Antique Two Handed Cleaver - Restoration
In this video I'm restoring a very big cleaver. These cleavers are also called „splitter“. They were used by butchers before they had electric saws to help their work. There are a few characteristics that make it very obvious that this is a cleaver: the very thick blade and the big angle on the cutting edge, the hole in the front to hang it on the wall, the very long handle to hold it with two hands.
I've found this cleaver actually a long time ago and I was very impressed by its size. Now I thought it's the time to restore it. This project was pretty straight forward. After a quick disassembly I gave the blade a nice sandblasting with glass beads to remove all the rust. With the help of a hand held belt sander I removed all the pitting of the blade. On the tang I just sanded it clean and didn't went that far as it will be covered by the handle afterwards. I didn't want to remove anymore material to remove all the pitting, that would just weaken the tang. Once I hade it all clean I switched to hand sanding with finer grits, all the way up to 600 wet. I decided to go with a satin finish on the blade. There it is very important that all sanding marks point in the same direction to get a uniform look.
For the handle I choose pear wood. I really like the color of it, it's also quite hard and nice to work with. I first drilled all counterbored holes before I started to rough shape it with a saw and rasps.
To fix the handle on the tang I used screwable rivets, also know as „Chicago rivets“. I machines these out of brass to get a nice contrast with the pear later. I applied Loctite on the threads of the rivets to make sure they will never ever come loose again. After tightening them against eachother I filed their heads flush with the handle, leaving just a round dot of brass in the wood. Then it was just time to fine sand the complete handle up to 600 grit and oil it with linseed oil. Before applying the oil I sprayed some water onto the wood to raise the grain, which I then sanded down again with 600 grit to achieve the smoothest possible finish. Now there was just the sharpening of the blade missing. I did that on my friends belt sander with a 400 grit belt running against the cutting edge. It ended up being super sharp so it even cuts tomatoes very nice and clean.
Eventhough this was a rather simple project compared to my other ones, I really enjoyed restoring it. I'm very happy how this cleaver has turned out in the end. I'm glad I went with the satin finish, it really has a very classy look together with the pear handles and the brass rivets.
Huge thank you to all of my Patreon supporters and especially to:
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My camera:
Panasonic HC-VX11
This is an ASMR style video. Especially made to have the best sound quality, so you can enjoy all the authentic sounds created in the workshop in ASMR style.
If you have any questions about the process, machines i'm using or other stuff, just ask me in the comments. I read them all and i try to reply as soon as possible.
Sorry for my bad english, it's not my language. I try my best to improve my technical english.
Subscribe for more of my content. I'm uploading videos about mechanical stuff, as new creations and buildings and also restorations.
Thank you for watching :-)
„I make a new one“ T-Shirts:
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My Main Channel:
/ mymechanics
My Second Channel:
/ mymechanicsinsights
My Patreon Page:
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Yay, the sandblaster power button looks good again!
cant believe he put the old one back
Merry Christmas!
@@chriswoods849 I figured he just used old footage to play tricks with us.
@@jodyburton0351 As much as this would make the most sense, and im sure this is the case, i wouldnt put it past him to have really put the old one back in just for a video. LOL He kept it for a while, even with all the comments about that old worn out button!
This is an old video for sure and has been edited and now published. But that does not matter. Always a pleasure.
A mirror finish is nice for a show piece, but that satin finish looks like it is ready for work. Well done!
Yeah, all other restorers do that ugly looking mirror finish on the blade, which just makes it look like not a blade
Agreed, I always thought a satin finish looks more elegant
I agree. This knife is ready to work. It would be an awful shame not to use it.
In this case I would prefer a polished blade as it cleans better.
From "scavenged Dark Souls weapon" to "well-kept workshop tool". Absolutely beautiful work.
I like the dark souls look better
@@michaelbeaumier6153yeah, it had some character to it but it’s not functional
,,,,and no epoxy!!!
From bandit cleaver to Skyforged steel.
Maneater Mildred has never before wielded such a fine Dinner Prep tool.
Watching this made me nostalgic. I started watching 4 years ago in the winter of 2018. I was visiting my mom and staying in her guest room. I found the channel and was blown away by how high quality the restorations were, and surprised by how few subscribers there were compared what I thought you deserved. You were instantly one of my favorite channels on the entire platform, and I watch every single video still. Now I am once again visiting my mom and staying in the same room, watching this, and your channel has grown a great deal. Thank you for the years of great content, and I look forward to more videos!
r😮
Warm fuzzy feeling wholesome comment! ❤
Very nice job on the Chicago rivets. The overall finish is as usual simply perfect. Good job again. Have some relaxing holidays
Thank you very much, I'm glad you like it :-)
I thought the same thing - how can rivets look so dang pretty!?
@@mymechanics Фй
@@jonathanfox1 the secret ingredient is called "mymechanics"
one might say they were not terrible
I wrote a translator. Few technicians have as clean surroundings and tools as shine as you. I was very impressed with that. Even when restoring a single part, you angle and restore it in perfect position. No one can restore a single part as perfectly as you do, and no KZheadr can edit as neatly as you do. ♥♥
Thank you very much :-)
Agreed!
That's why I regard him as the gold standard, many others try to copy his style and workmanship.....but there can be only one, Lol. Simply the best!
No KZheadr edits as neatly? That is totally incorrect.
서진아 반갑다
When he beveled the rivets even though he planned to sand that entire part away it nearly brought tears to my eyes. This man is a master
There are a lot of restoration channels these days, but you manage to remain the best because you do more than restoring the objects, you make them look like they're modern products, inspired on the classic ones
great 👍
What a nice way of saying "you fucked up an antique object" :D
Exactly. The copycats try to look like My Mechanics videos but never have the skill and talent.
@@arjensmit6684 you might’ve watched the video backwards
@@Na3C6H5O7 Imagine going to a museum and finding the items there in a state this guy here brings them in. Wouldn't that at least seriously surprise you? Now this isn't a museum, and its not an item of great historic value, so the guy can do with it what he wants, but you can hardly call this "restoring antique". Maybe more like "recycling parts of an antique item"
The wood came out great and those brass rivets are genius.
Thank you! Cheers!
My preference is for “Chicago screws” same principle, just removable….
@@roberthenson6153 i was totally confused when they were sanded down to not have any way to unscrew. Am I missing something here?
@@protoman1214 it’s the rivet version, not screw.
@@protoman1214 He put loctite on them and screwed them together before sanding them down, I guess he is not planning to ever need to unscrew them.
Amazing job as always
You are exelent.
Thanks again!
@@mymechanics thanks to you I'm learning many new things about a subject I'm completely ignorant. So thank you.
calm down, he's just cutting and sanding metal and wood that someone else made. literally unskilled labor.
Jason Voorhees approved
That restoration was incredible. Back in my high school days, I would often bring old rusty tools my father had, and repaired them using similar machines And yes - It IS as satisfying as advertised
The original makers of that cleaver would be mighty jealous of how the restoration turned out. Surely it came out looking better than the original cleaver! Amazing.
🎉😂
Simple and wonderful as always. I wish I could go back and watch them all for the first time!
what a simple task！
My Mechanics, no one does so beautifully. Best restoration channel!
Thanks a lot for being here :-)
Its the only one I watch, there simply isn't any better than this in my opinion.
Many of us found this channel randomly and now we can admit these videos without any artificial annoying background music (pure content ) are highly addictive.... What infact made me subscribe to this channel is his humblness and down to earth attitude which is clearly visible from the ❤️ every comment have. Which actually means a lot for the subscribers as well. Bingo You gained another subscriber today. Love from India 🇮🇳🇮🇳
Once again - one hundred percent agree that the channel is so much better with annoying background music. Hats off to "silence is golden" apart from the sounds of the restoration itself.
Agreed. I will sometimes though mute the video and open some lofi music in another tab to watch these restoration vids
"I make new one."
but he didn't give you heart
1:45 the sacred old switch on the sandblasting cabin!
;-)
Just came here to see if anyone else noticed! What is this, an old video from the archives? lol
I think I'm starting to like the satin effect more than the mirror effect on blades ! Good job MM 👏
I feel depressed if I don't get to watch his restoration video every week. If there is no new video coming I go back to the old ones and watch again. These videos are so soothing and calming. If there is an award for restoration work this guy will win it hands down every time..
As always, much more than just a perfect restoration; an improvement on the original product without changing its essential character. And, a lesson on how to post a perfect KZhead tutorial, with impeccable editing, no unecessary words, no bla-bla-bla, no rock and roll music... : ⁰ ) Thank you!
100% behind you with respect to no annoying music!!!
Nothing beats waking up and seeing a new My Mechanics video!!!!!
Day made!
Good morning
always so relaxing and chill to watch, best restoration vids on yt by far
Thanks a lot for being here :-)
@@mymechanics Please make more videos sir! We miss you!
@@salmanmirza5510 next video is almost finished!
@@mymechanics Awesome! Can't wait!!
@@mymechanics😘😘😘👍👍👍
Wow I never thought I would ever utter these words, but the absolute highlight for me were those rivets!
Finally, someone who actually knows the definition of restoration. Great job.
What I love about your videos is that you don't use powertools for everything.The lathe, mill and occasional sanding is completely understandable though. You put so much work and detail into your craft and also the videos. No other restoration channel comes even close to you when it comes to quality of both videos and restoration.
Thank you very much, I really do appreciate it :-)
Ok I hadn't watched your video before I commented. I'd like to add thatthe sanding with powertools in this video is also completely understandable. ♡ keep up the good work!
Before it looked like something from an old pirate ship or something, but what a fantastic and beautiful job you did giving it life again. Always love when you go all out with testing the things you restore😅
@@AyazRestoration dude no, you are one of the worst copycats, you actually stole his logo and attempt to trick people to click your videos. Stop replying to everyone, you did this last time too.
@@AyazRestoration a liar who does not assume… it's pathetic
@@DakovP Brother, what are you talking about. I am in the dark as to what you mean by your comment. Did I miss something?
There’s a kind of spam bot that shows up under KZhead videos (in comment section replies) pretending to be various channels in order to entice people to click on links that contain viruses. Probably was one that replied to this comment thread, but someone reported it and it got taken down.
@@emmakane6848 Nope wrong, its a copycat restoration channel who is always in the comments replying to everyone in order for them to see his channel. He even made his logo and thumbnail like my mechanics.
There are so many restoration videos, but you are unquestionably the King in this realm. Always look forward to seeing more of your mastercraft.
Gorgeous. So nice to see a blade restoration on youtube given the proper amount of effort it deserves.
Best restoration channel on YT never fails to deliver great content :)
it is the best one. but he has slowed way down on content.
idk hand tool rescue is pretty good too
agree
great 👍
Best restoration channel no question
Thanks, I'm glad you like it :-)
I liked the original untouched look. But the restoration was amazing and fun to watch. An incredible job!
I know! Now it's too clean and shiny for murder.
I agree I would have kept it and made a new copy
Yeah it looked really cool before the restoration.
One of the best restoration videos I've ever seen and I'm watching these videos for over 3 years now.
Most restoration channels try and do too much to these things with like gold and epoxy, but you did it just perfectly. And none of that stupid music that always plays over these. Very nice and clean, and very satisfying to watch. Not to mention how perfect it came out. Very well done. As a long-time supporter of this channel I once again tip my hat to you
🎉😂
This video further proves that you are on the cutting edge of restorations. 😁👍
A sharp observation.
very cleaver indeed
Some very knife words you have to say.
truly a cut above
HAHHA
Absolutely fantastic!! And thank you for not over dramatizing a restoration "theater play". Most everyone else that restores are un watchable cuz they put on a show. Great job and I love all the work. Thank you.
Glad to hear that, thank you very much
I would like to second that. The absolute lack of pathetic theatrics is one of the many details that make you the best of the best in your genre.
I expected the last stroke to break the cutting board! What a wonderful tribute to the original maker who made such a wonderful tool! Well done!
Nice work, love the Chicago Rivets and Pear wood.
It simply doesn't get any better than this!! - thoroughly enjoyed - thanks for sharing as always!!
Glad to hear that, thank you very much
*_The original is one of my favourite restorations. You guys do top work. Seriously impressive effort and results._*
Thank you very much!
Wow. You turned it into something that is better than new
You didn't use glue to fasten the handle to the tang. I LOVE YOU FOR THAT!
Watching the handle fitting is a subtle but powerful reminder of what taking the time to get accurate measurements can lead to. The beautiful snug fit and ease of tightening shows a level of detail and craftsmanship that very few people take the time to get right. Truly a masterpiece well done good sir.
Well said!
Now that is a cleaver. It's been many years since I've seen one, and that was in a museum in Nebraska. That is so cool how you brought this piece of history back to life.
Oh wow, their days are over in todays modern world
@@mymechanics, It was very old. But it was beautiful to me. You did a wonderful job bringing the cleaver back to life.
@@clydebalcom3679 --- I could be wrong, but that may be some sort of tuna knife, or a knife (blade) to cleave freshly slaughtered and skinned food animals ('hog splitter"). Band saws probably replaced them. But, I saw a video of a Japanese fish market in which they brought out a five foot long knife (sword, really) to bisect a tuna. I can't say they performed the bisection in one stroke, but it was pretty close, very clean on one side of the spine and rib bones, so that thing must have been really sharp. A band saw would make a mess of tuna.
@Dave Smith You should watch iTravel on how they use a Taiwanese knife to cut open a huge tuna fish
@@nopenonein --- The Tuna King Reigns at Tsujiki Fish Market shows varying lengths of knives. I saw one video where a guy brought out one he carried hanging tip down just inches above he floor, the handle up at his head level. I had seen the semi-circular Taiwanese knife before, they forge them by hand but by the dozens. Interesting channel.
You have all tools which can be found in our galaxy!
The rope had a nice decorative touch but we all know your style is super clean without unnecessary parts so this came out exactly the way I expected you to restore it. Super high end amazing result. Nicely done! Very satisfying ofcourse
You are Master of restoration
Incredible workmanship. Your attention to detail is amazing.
I thought-a cleaver-so big deal... Then as usual I watched with serious attention as this Swiss man made another master's restoration. I forgot who I was dealing with-!
SOME OF YOUR BEST WORK ON A BLADE..YOU MAKE SOMETHING OLD AND RUSTY LOOK BETTER THEN NEW. WHAT A TALENT YOU HAVE MY FRIEND.
That was unbelievably satisfying. I was getting a little anxious that we wouldn't get to see it in action but well worth sticking around to the end!
You must be new here
I can’t believe he chopped a person’s leg off with it though
@@finctank That was an unexpected but awesome moment
@@finctank I love how he said: "It's my mechanics time" and then mymechaniched all over the place
@@finctank I'm sure, he will make him a new one.
Satin finish is beautiful! Well done, as always!
Have watched many of the tool resto postings find this guy to be the best. His videos are edited right and the end results are great. No silly extras. Always look forward for his next challenge.
Beautiful. Glad you brought it back to "as new".
Just spoke with a friend I've known for 30 years - he did an apprenticeship as a butcher back in the '60's and used the larger version of this splitting beef carcases down lengthways - nowadays they use chainsaws apparently. I've never actually seen one in use but I do remember seeing them hanging up in the butchers shop as a child in the '60's - my friend is 10 years older than me, and got to actually use one.
Your video's never fail to amaze me for real! Glad you're back at it again! Hope you're doing well and thanks again for the amazing content!
Thank you! You too!
I find these videos very therapeutic and relaxing.
I know a certain Crystal Lake dweller that will love this piece of your work😎😎
I'll be honest, I was kind of hoping for an inlaid string wrap at the top of the handle as an omage to the original condition it was in. Looks fantastic though, well done!
Your work is mesmerizing and fascinating as usual. Thank you, MM, for sharing this beautiful cleaver with us. The amount of hand sanding is phenomenal and my arms ache for you!🤣This is just wonderful.
You are very welcome Vickie :-)
Beautiful antique tobacco chopping knife, I saw it listed on a TV show with Drew Prichard, a famous English antiques dealer. Watching your works is always a beautiful show.
I’m still in awe/jealous of his skill every time I watch his videos! Seriously can’t get enough of the incredible work he does & love seeing all the unique items! None of the cell phones I restored look that cool lol
As usual, I was surprised at some choices you made and the extra distance you went to get the job "just perfect" when I know other restorers would have made simpler choices in order to get the job done more quickly. There is something deeply satisfying about watching an artist, whether it be a restorer, a painter, or a sculptor, do something unexpected in order to get a better end result. Thank you for another fine video, Master.
Superb. You’re the best restoration channel on YT by far. Unlike so many others, you never take shortcuts because you know the quality of work required to do it properly.
This is got to be one of the nicest Restorations I've ever seen😊
I was against using the sandblaster till I saw how awesome it came out! Awesome Job!
Very nice job as usual. The mirroring woodgrain at the end of the two handle-halfs is the icing on the cake! Brilliant.
Looks like one my dad has, he was an industrial butcher Can't wait to see the finished product 👍
I hope you like it
@@mymechanics a very simple, yet also very satisfying resto, might have a go myself 😁
I don't think I've ever seen someone go through the effort of removing all the pitting from anything bigger than a knife Props to you on that!
I prefer your restorations to all the others. They are the best. I am absolutely delighted that you try to make every step perfect. There are so many videos where the authors do a titanic job, but don't try at some point to cross out the whole result. Some hastily or improperly done detail destroys everything. But you maintain a standard of perfectionism in everything, from washing to tracing old images, to painting. This resonates in my soul because that's exactly how I, my father, or my grandfather would have done it. Your work is a feast for the eyes and honey for the souls of perfectionists. It's ambrosia for those who know the value of this labor. Thanks you! Best regards, Arsenii
I'm always happy when you upload a new video because even before I see it, regardless of what the object to be restored is, I know that I'm about to witness an exceptional workmanship! My mechanics you are the number one restorer on youtube.
The broken sandblaster switch cover is back! 🎉
I have to give you props on the handle hand sanding all to finish if it was me I would’ve jury rigged that belt sander and used that mad respect for the patience
There’s something I find satisfying about seeing a super shiny blade
The satin finish is perfect. I like it. Great job!!!!
Восхищаюсь вашими видео.Вы просто маэстро.Браво.С нетерпением жду еще.Привет из Москвы 🤘
Every single video just makes so in awe of your craftsmanship
Truly the top restoration channel on KZhead- mechanics is the channel that other channels look up to
Very nice! Beautiful cleaver, and a bit scary. I have never heard of a two-handed cleaver before. Nice job editing the video.
Yeah me neither before finding this one and doing some research. I've also put some of that in the video description ;-)
Check out some videos of master sushi cutters with whole tuna getting cut down. It's fascinating the clevers and long swords they use. Ridiculously expensive too.
Looks great. Nice work on the handle and those rivets were nicely done.
I'm glad you like it :-)
Watching this video puts my mind at ease. The process of restoration puts your mind at ease.
God damn those macro shots of the rivet cutting were great.
The passion you have for your craft is beautiful. Keep up the good work! Good luck!
Dear My Mechanics, can you please make 3 videos a day 7 days a week? Your videos are like visual heroin. I believe I may be helplessly addicted. You are truly number one in the galaxy as far as restoration videos go. There’s no B.S., you have extreme skill, great filming style, very articulate, rare..subtle but appreciated humor (I.e. the blur on the sandblast cabinet button after people said you should fix it : ) just a pleasure to watch. Ok, Now get to making those videos.
Amazing to see this restored it looks amazing, these sort of cleavers are still used a lot in japan to cut up giant fish such a tuna
You never cease to amaze! Bravo!
Снова круто! Не знаю даже, чего ты не сможешь сделать. Похоже все на свете сумеешь восстановить :)
Your attention to detail is close to perfection. Enjoyed the transformation. 👌👏
Satin finish looks better than polished-out in my opinion. Great work. Thanks
Gorgeous Cleaver! Used something similar when I worked as a Butcher, it was for splitting pigs into sides of pork.
Hogsplitter is the name
@@greulich9635 never heard that term before, we don't generally call pigs, "Hogs " in the UK.
Were just about to yell "hey, that's not how you use a cleaver!", then came the pineapple. Perfect!
Great work sir, your skill has restored dignity to an old blade.
I hope I'm not the only one to appreciate the comedic effect of including the squeaking of the tap at 9:49
Now that is a beautiful design. You did a great job. Personally I would have cleaned it up and used the way it was. But I like that old type of stuff. Your work is very impressive.
Fantastic work as always! Love the extra bit of work you put into these projects.
You restore the things so outstanding that no one would like to use that thing to avoid losing its beauty. Well done my mechanic.
Love the pear wood handle. It really is a lovely wood.
A fabulous job, really good and it probably looks better now than when it was first made. I just love the way that you are able to create screwable rivets like its no big deal at all.
Thank you so much!
A question about sandblasting - sometimes you soak it in a deruster first, sometimes not, sometimes put it in another cleaner, sometimes not. What determines whether you can go straight to sandblasting or if you have to do some other prep work first?
I have been wondering the same
If you have the use of a sandblaster it’s the fastest way to return the surface to bare metal. If you can’t blast it other methods are used which are much slower.
This is a very old video, as shown by the torn sand blaster switch cover. Made prior to his refinement of cleaning off surface rust to prolong the life of the media in the blaster.
I know that sometimes he cleans because there is dirt and other things and not just rust.
@@imagine_big9398 Sometimes sandblasting is too aggressive for delicate objects and other methods must be used.
YEAA I haven't watched your videos for a year or two now and I got so happy when I found you again and saw the broken sandblaster button I'm so happy thank you for uploading new videos!!
That's cool. I was teasing him about using the old footage and wow, it helped you find him again. Welcome back.
@@Vickie-Bligh i meaaan seems like only my mechanic uses the footage of him pressing thr button so i just needed to find the button but ive watched since a very long time ago where he switched between the two hah
I would absolutely love to have all the tools and equipment at my disposal, and a pro like you to do a few projects with and learn from. It looks so satisfying. As frustrating as I’m sure it can be at times the end result would be so gratifying it would all be worth it.
Never a dull moment with My Mechanics. Happy holidays sir and thank you for your inspiring craftmanship.