South African here I'm Tswana not Zulu but I'm really impressed with your craftmanship, I've never seen a blacksmith make such a pretty looking iklwa. The Zulus were the Spartans of Africa. Their prime had many tribes mass migrate in fear. Their peak & expansion was felt in the entire South of Africa but they could never win against Guns and explosives against the European invaders. But Shaka Zulu & his predecessors will always be remembered for their contribution of putting up one hell of a fight against the Dutch & British. We native South Africans have the Zulus to thank for not being enslaved of our land or genocided.
I just found out that some of the worst news John’s home has been wiped out by a mudslide and his wife is missing. He is in the hospital. This is what I’ve been told and wanted to share with you all. Please send out prayers that his wife will return safely and John will recover quickly.
Attention everyone, I don’t know if you saw the news about the flooding and devastation in Asheville. We saw John on an interview in the hospital. He was pretty banged up! Please send prayers and good thoughts for a quick recovery to John. Also prayers to find his wife, who is missing. They lost everything and need you to keep them in their thoughts and help them and the others who were affected, in any way you can!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Been loving your work! I am a decorative blacksmith and fabricator based in South Africa, looking into knife making now. Love the channel and awesome work!
Strong work as usual! After pondering over the sound it would make entering and exiting a body, I started audibly making the sound I assume that I would make as it entered and exited MY body. The wife made me finish the video outside.
Fucking finally!!!!!! Someone actually made a proper awesome zulu spear! Pleasure to watch and worth a like, comment and subscription. Thank you so much for this man
Your pronunciation of the weapon name is pretty accurate really! It's named after two sounds the first is the sound it makes stabbing into an opponent the second is the sound the spear makes upon withdraw from the unfortunate opponent. Ee kwa is phonetically correct.
Wow, blade turned out amazing! Now I want one... I'd bet the extra leftover material inside of the marrow cavity of the ostrich is an osteological artifact since it's a bird. The hollow honeycomb structural reinforcement is a hallmark of Aves going back to the dinosaurs. Makes the bone lightweight, but still durable.
I've just started getting into blacksmithing and have only just run across your channel. went to look at your Etsy store and saw your message. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
I really like the light with darker lines through it, its pretty distinctive. From what little I know of these things I've seen they did do either a wet rawhide wrap like you did or a series of braided weave down the end so when it dries, it shrinks and holds it all together tight. Used to use muriatic for cleaning stainless welds but for forge scale I just found the white vinegar they use for cleaning in a pretty stout 50-50 solution was a lot easier and safer to live with than the acid, safer to dispose of, cheaper and it does it about as fast. Still want to put it outside for the big jobs when its not covered because it'll rust everything!
@HeavyForge, I have Blacksmiths in my Family going back over 2,500 years. I have done some myself. So a bit of advice, one thing that I have found that works well for cleaning metal is Coka Cola or Pepsi. And it might be cheaper than Muriatic Acid.
Columbus Ohio and we met Africa transplants some are nice and some worthlesd my opinion.... But one truly seems like a super person and she highly interested in my Blacksmith hobbyist said in her country it sounds like knives are often referred to as weapons and laws don't allow some are not legal .And spears are illegal but sales for a good price.Might be a black market if you're shipping out of country be careful.. So happy for you having a great work place. Hickory is a great choice of woods.
Its an amazing weapon. One i learned of believe it or not in a scifi novel series. But they called it by a different name. And i think it was the name of a tribe and not the weapon. But that name was "assegai". Likely has no bearing at all but from a martial arts standpoint i thought it was an awesome weapon with potential out the yingyang. Slice / dice/ stabby fun. To me that looks amazing sir.
I once heard, don't remember where, that the iklwa was named for the sound it made when it was stabbed into someone. Poetic in a way, hilarious in another way.
NICE. I really like the pattern. Just the right layer count👍👍 In general, when you buy a bone, that has both ends intact, like that ostrich femur, you should expect it to have marrow inside..... I mean, how should that have gone away?? Go draw some blood with that iklwa👍
It’s rumoured the Iklwa was invented by king Shaka, he watched Portuguese soldiers drilling and saw them using swords so was possibly born the weapon, as previously all southern African tribal wars were fought using 2 throwing spears. Protagonists would stand off throw their weapons then retire from the field the Amazulu developed a revolutionary form of combat using firstly a throwing spear and then instead of retiring would run at their enemies with their enlarged shields stabbing spears and knobkerries (a wooden mace) their shields would clash they would raise the enemy shield to expose the abdomen and stab..
Say John I really like your work I was wondering how much you would charge to make a blade making hammer or dog face I was watching Jesse hu who is a young bladesmith and he has what looks like a 2 lb or more I think more 4 lb maybe and I really would like one like it I have never seen one before in my 65 yrs.
South African here I'm Tswana not Zulu but I'm really impressed with your craftmanship, I've never seen a blacksmith make such a pretty looking iklwa. The Zulus were the Spartans of Africa. Their prime had many tribes mass migrate in fear. Their peak & expansion was felt in the entire South of Africa but they could never win against Guns and explosives against the European invaders. But Shaka Zulu & his predecessors will always be remembered for their contribution of putting up one hell of a fight against the Dutch & British. We native South Africans have the Zulus to thank for not being enslaved of our land or genocided.
Thoughts and prayers are with you John.
I just found out that some of the worst news John’s home has been wiped out by a mudslide and his wife is missing. He is in the hospital. This is what I’ve been told and wanted to share with you all. Please send out prayers that his wife will return safely and John will recover quickly.
His uncle has a go fund me up under this headline " Aid Trey in Overcoming Hurricane Helene's Impact"
Has his wife been found yet!?!?! I just seen what was going on????
@@alfazio047 not that I've seen
Praying hard for him and everyone affected by Helene.
@@Cloudstrife112233 Very worst news on the go fund me update.
Can't imagine what you're going through. Hope you both come out of this horrible time safe and well. Best wishes from the UK/France.
Attention everyone, I don’t know if you saw the news about the flooding and devastation in Asheville. We saw John on an interview in the hospital. He was pretty banged up! Please send prayers and good thoughts for a quick recovery to John. Also prayers to find his wife, who is missing. They lost everything and need you to keep them in their thoughts and help them and the others who were affected, in any way you can!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
That thing is badass! I think that low layer Damascus came out looking great!
Been loving your work! I am a decorative blacksmith and fabricator based in South Africa, looking into knife making now. Love the channel and awesome work!
Prayers and best wishes to John and his family.👍✌️🙏
Strength and love to you from Finland. I hope you have enough close people around you to get through the worst!
That Iklwa looks amazing, as a South African I approve.😂 Nicely done.
Prayers to You and Your familiy from Norway.
Deepest condolences John to you and your family.
Absolutely love the blade! Was so excited to see your video pop up before bed!
Absolutely incredible spear! I need to have your editor win the giveaway on something like this so he can give it to me!!
Strong work as usual! After pondering over the sound it would make entering and exiting a body, I started audibly making the sound I assume that I would make as it entered and exited MY body. The wife made me finish the video outside.
The Zulu's Iklwa was named after the sound it made entering and exiting a body. They used them to great effect at Isandlwana in 1879.
Wow!!! John, that thing is really cool! Great job! Thanks for posting!
john, my thoughts for you and your family, can't think of coping with your devastation. best wishes, Australia
I just saw your video on tic tok. My prayers go out to you. I really pray that Julie is fine. My heart goes out to you
Prayers for John, the cats, and his fiancé. Hope they are all found safe.
I've been following this build on Instagram and you were COOKING with this one! One of my favorite builds you've done so far
I think you did an awesome job friend wait to you see the sickle swords of west africa
Great build, the lower layer count looks nice and bold.
My heartfelt thoughts go out to you. You are one of the inspirations for me to start this trade. Much love from Canada 😢
Fucking finally!!!!!! Someone actually made a proper awesome zulu spear! Pleasure to watch and worth a like, comment and subscription. Thank you so much for this man
Except for the 2x4 collar piece
Very sorry for your loss John.
Very nice work! I really like the blade profile of the spear.
Super cool. Well done sir. I love the Damascus pattern.
I love that pattern on the blade. It's a Zulu spear design, you may have luck learning more about it by researching Zulu weaponry.
DAMN BROTHER, I JUST HEARD, BREAKS MY HEART WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU AND YOUR GIRL FRIEND, PRAYERS, RESPECT ANDMUCH LOVE
Made one 30 years ago, with an 11" Blade and an 11" handle.
One of my favorites.
I saw john on the news the other day.
Tragic!
John I hope your lady friend is found and you have a fast recovery!
Your pronunciation of the weapon name is pretty accurate really! It's named after two sounds the first is the sound it makes stabbing into an opponent the second is the sound the spear makes upon withdraw from the unfortunate opponent. Ee kwa is phonetically correct.
Wow, blade turned out amazing! Now I want one...
I'd bet the extra leftover material inside of the marrow cavity of the ostrich is an osteological artifact since it's a bird. The hollow honeycomb structural reinforcement is a hallmark of Aves going back to the dinosaurs. Makes the bone lightweight, but still durable.
My thoughts and prayers are with you brother. I cannot imagine what you are feeling. Keep breathing my friend
I've just started getting into blacksmithing and have only just run across your channel. went to look at your Etsy store and saw your message.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
My thoughts and prayers go out for John and all of his family in this tragic time.
Awesome piece man! Great craftsmanship as usual.
Nailed it! I'm jealous, John. Will definitely try the Muriatic Acid method.🤜🤛
I really like the light with darker lines through it, its pretty distinctive. From what little I know of these things I've seen they did do either a wet rawhide wrap like you did or a series of braided weave down the end so when it dries, it shrinks and holds it all together tight. Used to use muriatic for cleaning stainless welds but for forge scale I just found the white vinegar they use for cleaning in a pretty stout 50-50 solution was a lot easier and safer to live with than the acid, safer to dispose of, cheaper and it does it about as fast. Still want to put it outside for the big jobs when its not covered because it'll rust everything!
Arguably a higher quality and finer Iklwa head than any historical piece.
I’ve been waiting on this video to post all day. I’ve been following it on instagram and knew how good this was going to turn out.
Neat project! The muriatic acid trick sure seems handy!
Thank you!
All prayers are with you and family mate so sorry to hear about everything.. I hope everything gets better and ur okay mate in the end
@HeavyForge, I have Blacksmiths in my Family going back over 2,500 years. I have done some myself. So a bit of advice, one thing that I have found that works well for cleaning metal is Coka Cola or Pepsi. And it might be cheaper than Muriatic Acid.
That’s fricken cool as hell. You got me thinkin (which can be dangerous) that I may try to make one. Great job!
Really a nice weapon build....thanks for the video
Prrayers are with you man.
Great work John 👍
Outstanding! Bold pattern rocks it.
Columbus Ohio and we met Africa transplants some are nice and some worthlesd my opinion....
But one truly seems like a super person and she highly interested in my Blacksmith hobbyist said in her country it sounds like knives are often referred to as weapons and laws don't allow some are not legal .And spears are illegal but sales for a good price.Might be a black market if you're shipping out of country be careful..
So happy for you having a great work place.
Hickory is a great choice of woods.
Its an amazing weapon. One i learned of believe it or not in a scifi novel series. But they called it by a different name. And i think it was the name of a tribe and not the weapon. But that name was "assegai". Likely has no bearing at all but from a martial arts standpoint i thought it was an awesome weapon with potential out the yingyang. Slice / dice/ stabby fun. To me that looks amazing sir.
An assegai is a spear, any spear, an ixlwa is that specific stabbing spear designed by Shaka
The bone handle is incredible
@Old Hickory Forge I'm watching u just south of Charlotte. Didn't realize u were in NC
Never give up, never surrender.
Hug
Prayers for you
Nicely done John. Looks great.
Praying for you John!
"It's always better to over build than to under build. "
Yes it is!
Q?
Coffee etch?
Other UA-cam in this community. John was effected by the hurricane.
AWESOME! Beautiful handle. But I really don't like round handles, it's very difficult to align the blade correctly during cuts.
Thoughts and prayers Jon. Lincoln County say if you need we have.
Great video
Golden hands.. ❤👑👍
Dude. So sorry to hear about events in your life. Please let me know if I can help in any way. Prayers for all involved.
Ya gotta watch the Shaka Zulu movie sir. Really good movie. Don't know about historical accuracy. But it might help
That's so badass man , good job
I once heard, don't remember where, that the iklwa was named for the sound it made when it was stabbed into someone. Poetic in a way, hilarious in another way.
You should make a membele (hunga munga) that's an awesome African weapon used by the Zande warriors
Zulu ikwa is infact named because of the sound it makes going in and out of flesh.
Really awesome brother. I want to make one now. Lol
wow that blade is so awesome beautiful
What a happy accident, I think the lower layer look is perfect for the project. Another great episode bud, keep up the great work \m/
Superb!
Prayers for finding his girlfriend and friends . Such a horrible situation.
Absolutely amazing work! Love the look of that ostrich bone! ❤ 😎👍
Это кость человека с ноги
So so sorry my friend. God bless you. Tapping the anvil. Peace
Man I hope all is well ,also hope you have a day job like me cause this channel growing sucks
The piece caught my eye bro
@@jamesball7322 yeah that's why I don't release videos that often. Paying the bills comes first.
OMG FANS HE WAS SWEPT AWAY IN THE HELENE FLOODS HIS WIFE IS STILL MISSING😢😢😢😢
NICE. I really like the pattern. Just the right layer count👍👍
In general, when you buy a bone, that has both ends intact, like that ostrich femur, you should expect it to have marrow inside..... I mean, how should that have gone away??
Go draw some blood with that iklwa👍
It will kieel!
It’s rumoured the Iklwa was invented by king Shaka, he watched Portuguese soldiers drilling and saw them using swords so was possibly born the weapon, as previously all southern African tribal wars were fought using 2 throwing spears. Protagonists would stand off throw their weapons then retire from the field the Amazulu developed a revolutionary form of combat using firstly a throwing spear and then instead of retiring would run at their enemies with their enlarged shields stabbing spears and knobkerries (a wooden mace) their shields would clash they would raise the enemy shield to expose the abdomen and stab..
I actually like lower layer count than high layer ones.
Excellent
Very nice!
Say John I really like your work I was wondering how much you would charge to make a blade making hammer or dog face I was watching Jesse hu who is a young bladesmith and he has what looks like a 2 lb or more I think more 4 lb maybe and I really would like one like it I have never seen one before in my 65 yrs.
Hey bud. I make and sell dog head hammers on my Etsy store. Link in description. 💪🏻 thanks for watching!
Peace ✌🏼
Awesome
I’m so sorry brother 💔🙏💔
OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Very cool....
Бедреная кость человека отличное решение.
Amazon has all kinds of books on the subject
That things awesome
Iklwa - yee-kill-wa
👍👍
I'm pretty sure the Zulus made them out of animal bone.
It was the white colonisers that had iron and blacksmith forges lol
1st!
Ah gassy