The Samurai Challenge! Forging a 1000 layer Damascus steel KATANA
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- čas přidán 13. 10. 2023
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OLD HICKORY FORGE said " I have zero training but I do have a sword and 15 beers in my stomach" Please make a shirt with that saying that would be awesome.
I second this motion, can we make this happen, please?
Please yes
ill take two
I'll take two in XL. (he made 'em yet?)
I'll buy that shirt
"I have zero training, but I do have a sword and 15 beers in my stomach so let's see what happens."
That is the single funniest thing I've heard in a long time. Great stuff.
😂 yeah, usually famous last words to lose an arm or a leg but he will probably fabricate a Damascus 🦾 or 🦿
If I write any kind of litRPG as I sometimes think of doing, I am absolutely stealing this line... Too good.
The power of bud, a force from above, cleaving my tatami 😂
Really great build, John!! You put in a ton of work on this sword and it really shows! That mat slice at the end looked so gratifying. I'll be purchasing some entries and hope to own this weapon! Great job, my friend!
That's high praise coming from the likes of Tyrrell knifeworks.
Hi John, how can I contact you? I want to import such pieces of work for my personal collection.
BEST QUOTE EVER!!!
"I have zero training, but I do have a sword and 15 beers in my stomach. So let's see what happens."
Everything we do in life should start with this quote 😂😂😂😂
Man, that was fun! 😆 I feel your pain in having to start over on multiple parts. And oh boy, making a kashira for the first time is brutal... It's so easy to shear it, like what happened to you, or accidentally grind into it later to refine the shape, right? Anyway, congrats on the outcome! It came out great and cuts like crazy. And nice thought about the charity raffle. Keep being strong.
You ain't kidding. It looks like such a simple piece but it's really not an easy thing to forge.
Whit all of the cuts burns and tore up knuckles on my hands from knife, making I was feeling clumsy. Then I saw your hands and arms I guess it's normal. Nice job on the sword thanks for taking us along 👍.
Great to watch you at work. The Burns on your Arms & Hands have already been mentioned. Just consider them to be Badges of Honor. We all get them no matter how hard you try to be careful. Always remember that if you drop a small part you are working on, DON’T reach out and grab it! Red Hot is just that, bloody hot. Consider taking the time to learn the different parts of a Katana and how to pronounce them. It really does add not only to your knowledge but you present yourself better as a Knowledgeable Smith. It all helps. May your Hammer show your Magic.
Man, you talk TOOOOO MUCH !
We're barely on the 3rd minute and you're tiring me out. I try to continue but after I turned off the sound...
7'35" - No really, even with the sound turned off, it's too painful: we have to wait (nothing to see in the meantime) for you to finish your endless blah... blah... blah... and it's boring as death!
I'm giving up.
Before I even watch this, using Damascus for a Katana blade is kind of silly. One clashes with another blade, and it would smash into 210,432 pieces.
That said, yours turned out pretty good so call it art or call it a functional Katana. Just realize that neither are even close to the other and that pretty blade is going to go BOOSH if you hit it hard on anything.
Great video of the sword over the water. That was seriously great framing.
Your humility in acknowledging your mistakes and recognizing when you need help is refreshing. Thank you for this effort. It is appreciated.
Hey John, so sorry about your Dad. I lost my Mom to cancer in 2005 and it still hurts. Stay strong, man. Additionally, your katona is beautiful. The ladder pattern is unreal. Well done sir! Good luck in the challenge! But can it cut through a tank? Nothing to it, really.
I appreciate your balance of being informative and humorous, as well as editing to keep the video to a watchable length. Finally, your skill level is impressive.
For your first attempt at creating the Samuri you did one hell of a job!! the finished item looks brilliant and extremely functional.
All the very best from Scotland..😊
If I learned anything in this video besides sword making, it would be perseverance. You sir, are tough. Overcame hurdles on just about every step of this project. Well done!
"I have a sword and 15 beers in my stomach..." 😂😂😂😂 💀💀💀💀
Killer project brother.
Nice looking Katana, John! Sorry to hear that you lost your dad. I lost mine several years ago and I still shed some tears sometimes.
8:56
This is a bit of a misconception, the length was not based on how tall you were (though that is done in iaido nowadays). This idea mostly came about because of us westerners trying to justify why the ‘standard’ katana we know today was so short. In reality, it got its length and homogeneity because of restrictions placed on them in the 1630s. If you study antique Japanese swords, you’ll notice evidence of shortening (those “messed up” holes you see were just previous holes) on swords made prior to the edo period.
Anyway, amazing video nonetheless! The end product turned out great 👍 I especially appreciate how you didn’t just make the mune flat and tried to emulate the general shinogi zukuri shape
Nothing to it
Edit: Any sword prior to the industrial period will have inclusions, that’s just the nature of historical steels. This is purposefully brought out by Japanese polishers. That only makes the ones with no flaws even more awe inspiring
Nicely done! I appreciate you including some of the areas that fought you and your dedication to push through. The end result was worth it. I’m sorry for the loss of your father.
Glad I found you're channel through these challenges. You definitely need merchandise that has "nothing to it really" on it! Awesome work on the Catani 😅. Glad that you not knowing how to do most of the parts of the katana didn't stop you from this build.
Condolences on your father.
The sword looks great and functions perfectly, and the commentary is hilarious, thanks, John!
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad passing, condolences and prayers are sent.
Hey Man, I'm new here, and I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to explain each part of the process and why you do the things you do. I've learned TONS from you! GREAT video!
I loved the video. For your first katana, it's a piece of art, you can be proud. Your blade is magnificiant, the patern of the blade is amazing. Good job.👍
It kinda cool for Me.
In Japan, Katana's scabbard or sheath they called "saya (鞘)"
The moment when you doing a test cutting always use the right handed and don't use the left handed. Also when you use 1 handed, that mean your left hand is holding a saya (scabbard seath).
41:44 Damn skippy first attempt! As you seemed to really enjoy chopping up the bamboo, maybe try increasing the bow of your next blade. That curve in the blade is what makes the katana such a good slicing weapon. I think you’ll be able to feel the difference in the ease with which you can slice through the bamboo rolls.
I appreciate that you did an explanation for almost EVERY step of every aspect of this job. 9 out of 10 will just show the big things and gloss over (if even bothering to mention) the little tedious work. You show how truly difficult and time consuming smithing is.
Bro, you're now my hero, I'm really into making knives and swords and watched thousands of videos. Yours is my favorite by far. The way you explain everything as you go so ppl will understand is amazing and thoughtful. Not only a brilliant blacksmith but a good person as well. I will be checking out all your sword stuff. Tyvm kind sir.
This has been the coolest CZcams video I have ever seen. Your attention to detail was refreshing. The most amazing sword I have ever seen. Major kudos brother
Your personality alone makes your videos a joy to watch. Your skill is without question. I have No doubt your Father is very proud of you. I look forward to your next build.
Very well done John! All of the setbacks and challenges will be the best at learning this. Truly sorry for your loss John! Thanks again for sharing John!
John, I have been following your channel since you started and have watched you make some really awesome projects; but this one young Sir, had me glued from the get-go and was very impressed with the outcome! So sorry to hear about your Father!
John this was such a fantastic video. From the sword build, to some great smith education on to seeing some great spots of your sense of humor (I LoL multiple times) and then on to seeing the love for your late father at the end. This is an amazing video and I thank you with my whole heart.
As someone who studied the katana for years I salute you. This is beautiful
This video made me wanna get into forging even more. I love making things and I wish I knew someone close to me that did forging, would love to apprentice somewhere and learn. Thanks for this video man!
I think thats an amazing first sword!!! Great job! I would kindly suggest considering acquiring a mini mill or even better an actual full size mill will open a whole world of possibilities! It would certainly make making the tangs easier! Loved the pattern on the blade too btw! So sweet!
I love your attitude ! I've been into swords of all kinds for decades (studied a little fencing/rapier and chinese jian and dao styles and yes a little kendo) and have always loved samurai movies, years ago I was a manager of a gift/cutlery store at a local mall so I've had a lot of experience with mall ninjas/highlanders they are hilarious !
I see now why the charcoal is so clean. In the process of cutting it to size the worst of the dust is lost so the resulting fire will be clean. It does look very similar to Sweet chestnut charcoal, except that you don't get chestnuts for roasting from the woodland! The place I get my charcoal has been a coppiced forest (woodland managed to produce fuel) for over a thousand years, and I can go there and make my own charcoal, which is fun and a good opportunity to sit around a fire (not the charcoal clamp) and swap stories. In the old days the charcoal makers would sit on a one legged stool so they didn't fall asleep!
My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Lost my father at age 63 in 2016, gone too soon. Great work on the katana and I hope you raise a lot of money in honor of your father.
It was amazing to see you refine things and learn in the process. I love how humble you are and calling out any untraditional things that you had to do, but you made a beautiful blade. Loved the “15 beers in my stomach’ comment, lol. Regardless of your training, the geometry and edge are absolutely amazing and it cut beautifully! Awesome awesome job. Thank you for sharing.
If you ever try this again, when you solder the Habaki, use silver solder. It has a lower melting temp than the copper, so it will melt and fill the gap before the copper deforms. It's hard to solder with a torch with two similar materials without melting both the solder piece and the working piece.
Wow, that's one awesome 1st sword. Please keep it up. I'd love to see what you can pull out after the 100th. Oh and my condolences. my mother just passed away from cancer, if I had that sword of yours it might have made it easier for her. Terrible way to go.
Great advice on the oil bath temper tips. I made the massive mistake of over-filling my quench tank and had a major oil overspill and was fortunate to not have it ignite. Definitely prefer doing heat treats and tempers with my extra long Evenheat oven.
I'm sorry for your loss. And as a survivor myself, albeit from Canada, I'm grateful that you're doing such a good thing with the money from those entries. I think your father would be proud of your work.
Nice KATANA. I've done a lot of research on the blade and what I like about you,is you say up front what you know/ don't know about said work. You have my respect. I enjoy watching how you deal with each problem. I wish you and yours all the best.
Love the work as always. I love that your content is super relatable and straight to the point. My condolences for your loss, but he'd be damn proud of this sword for sure.
Great video John!
Wow, that’s some crazy tenacity. I‘d have trashed my whole shop after making 6 habakis and then having the thing accidentally break because the handle got stuck 😂😵
Amazing build, definitely worth the effort.
And sorry to hear about your Dad, my condolences.
As a weeb, I must applaud your butchery of the Nihon language. You cut the pronunciations apart as though you were using a blade forged of impervious steel 🤣
Nah, he's just American, he bludgeons foreign languages with his gigantic 5head
The mix of overt and subtle humor is really a work of art. Instant sub
16:56 Both hecklers and fans of Katanas need to remember that the “Master Japanese Sword Smith” spent 99% of their time making cut-rate swords as fast as they could to arm soldiers during war; during peace time, they largely made farming implements. Their true skill was only ever seen when they took commissions to make Master Swords for Generals, War Lords, and the like.
6' 2 Badazz viking blacksmith warrior thats what you remind of. Really awesome keep at it keep getting better and better God bless.😇💜💪🏾🗡👍🏾
I am a wood worker for 32+ years. Do not worry, you did an awesome job. Man That sword LOOKS AMAZING. The fact that you layered it 1000 times speaks volumes of your skill level. Try doing it 5000 times, then 10,000 times which is what a few of the Katana's are made. History does not show this but I was in the US Navy and stationed in Japan, Yokosuka, and have seen these.
Dude! The most entertaining sword creation video I've ever seen. You've got a great attitude bro. Keep making swords & keep making videos of yourself doing it. Looking forward to your next one.😊 😊😊😊
Definitely not a piece of crap, dude. Thank you for the video and lessons you learned throughout. There's a lot of good information here for the beginner sworx maker
Sworx = Sword. Sorry, I've had some whiskey in my belly!
When using a jewellers saw always sit down to cut,it will allow you to get a better view as you cut and will be more comfortable as you work.As a jeweller i learned this.
This video makes me respect the amount of work that goes into a sword. SIGNIFICANTLY more work than a full tang knife. Beautiful work!
This had to be the MOST unorthodox katana build I've ever seen....and I LOVED IT! I loved how genuine you came across during your process and were not afraid to admit and show your mistakes. Excellent job. Sword looks great and I look forward to seeing your future videos.
Condolences to you about your father. I'm a "III" too.
That was fun too watch! Looking forward to seeing you making more Katanas and refining your techniques
Amazing work, I bet your Dad would be proud.
One of the very best videos I have seen. My prayers for your loss of your dad. Your professionalism and honesty are extremely sharp. I am looking forward to more great craftsmanship in your videos and hope to purchase some of your fine work. 👍🏻🇺🇲
I am a woodworking guy, we make mistakes all the time, trust me. I loved the making of and you did great. I remake pieces of wood sometime 15 times. Your craft is up there with the best. Keep it up.
This so the best one I've seen so far. A big part of this type of sword is the history and having all the pieces.
Awesome job man! That pattern came out great!
Oh that habaki.... What a thing to make. lol I'm sure that in person, the steel looks amazing. It's difficult to capture those subtle details in camera. Great work!
I love watching you, your not afraid of messing up. You just make fun and keep going.
You make me laugh with every video, this was great, love the self deprecating humour and humble honesty with everything you do. great work as always, thanks!
This was a great video all around! Had me grinning from the very beginning and i really love the build!
Condolences for your father.
It looks pretty dang nice! Only one thing I'd like to point out. The menuki are placed "inverted". Like if it was made for a left handed person. They should be the other way around so that you can feel it by the fingertips and not have one menuki in your palm of your hand (is gonna rub and break your skin eventually). This way you can also always feel exactly where and how you're holding your sword bc your fingertips can always feel the exact position of the menuki instead of a random coil in the wrap, without having to look down and take your eyes off your enemy.
And about the habaki, if im totally honest. I actually like how its sort of more smooth and not so "edgy" looking as they do traditionally. This is like a fresh breeze of air.
It's always a pleasure watching you John3 luv your work, work ethic, & what you do for your community, our community, and the brave men & women of our country! Sorry for your loss. John2 is more than proud of you, I'm sure. I look forward to bidding on this and thank you for giving us this chance, sir. God bless
I like that you made the blade with a slight curve thats barely noticeable, versus the more often seen pronounced curve... way cool. ;}
Lovely result. You mentioned extra holes in the tang on some swords you'd seen at the museum; that may be because they were cut down from swords that were used by horse-riders originally. I've seen older swords that have that exact same feature
Great vid to watch! I just made my first ever sword, and of course, i had to go with a Katana....And EVERY hurdle you came across, i went through exactly the same! I wish I had seen this vid before that. lol.
That is a beautiful weapon. To me, you are the New Yankee Workshop of blacksmithing. I am so happy to find you!
some food for thought, 35:28, weld/solder a pair of short pins into the back of the leaves, drill out some holes into the handle using a hole punch on the skin then the drill on the wood, align the leaves, add some glue to the pins x hole, press together, then wrap. It'll help them be more stable in the long run.
additionally, you can make the pins on the back of the leaves work as your mekugi pins if you make them long enough to go through both sides of the handle. in this instance, you would not use glue on the pins, the wrap itself and the tight fit would be enough. idk. just a thought ;)
I understand you, because of your father, my father died on August 22, from bronchopneumonia, caused by Covid, all my support and you have done a great job, nice katana, greetings.
I am just a little into this video, and I will start by saying I’ve never forged anything. I have watched a lot of people forge, and I don’t just mean the common tv shows, but lots of even traditional documentaries. The finessed and attention to detail that you have is pretty awesome. I also think that you really embody the humbleness when you’re like “nothing to it really”, when it’s all the little things really, lol. I may even throw in another comment before the end of this, but I’m really enjoying it and you doing things with the best chances of success like heat treating it thicker, even though it’ll be a lot more work for you later to thin out the edges, etc. Beautiful video, and I wan’t wait to get further into it.
Oh man, I just finished the end of the video and realized I missed this drawing. Oh well, if you ever do this again, let me know. I’ll definitely buy a few tickets for sure.
I been to the Met Museum and yes their arms and armor exhibits are great and they have a good selection from Japan. Last time I was down there about a year ago I was lucky to see a special exhibit about Edo period sword fitting. That era alone made the katana a work of art due to the use of precious metals and motifs.
That is a thing of beauty! Congratulations on such a gratifying outcome! Just beautiful!😊
Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed watching this build!!!
This video has me laughing the whole way through with the epic trolling, and the sword is stunning! I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Good luck!
This ain't about being perfect it's about being amazing and your amazing dude!!!!😊👍🏾
Pain-staking process does not do it justice. You made an awesome Katana for a first go. Absolutely well done my friend.
Your tatami was about half the size I've seen for cutting tests, but full respect to you sir for making an amazing blade!
"This jewelers saw is actually doing a pretty good job cutting through this micarta."
"Turns out, using this thing sucks."
Hes playing with fire. There are thousands, possibly millions, of dorks online who would shoot him in broad daylight for some of the ways he said stuff in here lmaooo.
Its a really cool project to see. A lot of different things hed never do otherwise being done. A cool challenge, i think!
I hope after all that trouble, the smile and laughter when slicing the tatami mat made it worth it.
Rest in peace to your father. God bless.
As an amateur American samurai armor (o-yoroi) maker myself, I can relate to everything in this video 110%! The small, rural home workshop & tools, the solitary & independent long distance research, the backbreaking work, and most of all: the frustrating DO-OVERS!! Love ya brother 💪 🙏 🗡 ⛩️ 🇺🇲 🇯🇵
Great build John! Very entertaining and your CZcams skills have leveled up!
Great vid, loved the build. Thank you for sharing.
You mentioned using Botox in your forging. Side note: after WWII Switzerland would not allow importation of American steel because we used it in the war effort and it was found a failure rate where the steel became brittle and cracked. They didn’t allow importation for many years because they didn’t want contamination of their metals. I’m 83 and my background was I served an apprenticeship for both toolmaker and diemaker that I don’t think they do any longer. My primary vocation was in gages and automation in mass production gaging, manager of a company that only produced lab gage blocks. Side note :we froze and heated in oil 27 time to stabilize the blocks so they wouldn’t grow over time ( measured in millions of an inch later measured at the bureau of standards ).
Hi mate, I'm a blacksmith As well and I am currently building a Sword of my own.. I have got no experience with Building a Sword but is looking OK, and I am very impressed with your skills making a Sword And I would like to get up to the same amount of experience as you So pretty much all I wanted to say was great job. It looks really beautiful. !!
In the Army stationed in Japan, so I had to watch. Great video man. Funny and informative. Don’t listen to the haters. You did what you could with what you had, that’s the American way!
John, 15 beers? We have one thing in common. As to the Katana, nice job from a novice.
I enjoyed every moment of this video. I didn't see any mistakes! If you learn from a misstep it is not a mistake but a lesson learned, which is invaluable.
What causes the true curve is the bi-metal they use. Taco style. They put the softer tamahagani inside the harder. When it goes thru the Harding the two metals force the binds. The hard on the outside is easer to break and the softer on the inside helps keep the outside from breaking from absorbing the shock of hitting something like another sword.
You actually explained little things. Like what flux is and why it’s used I really appreciated the educational value this video gave me. Thanks!!!!
Great instructional video from someone who has never built a Katana before. A beautiful blade all around John. You made me tear up 🥲 at the end. Great way to honor your now late father. I lost my beloved Mom on Dec 4th 2020 at the age of 59 because of complications from the Vid and pneumonia etc… 😢 so I know how you feel brother.
I'm guessing someone already said it, but it's kah tah nah. You're a beast at forging. Love the videos.
Edit: sorry for your loss... And you got the name at the end no problem so no need for my post lol.
For future katana forges I would suggest making sand molds for the tsuba, fuchi, kashira, and menuki and any other metal fittings for the saya that way you can just cast them and save time. It would also allow your to work on wood working so you can get a full rounding for Japanese swords.
Liked the video very much. Enjoyed your attitude and the attempts at humor. I mispronounce words all the time to make my family laugh. First time making a katana.....hell of a job.
Killer work! I love North Carolina is representing in this challenge! Gorgeous katana! RIP to your pops man! Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers
Dang the chatoyant-ness is crazy of the pattern!
That Nanking comment was damn cold dude.....damn cold. Respect.
Only the history nerds among us will get the reference 🤓
The brightness/exposure is so high, I couldn't see the blade clearly, but man was it good watching you having fun building the sword and the cutting the thing at the end 👏🏼
Good deal. I appreciate your work and effort. When I get my cash right I will definitely find you. Thank you.