FORGING AN ARROW HEAD, full process.
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2022
- Will Sherman is an amazing Fletcher and Arrowsmith, I went down to see him at his workshop to talk and chat about making arrows and to watch him forge a "type nine" medieval arrowhead of the kind we will be using in our upcoming tests.
The reason was to make a fundraising film for our Arrows vs Armour2 project, but it was funded almost immediately (thank you equally amazing people), so this film was not needed. But we decided to put it out because we really like it, so just ignore any references to fundraising because we have all the finance we need.
We hope you enjoy this film and rest assured, the preparation for the Arrows vs Armour2 film is well underway.
You can find Will and his arrows here here: www.medievalarrows.co.uk/
Production replica weapons are available here todcutler.com
And T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.com
Custom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Please please PLEASE just “hang out” with some other people! This was fantastic. Particularly love the end just watching the whole process.
Can we have Todd hanging out with Todd Cuttler in this way so we can see how the knives are made?
I will try - I really enjoy it too
Quantum, I do. I have a film coming soon that you may enjoy of me making a rondel dagger
@@tods_workshop could you please upload just the end without anyone speaking? I would love to have a medieval soundboard coming from these things.
Jason his squeaking cart is another one for example.
@@QuantumHistorian He has an older video showing how he makes his maces, one of my favorites of his.
As a hobby blacksmith I found this very interesting to watch. Will's experience really shows, as does his precision hammer use. I was a little surprised at how cold he worked the metal at times, but it always worked out and prevented additional heats and time. Again, I think that's his experience showing through. And he makes the socket creation look so effortless, where I am sure I'd be making a mess of things.
I agree completely! The amount of work it takes to build this level of precision is pretty amazing. As for the temperature he's working with. Iron, and even mild steel, can be worked quite a bit colder than carbon steel and tool steel but some of it comes from the camera and lighting making it hard to see the temperature. You don't want to move a lot of material in the lower temperatures but you can certainly tweek and planish and adjust if you're gentle about it. You can actually work the material with a hammer from cold and get it up to red hot pretty quickly by compressing the metal instead of stretching the metal. If you learn to bevel your knives and tools with a compression technique instead of a pinching or drawing technique you can maintain forging temperatures for a lot longer, esp. with very thin pieces. I consider it a bit of a party trick to light my BBQ grill by hammering the end of a piece of mild steel until it heats to red and using it like a match.
The reason the iron is worked cooler than expected is that the cooler the work the easier it is to control the spread and thickness of the socket walls. Hammer work on very thin iron requires great skill. Too hot and too heavy a blow and the iron will deform and "dimple" which will make the wall too thin.
Too cold and the iron will split.
This man's skill is 💯 🥰
@@Spinningininfinity That absolutely matches my experience. Soft, thin metal is super-easy to deform. I remember the first time I tried to make a thin copper scoop, I wrecked my first 2 or 3 attempts.
Is wrought iron different to modern steel, in how ductile it can be? Would the silica content make it a little more plastic at lower temperatures? Or is it the other way around?
@@Mikey__R wrought iron work hardens in much the same way that non ferrous metals do but it can be extremely ductile. Wrought iron is still preferred for lots of decorative projects like scroll work in doors and windows or gates and fences. Historically it was also preferred for things like hinges and fittings because it was easy to work to a precise shape and once it got to that shape it would be work hardened enough to want to stay where you put it.
It took him about 6 minutes to make one arrowhead, not rushing too much, which if he needed to hit 100 of them would have taken 10 hours of non-stop work to do. Holy crap.
I'd say ~5h.
Mass producing them instead of doing one from start to finnish will cut the time a lot.
@@XtreeM_FaiL It depends. I can't keep track of more than about three irons in the fire before I get confused and burn one. You could probably speed things up a bit that way, but the fact the bar is already hot, and doesn't need a cold start is already an advantage.
That said, I'm not an arrow-smith, just a humble blacksmith (although I have made a few arrowheads over the years). Maybe Will can shed some light on it.
@@danioshea You need an apprentice. :P
It was just a guess. 5h is probably too optimistic, but I still believe it is doable.
I know nothing about black smithing (exept the old master gives iron he is holding to his apprentice thing).
Doing things from start to finish is the slowest method, but then again it keeps quality level high.
@@XtreeM_FaiL you assume multiple people working though, so each one can focus on one task, but they talked about how one smith was told to make 100 in a day
@@chrisbolland5634 No, just one person.
Back in the day they did not have what we have today. A high quality raw material.
Hadn't considered before how a reliable size and weight are needed to make the arrows shoot consistently. All that with hand tools, really quite amazing to watch.
It is done even with modern arrow pieces by professionals who are good enough to see the difference in slight changes in the machine built pieces in their shooting.
At 15:27, he cleanly picks up the hammer behind him without turning around. Loved that.
Excellent video, as always. I've been a bladesmith for more than 10 years now and I've only made a couple dozen arrow heads and a few socketed tools. I've never made a socket this clean. Will Sherman makes these things look so naturally easy, not to mention that these were made super quick without any kind of rushing. It's great to learn that there's always more work to be done.
Yeah, his hammer skills are insane!
Good video! Can't wait for the arrows v. armor sequel 👍
Really looking forward to the second film, and good man for not taking advantage of people potential still giving beyond what was needed, respect :)
Never again will I raise an eyebrow at the price of Will's arrows. Wonderful & illuminating to see the effort & skill needed to make just one arrow head. I'd love to see the rest of the process.
I didn't expect to watch the whole process a second time without anyone even saying anything, but found I couldn't tear myself away.
Wow, I love the look of that workshop with the laid brick and separate wells for the forge and quench and I'm not sure what else. I did a little blacksmithing a few years back and I'm always amazed to see how fast and efficient it can be at the pro level. Really wish we could see behind the brick wall though to see how his bellows setup works. Don't suppose he also youtubes to show us all himself.
I noticed that the bellows pumped up and continues to blow for a bit with gravity deflating it. Quite ingenious.
If you look back through Townsend's videos of 18th Century living in the Americas you'll find one showing the restoration of an old set of bellows. It *is* quite ingenious, but the mechanism is also quite simple. And, at that point in time, basically unchanged for centuries.
@@christopherreed4723 Thanks, I'll look for that. It's funny but a lot of old techniques are remarkably effective and deceptively simple.
At 15:47 you can get a short glimpse at the bellows.
Seeing this go from start to finish with no cuts was so cool. Great video!
I highly suspect that a medieval high-production blacksmithing shop would have one young boy working the bellows constantly while several smiths using the same forge would be working two arrowheads (or whatever) at once, shaping one on the anvil while the other arrowhead is reheating in the forge and trading them out every several seconds. Note that the smith in this video loses almost half his time waiting for the arrowhead to reheat.
I think an experienced smith can work 2-3 pieces at a time without a big hassle.
I agree, I suspect he could have 2 or 3 on the run at the same time and yes a bellows boy would have been used then, just trickier to get these days!
Water powered drop hammers and bellows existed early on, along with gigs and dies to speed things up. Also, examples of big iron pieces are well beyond what can be done with hammer and sledge.
This was great fun. I worked all day chomping at the bit to get home and watch. I cannot wait for the big one but these prelims are full of good context and exceptional skillsets.
Splendid addition. Also looking forward to the next leg of that Armor vs Arrows 2.0 🤘
Hi, Tod.
What you guys are doing, the content you guys are uploading, it's so refreshing and wholesome compared to much of what floods the social media platforms today.
Your genuine excitement and curiosity is contagious. That you guys got the funds raised so quickly speaks volumes, not only to the loyalty and engagement of your audience, but to the quality and integrity of the content you and the rest of the "arrows vs. armour"-crew produce. The fact that you're telling us to stop donating because you've now got what you need, supports the notion that you guys are genuinely excited to make this thing, not just milking the cow.
Keep doing what you do, all of you. I'll tune in. Thank you.
-Some Norwegian fellow.
Fascinating- I've sometimes wondered how they managed to mass produce arrows in an age of hand-crafted manufacture, and this goes a long way to show how it could be achieved. Will Sherman seems to be able to make one of those in about 7 minutes, so with long enough hours of daylight 100 in a day seems plausible, if a daunting and gruelling task. I wonder whether medieval arrowsmiths might often have worked with an apprentice, who could have manned the bellows, fed and stoked the furnace, and maybe have taken over occasionally to give the smith a break? That would make the physical side of it less punishing, at least.
Mass production was very much a thing.
Picture like 10-20 master smiths
Double that of smiths of middling skill
And double that of apprentices.
All working together to make huge quantities of metal work in a day
Nice to watch a master at work. 👍
Truely, this is a masters work. How fast, precise and clean he pops this arrowhead out. Astonishing! I'm totally baffled!
This is a hobby I've always wanted to explore, but never managed it. My maternal grandmother was a Gowan, that emigrated from Glasgow to Canada, so I know blacksmithing is in my blood. These were the true magicians from their time.
A great video!
One of the truths I knew ..... but did not realise I knew, was how niche the different jobs were. And how protected!
Once again, thanks guys!
That Arrow vs Armor II is gonna be epic. Very happy that it was funded so fast.
Excellent, thanks!
It amazes me to watch a craftsmen turn a piece of metal rod into an arrowhead or other useful item only using hand tools.
Brilliant to watch a craftsman at work and the explanation of the process. Really illuminating.
Not a criticism, but in earlier video's there was mention of case hardening or "steeling" which may have been done - If Will ever gets round to making a vid where that process, or at least what they may have done, is explained in relation to his making of his arrow heads that would be every bit as interesting. Great vid and I look forwards to the testing these heads will be engaged in. The Breastplate vid is superb with the team.
czcams.com/video/jONN5lOYXto/video.html
Similarly, I'd like to learn the difference between brazing and fire welding that was mentioned in the video
the mark of the genius: making a very difficult process look easy while at the sime time talking, discussing history... just... amazing work, enjoyed the video very much.
thank you very very much for all your hard work, it's inspiring.
absolutely fascinating, lovely to see the process done end to end.
I was mesmerised. A wonderful video,thank you.
I was mesmerised. Wonderful video,thank you.
Lovely watching a craftsman at work.
What a star. I love watching craftsmen doing what they do. It's one of my favorite parts of CZcams. Instead of contributing to the Kickstarter, as it was closed, I bought a quillion dagger. I just got it a couple days ago and it's a beauty. Thanks
Brilliant video and thanks to you both for it. The first time I've seen an arrowhead made from scratch and the work involved. Great watching how Will uses the anvil and the tools, and it makes you think back to the era of the Hundred Years War and the arrowsmiths making these by the thousands, then passing them on to the fletchers etc for finishing the arrows.
Loved watching the whole process from start to finish! And the historical aspect of it is simply incredible!
Tod, I love your work and the integrity you have to your audience. This was fantastic to watch and I can't wait to return!
Thank you
@@tods_workshop
Forging This?
czcams.com/video/ntCqbZ631jA/video.html
🤔
That was so informative and I want more of such content of seeing how things are done and explained the reasons for doing this or that!
Awesome work and please continue!
Mesmerizing and oddly soothing. Great watch.
Great film, Tod! As always, it's a pleasure to watch!
Always a pleasure watching a skilled craftsman work!
This Todd to me was one of your best videos, how the arrow heads were made and your questions ticked all the right boxes, the forge area was well designed and very functional. Also the different guilds required for a completed arrow. Double thumbs up...
You know how proficient someone is at their craft by how easy they make it look. Amazing!
Your channel is so great. I really enjoy what you and a number of others do on the internet, to help the world learn. Fantastic. So glad I backed the kickstarter.
Absolutely fantastic loved it
Thanks for this one Tod. It's real entertainment watching you two talk the trade. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
The design of the bellows is simply ingenious.
As always - superb
These channels and The Wallace Collection are possibly the most interesting, educational and entertaining on CZcams.
I’m literally champing at the bit to see how, and where the most important elements of a forge are made especially the anvils and also the bellows arrangements.
Sorry for fanboying like I did at Tewksbury, was just a complete surprise to see you there for some reason haha. One day I hope to have a stall there myself with my forge :) great to see these kinds of videos.
No worries, it is an amazing and amazingly odd place and it all just adds to being Tewkesbury
@@tods_workshop It was our first time visiting and first time at anything of that scale! Saw a lot of great craftsmanship especially from Dave Budd, there was also a few stalls that uhhh had questionable quality to put it nicely. Still a fun day out for sure :)
Yes! Enjoyed it immensely! Lovely old type forge and I just love those beautiful old bellows! That anvil has seen a lot of use. I’ve never seen one with some much wear around the main hardie hole! 😅😅👏👏👏👏👏
Its A genuine plesure to watch more hot work done over cold work .
Even when mass produced the craftsmanship is vital. It takes great skill to produce fast and good. Far more than just good.
I love this bloke's Forge! I wish I had a work shop like this nice.
So fun to watch!
Awesome!
Lovely watching that. It makes me want to try it out
This is the best sort of video.
Fantastic experience! Thanks for the video.
I enjoyed this from beginning to end. Thank you.
Tod thank you again for what you do, really enjoyed the video!
Very enjoyable and informative video. Thanks
what a great channel, really enjoying the vids. Thanks.
Loved this! Thank you for your great work!
I always look forward to your videos!
Made it look easy! Amazing!
Super nice!
Super cool!
Congrats on the kickstarter success. I look forward to the videos to come.
Todd you provide a great product your entertainment is priceless there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to ask for money everybody else does.
Never got round to the Patreon thing
Fascinating. Thank you!
Awesome love this break from the usual
Awsome video. Thanks.
Beautiful.
Like a lot of people I always thought of arrows as a stick with a pointy thing on one end and feathers on the other. No wonder they cost so much even in those old days. Retrieving arrows after a battle must have been a big (worthwhile) job. Thanks for the great video.
Tod your channel is like what my teenage brain imagination always wanted to see in person! all these amazing craftsman you meet and also the tests you do and demonstrate the way you go right into it all amazing channel , these videos are the bollocks mate
Excellent.
I don't think I've ever heard a youtuber say "please don't give me money i already have enough." Classy
Nothing to say but thanks. Very interesting. Love all the handwork you showcase on the channel!
Sweet! I'm glad you recorded another video of hanging out with Will - in the previous one he seemed to me too busy with work and a bit grumpy, while he's not really like that :)
Amazing work as always
That was great. Do more in process vids at blacksmith shops please! Just watching him work has already given me ideas on process and technique and possibilities!
Great content 🏹🏹
I've been to St Briavel's, lovely place. Didn't realise it was quite so influential. Fantastic to have the process explained and then just watch it uninterrupted.
Congratulations on the first announcement I have ever heard NOT beseeching me for a donation. Very cool of you to say, "We've got enough dough. So just relax and enjoy our video."
That was a fascinating video
keep on the great work
Thank you.
Dude is a master at work. Really neat video.
Fascinating to see this.
Thanks
Good work
Thank you , Tod .
🐺
Yups, this dude definitely has done this before...absolutely satisfying to watch every move he makes being optimised specifically for this.
Expand this sort of thing for other crafts as well!
It was super interesting to watch. Thanks for these discussions.
Glad you enjoyed it and super interesting to be there
I have a set of Will's arrows with lovely Victorian field target points on them. Works of art.
That is a lovely Anvil!
He makes that look so easy, made skills that one
Love it!
As a beginner blacksmith, I found this very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Very interesting to watch! His experience shows, It would be nice to see how some of the other guys work, who will be helping put together the kit for the big project
Watching a true craftsman work is such a joy!
Always - whatever they are doing
Great speaking with you at Tewkesbury Tod, thanks for taking the time 😎
A pleasure
I found this very interesting to watch , cheers for uploading this video Todd good on you mate :-)