Forging a Billhook

Рет қаралды 104,218

3 жыл бұрын

Forging a Billhook or brush hook from leaf spring with a handle made from Gambel Oak. These tools are common in some areas for laying hedge rows. But here in the US they are more likely to see use for clearing brushy weeds.
#billhook #brushknife #blackbearforge
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My blacksmiths apron
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RZmask 99.5% dust mask
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Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
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New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
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Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

Пікірлер: 245

@tonetoner8789 3 жыл бұрын

“That’s what I get for having a positive attitude I guess” 🤣

@frinker3920 3 жыл бұрын

I love this guy. He is so wholesome lol

@danwerkman 11 ай бұрын

That will teach you for being optimistic.... 😂 That's exactly how I felt when I forged with found steel. No more😂

@TheJCJexe 6 ай бұрын

I really like that you show “failure” when something cracks or breaks. It happens to the best of us. 👏

@hotelsierra7441 22 күн бұрын

I disagree - just heat an old spring (any old stressed material) to the welding temperature and forge as the first step in making anything. Microcracks are simply welded and then nothing like that happens. 😉

@Moondog-wc4vm 3 жыл бұрын

John, I have so much admiration for your hammer control. Those bevels, on a difficult shape, just from the hammer and anvil are impressive. I hope to get to that stage myself after some more practice! I frequently try one or other of the techniques you show in your videos and not one has been a failure yet. (a few rough attempts, but nothing that can't be rescued so far!) I'm only a rank amateur, but your channel has helped me progress far faster than I ever could on my own. Thank you very much for the instruction that you pass on to all of us. I hope everyone out there appreciates it as much as I do. Best wishes sir!

@joel.sicking4933 Жыл бұрын

John's talent as a blacksmith is amazing. Thank your for your inspiration.

@aidanmcneill1999 3 жыл бұрын

You are the best youtuber on KZfaq in my opinion.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@brysonalden5414 3 жыл бұрын

For what it's worth, I joined the premier part way through, enjoyed the chat, then came back to watch the beginning. I think the premier format works WAY better than live stream; it allows live chat with the maker without distracting during the actual forging. Please do more like this! Thanks, as always, for sharing.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

I tend to agree. I just wish there was a way to extend the premier for a bit longer to catch the last minute questions before it closes the chat.

@TonyUrryMakes 3 жыл бұрын

I agree!

@ztheblacksmith 3 жыл бұрын

Black Bear Forge maybe just put a black screen for like 20 seconds than you could reply to the comments!

@ThePillenwerfer 3 жыл бұрын

Nice to see some Little Giant action.

@stevefarley7014 3 жыл бұрын

“Unbelievable” was hilarious. It’s unbelievable that I didn’t spit my pizza 🍕 across the room when that happened. 😅.

@JohnSmith-gs4lw 3 жыл бұрын

steve farley Actually, it’s very believable because that’s exactly what would happen to me. Just my luck. It was hilarious the way he said it. Kind of morosely.

@stevefarley7014 3 жыл бұрын

John Smith it’s certainly happened to me as well but john’s got no small amount of talent. I’ve seen John in person and he’s even good actor. Wouldn’t shock me if this was partially staged, not that he would ever admit to it! Either way it made a fantastic video!

@T-iu5qw6kl2s 2 жыл бұрын

He has done his work with complete honesty. Excellent billhook.

@nateculver1903 3 жыл бұрын

Some folks call it a sling blade, I call it a kaiser blade, mmm hum... Karl Childers from movie Sling Blade. First words that came to my head when I saw it. Nice job!

@3870TheDad 3 жыл бұрын

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. You know I've been 'hooked' on your channel from your start. Keep it up.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

@Roadkill3120 3 жыл бұрын

For a short moment, at 23:10, i had a phantasy of you, running after the deer, screaming and waving your new billhook...

@user-jx8hg6lm2o 3 жыл бұрын

Good to see you using that wood shop of yours too

@jamesreyes4184 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful work john! Sharpening on the curve is no fun and you did a great job sir!!!

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@PrestonMcDowell-tc8wg Ай бұрын

I like it. I may try this project as well. Great job.

@ga5743 3 жыл бұрын

You make the best close up shots. Thanks for that John. Sweet tool.

@bennyhill3642 Жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thingy.. those were Great close ups!

@paolobuffa6889 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful creation, similar to the English billhook type. In Italy the handle is made with leather sheets, held together by a steel washer, often in the shape of a hook to secure it to the belt. It amazes me that you have never had a billhook in your hands: it is a very widespread tool in Europe and India, and even dates back to the Roman Empire (some have also been found in the excavations of Pompeii). I wish you to appreciate its excellent qualities.

@LordofTheLords5 3 жыл бұрын

The Billhook is probably the most sexiest blade design I’ve ever seen, wonderful work!

@rickfabin5472 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your failures and explaining the salvage spring issue 👍👍👍

@aktrapper6126 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this, a billhook is the next project on my list for blacksmithing. While I don't have a power hammer I do have two nice anvils so I'll be doing the old fashioned way.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to help

@ethanw8205 Жыл бұрын

We used to use those Billhooks for harvesting Sugar Cane by hand. They make one with a 4 or 5 foot long handle for brush clearing, (helps keep you away from snakes). As always another great video, thanks John.

@ianmcgougan1173 Жыл бұрын

Watching from Sweden. I usually watch Torbjörn Åhman but I now have a new favourite. Love your videos!

@BlackBearForge Жыл бұрын

I must admit that Torbjorn is my personal favorite. Welcome to the family.

@danbreyfogle8486 3 жыл бұрын

I wasn't sure what the premier thing was when I saw the announcement this morning, but I was in my shop working so didn't take time until now to watch. This likes a handy tool, it would be real handy reaching under my spruce trees where weeds think they can safely hide.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

It was a spur of the moment thing when I got the video done this morning. Just an opportunity for some live chat during the first viewing of the video

@kurtisengle6256 4 ай бұрын

I own a bill hook machete, made by Fiskers. My report : A very powerful tool, but also hazardous. If you strike straight down... after the blade passes through the work object, it will be pointed at your shin. ALWAYS use the bill at an angle, never straight down. Unless you are striking dirt.

@jeffgrier8488 3 жыл бұрын

I really like your version of the billhook, it's a good looking tool that will do it's job for a long time i'm sure!

@stoneinthefield1 3 жыл бұрын

I have been watching a well known hammer maker on youtube that must not have watched your power hammer safety video. I wish he would. Love your channel Sir.

@JacobE-23 3 жыл бұрын

I've got a fiskars one I use for camping. Works great for just about everything from kindling to splitting about 5 inch rounds. I've never sharpened it since I got it probably bout 7 years ago things still sharp as hell. And man I abuse the piss outta that thing lol. Love it so much

@SkyForgeVideos 3 жыл бұрын

YES! THANK YOU!!! This is perfect for a concave blade, plus I've been looking for a good billhook tutorial! I can't wait to try making one! Thank you for taking the time to do a video like this! ... No way!!! I didn't see the break coming! And you kept going! Like a boss! Extra kudos for you!

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@matthiasherzog5201 3 жыл бұрын

4:00 I like the enthusiasm you put into shaping your piece of metal. I have seen many blacksmiths rest their hammers after two strikes.

@achmadabdulbp3mks Жыл бұрын

I like watching your videos, my father is a blacksmith. I'm proud of him

@johnvradenburg6477 3 жыл бұрын

another great vid, i hope someday i'll be lucky enough to watch you do that in person

@olddawgdreaming5715 3 жыл бұрын

Good looking tool you made John 👍👍 !! That would get a lot of brush cut for sure. Thanks for sharing with us.

@AndyColglazier 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice! I can see one in my future.

@shanek6582 3 жыл бұрын

You’re voice sounds like Ron Swanson, which is awesome lol.

@angryblacksmith7675 3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣👍

@mandolinman2006 3 жыл бұрын

Except when he had the mask on while grinding. Then it was more Darth Vader running a marathon.

@melanisticmandalorian8909 3 жыл бұрын

Your*

@shanek6582 3 жыл бұрын

@@melanisticmandalorian8909 👍, I don’t know how I did that lol but I’m not gonna edit it!

@clydebalcom8252 3 жыл бұрын

I've used one before. The one I used was awesome. I think it was older than me 😂

@marcerivest6204 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job as always, loved the fact that you used some of the other tools that you made a while ago. A thru craftsman.

@mikes1345 3 жыл бұрын

Sure like when you are making tools. That first style of hand grip was a good idea till the snafu. But the finished project does make a handy tool and will last longer than the stamped metal tools in the box stores. Thanks.

@douglasfathers4848 3 жыл бұрын

Hi John i hope one day that I have 1/2 the hammer control that you have. Just watching you shape that curve and then the bevels wow. Also making and fitting the handle you make it look so easy.

@matthewmarting3623 3 жыл бұрын

I watched some of your videos when you first started and I have to say your video filming and editing skills have grown tremendously in this time. Really well put together video! Next you can make a billhook- the medieval weaponized version of the bill!

@ghill1010 3 жыл бұрын

Love the new camera angles on the anvil. Still learning lots. Been far to long since I’ve watched.

@TonyUrryMakes 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed on camera angles

@rmj7306 3 жыл бұрын

I love this. Finally a great vid on how to make one. My favorite blade pattern

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like it!

@johnjude2685 3 жыл бұрын

I made one from a large rasp, mounted mine on a reversed double blade handle and it swings great. Thanks for your teaching and I miss catching your live stream, I was checking for you earlier but didn't pick your broadcast.

@advance9572 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing KK just made one just like it the other day. Looks great John 👍 , thinking of making one for myself....

@Qrunch 2 жыл бұрын

Not far from the look of the one I have, which belonged to my great grandfather. Love it!

@richardsolomon8076 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome job John, I have heard other smiths talk about starting with a normalisation cycle right away on recycled spring steel to realise years of work stress, very nice billhook 👍

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

That would be a good habit to be in

@goshnodo 3 жыл бұрын

Funny, I just made a purchase at Pieh tool for some odds and ends myself. Even though I live in Alaska I consider them a local business I support because my folks live in Camp Verde just down the street from them. Cheers.

@aberam1 3 жыл бұрын

Your production value has increased so much from the first videos to now. Keep up the great work!

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton!

@benjamindejonge3624 2 жыл бұрын

Down here we use them as the palm tree leave remover, for that I make them a bit larger

@johndowe7003 3 жыл бұрын

Finally a anvil that doesn't ring like a bell. Also ditch the springs and use truck axles

@hannemannironworks1651 3 жыл бұрын

Looks great John

@Dfrantz87 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video John!

@ddietz1980 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you for the continued inspiration and education!

@jimreynolds343 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, John. Perfect size

@moonshinerphd9523 3 жыл бұрын

Hey John, that looks an awful lot like a kaiser blade. Some folks call it a sling blade, I call it a kaiser blade... mmmm-hmmm. Billhook or short handle kaiser blade, it made short work out of that tree. Great job!

@kevinhansen2182 3 жыл бұрын

Great job. You always make it look so easy

@Roadkill3120 3 жыл бұрын

Could you do a video on moving material? Perhaps not do a new project but take existing footage and explain which hammer you use, where you strike, (and why) which order you choose for different parts, etc. I think that would be really interesting!

@dip30ful 3 жыл бұрын

There is a video on forging a mini axe necklace. Thought it was a great beginner idea as the material is small but still punching holes and shaping the eye, etc. Would love to see some small projects on here. I'm new to smithing but this is my favorite channel.

@garygraham2974 3 жыл бұрын

I love it you did a sweet job

@5x535 3 жыл бұрын

Swing that hammer!!! John was "Getten with it" right there at the beginning drawing the tang out!

@leonildonunessousa9486 3 жыл бұрын

congratulations, this is beautiful work.

@maoribaca2655 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@lencecchetto 3 жыл бұрын

Came out good John. Nice bill hook

@oficinadobarbanegra9062 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing job congratutlations!!

@johnjude2685 3 жыл бұрын

Enjoy your writing notes to show for me to learn,Yes a good tool for the suburban or the wilder.country. Thanks Mr Switzer, thanks for teaching

@whiskeyinthejar24 3 жыл бұрын

That was a very enjoyable episode. Thanks 😀

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@clarklindquist8137 3 жыл бұрын

Love this. Your knife making skills really shine here too. Nicely done

@marty01957 3 жыл бұрын

That looks like a great tool, John! Good video.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@paulwharton3488 3 жыл бұрын

Great timing for this project. We just bought some property that needs some clearing and I just happen to have some old springs to work with. Thanks

@NeilGraham.I.M.F 3 жыл бұрын

Great work! Now the work starts

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

That's the plan!

@andyhalman996 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video my friend just awesome

@Arthurian. Жыл бұрын

I was reading about billhook blades and how they're the European route on work blades and likely even s precessor of the kukri once it met with the falcatta, before it started making it's way to SE Asia. Just some fun history

@terrymott9282 3 жыл бұрын

John loved that project.also nice timber in the back ground for my sawmill to bad I live in nova Scotia Canada just started blacksmithing last year .learned a lot from your channel keep up the good work.

@davidweeks1997 3 жыл бұрын

This is where an induction tool would work wonders on tempering options.. No-limit smithing. I'd epoxy that handle crack too, like you'd need to hear that. :-) Kind of adds new meaning to the phrase: "Get to the chopper!"

@benwarren2559 3 жыл бұрын

Always very much enjoy your videos I always take something new great video thank you for the inspiration

@TheOldaz1 3 жыл бұрын

Certainly different to your usual "hooks", nice job. Thanks John.

@robphone4895 3 жыл бұрын

Usefull project! I have been using the knitted gloves for about 1 year now and I like them a lot. Better grip/fit and even beter heat protection than the hot mill ones. BTW Gargoyle spotted!! 😀

@vincentgolden5352 3 жыл бұрын

I have used to many of these to remember my Pap made one on a axe handle for cutting heavy brush but we had plenty of this kind for misc work trimming pine limbs and what not. Takecare and keep safe

@sunqwest1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Always learn something...

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@starlight8298 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve always loved these tools, so very usefull for lots of different jobs ! Thanks teacher , I’m always learning , sometimes it’s something really simple I justNever thought of befor , like heat brick on anvil to protect anvil from hot metal when softening the spine with a Chunk of hot steel at the end ! :)

@JohnSmith-gs4lw 3 жыл бұрын

Finally some grinder video! You knife maker, you. 😉

@Zogg1281 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice! I love using Billhooks as they just feel so natural in the hand. I have a machete as well but it just doesn't have the same feel to it..... probably due to weight distribution or something. 👍

@rcwheeler34 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I actually just made something similar for a buddy of mine, except it was sharpened on both sides and mounted on an axe handle as it was a reproduction of an antique knife used to harvest tobacco leaves

@listentodave 3 жыл бұрын

I use Pieh Tool to order supplies for my school metal shop!

@iancrump4369 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video mate love it keep um coming thanks John 🔥⚒️🔥👌

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@duaneaubuchon9453 3 жыл бұрын

I really like your work and your videos sir nice job!!!!

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@SmithingSkill1 3 жыл бұрын

Nice man

@mikejeffers6371 3 жыл бұрын

Nice

@torporvasflam8670 3 жыл бұрын

PBS should air your show like they used ro air carpentry and painting shows in the past.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

While it would be an honor, it sounds to much like a real job

@leonardmettlach2614 3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge haha 😋

@stephen33 3 жыл бұрын

I think he got it blue on one side. The magic of editing and camera angles.

@TalRohan 3 жыл бұрын

Good call on the hardening, I use billhooks a lot and people are forever hitting stones and wire when hedge laying. I couldn't see if you put a washer on the end of the tang (usually the case with that pattern) but overall looks like a really nice job and certainly did the business. I like it

@georgecuyler7563 3 ай бұрын

I found a new forger and thought I'd check him out and a lot of think think think, instead of thump thump thump like you have. I didn't even look at his name, just saw a new face and clicked. What took you a few swings took him a good ten minutes or more..

@jamesbarisitz4794 3 жыл бұрын

That's a worker! Reminds me of stuff in those drug cartel fight scenes in movies. Or a pineapple plantation. 👍

@ivysinistra Жыл бұрын

Hey, I have that same 2x72!

@caleblandry1780 3 ай бұрын

Would love to see you make a African style machete the ones with the larger top for chopping I have a old one that I restored for my father but it’s getting pretty done and I been thinking about making him a brand new one

@hacgarimman9660 3 жыл бұрын

Great work John, used here in the UK mainly for hedge laying

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know if anyone in the US lays hedge or not. Mostly they seem to see use for light brush work and limbing low branches. I have even seen a reference to using them for the construction of military palisades several hundred years ago.

@hacgarimman9660 3 жыл бұрын

They were laid for livestock control so should imagine humans wouldn’t be too much of a problem🤣. You nearly had a good pleacher on that oak coppice when you demonstrated it in use at the end. Great work John. Your a very inspiring gent. Keep up the fantastic work