I Made This Gunstock War Club to Win the Chopper Challenge
Today in the shop I am making a gunstock war club. This war club was made famous in the movie "The Last of the Mohicans" where it was carried by one of the main characters and used in the final culminating battle scene. When I first saw this move as a teen-ager, I was enthralled with the weapon. When deciding what to make, my older brother Derek suggested making the gunstock war club, and couldn't think of a more fun or versatile project to take on to submit to the KZhead Knife Maker Challenge: Chopper Edition 2023.
I started with a beautiful piece of Curley White Oak from a local lumber supplier, which turned out to even more beautiful the more o worked with it to shape it into its final shape. I forged the spike for the back of the club from a leaf spring, finding success om my third attempt. After final shaping, I drilled, and burnt in the tang, before drilling, gluing, and pinning it in place. I then carved and ground a woven pattern into the barrel portion of the war club, emulating the texturing that you might find in the position on a real gunstock. I finished the decoration with opposing star/compass and sun/moon patterns made using brass tacks on the shoulder stock portion of the war club. I finished it with a liberal coat or boiled linseed oil, and added a custom leather strap which was cut, adorned, and riveted into place on custom D-rings.
Being part of the KZhead Knife Maker Challenge: Chopper Edition 2023, it is now your opportunity to vote on your favorite "Chopper". Devon and I ask that you vote for us, and help us move up in the ranking from our 10th place out of 20, on the dagger challenge, and get us into the top 5. Please follow the link below to vote on your favorite "Chopper"
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
Here is the list of Competing Channels. Go and check out everyone's Chopper videos. they are all amazing craftsman, and put a ton into putting out great content for you all to enjoy.
The Competing Channels:
BKohnKnives: / @bkohnknives
BlackBeardProjects: / @blackbeardprojects
Bonifabcustom Rob Bonifacio: / @bonifabcustomrobbonif...
Dark Blade Knives: / @dbcraftworld
Drew Lininger: / @drew_lininger
Faraway Forge: / @farawayforge
GentryCustomKnives: / channel
Hans: / @hansknives
Hartwig Blacksmithing: / @hartwigblacksmithing480
Heavy_forge: / @heavyforge
JP's Bladeworks: / @jpsbladeworks
Leandro Goretta: / @leandrogoretta
Leppic Knives: / @leppicknives9830
Mystic Mountain Forge: / @mysticmountainforge
Old hickory forge: / @oldhickoryforge
Rainy Day Forge: / @rainydayforge
Red Beard Ops: / @redbeardops
The Art Of Craftsmanship: / @theartofcraftsmanship
Will Stelter: / @willstelterbladesmith
The Viewer Challenge Sponsors:
Maritime Knife Supply: maritimeknifesupply.ca/
Brodbeck Ironworks: brodbeckironworks.com/
Mosa US: mosaus.com/
B.Kohn Knives: www.bkohnknives.com/
Maximus Knives: / maximusknives
DIY Europe: www.diyeurope.eu
The Judge's Channels:
Tyrell Knifeworks: / @tyrellknifeworks
Njord Artisan: / @njordartisan
PJT Forging: / @pjtforging
Trollsky: / @trollsky
The Rivers Experience: / @theriversexperience9383
Check out our podcast, The Art of Craftsmanship, on all of your favorite podcasting platforms, where we talk about making things, shop tips, fun stories, and KZhead content creation.
Follow us on Instagram @theartofcraftsmanship and @theartofcameraguy to see what’s happening in the shop on a daily basis, join in with the live streams, and catch sneak peeks of our up coming videos.
If you would like to purchase AOC merchandise, you can find us on Tee Spring here...
the-art-of-craftsmanship-3.cr...
To those of you who feel like you got something special from our videos and want to know how you can support us further, check out our Patreon page here... / theartofcraftsmanship
Follow this link to vote for your favorite Chopper. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSengLjsql56o_so0HyeSaa2CFh3UvjLtLP3rrH25wScfd5KNw/viewform
The gunstock war club is such a unique historical design. I'm happy that you built it!
Yeah man. It’s something I’ve wanted to make for a long time.
LOVED YOUR VIDEO SIR !!!
Thank you.
The last of the mohicans theme is a nice touch
Thanks.
This weapon was used more by the eastern tribes than the western. Very beautiful weapon. Love your appropriate use of the cedar. Your grinding work on the blade was excellent. I was feeling like you needed a few more inches between your body and the blade when you were swinging it.
Totally compelling and wonderful. I'm glad I participated! The best for you!
Thanks brother.
Awesome build!! Love it. I know one thing. I'd hate to be on the receiving end of that thing!! And some beautiful wood ...
Wow, very different, and super awesome!
Thank you.
Buddy,,,,,,well done 👍
The videography is on point... As always! Great looking piece
Thanks James.
Nice work 👍 good video 👍
Thanks
Goddamn, that's some beautiful work! Good man, good job.
This is so different and cool! I love it! 🤘🔥
Thanks man. That’s what I was going for.
Oh my Daniel Day Lewis!! Love the guitar on your video. Great project!! I'm going to start on a war club this weekend.
I must remember not to get on your bad side now that you are armed with this! Nice work!
😂
Excellent construction, great imagination, good video work. Well done!
Thanks for the kind words!
Absolutely beautiful. Not at all the first thing to come to my mind for a chopper, but surprisingly effective! Not sure if you have my vote (haven't seen all entries yet) but you definitely have a sub.
Thank you so much.
holy crap your production quality has gotten better quick!
Always trying to get better. Thanks!
Great build!! I love this one!
The judge has spoken! Thanks Denis!
Great job man
Thank you
@@TheArtofCraftsmanship yes sir I’ve been watching a lot of videos doing research. I plan on making one here soon using Osage orange. You did a great job and have a nice shop good work buddy!
Very very nice bud
A beautiful build and an absolutely brutal weapon of war. Great job 👍
Thank you.
❤❤❤❤😮
Nice and bit different approach to chopper challenge. Cool piece.
Thank you Cay.
It absolutely beautiful great work
Thanks Chewy!
Oh man what a beast of a build!!! 😃👍👍👍
It definitely is. Thanks.
Absolutely stunning!
🙏
Absolutely beautiful piece of work
Thank you James.
Well done! Magua should run.
Great project idea, thanks for posting 👍😁💪🏻
Thanks Pepe.
very cool design and great craftsmanship. love to see it.
Thanks Nicky.
That was awesome slomo War club win!!!
😁👍🏼. Thanks Harris.
You scrolled past some of my pictures of war clubs I’ve done!!! Yours turned out awesome pard!
Yes sir !Thank you for the inspiration 😁. I shouted you out on a recent episode (125) of our podcast.
Beautiful and brutal good combo.
I agree.
Exceptionally well designed and executed! I had never heard of a gunstock war club. Scary instrument. Thanks.
It’s definitely brutal, and made for one purpose😬. But it is beautiful. Thanks for watching.
1st Great looking weapon "IT WILL KEEEL" I was skeptical about it being a chopper vs a Sticker/poker But a couple of your slow-mo action shots show it cutting veggies in half and then you get the smash / clubbing action after. Lets add in the wood and leather work you added to your weapon. So far you are my lead for the vote. A couple more videos to watch. ARMY SE Oregon
Thanks Army. I was on the fence too, but it definitely chops like a beast.
Great project and video. I made one of these war clubs about a year ago. My design is similar to yours but yours looks a lot better. I used bank line on my handle. My blade was made from an old circular saw blade. Watching you do yours told me that my process was very similar to yours. Your instructions are very helpful to me. Thanks
Thanks Jim. I’d love to see how yours turned out. Glad you enjoyed it.
wowowowow!
Thanks Tom!
Hi Dustin! What a terrorific weapon! You can kill all zombies as you can find! LOL! Good job my friend, as usual. Warm hug my friend.
You praise is always a please to hear Miguel. Thank you.
Amazing craftsmanship, only thing I would add is that the opposite edge could also be used as a warclub, the wooden point transferring a lot of energy much like an axe. You attacked the strap a little high so I'd understand not using it that way. They could also be thrown.
Nice work. I would have used a sling that could be removed as I would find the permanent sling a neusance while using it. That's just my personal opinion for me. Other than that, It looks and performs amazingly well. Thanks for sharing. I hope you win 😏👍
Wooow! The massacre this Club made to this bottle with green liquid is scary! Beautiful work Dustin! Totally unexpected project, but You've showed high skills of wood craftsmanship and bladesmithing! Well done Man! Love the details on the Club!
Thanks so much. These challenges push us to some fun places.
Loved it. I watched the video 3 times. And, if you’re that good power carving with a whole Dremel in your hand, what would you do with a flex shaft like a Foredom? Keep up the good work. You got my vote!
That looks like such a blast using and demolishing those waterbottles. Great and unique build.
I don't know if it's in the spirit of a "chopper," but it's bad ass and thinking outside the box!!!! For that alone high marks!!!
Thanks Beau. I wanted to try and make something that chops, but was outside of the box.
Thinking outside the box on this one and I think, you thunk well. As "Choppers" go this has surely went. Also I think I'll be voting for this. I haven't seen all admissions yet but so far your top one...
Thank you John! We appreciate it.
👏👏👏👏👏🤜🤛
🤛
You did an amazing job on the build, I really like the carving and the overall design. I have to say that the music was a excellent choice too. I kept thinking of the movie Last of the Mohicans, which is where I think I first saw a gun stock club. Very nice work 33:42
Thanks Jody. I was definitely inspired by The Last of the Mohicans.
That grain !!! O.O
I know, right!!!
Axes are puhing it already. But this man just makes a club???? Whuttt
It will chop. Thanks for watching!
AWESOME CLUB!! I live up in Mohawk country, tons of history. Q: Where do you source your leather from? Thanks.
Thank you. I got these pieces from Tandy Leather Factory.
You can make a nice traditional epoxy by melting tree sap with powdered charcoal mixed in.
At 15:29, HI.
It reminds me of Assassins Creed 3.
I appreciate a good gun stock club but idk if it quite fits a "chopper" role
It definitely chopped those fruits and veggies quite nicely…but I understand where you’re coming from. Thanks for watching.
Why would you make the tang so narrow ? I understand reducing it but that seems like its a “rat tail” tang , Seems weak for a chopper ? Very cool but I’m curious about the reasoning behind you’re design choice
Beautiful work! That is one hell of a weapon! You need to gift this to Mel Gibson so he can do part 2 of the patriot
If only that would happen. 😁
You mean “The Patriot “? I don’t remember Mel Gibson being in “ The last of the Mohicans”
😁😉
Shit... that's exactly what I meant
I'll fix that now so I don't sound so dumb. I'm glad y'all knew what I meant
I saw one of the movies the Indian they have rifle and chapper
From my bluckwinkel you're one, don't be angry, fool Such a good craftsman, an antique object, wonderful materials. And then you glue mut epoxy🥴😭😂?
Nessmuk knife + sheath any time soon?
Not my favorite style. Thanks for the suggestion though.
🤷🏼♂ 😪 RIP 🍉
Lol
There you go again with your water bucket on the floor. One of these days you’re gonna stick your face right in that grinder belt.
Lol
Does a club really need to be so precisely made?