Forging a Japanese Tanto
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- Ilya forges a traditional Japanese Tanto from tamahagane. Not only does he forge the nihonto tanto , but he also offers a brief history lesson of what was going on in japan during WW2. Speaking of WW2 be sure to check out Kards who sponsored this video : www.kards.com/... and is available for free on Steam. This Documentary style video is a lot like the forging of Tanjiro's Katana, but we used a different construction method for this tanto and the historical talk that goes along with the build is much much different. Ilya has put a lot into not only researching how to forge a nihonto tanto, but into the lecture on some historical aspects of Japan that goes along with it.
Please consider supporting us by sharing this video to help spread the word and visit www.ThatWorks.... to see what products we have available.
Thanks to our shop sponsors:
Red Label Abrasives - www.redlabelab...
Brodebeck Ironworks Grinders - www.brodbeckir...
Harris Torches - www.harrisprod...
Evenheat Kilns - www.evenheat-k...
Lincoln Electric - www.lincolnele...
ISOtunes - save $10 with code ThatWorks10 - bit.ly/36bAa4V
Pepe Tools - pepetools.com/
Videos Shot, Produced and edited by - Matt Stagmer
Co-producer - Ilya Alekseyev
Brand Manager - Chris Cash
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Helpful purchase links for creators and craftsmen
www.amazon.com...
A Great Starter Anvil - amzn.to/2PE1MYF
Camera Starter Pack for Content Creators - amzn.to/2QgdUjS
Great Forge for Beginner or pro - amzn.to/2Rhh1Fy
Snazzy Safety Glasses - amzn.to/2VkDfvm
Chris' Favorite Face shield - amzn.to/2Po9EvG
Rigid Double Horn Anvil - amzn.to/2IRmCRl
Powerline Video Editing Software - amzn.to/2THr0pa
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Music by - Epidemic Sound
Help support the channel and us as artists by becoming a patreon.
Ilya's Patreon - / slavicsmith
Matt's Patreon - / mattstagmer
Follow us on Instagram to track progress on these and other projects.
#japanesetanto #Kards #Katana
Matt's Instagram - / mattstagmer
Ilya's Instagram - / slavicsmith
Chris' Instagram - / mt_phillip_metal_works
![Forging a [Viking] Seax from Blister Steel - Feat Valkyrik Soundtrack](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JCVOMCCH0ao/mqdefault.jpg)
Be sure to check out Kards www.kards.com/signup or Download it for free on STEAM today !
I love these kinda builds. It always has me wondering..what would a top tier smith from 500 years ago be able to do with modern tools. It would be faster for sure. But what insight or knowledge would they bring to modern techniques. I doubt everything they knew was written down.
Where can we buy that awesome vest.
Please show us detailed traditional sword sharpening.
The work Ilya does to this detail is masterful. Not only in every aspect of the swordmaking, but in presentation as well.
The editor definitely helped a lot with the presentation.
Love the finished build. If I may ask, how did you put the triangle pattern on the wood?
P.S. Amazing video and top notch craftsmanship as always, thank you very much.
I will never tire of seeing Ilya forging a traditional blade. They are things of beauty and power.
right?!
Absolute truth my friend Ilya is my favorite blacksmith his name is as strong as his hammerhand much love from Kansas City USA God bless Jesus Christ loves you
Ilya is a amazing blacksmith 👍👌
The layering of history mini lectures into the making of a blade gives both so much greater context, I love this so much.
Thank you!
Ngl, watching Ilya and his team forcing japanese knives from scratch is literally the most satisfying thing on youtube, its literally blacksmith porn. The perfection in the details and history lessons are just mind blowing. Keep up the great work!!!
Blacksmith porn... that s a new one.. but technically true.
Thank you! Means a lot that you all get it!
Ilyas attention to detail is amazing
@@narumi69 I agree his skills are incredible. And you can see him put so much passion into these traditional blades, more so than ones that from Anime, TV, Movies or Video Games. The historic builds he seems to put a lot more of himself into.
Was a big fan of Man at Arms, but this smaller, more art-centric approach feels more meaningful than the "look at the cool sh1t we made" videos from the old channel. I think the old format cheapened the art of what you do.
Love you guys.
Ahhh this was sooo good. Thank you ❤️
Thanks brother! Hope you are doing well! Let’s make something together soon!
@@ThatWorks Now what could you do to one-up the Slavic Razor?
That’s a beautiful blade!
Yes. COLLAB!
@@ThatWorks but he is not that good in forging
I want Ilya's interpretation of the Axe of Perun. Proper Slavic folklore and a wide range of interpretations to draw from.
That is an interesting idea
Make it happen!!😁✊🔥
New show Idea, Let Ilya voice over history while making an awesome weapon/armor! Hey History Channel Hire theses Guys!!!
Definitely!!!!
@@chriskwammie2773 I remember Man at Arms was already in History...
Can we just take a minute to appreciate how luscious Ilya's hair is in this video?
"Soon the whole world will be silky smooth" - Zohan
I think my wife is a little jealous.
This video is sponsored by Pantene
@@ThatWorks you have great humour and great hair Ilya
Secretly, I want a large lock of his hair to make a pomel tassle on a dagger. It would make a great auction item for charity.
This actually makes me appreciate and understand the history of the tanto. Holy crap. No wonder that's how the world was divided in WW2. That's really scary but definitely worth respect.
In nearly a 100 years human civilization still hasn't healed from that division
Man, I just want to know who the water bottle was that did all sword makers so dirty that they all dedicate a part of each video to the water bottle genocide
I shoot and edit videos myself and I watch all of this channel from the start.
And I have to say: Matt's skills in producing videos gone waaaay up! And Ilya's presentation as well!
Many angles, closeups, slow motion, lighting and color, audio in editing, some sound design, oh my.
Maybe someone doesn't realise the amount of work here, so believe me - it's huge, and now it looks close to studio work with a big pro team.
Thanks for all the work you make for this channel, guys, it really shows.
My only thought: sometimes it feels like too many cuts in a row, like overwhelming speed. Sorry for this pin, you're incredible anyway :)
Always learning ! Thank you for taking the time to reach out!
Truly, they've come so far since the channel first came together. The photography in this episode was just next level.
Too many cuts too fast is good criticism.
the only thing I can think of that would be nice is 2k or 4k video just for even more beautiful shots
@@simonkhsonne or at least 4k for the beauty shots of the finished blade.
2k would be good enough for the forging footage.
Yes, 4k is better, but if they already have a 2k camera and can only rent/borrow a 4k camera, save the 4k for the beauty shots.
i've never touched a blacksmith hammer in my life, but Ilya's attitude towards his profession is such an inspiration to me. he lives and breathes his craft--not just a master but a scholar as well.
All of a sudden you see a man that takes the full nature of his self and is able to translate it into his work. Thus trancending the craft into art.
This is what I love about Ilya's videos. Such beautiful crafting combined with an intelligent discussion of the religious, political and spiritual context in which this art was developed. Thank you. Is best.
Ilya is one of the most talented craftsmen I have ever seen in my life. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work with us Ilya!
Not only they entertain me with a very awesome skill of craftsman but they also give me a knowledge about the story and the crafts it selfs. Thank you guys. I wish Ilya and Matt always in good health.
I came for the tanto crafting, but I stayed for the History! Congratulations, I will watch again.
Whenever a video starts out with Illya stacking tamahagane, you know it is going to be good.
WHAT I LOVE HERE IN THIS CHANEL IS NOT ONLY THEY TEACH YOU HOW TO MAKE SUCH BEAUTIFUL WEAPON, BUT THEY ALSO TEACHES THE HISTORY OF WHAT THEY'RE DOING...
I LITERALLY FOLLOWED ILYA IN THIS CHANEL...
Ilya I would pay actual money directly to you just to hear you talk about history all the time.
Ilya, you are a true master of this craft!! You are above and beyond with your knowledge and skill. I applaud you, sir. I hope my words reach you and give you some satisfaction, knowing I believe you are THE best smith in the world. You are reincarnated from another time my friend. A true legend.
I love these historical/traditional builds so much. Ilya is such a great storyteller.
Ilya is the Bob Ross of metal work. Very good and informative. Thanks for the video.
So hyped! I love watching Ilya make traditional Japanese blades. He clearly loves it, and it shows in the result.
Absolutely love watching Ilya do a traditional style blade. I just wish these videos were longer as I could spend an hour watching in awe
I absolutely love the romantic artistic historical way you put your videos together! They give more detail, more history so you learn and truly appreciate the craftsmanship. Love being able to look at the swords or artwork longer and closer up! Love the music and that there is something to learn! An art form that would be ashame to loose!
Keep it up! We need more artfully done educational prices in this world!
By far one of the best TH-cam videos I've seen all year. It's educational, meditative and badass all at the same time. I could watch content like this for hours.
I wasn't expecting a theo-political history lesson when I tuned in for a knife making video, but that's why I love you guys.
That’s a fact. I was a paratrooper and never jumped out of a plane without a knife, especially at night time. Love the channel, Keep sharing the knowledge my friend.
Came to see knifemaking.
Stayed for the history lesson.
Perfect~!
What an absolutely gorgeous piece! I also always enjoy listening to Ilya talk about history, philosophy, art, etc.
Holy cow. Ilya is an ARTIST just stunning. I would love to see a matching katana and wakizashi
I’m always in awe of a craftsman that can beat out the steel with a hammer but, also do such delicate carving and engraving. You are truly a gifted artist.
It was super interesting to hear about the history of Buddhism and ideology during this time period. This is definitely one of the best channels on smithing
I love all the historical talk that goes with a lot of these. This is one of the things that makes this channel so great and makes me excited to watch every new creation.
A history lesson paired with the creation of the history - awesome.
That is Ilya’s goal with these videos.
@@ThatWorks it's working!
私は日本人です。日本刀を勉強され、忠実に再現されているのに感動しました。
Awesome tanto! I definitely admire your dedication to your art and the path you have chosen to follow! Thanks for another amazing video.
The craftsmanship on this tanto is just amazing, and Ilya makes it look effortless, which it's most certainly not.
I love the scene where the turkeys are watchting Ilya whilst woodworking!
You should have been there when it was happening live. They kept pecking at him.
@@ThatWorks that sounds hilarious
@@ThatWorks That's what I thought because in some scenes they were dangerously close 😅
@@ThatWorks those are the first to get eaten
@@ThatWorks Bloopers video! When!? XD
I'll be honest I keep rewatching this because the background music is beautiful and I find traditional Japanese style forging relaxing.
the zen of hand crafting your blade and making the scabbard outdoors in spring, while tutoring inquisitive turkeys in blacksmithing and a life well lived .
indeed
The whole piece is beautiful...BUT the craftsmanship on the fittings on the scabbard blows my mind...magnificent!
I've watched this video 3 times just for the history lesson as well
Thanks Ilya I love this style builds!
Wow this is crazy ! The level of finish on this is incredible.... the scabbard, the hair tool, the engraving, each time i think it's finished another layer of awesome is applied
And the best of it, everything is done by just ONE PERSON
Well done Ilya! I'm currently working on a project to get more international attention and appreciation towards Shin Gunto. Yes many of them are mass produced and machine made/non-traditional blades, however it is estimated that a 7% of all produced swords in Japan during ww2 are traditionally made Gendaito. These were made by certified 'RJT - RIKUGUN JUMEI TOSHO' smiths and the Japanese government provided the tamahagane for these smiths. During this time there were many underrated Japanese swordsmiths that worked in the traditional way(some fully traditional without power hammer) and it is my mission to collect, identify and preserve these works of art for the future. Some of these smiths even became quite famous after the war and produced stunning swords to be appreciated and won many awards and prizes(Enomoto Sadayoshi for example, a Mukansa smith).
collect all the nihontoooooooooooooooo : >
Yes there are some family swords refitted into 98 pattern fittings. Early examples were traditional swords with relatively modern fittings, despite regulations a degree of personalisation was allowed.
Some of them are really cool, I had the opportunity to look at a family sword in 98 pattern fittings, with a special patented scabbard dust cover, which prevented dust and grime scabbard when a sword is drawn. This feature was later deemed too expensive for mass production and not seen in other 98 pattern fittings.
Cannot leave this beautiful tanto without matching Katana and Wakizashi....Love the videos guys you are the best!
I love the historical builds like this just as much as the fantasy ones on this channel. Makes me want to see a video where you guys make a traditional blade and a fantasy one and compare different techniques with them
You'll never have an experience like this on other knife making videos. Always a treat you'll never be short of knowledge. These vids inspires me to be a blacksmith
If the ability of elegantly forge blades isn't enough, you have a gift for teach history while forging. You should think about making a series called "Forging the History", teaching history of several locations while forging weapons from these places.
This was a fantastic video to watch, I loved the slow pace and great voice over of Ilya talking about japanese history. Very entertaining and I hope you guys will do more videos like this in future
I loved the history incorporated in this video! Please make more like it!
Ilya You do great honor to your craft, this is my favorite bladesmithing channel and I learn so much from you
I enjoy the history lessons in these videos along with the making of the piece.
I agree, this is one of the most beautiful pieces you've ever produced!
The simplicity of the blade presentation is such a perfectly balanced counterpoint to the decoration of the koshirae.
And that scabbard! Fab.
My Friday just got a lot better!!
The history during the build is incredible. Exquisite channel 100%
Watching you or Matt forge weapons it's an experience in and of itself, improved even further by the editing of the video. Awesome job!
Felicidades! The video, the presentation, the craftmanship, everything is outstanding.
This has got to be by far one of the most beautiful creations that you guys have made. I also love a bit of history behind these daggers and swords.
Another beautiful piece, built by good humans and captured in a beautiful video! 🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️
Thank you!
Wow! One of the best videos y'all have put together so far. I watched this with rapt attention, great work! From the forging to the editing this video is amazing.
12 IQ: Lighting a fire, using it to heat up a steel bar and then hitting it with a hammer.
1200 IQ :Hitting a steel bar with a hammer to heat it up, and using it to light the fire.
I think it is a common traditional practice in Japan. IIRC, a Shinto temple's construction begins with the ceremonial lighting a fire this way.
@@tiacho2893 i heard that making steel red hot was popular in europ to, one becous it was faster than fire up by anything alse, second smith help his wrists
Exquisite work, both the tanto and the video :) thank you for being awesome and making awesome things!
I would love to see a kriegsmesser or a cutlass or a sabre build!
Something like that will be coming soon!
but if you had to pick one
Kreigmesser would be awesome
@@ThatWorks Jumping on the German train here, a German rapier inspired my Joachim Meyers Art of Combat would be a pretty cool and interesting build!
Honestly these videos are so good and awe-inspiring. The quality of them is insane, looking forward to future vids!
Amazing craftsmanship too, absolutely amazing.
This request might be too similar to this build, but I would love to see you recreate Zuko's pearl handled dagger from AtLA. I feel like there's a lot of cultural symbolism that could be unearthed there regarding the cultural influences in the show. I love the in depth analyses into the history, influences, and symbolism of your builds. Of course, the craftsmanship is always top notch, with so much attention to detail! Keep up the good work, Matt and Ilya!
These historic builds are some of the most interesting content of its type available anywhere. Not just a blade, but a lesson in how and why. I agree with one of the below comments on the Japanese armour. I know Ilya has discussed the difficulties of making armour in his instagram live feeds, but I'd love to see at least a discussion of it. And if he were to make say, a Samurai face mask while doing so, I can't see anyone complaining.
Сразу видно Илья гордится своими прекрасными длинными волосами)) с уважением и восхищением к вашей работе!
Dang,I wish the video was longer!
I didn't want it to end,amazing!
Хоть в Английском не шарю но как всегда отличная работа!!! У тебя всегда потрясающе видео!
The concept of it being difficult to swim/float in armor still holds true to this day. Swim week back in USMC boot camp was one of the worst swims I've ever had to do. The flack jacket filled up with water as I was swimming on my back, and the weight as you can guess was brutal. I passed (thankfully), but if in a real life situation, I'd cut that thing off me in a heartbeat, and write it off as a combat loss.
I'm pretty sure you guys are tired of being asked to do Japanese swords, but I'd really love to see you guys try your hands at a _Kissaki Moroha Zukuri_ style blade. It was a popular style before the _Tachi_ really came into prominence, and served as a kind of mid-point in design philosophy between the decisively Chinese-inspired _Tsurugi_ (which is a _Jian_ ) and the definitively Japanese _Tachi_ . It'd also give you guys an excuse to play around with _Shibuichi_ for the fittings.
That sounds like it would be an interesting build.
@@JudgeNicodemus It definitely would. It'll keep all the cranky _Katana_ haters happy because it has a symmetrical tip and two sharpened edges, but it still has a curved blade! And I'd invent any excuse to use the variants of _Mokumegane_ in a blade because they are just that attractive; _Shibuichi_ just makes a nice dark patina without needing to use any Arsenic in the mix.
EDIT: Not in the blade part itself, that'd be stupid. But _Mokumegane_ is a nice, soft metal that plays very nicely when used to make fittings.
I would love to see illya's take on kogarasumaru
it was a popular shape in other blades but not in tachi it was quite rare in tachi blades but it became popular during the edo when they copied the Original kogarasu maru
@@micahcampa The _Tachi_ was still a fairly recent development when the _Kissaki Moroha Zukuri_ style blades were in vogue. The _Tachi_ is ultimately what supplanted them, as best as I can tell. There is also a theory that these blades were actually intended to be used as polearms, like _Naginata_ , though the surviving examples were almost certainly intended to be used as swords.
My favorite channel on TH-cam. Every time I see your engraved hammer I get a nerd chill. I love how you spent time making one of your most used tools a piece of art.
Really cool idea. You guys should definitely check out KARDS
found it
Ilya you really need to do more videos so full of knowledge and talent especially when it comes to historical weapons and armor
One of your best videos. Have you ever thought about getting in touch with the japanese swordsmith guild? The usually do not accept foreigners among themselves, but there are few exceptions ;)
They'll let you in, but you gotta have both serious skills and even more serious respect for why the traditions exist. The way I heard it, you basically have to have blades on the brain 24/7/365.
And I think Ilya has both.
Best video you have done so far. Covered the making of the blade, it’s spiritual and political view, and how that was applied historically...
Bruh! You have to make a Blackrazor from DnD beyond!!!!
Another great video! Thanks for all the great content you all put out!
That tantō must have a beautiful hada now I am actually planning on making 2 japanese sword replicas out of a leaf spring i found they will be a mutsunokami Yoshiyuki and a gokotai
Also I would love to see a touken ranbu build you could even try to get a sponsorship with gmm games when they eventually drop the english version
I could watch Ilya for days. Thank you for the awesome video!
за один ролик узнал больше чем за весь курс истории в школе
I loved this video. The build was gorgeous but I find the history along side the building process was incredible.
This was the perfection of epic and relaxing at the same time lol
What are the chances you would ever do a sword from Runescape by chance? I feel that would be awesome! Also if you guys could manage to get the rights to play Runescape music in the background as well.. my life would be complete ngl lol
You are amazing, all of you. Thank you for sharing your talent with us, and for working so hard on trying to be inspirational and educational.
I always knew you guys were at the top of your game, but holy shit you're damascening?!
Wow, guys. The video and audio production values are going way up! Paired with the content, a truly excellent video. Thanks!
A discussion on japanese armor, maybe how it evolved the way it did, and why. Thats all, nothing major.
That could be a worthwhile topic
I love these historical builds. The extra knowledge of how and why the things are done help cement it in my brain. Also the history lesson is a nice bonus
Блестящая работа))
I loved the combination of a good build and a glimpse into 20th century Japan. Thank you That Works and thank you Kards.
Man I love this channel. Every video is a delight to watch especially after a gruelling day! Love you both!
I enjoyed this video, thank you. Recording the forging of the knife along with a history of the knives development through out the decades is interesting along with the various philosophies and states of mind.
Ahh Ilya,your talent, your artistry,I never tire of watching you create, and listening to you and your knowledge...thank you
These guys and their chanel are getting better and better with every episode. Craftsmanship is also over the top. All the best and keep up the work.
This is by far the most complete and enjoyable content on youtube to date! You guys are great
Loving this new presentation, glad to hear Ilya walk us through his process with the classical old Modern Marvels/PBS feel
Thank you for the amazing detail I feel like I’m being thrown back in time, you must put much work into these and it’s very worth it, your works are beautiful.
Always a pleasure to see Ilya's mastery in action!