Welcome back to my workshop, fellow blacksmithing enthusiasts! In today’s video, I’m taking on one of my most ambitious knife making projects yet: forging a custom cleaver from a massive, reclaimed saw blade. This unique challenge combines traditional blacksmithing techniques with modern knife making tools, resulting in a razor-sharp edge and a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that’s perfect for any serious cook or culinary artist. I start by carefully selecting a piece of high-carbon steel from a discarded industrial saw blade. Not only does this reclaimed material provide a sustainable source of premium-grade metal, but it also ensures that the final product is incredibly durable. Through a series of intense forging sessions, I gradually refine the blade’s shape, drawing out its length and crafting the iconic cleaver profile. You’ll see my hand-forged approach in action as I use traditional hammers, tongs, and anvils to form the steel, followed by precision grinding to achieve that perfect edge geometry. One of the key steps in this process is the heat treating and tempering. By carefully controlling the temperature and quenching techniques, I ensure the blade’s hardness is balanced with the right amount of flexibility. This meticulous method guarantees that the final knife blade will hold its sharp edge for an extended period, even under heavy use. Once the heat treatment is complete, I move on to the grind and polish phase, where I bring out a mirror-like finish and razor-sharp cutting edge. Throughout the video, I’ll share some of my top knife making tips and blacksmith secrets, including how to maintain blade symmetry, handle mounting techniques, and the proper way to achieve a comfortable grip. With these valuable insights, you can try your hand at a similar DIY forging project, whether you’re making a chef’s knife, a hunting knife, or another culinary tool. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions. If you enjoy the content, hit that like button, share with friends, and subscribe for more epic hand-forged knife builds. Thanks for watching!
