Blacksmith Rates 9 Forging Scenes From Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

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Neil Kamimura critiques various blacksmithing scenes in movies, highlighting inaccuracies in techniques and outcomes while praising realistic portrayals like Robert Downey Jr.'s hammer swing. He explains traditional Japanese blade forging processes, disapproving of incorrect techniques shown in movies and emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate depictions in media.

Insights

  • Neil Kamimura provides insightful critiques of blacksmithing scenes in movies, highlighting inaccuracies in techniques and tools used, such as disapproving of Sylvester Stallone's ball-peen hammer use in "Rambo" and Mark Wahlberg's swinging speed in a blacksmith shop.
  • Neil Kamimura emphasizes the importance of accuracy in depicting traditional Japanese blade forging processes, pointing out errors like cutting a steel pipe with a sword, showcasing his commitment to preserving and showcasing authentic blacksmithing practices.

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Recent questions

  • What are common inaccuracies in blacksmithing scenes in movies?

    Neil Kamimura critiques various blacksmithing scenes in movies for their inaccuracies, such as incorrect forging techniques, unrealistic outcomes of quenching steel, and unrealistic depictions of melting steel and sword casting. He points out discrepancies in hammer swings, forging methods, and the portrayal of traditional Japanese blade forging processes. These inaccuracies detract from the authenticity of the scenes and misrepresent the art of blacksmithing.

  • How does Neil Kamimura evaluate blacksmithing scenes in movies?

    Neil Kamimura evaluates blacksmithing scenes in movies by analyzing the techniques used by actors, the accuracy of the forging processes depicted, and the realism of outcomes such as quenching steel and melting metal. He praises realistic hammer swings and cold-forging scenes while critiquing incorrect forging methods, hammer choices, and the portrayal of traditional Japanese blade forging processes. Neil's evaluations focus on the authenticity and accuracy of blacksmithing scenes in movies.

  • What is the purpose of a 1-inch square hardy hole on an anvil?

    The 1-inch square hardy hole on an anvil serves as a tool holder for various blacksmithing tools, allowing them to be securely placed and used during the forging process. Neil Kamimura explains the significance of this feature in blacksmithing, emphasizing its practicality in holding tools like hardy tools, swages, and fullers. The hardy hole plays a crucial role in facilitating efficient and precise metalworking techniques on the anvil.

  • How does Neil Kamimura critique the portrayal of steel quenching in movies?

    Neil Kamimura critiques the portrayal of steel quenching in movies for its inaccuracies, highlighting unrealistic outcomes and incorrect techniques shown on screen. He points out discrepancies in the process, such as the temperature of the quenching medium, the speed of the quench, and the resulting hardness of the steel. Neil's critique focuses on the misrepresentation of quenching steel in movies and the lack of authenticity in depicting this essential blacksmithing technique.

  • What are the challenges in replicating the forging stamp process for forge-welding?

    Neil Kamimura discusses the challenges in replicating the forging stamp process for forge-welding, emphasizing the difficulty in maintaining even pressure and heat for successful forge-welding. He explains the intricacies of folding to remove impurities, the importance of proper heat levels for forge-welding, and the challenges in creating a half-inch-thick plate using this technique. Neil's insights shed light on the complexities of the forging stamp process and the skill required to achieve successful forge-welding outcomes.

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Summary

00:00

"Movie Blacksmith Scenes Critiqued by Neil"

  • Neil Kamimura, a bladesmith-blacksmith from Hawaii, runs T Kamimura Blacksmith, established in 1932 by his great-grandfather in Hilo.
  • Evaluating blacksmithing scenes in movies, Neil praises Robert Downey Jr.'s realistic hammer swing while cold-forging mild steel.
  • Critiquing a scene from "Rambo," Neil disapproves of Sylvester Stallone's use of a ball-peen hammer and incorrect forging techniques.
  • Neil explains the purpose of a 1-inch square hardy hole on an anvil and criticizes the incorrect forging methods depicted in the movie.
  • Discussing quenching steel, Neil points out the inaccuracies in the movie's portrayal of the process, highlighting the unrealistic outcomes.
  • Neil criticizes the unrealistic depiction of melting steel in an open-faced crucible and the incorrect portrayal of sword casting and melting.
  • Analyzing a scene where a steel butt is forge-welded, Neil highlights the inaccuracies in the process and the unrealistic outcomes.
  • Critiquing Mark Wahlberg's blacksmithing scene, Neil points out the inaccuracies in the swinging speed and the use of gloves in a blacksmith shop.
  • Neil explains the traditional Japanese blade forging process and criticizes the incorrect techniques shown in the movie, such as cutting a steel pipe with a sword.
  • Evaluating a scene where a broken sword is repaired, Neil discusses the use of flux in forging and the incorrect portrayal of maintaining a fuller on a blade.

15:16

Forging stamp creates thick plate without welding

  • The forging stamp is used hot and pressed in with a hammer, rated a 4 but not hot enough for forge-welding; the process involves folding to remove impurities, challenging to replicate due to difficulty in maintaining even pressure for forge-welding, with a half-inch-thick plate created despite the challenge.
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