Making a Stainless Steel Folding Climbing Knife! Part 2

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Alec: @alecsteele

My name is Alec Steele and I am a 24 year old blacksmith. We make videos about making interesting things, learning about craft and appreciating the joy of creativity. Great to have you here following along!

Thank you for watching!
Alec

INSTAGRAM @alecsteele

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Alec Steele Blacksmith 2022

[dylan_was_taken]

Hearing Alec say he's been working with Jamie for 6 years is just absolutely insane. Where has all the time

[awakeonlan]

Your recent videos on recreating mechanisms has been so cool to watch! You could do a whole series just making wacky folders!

[leventekabok]

Folding knife makers: Planning out angles and lockfaces extensively
Alec: *grinding and bending furiously*

[fishoconnor]

I recall in the eighties that there was about fifty Blacksmiths in Britain. Now the world will never run out of metal bashers. Also, I am absolutely fascinated by the skill involved in grinding a cutting edge. Its great to hear the learning moments too. Oooooh, oooh ooooh. keep on

[michelhv]

Jamie is so taking over Alec’s gig soon.

[terminalpsychosis]

This is one of the more technically complicated designs I've seen Mr. Steele tackle. All those tollerances need to be spot on to make such a locking mechanism. Have no doubt Alec will succede, and it will be quite an impressive accomplishment. Can't wait to see the rest of the journey on this one.

[Philtoid]

Honestly, if you and Jamie made a 2nd channel about caving I would watch that for years.

[tomgosy]

2:03 and that's why edge protection is so important

[frankierzucekjr]

It's always nice to learn something new. I can only imagine how much more you'll master your craft in the next or 10 years. As a framer/carpenter, I'm always learning something new, learning tricks of the trade, and surprising myself to see what I'm capable of. Great work fellas.

[JeremyCarlsten]

Alec you always leave me wanting the next episode to already be out. Awesome work man.

[illuminatustm]

2:05 that’s also why you always make sure your rope does not run over sharp corners / rocks 👍🏻

[SillySalmon]

Serrations definitely have their place... great cutting through really soft/ Malleable stuff but can easily get damaged tougher items!
For an everyday use or knife that will be abused plain blade is the way to go!

[francescosirotti]

I'm probably late to the party, but having used a Spatha for years while caving I don't think you should have gotten rid of the blade slot. It's not only for opening the blade but a key: we often use it to open shackle-bolts when we don't want to get tools out, and it's very useful.

[Mr.Leeroy]

5:54 now, these are some badass clamps, looking like they could be from different era or hand-made.

[ssmedja]

@9:30 just looked at it and that will create a lot of slop in the lockup. Rough fit, make sure the latch is a smidge bigger than the notch, harden+temper the spring and latch, and then handfile the tab to fit the notch perfectly. It needs to be almost airtight. Also, the transition where the tab falls in to the notch needs to be crisp, but on the tab needs a small, small radius.

[philcalvello]

Alec and Jaime’s bromance is the You guys are the best.!!!

[nourkarkach]

Hey Alec I know you probably won’t see this. But I was wondering if a series about beginning your journeyman smith would be something you would consider? Definitely a series I would watch from someone I enjoy spending my time watch learn and progress.

[LordOceanus]

The serrations on a utility knifes can be a literal lifesaver when speed in cutting is essential. The straight edge can absolutely cut a seatbelt or rope but the serrations are faster and less prone to slipping.

[Zogg]

*Important* Hearing you talk about how important it is that the knife remains closed when you don't want to cut anything just reminded me about something you may have over the reason climbing knives are better WITHOUT the little stand-up stud openers is because that stud can catch on things and open when you don't want it to!! If you want that stud, you need to have a locking detent so the blade never opens unless you want it to. My knife has one of the ones you press down with your index finger first. Hope this helps 😊

Edit: that little retaining grove is not enough to stop the blade opening if you have a stud that can catch on things

[rensdelange]

Am I the only one who loves seeing Jamie's ideas seeing put through the test?!