convex grind instead of a full flat grind which is more forgiving in terms of core steel reveal.
12:45 sorry but I think the san-Mai came out great. I love the inconsistency in the patterning. As a woodworker/turner, the defects and flaws in timber gives it individuality and uniqueness. That’s what you have there. The uneven san mai doesn’t affect the knifes functionality but it gives it a ‘one of a kind’ quality that can’t really be reproduced.
The blade looks like it had some sort of fungus growing in it. Realy cool looking. I feel that your beating yourself up hear. This is a real unique pattern. I haven't seen anything like this before. Your mistakes are what made this knife so cool. I want it.
I agree with the last commenter Elijah, you are being too hard on yourself. Been following your channel for a really long time and watching the progression of your work has been inspirational. As a fellow knife artist I do get it though. We get this idea and can visualize the outcome before we even get started. Sometimes the end result does not quite match the vision. It is a beautiful piece of work and someone will be blessed to add it to their collection. Keep it up… love your videos and humble nature. Be blessed and continue being a blessing to others!
Check out FZ-knives & how he produces woots steel. If you can get a hold of some locally made; try making a billet made out of woots & damascus steels. I would really like to se the result!
That's a very cool blade. It looks like cloudy, near transparent centre, and the divider between pattern and steel middle looks like 3D effect on it. The only I hate about the video, is the camera at the end review session. where you used the wide angle, nearly fish-eyed lens made it looks like the blade is bent and perhaps shifting some patterns too, I think.
For some reason the core steel looks translucent in the video. Almost looks like ivory, might be the settings on my phone. Awesome effect. Dude, that blade shimmers .
The pattern reminds me of a nebula far out in the universe somewhere. Thank you for the informative narration. I looked to see if it was listed on your website and couldn't find it. I'm sure it sold before this video even came out. It's a showstopper.
I agree on that the cladding would have looked better with a lower layer count. Many times it's much better to avoid the temptation to produce the higher layer count.
Nickel is a really handy metal in forging, especially when you're working with high alloys or stuff with a lot of chromium in it which doesn't always like to stick, a layer of Ni will more or less glue it together. I use it in San-Mai types of blades a fair bit, especially for the stainless cladding which is already hard enough, but a layer in there will take out a lot of the fudge-factor of maybe having something usable at the end of the day. It doesn't have the same plastic deformation you get from steels though, so when you see wider areas of Ni in your pattern welds its usually because it'll just squeeze out and around things sort of like if you had two cutting boards and put some dough in between them, press down and the dough will still be between the boards, but very thin + a lot out the sides. Where I've found it most useful is in something like mokume-gane with copper, bronze, brass etc base metals as it does tend to have the same level of deformation as those and a bit more predictable in how it all behaves. Just on my own observations on san-mai types of knives, you sort of want to get as close as you can to the final dimensions on that final forge weld, which means long, thin billets and then just going in by hand on the final setting with the hammer. So just a light pass or two on the forging and then sort of pick a side you'd like to have a bit more character on in terms of the core-steel exposure to the cladding coverage. Think there's still a bit of a luck factor some days! Some just don't work out how you intend
I think it turned out awesome!! You make some of the best knives I’ve seen. And am proud to say that I own one!!! I got a bull cutter from you and it has turned out to be a everyday carry knife for me. Keep up the great work!!
I would say happy accident. I really like the it turned out. I get what u wanted, but really like it the way it is. U could never make that look twice. Love it
I feel the pattern is great and you should not feel that falls in the category of " could of done better" I feel the unique pattern is the soul of the blade
thin your 52100 to the desired thickness FIRST... taper it, THEN add the softer (at temp) nickel Steel for the san mi.... 52100 is much harder at welding temp than 1045 or nickel
The pattern is actually quite attractive and unique. As you noted, I'm sure it will stand up to its intended purpose with no trouble. Understand it falls short of what you were aiming for, but a nice piece of work nonetheless that I think anyone would be proud to have in their kitchen. Thanks for sharing!
I think you are being way to hard on yourself. That is a beautiful blade and unique. Imo that patter makes it look look more high end. If the patter is to uniform it make it look more mass produced. At first glance on video it looked like you wrapped steel around a ceramic translucent blade. Truly beautiful.
AAR is a term we dreaded as E4 and below, but as I progressed in rank I understood the value in it for future missions…I may start doing that when I teach bladesmithing in my shop 🤔 great content brotha! 🔪❤️🇺🇸
Beautiful knife. I’ve heard that if you use a straight peen hammer, while still in the billet stage, allows for a more uniform look between the cladding and the core steel. I do agree there is some “muddiness” in the cladding but it adds to the aesthetic of the overall piece imo. Great job brother. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
fantastic blade, it looks like a coastline. What caused the "shadow" line along the divide between the mono steel and the coating? Excellent video with the critique - great content and very informative.
It's cool to see your style of knives come up on my page, I am new to even looking at knife channels, but yours has caught my eye - I havent seen anyone else encase their blades the way you have before melting them down, is that a technique unique to you, or a learned strategy? also, seeing any video on a tanto style blade or a folding knife would be super cool to see, it would be fun to see how your own spin on the project would look like
That is a beautiful pattern! Looks like a coastline with some islands dotting it!
Dude you're the Bob Ross of knife making. Something about watching/listening to you forge relaxes me just like Mr.Ross. I look forward to your content, especially, after a long stressful day at work. Stay you! And keep up the amazing/beautiful work. By far my favorite forging channel on youtube
Thanks a bunch!
THIS
I concure
I appreciate the fact that you criticize your own mistakes and share those critiques with your viewers. It makes us much more aware of how really talented you are to see some of your other works that are truly wonderful. Thanks!
It looks like surf breaking against the beach. It is quite beautiful! Accidental art is the best kind!
I am always amazed at the pattern!! My brain never understands how the pattern will look!!🤔😂😂 Awesome knife!!👍👍
that's amazing! the pattern is like a shore line on a beach. very beautiful blade
I almost passed on this video. Although I will say I’m glad I stayed till the end. Perfection is not always an option with trying new processes. Although it can end in quality, as per this blade.
One of your best videos and knives. Keep up the great content!
Thanks I appreciate it!!
Love the explanation at the end, with an honest discussion of lessons learned. Thank you.
Thank you for searching the extra information and some reflection to your already crazy good blades. Learnd a lot
You should totally livestream a build and get superchats. Great way to expand the channel, your business, and engage with your community. Just a thought.
Thanks for the idea, I will keep that in mind!
I absolutely love the pattern that came out on the blade. in my opinion irregularities are the coolest thing about organic-looking designs. the high contrast of the etching kind of makes the steel look transparent. amazing job all in all
I agree. That pattern couldn’t have been better even if planned. It looks amazing as is.
That pattern came out great! Very nice.
I think it’s worth every penny!!💪🏼❤️🔥🔥🔥 Happiest of Holidays to you and your family!!
🙏🏻❤️🌲👍🏻
These videos where you describe what youre doing are far more enjoyable to watch and I feel like I learn more watching this. By the way this is a really cool execution of a cool idea
Amazing!!!
Treasure Map Knife
Thanks for the information. I'm just beginning at blade making . Fascinating.
The pattern is gorgeously hypnotic. Happy accidents!
I really appreciate your critique. I think it taught more than most “how to” videos generally do for those that are trying to up their game. Thank you!
Even though the design didn't turn out how you want it looks really good. Almost like the high carbon steel was inset into the damascus
Nicely done
That came out gorgeous. Well done. I love the high contrast of the nickel
Cocobolo is a beautiful wood. I had a bass made with it. There’s another good hardly used super hard wood for scales or handles it’s called lignum vitae. Really beautiful and durable stuff.
The pattern really grows on you the more you look at it. I would have absolutely no issue at all owning a knife like that. Even though it didn't come out like you envisioned, it really is a very nice knife. Well done, sir.
I understand how it didn't turn out like you were expecting but... That's a cool knife! Stop being so hard on yourself, it's fantastic work. Have a great Christmas ⛄
First off you do incredible work. I’m curious how many days start to finish. Really enjoyed your contacts God bless enjoying the season with your family.
Awesome pattern. Sometimes by not doing it right, you end up with something better.
It looks like a coast line, and the contrast between the steels looks almost 3 dimensional.
I would love to see what you can do if you do this on purpose and build on the concept.
oh.. and also. great work with the video editing. talking about what you tried to do, and how it came out, really takes this "genre" of videos up a notch.
Thanks I appreciate it
Excellent
Very nice 👍 great work Sir 👏
Absolutely Epic!
Your critique commentary was very interesting. The pattern was interesting but not what I was expecting from a San Mai blade. I agree with too many layers and the offset pattern near the tip end. However, as you said this is a good learning opportunity. Nice work mate.😉
The blade speaks for itself, lovingly! I really appreciate your after-action report; you covered some aspects of pattern steel forging that are not discussed enough IMO. I always try to remember to count each blow on each side of the billet and match them. I try . . . and often fail. Such is the nature of my skill level at this point.
Thanks for watching!
I really like that
the pattern is reminiscent of a Japanese tsunami painting
man you can get lost in that blade, it looks so good.
id love to carry a smaller version, fixed blade in a belt sheath, all the time.
Nice
It's very beautiful knife. Geographic Pattern
Nice ✌ 😎
I understand your disappointment with the outcome not being what you wanted, but it looks fantastic dude, the contrast between core steel and cladding creates great visual depth. So fail successfully?
This was probably my favorite build so far. I love the way that blade turned out! Glad to see your new dies are working good on your power hammer. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Merry Christmas!
Contrast on that etch is amazing. Looks like you could "reach inside" the surface almost. You use a tagane, correct?
It kind of looks like a metal with Smokey acrylic kind of blade. I think it looks very cool and even though it didn't turn out the way you pictured it I think it is a very unique blade.
it turned out real good. skillfully made. pity the pattern wasn't uniformed, still not to bad
Nice build. One thing that puzzles me in general, when I watch knifemaking is the use of nickel. Both pure nickle and nickle steels. In Denmark it is illegal to sell items containing Ni, if it will get in contact with your skin during normal use. This is due to Ni-allergy.
Are there any rules about the use of Ni in the States?
Prolonged exposure like wearing jewelry isn't good but otherwise I don't know that it's a problem
Well, you’re definitely a better blade smith than a stand up comedian 😂😂😂. Quite a good knife really, enjoyed watching the whole process 👍
Regards from Down Under.
I would like to see how you execute tapered tangs. Also performance testing.
Great video, great content. Thank ypu
Transparency, Yes, I'm a big fan. You sound a bit disappointed on the pattern, but what you created was true art. That pattern looks like a "Damascus-Marble" motif. That nickle really made that shine pop. Great job. You created a new look. Look at it as Tony Stark creating the new element.
The balance of the knife could be adjusted by putting some inserts into the handle at the end (metal, stone),, or adding a bolt-on end. 🧐
I have enjoyed the voice over and the analysis, and really like the way the blade turned, although unintended. As a customer, I'd most likely choose this knife over its future improved version.
Happy holidays! 🍿
Hi! Just a bit of constructive criticism here. That knife looks great, but because of your camera setup, the image gets warped on the knife "pros and cons" at the end of the video. I don't know if you are using an "action camera" for that, that's a common problem with those, or it may be because of a wide angle objective and lack of correction. Anyway, when you are making a closeup, you should correct those warpings so it doesn't look like your knife bends away from the corners when it's not focused dead center.
Hope this helps, cheers ;)
Nicely done. Remember that the Japanese smiths who get that even core steel reveal have been doing these blades for years. They also usually use a convex grind instead of a full flat grind which is more forgiving in terms of core steel reveal.
12:45 sorry but I think the san-Mai came out great. I love the inconsistency in the patterning. As a woodworker/turner, the defects and flaws in timber gives it individuality and uniqueness. That’s what you have there. The uneven san mai doesn’t affect the knifes functionality but it gives it a ‘one of a kind’ quality that can’t really be reproduced.
It may not have been what u wanted but I think that pattern looks bitchin! Have u started Rockwell testing any blades yet?
Thanks!! I still haven't, terrible! Hopefully soon!!
The blade looks like it had some sort of fungus growing in it. Realy cool looking. I feel that your beating yourself up hear. This is a real unique pattern. I haven't seen anything like this before. Your mistakes are what made this knife so cool. I want it.
I agree with the last commenter Elijah, you are being too hard on yourself. Been following your channel for a really long time and watching the progression of your work has been inspirational. As a fellow knife artist I do get it though. We get this idea and can visualize the outcome before we even get started. Sometimes the end result does not quite match the vision. It is a beautiful piece of work and someone will be blessed to add it to their collection. Keep it up… love your videos and humble nature. Be blessed and continue being a blessing to others!
As usual --👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️🙏
1mm = 40 thou'
25.4mm = 1 inch
You can figure out the rest, I don't use fractions unless I'm making a chariot...
Check out FZ-knives & how he produces woots steel. If you can get a hold of some locally made; try making a billet made out of woots & damascus steels. I would really like to se the result!
Regardless of your personal intentions the blade looks f@#$ing awesome
I especially like the 3d effect
That's a very cool blade. It looks like cloudy, near transparent centre, and the divider between pattern and steel middle looks like 3D effect on it. The only I hate about the video, is the camera at the end review session. where you used the wide angle, nearly fish-eyed lens made it looks like the blade is bent and perhaps shifting some patterns too, I think.
For some reason the core steel looks translucent in the video. Almost looks like ivory, might be the settings on my phone. Awesome effect. Dude, that blade shimmers .
The pattern reminds me of a nebula far out in the universe somewhere. Thank you for the informative narration.
I looked to see if it was listed on your website and couldn't find it. I'm sure it sold before this video even came out. It's a showstopper.
I agree on that the cladding would have looked better with a lower layer count. Many times it's much better to avoid the temptation to produce the higher layer count.
I understand your critic of the blade. Still a beautiful knife I would proudly use in my kitchen.
Good to see you were wearing a mask while working the cocobolo. That stuff is like sanding ghost peppers.
Nickel is a really handy metal in forging, especially when you're working with high alloys or stuff with a lot of chromium in it which doesn't always like to stick, a layer of Ni will more or less glue it together. I use it in San-Mai types of blades a fair bit, especially for the stainless cladding which is already hard enough, but a layer in there will take out a lot of the fudge-factor of maybe having something usable at the end of the day.
It doesn't have the same plastic deformation you get from steels though, so when you see wider areas of Ni in your pattern welds its usually because it'll just squeeze out and around things sort of like if you had two cutting boards and put some dough in between them, press down and the dough will still be between the boards, but very thin + a lot out the sides. Where I've found it most useful is in something like mokume-gane with copper, bronze, brass etc base metals as it does tend to have the same level of deformation as those and a bit more predictable in how it all behaves.
Just on my own observations on san-mai types of knives, you sort of want to get as close as you can to the final dimensions on that final forge weld, which means long, thin billets and then just going in by hand on the final setting with the hammer. So just a light pass or two on the forging and then sort of pick a side you'd like to have a bit more character on in terms of the core-steel exposure to the cladding coverage. Think there's still a bit of a luck factor some days! Some just don't work out how you intend
Thanks for watching, thanks for the input!
I think it turned out awesome!! You make some of the best knives I’ve seen. And am proud to say that I own one!!! I got a bull cutter from you and it has turned out to be a everyday carry knife for me. Keep up the great work!!
I would say happy accident. I really like the it turned out. I get what u wanted, but really like it the way it is. U could never make that look twice. Love it
There are 25.4mm to the inch. So 2mm in inches is around 0.078inch
If you are not happy with the way it turned out you can send it to me!! I would be glad to take it off your hands! Looks awesome!
nice knife.....one of a kind.....that makes it worth more to ever purchased it....
honestly I love the irregularity of the patterns edge! I looks so much like a satellite view of a coast.
Man, that steel was really moving for you putting the tip and bevel to it. Nice knife.
So help me understand, why do some people fold the steal and other cut and stack the steal? Which is better?
great work on the knife and I really enjoyed the breakdown explanation thanks
I feel the pattern is great and you should not feel that falls in the category of " could of done better" I feel the unique pattern is the soul of the blade
I appreciate the indepth look at why what happened but I love the way it came out. Keep it up your doing great work.
It's like Bob Ross decided to start forging knives...!
Very nice and very precious work and I'm sure there's a lot of pride showing through him.
Dude this blade is awesome wiwish I could purchase a beautiful blade like this
I commend you on your work ethic, good sir. Nice blade nice video
Are there other benefits to layering steels other then estetics?
WOW. that is the most beautiful knife I've ever seen.
Love your videos!!
Beautiful blade! The pattern has this controlled chaos look to it that is as unique as it is cool
I appreciate the explanation of what didn't go the way you had planned
Man you're being hard on yourself!
The tang of a Japanese cooking knife is a hidden tang, not a full tang.
thin your 52100 to the desired thickness FIRST... taper it, THEN add the softer (at temp) nickel Steel for the san mi.... 52100 is much harder at welding temp than 1045 or nickel
Looks awesome. How much would that sell for I would love to have one.
Well done the pattern looks good to me I understand your concerns we learn as we go
The pattern is actually quite attractive and unique. As you noted, I'm sure it will stand up to its intended purpose with no trouble. Understand it falls short of what you were aiming for, but a nice piece of work nonetheless that I think anyone would be proud to have in their kitchen. Thanks for sharing!
I think you are being way to hard on yourself. That is a beautiful blade and unique. Imo that patter makes it look look more high end. If the patter is to uniform it make it look more mass produced. At first glance on video it looked like you wrapped steel around a ceramic translucent blade. Truly beautiful.
I know what you were going for, but either way its beautiful
I think the blade looks great. I also really appreciate the after action report.
AAR is a term we dreaded as E4 and below, but as I progressed in rank I understood the value in it for future missions…I may start doing that when I teach bladesmithing in my shop 🤔 great content brotha! 🔪❤️🇺🇸
Thank you sir
I like the pattern. It is a cool take on a traditional pattern.
Beautiful knife. I’ve heard that if you use a straight peen hammer, while still in the billet stage, allows for a more uniform look between the cladding and the core steel. I do agree there is some “muddiness” in the cladding but it adds to the aesthetic of the overall piece imo. Great job brother. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks and Merry Christmas to you too
I so enjoy watching your channel. I have watched a few others but find myself coming back to Fire Creek. Keep up the great content.
Thank you sir!
WOW
fantastic blade, it looks like a coastline. What caused the "shadow" line along the divide between the mono steel and the coating? Excellent video with the critique - great content and very informative.
Thank you, the shadow is where the steel is still dark from the etch, elsewhere the oxides are cleaned off more
Wish I hadn't missed buying that one!
It's cool to see your style of knives come up on my page, I am new to even looking at knife channels, but yours has caught my eye - I havent seen anyone else encase their blades the way you have before melting them down, is that a technique unique to you, or a learned strategy? also, seeing any video on a tanto style blade or a folding knife would be super cool to see, it would be fun to see how your own spin on the project would look like
Thanks I appreciate it! The San Mai or cladding technique is very old, just my take on the design. Thanks for watching!