Master Armorer Makes a Damascus Shield
Ойын-сауық
Forging a Mosaic Damascus shield called a buckler with Ilya Alekseyev. This was one of Ilya's projects for Art Knife Invitational. This shield build shows a ton of high end armor making processes such as forging the mosaic damascus and the raising the shield shape of stakes and the repoussé and chasing to get the detail in the central figure. Ilya also shows how to chase and repoussé on silver and copper for some of the ornamentation. There are also a few clips of some AKA interviews that Ilya shot with Peter Johnson and Harvey Dean. Look for the full interviews in some upcoming videos highlighting the views of high end making from a master's perspective as well as a high end buyers point of view. Lets make some more armor real soon! The theme for this shield is the death of Orpheus and ilya explains that story.
Thanks to Barry Hands and AKI for the opportunity to make this video.
BEHIND THE SCENES CHANNEL @ThatworksTwo
Halberd BTS Podcast : • Italian Halberd - Behi...
🔥That Works Patreon - / mattstagmer
💖 Join Our Discord / discord
Thanks to our shop sponsors: 🔥
Red Label Abrasives - www.redlabelabrasives.com/
Brodebeck Ironworks Grinders - www.brodbeckironworks.com/
Harris Torches - www.harrisproductsgroup.com/
Evenheat Kilns - www.evenheat-kiln.com/
Lincoln Electric - www.lincolnelectric.com/
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
Blacksmith - Chris Cash
Machinist - Kevin Facemire
Camera Assistant - Kelly French
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Helpful purchase links for creators and craftsmen
www.amazon.com/shop/matt_at_arms
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.
Follow us on Instagram to track progress on these and other projects.
#armor #damascus #art
Matt's Instagram - / mattstagmer
Ilya's Instagram - / slavicsmith
Chris' Instagram - / mt_phillip_metal_works
Пікірлер: 714
"even fewer of you know before I was an armorer, I was a painter" This guy was made to be an artist, mad respect.
@ThatWorks
Жыл бұрын
You are right about that!
@brickpuncher1429
Жыл бұрын
Armorers and Blacksmiths are really just artists, especially expert Armorers and Blacksmiths.
@KainYusanagi
Жыл бұрын
@@brickpuncher1429 Mhm. They just work in a different medium.
@sundaedream6088
Жыл бұрын
@@ThatWorks can we see some of his paintings? 🙏🏻🥺
@Penn.Dragon
Жыл бұрын
You mean he was born an artist? I concur sir.
It always impresses me so much that a single person can incapsulate such a variety of skills, not only focusing on the work itself, but also the ability to appreciate art, interpret myths and stories into a tangible form brought to physical materials. Ilya is and always will be one, if not the most imressive people to me because of it. And this shield represents all of the reasons why.
@bobbyjeffsupremelordofcraz3532
Жыл бұрын
Truly, he is a real renaissance man.
@rpetersen2
Жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more!! Amazing
@thesuit4820
Жыл бұрын
He probably doesn't spend as much time watching KZread as we do.
@chrisegbertky
Жыл бұрын
@@thesuit4820the teuth!
@jonoslay6504
Жыл бұрын
Just imagine the armorers of old and what they could do
I get documentary vibes from this video and I love it! The videography and editing feels so spot on. The buckler looks absolutely fantastic . Watching the historical and artistic considerations going into the project makes me appreciate the final piece even more.
@ThatWorks
Жыл бұрын
That was the goal! Thank you very much!
This is talent at master level. Even a blacksmith with 50 years of experience would be so impressed by Ilya's work
@jorgeguanche5327
Жыл бұрын
Amén!
@patuxentvalleyforge1291
Жыл бұрын
Check out thak ironworks channel if you like this type of repousse work. A lot of talent here on KZread!
@geneticdisorder1900
Жыл бұрын
@@patuxentvalleyforge1291 Love Thai’s work and personality ! Awesome artist he is !
I remember when he did the Gauntlet Shield on Forged in Fire. I felt bad for the other guy.
As an artist, I try to never idolize anyone, but its so hard to not try and idolize Ilya for his insane work ethic, great job as always, cant wait for more.
@dariusus9870
10 ай бұрын
But as a non-artist, do you idolize someone? You artist you.
@kjkallio4393
10 ай бұрын
@@dariusus9870 Nope, when you dig deep enough they end up just people
I didn't know Ilya was a trained painter, but every time he designs or draws something, I'm amazed at how beautiful it is.
@ThatWorks
Жыл бұрын
Yea, his sketches are better then his metal work and thats saying something.
In a world where ignorance is rewarded, it was such a pleasure to hear you speak intelligently and passionately about your craft but also of the importance of research. You’re a true master and artist in so many ways. I am in awe!
Ilya can only ever impress me. His passion for authenticity, his vast knowledge of periods in history, his attention to detail and just watching him entirely focused on the finery of engraving as much as he is on drawing out material is so satisfying. It fills out a need I never knew I had.
Молодец Илья! Ты просто мастер! Чиканка шикарная! Успехов в дальнейшем!🤝👍
Absolutely gorgeous. And it took "only" a month. 🙂 It would be cool to see a matching-themed messer. I know those are usually not particularly fancy, but since when has that stopped Iliya...
@ThatWorks
Жыл бұрын
He just did a saber that sort of matches. Check his instgram. Slavicsmith
@LarryGarfieldCrell
Жыл бұрын
@@ThatWorks Dur. I don't touch Meta products for ethical reasons.
Thanks for watching this amazing build video! We look forward to sharing the full interview videos soon and be sure to tell us what you want to see us build next! Join our discord here : discord.gg/zZ7vJW5MUp
@harlequinems
Жыл бұрын
Hey guys, quick question, when you're hammering hot metal, and the oxidised flakes are kicking up, do you worry about hammering them back into the metal causing inclusions?
@stephen33
Жыл бұрын
I am glad you made something that you really enjoyed working on. You have so much passion. I hope you aren't still angry with me, I apologize to you. I very happy to see you happy.
@aurorafauna4195
Жыл бұрын
20:05 I don't know why, but I always find those flakes coming off really satisfying to see.
@justinpyle3415
Жыл бұрын
I would love to see some fancy guantlets!
@aurorafauna4195
Жыл бұрын
@@justinpyle3415 I'll watch whatever Ilya makes
Its kind of an interesting life journey, when I was younger I did a BA majoring in painting and drawing, along with some sculpture, fibre arts, illustration and design. At the time and it was very hard to get work in those fields that kept you out of poverty, so I ended up doing interior design, picture framing, panel beating and for the majority of my life ended up doing radio engineering with microwave radios, lasers and telco transmission systems of all things. Now chronically ill and winding down with what time I've got left I'm making knives full time- so all those old lessons do come back to you. How to design, colour theory, composition and thematic structure all play a big part in moving a piece from being 'artisanal' and 'craft' to what is technically fine art. I honestly think your armour piece is worthy of being called fine art. Its an anachronism in an era of smart drones, automated fire control systems and energy weapons, therefore like any good art its functionally useless to the owner except for the pleasure of owning it. Plus containing sculptural and story qualities expressed in the media of metal to depict a story or convey a moment in time snapshot that may or may not have happened as a myth. Then composed around your own interpretation of that myth- which is important, however I think to some extent you might have thrown a bit more of your own interpretations into it rather than some expectations of what people would expect to be in it. But time is what it is because we're always short of it and I think given a little more of that would have let you focus a bit more on the 'you' elements. Maybe something to consider if you pick another mythic story one day, is to have it in the back of your head during the quiet moments and draw in some of the more esoteric or lateral variations on a theme over time. I really think Ilya should do well with this in the art knife show, a lot of times you see art knives as being a bit of a mess of expensive materials with awful composition, come away a bit disappointed that the artist sometimes missed the point and got stuck in some artisan mind-set of perfection. Sometimes its not about the shiny diamonds or gold inlay, its what it makes the viewer feel when they see it beyond the materials and colours. We didn't get that today though, so well done Ilya and keep rocking on nailing these things
So much talent and knowledge in such a young man. Absolutely astounding.
Ilya was an armorer? That explains why he's so insanely accurate with a hammer.
@ThatWorks
Жыл бұрын
Ive always said that his time as an armorer gave him some a leg up when he started smithing. His hammer control was already developed.
@SapFeaRon
Жыл бұрын
That's not his first shield on youtube either - he did one for Forge In Fire too.
@Anino_Makata
Жыл бұрын
@@SapFeaRon As well as every shield and armour project on Man At Arms: Reforged. The one my mind always comes back to is the Erza Scarlet sword and breastplate episode.
I said ‘That’s amazing’ multiple times throughout and ‘Fuck me, that’s genius’ loudly once at the reveal! Quality work yet again.
People look for inspiration at actors, musicians. I look for inspiration at these men. Briliant armorsmith Iliya strikes again.
Ilya's skill at all forms of metalwork is unbelievable. He's still a pretty young dude, too. I love his humility and fresh perspective to every new piece he works on.
Absolutely stunning. The mosaic pattern reminds me of hoarfrost. Yet another nod in Death’s direction.
Отличная работа!!! Всегда с интересом наблюдаю за работой Ильи и всей команды! Желаю успехов Илье! Есть куда расти в профессиональном плане!))))
That trick with the belt sander is brilliant! I'll have to give it a try some day.
Ilya, you are the king of all blacksmith masters!!! The best of the best!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Ilya's work is so overwhelming... There's just not any "satisfactory" piece, everything is turned up to 11, and executed marvellously. It's crazy how you're at the same time creative enough to design such pieces, skilled enough to include so many different techniques, and patient enough to bring everything to it's beautiful end. Congratulations, as always your work is as gorgeous as it is impressive
I tip my hat to you sir You are a true craftsman I could spend the next 40 years practicing and still aspire to produce work at that level
Wow. Superb. The best thing you ever did was leave that "man at arms" garbage. Absolutely beautiful work and your comments on the uselessness of damascus steel weapons is spot on. Respect to you.
I could watch Ilya make stuff out of metal all day, every day.
really love the details Ilya puts in his works.
Even though I have no knowledge of the craft, the quality of a master's work is self evident!
This and "Towards an Aesthetic understanding of Arms and Armour" have to be the best videos I have seen. Love the educational and documentarian approach.
@ThatWorks
Жыл бұрын
That's awesome. I think we often get stuck making "entertaining" videos, but these educational types are our favorite to make!
The forge in fire champion makes another shield and that's a beautiful piece. 🛡️ 🛡️ 🛡️
You and Kyle Royer are just on a different level of artistry in your work. Such a stunning piece
Simply stunning. And yes please, make more armour. I am sure it will be absolutely superb.
Elia is always impressive… craftsmanship, historic research, and art, all rolled up in one guy….
one of these days i should be so lucky to see something like this in person. thank you for sharing your art
Some day Ilya's creations will be in a museum for sure.
Ilya is brilliant, very smart and also good in front of the camera, not a common combination. I hope he keeps them videos coming!
I guess that one guy who once commented that he had never seen Ilya make mosaic damascus is very very silent right now. ...either that, or he is very glad he "made" you do so much of it.
14:44 !!!! Those rivets are beautiful! I've only ever seen flat or rounded rivets, a whole new world of possibilities has opened up to me
@ThatWorks
Жыл бұрын
He sculpted them and had them cast in bronze.
Dude, that was an INCREDIBLE history lesson and skill demonstration!!
You outdid yourself with this piece. It is superb. On a personal level, I love it when you post things with chasing and repousse. I got into it as an artform because of your work, and it is the only forging I can really do in an apartment the same way I could in a studio. It has one of the lowest costs of entry in metalwork-really you just need some yard sale cast iron, a hammer, some music wire, and access to a park with pine trees that someone pruned poorly. It makes me really happy to see it promoted, especially on channels that get a lot of bladesmithing traffic since for many of us that is our introduction to metal. I always learn something watching you.
@ThatWorks
Жыл бұрын
Love hearing this and I totally agree!
Илья, я восхищаюсь вами. Спасибо за такой высококлассный предмет кузнечного и художественного мастерства. Ваши изделия всегда выделялись особым вкусом, Красотой. За подпись, и за ваши очки отдельный респект.
I just looked at the Art Knife Invitational 2022 gallery and holy crap on a cupcake!!! The level of crafsmanship shown in those pieces is on another planet. And Ilya's pieces fit right in there with the best of the best.
@ThatWorks
Жыл бұрын
It is truly humbling being in the same room with such high art!
Gorgeous, as always. I didn't knew that Ilya was a peinter, that explains why he is a good drawer I guess...
That buckler is just beautiful.
An Artist who froges metal into art. I think we all knew boss.. however we where proven on what type of artist you truly are. This here is beautiful, history, details the list is small but the dictionary has so many words that we cannot just say one word one adjective or even a simple descriptive sentence or phrase or talk in all mannerisms there are, to truly express the art you have shown to the world. Bravo boss bravo.
Your work has been blowing my mind since I met you back in south Florida, Illya👍
@ilyaalekseyev3589
Жыл бұрын
Thank you
the bit that does not show is the amount of patience he has --- that in itself is an art form
More stuff like this please 🙏 I love seeing the mix of historical context and knowledge applied to the pieces you are making.
Excellent workmanship on all your pieces and a good history lesson too!!
Ilya such a great master! this project shows his really mad skills!
Ilya's about to just fill up the king's vault with these priceless pieces
what a wonderful world where we can see master craftmen like you creating and showing their art
Ilya's work is always a joy to behold, and this was no exception.
And we look forward to see more armor projects on this channel.
Absolutely masterful. And the elements of historical works that you are always referencing really makes these truly fun to watch and educational at the same time. Can't wait for more incredible works from you!
Love to see you work again, big inspire for all of us passionated by crafting in fire, you are a legend and a pure enciclopedia.Greatings from ROMANIA! From Alex.
Yet another masterclass from possibly the best blacksmith in generations.
I am always amazed at what Illya can do.
Vendel era helmet would be a awsome project to watch.
Personally I didn't you were an painter. But one thing I really admire is the level of artistic quality you bring to every piece you do. Thank you
This man Ilya, he's in a hole other level, simpli a master level of crafting, forging, engraving, carving end knowledge about ancient cultures.
Master Ilya back at it again with another solid build ❤️❤️❤️
Such a large damascus plate that in itself is already an achievement. I think a little more development is needed in terms of refinement and design, but I know there's often no time for that. All in all it is an inspiring one. Tanks.
This dude was always my fave part of that youtube channel man at arms or whatever it was.
Dude. I have no words. This is phenominal work!
Your artistry and dedication continues to leave me astounded, every time. Beautiful.
It’s always a treat toe watch Ilya work with metal as he explains art history! The team nailed the documentary feel for this video.
The artistry and passion Ilya brings to every project is amazing and love the history lessons that are woven into these videos as well
Finding out that you are a painter makes sence to me! your a great talent well done.
I don't think there is a better craftsman in the world. What you create is absolutely unbelievable. Everything...just wow. This was unreal
Skill level. Elven artist. New skill unlocked, badass armor.
Very beautiful buckler. Well done. I also enjoy the history behind it.
Omg The video has a great vibe and with such a masterpiece Ilya really shows where he came from (I mean after painting it seems like)
Not only are you clearly talented, and have honed your craft, but you speak about and it's history beautifully. Thanks for sharing.
The sheer wealth of creative artistry Ilya is able to wield is simply amazing.
It almost makes me angry, how beautiful can a shield be?! Outstanding!
Даааа уж,Илья ты действительно художник!! Когда-то один старый судостроитель мне сказал , металл это твёрдый пластилин, смотря тебя я в этом всё больше убеждаюсь.
Ilya's craftsmanship is just unreal
This is nuts. I wasn't expecting you to form the face directly into the boss, I thought it was going to be a separate piece!
I had the opportunity to see that Filippo Negroli helmet featured in the video along with other beautiful examples of this style in the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna. It was a gigantic boost of inspiration.
@ThatWorks
Жыл бұрын
Oh I bet! I would love to!
Sos un maestro Ilya. Increible talento. Una pieza única. You are a unique talent.
That's an incredible amount of detail just on the hair alone. And the end result with all the little embellishments is gorgeous.
Awesome build, I love learning about the history behind this kind of stuff. That's what's great about this channel besides the awesome builds.
Next level. Well done man. The strings were a beautiful touch to combine with the color scars
Stunning work. Just incredible.
I stand in awe of anyone that can take cold iron and steel and make living art, bravo!
You showed that a traditional craftsman not only giving the item he mede, a use and purpose, he or she gives the item a soul by adding some fine art. And at the end it is not only that it feels right in hand it is about feeling right for the eye as well. For me it is necessary that a gun I guld or a knife or whatever it will be has an overall look that pleases the eye and is a joy to use. before I start working I do a lot of research and do some scatches and drawings and these will come together on the materials I use. Even if there is a weak spot in a gunstock I try to do the repair a way that will fit to the item and please the eye. And if there is no decoration at all it is still posible to make it pleasing by the perfect outer lines and shape and make it look elegant by simplicity. Thaks a lot for this nice video......
Илья ты настоящий творец , поражаюсь твоему искусству и мастерству, потрясающе. Благодарю за твое творчество 🌞
I just want to say how impressed I am by your little independent team and the phenomenal content and pieces you create. Ilya is one of those master smiths whose work is out of my budget now, but I can tell that the quality and price of his works are not going to diminish. A real life Hattori Hanzo in the flesh. Someday I hope to be able to commission a family heirloom piece, I hope it's still less than 6 figures by the time I can afford it. Congratulations and here is to much more success in your guys' future, stay awesome and independent.
once again, ilya proving that he is a true master of his art. well done!
I am a painter . When it became a career I lost my hobby . I’ve been interested in metal work and gun smithing / design since I was a kid and have been growing increasingly motivated to pursue these as a new hobby. I find a hobby away from art helps you do better at your work since it can help you see things from another light or outside of the box . Seeing what you do here has me in awe ! Truly… well done !!! I wish you , your family and your work , the best of happiness and continual success . Thank you for showing this gift .
Hands down most Beautiful Shield I’ve ever seen in my entire life
What a beautiful shield ... puts Elden Rings buckler to shame ... and as always, mad respect to Ilya ... he always displays his technique and knowledge of traditional blacksmithing ... always hammering out his pieces ... no hydraulic presses like you see most modern metal workers using (to me, hydraulic presses make blacksmithing seem more clinical than technical) ... now we need to see a demo with Ilya parrying a crucible knight and going in for a riposte!
Never have I had an emotional reaction to art until today. I would truly be honored to shake the hand of such a artist if we should ever meet.
Ilya always amazes me with the chasing and repousse. great sculpting
Gorgeous. I grew up in a European family in US. I read the classics and Mother was an artist who took me to museums to see the old Masters. So much is being lost in our current culture. Frank
Ars gratia artis. You are such a gifted man, Ilya. Truly stunning piece of work!
Once again, Ilya has outdone himself. Beautiful piece, as always.
I am in awe and I envy the level of craftmanship that had to be aquired to get such a masterpiece done.
Ilya artistic is in another level. I really like his humbleness attitude.