An Introduction to Green Woodwork - Part 3: The ShavehorseBen & Lois Orford2024-10-15 | An Introduction to Green Woodwork - Part 3: The ShavehorseSF100 Stainless Nomad Folding Knife (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2022-11-16 | Today in the workshop Ben has been working on some Nomads using some new SF100 Stainless steel for the blades and a special handle material for the liners! Make sure to check out the final night time results at the end of the video!
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherSpecial Damasteel WoodlanderBen & Lois Orford2022-11-09 | Today in the workshop Ben and Lois have been completing this special commissioned piece. This Heirloom quality Woodlander has some amazing materials that make a super special knife that not only looks the part but will have great performance in the field. The use of some Damasteel and high grade Ironwood makes a super hard use knife that will be a heirloom quality bushcraft knife.
Hope you enjoy seeing what we have been working on and thanks for watching.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherNew Kitchen Knife (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2022-11-02 | Today in the workshop Ben talks you through a new design which has been on the bench for a long time: a kitchen knife for cooking wild and at home in the kitchen. The design is coming to life and the working prototype is cutting well. Hoping to release this product soon!
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherThis Damasteel blade is a pretty special bit of steelBen & Lois Orford2022-10-30 | Using some amazing Damasteel on this build made by @Damasteel always a pleasure to use such amazing steel for a special build 👍Simple Lanyard KnotBen & Lois Orford2022-09-07 | This week Ben is in the workshop and wanted to help answer a question a few folks had asked about, How to tie a simple Lanyard knot. Well if you follow this video you will find a simple technique that will save you hours of frustration. Adding a lanyard tie to a knife is not just functional it can add a personal touch or even add a way to help identify your tools at a glance.
Thanks for watching and all the support on the channel its really appreciated!
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherWoodland knife showBen & Lois Orford2022-08-31 | Today Ben and Lois are in the woods enjoying the late August weather. They have brought along a nice selection of knives which they wanted to show you. They have a nice good selection of designs for different tasks from woodcarving to general Bushcraft. They have some really lovely handle materials and blade steels which should offer thew perfect knife for your needs. These are all available now on the store so for more information or to purchase one of these unique bushcraft knives then follow the link below.
Thanks for watching and all the support on the channel its really appreciated!
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherAntler, is it the best Knife handle?Ben & Lois Orford2022-08-10 | Today Ben is going through a fresh delivery of Antler to make some cool knife handles for the latest batch of Field Knives. This latest batch will have some great AEB-L stainless blades too! These will all be available at our next show in just a few days time. The Wilderness Gathering is one of the last shows of the year for us, so come along and see what exciting new products we will have there. For more info on the show follow the link below and hopefully we will see you there.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherThe Pirate Trapper as seen on TVBen & Lois Orford2022-07-13 | today we were at the coast showing off one of our latest knives that we are really excited to show you.This is the same design we made for the survival expert, adventurer and author of 'Lessons from the edge' Aldo Kane, you may have watched the latest series of The Bridge on channel 4 and spotted a cool knife on Aldo's hip well this was the first Pirate Trapper and here's your chance to get your hands on the second of its kind. This very cool design is made to cope with what ever adventures you want to throw at it. For more Information or to get this special knife please follow the link below. hope you enjoy the video showcase of this new design.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherUnboxing a Radius Master Series 2 GrinderBen & Lois Orford2022-07-06 | Today a new delivery of a great addition to any knifemaking or metal fabricating workshop landed. The new Radius Master Series 2 grinder has arrived in the workshop and Ben shows you some of the new features and gets it set up.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherTrailblazer Bushcraft KnifeBen & Lois Orford2022-06-15 | Today Ben and Lois have been getting an old design brought back to life, this is one of the larger knives they make in the workshop and this is a really nice example of this Bowie inspired knife. They wanted to show the unique feature on this fantastic knife that will make a great companion for a trip to the woods and any adventure you want to take it on. They don't make many of this design and its a special knife with some amazing figure Desert Ironwood for the handle. This one is available now on the store click the link below for more information.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherMasur Campcraft KnifeBen & Lois Orford2022-06-08 | This weeks WIP Wednesday Ben is in the woods showing you a special Masur Birch Campcraft knife that has some really nice features that he wanted to talk you through before it flew across the Atlantic to its new owner. If you are interested in a knife like this or want more information on a custom built knife, then please get in contact.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherBest Knife making Materials?Ben & Lois Orford2022-06-01 | Today in the workshop Ben talks you through some fresh supplies that have arrived over the last few days. Some colourful new handle materials as well as some new steels that will make some awesome blades. Also we want you to let us know what you like to see on our knives and what you don't like, do you like the colourful modern materials or are you more a fan of traditional materials? we want you to get involved to help us make the knives you want to see.
The new heat treatment book that ben mentions is available through this link
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherElementary Woodlander Bushcraft KnifeBen & Lois Orford2022-05-25 | In this weeks video Ben was in the woods with one of their Elementary Woodlander 4" Classic knives, these are a great workhorse of a knife and Ben wanted to talk through some of the features on this particular model. These are a great hard use knife and perfect for those who want a tool that will not let them down. for more information or to be able to order one of these knives then please follow the link below to the store. Many thanks for watching and hope you enjoy seeing one of our Woodlanders in its natural environment.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherEDC Bushcraft Knife? Antler Field KnifeBen & Lois Orford2022-05-18 | In this Video Lois is out enjoying a walk in the woods at this great time of year, she wanted to show you her prefer EDC thats light weight, super compact and has some really nice materials making a great companion to any bushcraft trip. For more information and availability of these Antler Field knives please follow the link below. Thanks for watching.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherCarving a Wooden WhistleBen & Lois Orford2022-05-14 | Today in the spring woodland Ben shows you a quick craft project that this beautiful season offers. The month of May has strong traditions of carving wooden whistles and whilst on their walk Ben and Lois share this fun little carving trick with you. Hope you enjoy it.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherBushcraft Knives Out in the WoodsBen & Lois Orford2022-05-11 | Today Ben and Lois are out in the woods at their favourite time of the year, they have brought a nice selection of knives with them to give you the first knife show in the woods! What could be better than seeing some lovely bushcraft knives in their natural environment. These will all be available to purchase on our store now, follow the link below for more information and your opportunity to get one of these special knives.
Apologies for the one clip early on as we had some issues with our mic but hopefully it doesn't spoil the knife show in the woods!Knives, Knives, Knives! Getting ready for Makers Central showBen & Lois Orford2022-04-27 | Today it's all go in the workshop, Ben and Lois are getting ready for a show this weekend at the NEC Birmingham called Makers Central, which is a show for all aspects of craft and making from hobby to pro makers. A great fun family event that has lots to see and do. Today in the workshop Ben talks you through some of the knives he is working on and Lois is busy making the knife sheaths.
For more info about Makers Central and tickets check out the link below
Come along and see Ben and Lois as they will be there demonstrating and show some of their products.Best Grinder for Knife Makers?Ben & Lois Orford2022-04-20 | Today in the workshop Ben is in his happy place talking about his favourite tool in the workshop the Radius Master Grinder, these are some of the real workhorses of thew workshop and is this the perfect grinder for you as a new maker? Ben shows some of thew great features on this particular machine and hopefully helps you make a better decision when it comes to purchasing a major bit of kit for the workshop. Is this the best grinder for knife making? maybe now you will know.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherScandi grind or Flat grind on a Bushcraft knife?Ben & Lois Orford2022-04-13 | In this weeks video Ben and Lois were out in the woods testing some more gear and wanted to show you a new addition to the choice of grinds you can have on your Bushcraft knives. The Scandi grind is what is typical on a Bushcraft Knife but would a Full Flat grind be better for you? Ben talks you through some of the pros and cons of both grinds and hopefully will help you pick the best knife and best grind for your application.
Hope you enjoy the video.
If you would like a knife like in the video check out the store here
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherCollapsable Titanium FireboxBen & Lois Orford2022-04-09 | In this video Ben and Lois are enjoying getting out on the coast to field test some new equipment in a proper natural environment. This new little collapsable titanium wood stove from Wild camping International is a great little addition to their kit. Super light and easy to use, this little stove means you can have a fire on the trail easily and safely without leaving a mess or the risk of leaving a scorched patch of ground. The addition of the small light Titanium cook pot is a very easy way of cooking and preparing hot drinks when on the trail and still enjoying the smell of woodsmoke.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherCoastal Pixie Bushcraft KnifeBen & Lois Orford2022-04-06 | This week Ben and Lois have been at the coast testing some more kit, today Ben talks you through the features of this Pixie bushcraft Knife that is ideally suited for a coastal bushcraft trip. Ben talks through some of the features that make this knife a great choice for anyone near the sea or the water and what attributes make this a good companion on your next adventure.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherFitting a Scout Firesteel HolderBen & Lois Orford2022-03-30 | This Week Ben is in the woods and wanted to show you how to fit your Scout Firesteel holder to your Nomad Friction Folder. a few people have asked how to tie the knots and make sure it is fitted correctly so thought it would be good to show you how to fit it properly. Having the Firesteel added to your Nomad makes a great addition to your EDC set up.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherConvex Grinding Parang Blades WIPBen & Lois Orford2022-03-23 | Today in the workshop Ben has been working on getting some AEB-L stainless parang blades ready for their handles. Before the handles get attached it is important to get the Convex grind added to the blades, in this work in progress Wednesday Ben shows you the technique he uses to grind the blades to give them their amazing cutting performance, plus shares a few tips for the avid knife maker.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherWoodlander and Nomad Bushcraft Knives showcaseBen & Lois Orford2022-03-16 | In this weeks work in progress Ben was in the woods putting a Woodlander through its paces and wanted to show you some of the features of this new Woodlander 4" bushcraft knife and Nomad set that will be available to order on the store. the handles are in some of Ben and Lois's preferred materials and colours to make a great hardworking practical knife. This set will give you a choice or steel types to allow you to build a Bushcraft knife that will be perfect for your needs.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherCornish Coast Path Day Hike, Looe to PolperroBen & Lois Orford2022-03-12 | On this trip to Cornwall Ben and Lois managed to get a day on the South West Coast Path, one of their favourite sections from Looe to Polperro. Both are quintessential Cornish fishing villages and have the charm of something from the chapters of Poldark. The wilds of the coast is always a great place to test some kit and some bushcraft skills too.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherSpecial Birthday Pixie Knife BuildBen & Lois Orford2022-03-09 | This weeks WIP Wednesday was a special build for a Birthday Gift for a young Bushcraft Enthusiast, we got asked to make this special Pixie to match his Dad's Woodlander and was nice to be able to make this happen. Ben Shows some of the steps to bring this knife to life from the raw materials to the finished knife. Happy Birthday Noel
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherDamasteel Stainless Damascus Bushcraft Knife Set (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2022-03-02 | This week Ben shows you this impressive Bushcraft set of knives made from some amazing Damasteel stainless steel Damascus. This steel is a pattern welded Damascus made in Sweden by Damasteel who also make RWL34 (a high end stainless steel). This set was a special commission, so Ben wanted to show you it before it went overseas!
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherDetachable Firesteel!Ben & Lois Orford2022-02-23 | Today Ben has been working on a concept that’s been in his head for a long time: a way to carry a means of fire on the trail. Introducing the Slimline firesteel and holder for the Nomad Friction Folder, an easy to attach add on to this folding knife that means you’re never without your fire lighting kit when you need it most.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherHow To Glue Up a Full Tang Knife HandleBen & Lois Orford2022-02-16 | Ben is in the workshop today getting some handle prepared for the sticky part of knifemaking, the epoxy! Ben shares some top tips to the knife maker to make this process easier and give great results.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/store Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherMaking an Ed Stafford Signature NomadBen & Lois Orford2022-02-09 | In the workshop this Wednesday Ben has been making some Ed Stafford signature nomads. He shows some of the processes that go into making one of these very special UK legal folding knives.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/store Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherPreparing Folding Knives for Heat Treatment (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2022-02-02 | This week Ben is preparing some Nomad blades ready for heat treatment. He talks you through why prepping blades before they go into the oven is important, including how to accurately straighten your knives.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/store Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherMaking Your Own Step Drill for Knife Making (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2022-01-26 | Ben shows you how to make your own ‘step drill’ or ‘counterbore’ drill bit. By following this process you can save yourself some money and end up with a step drill usable for any type of handle hardware; invaluable for the avid knife maker.
Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherKatadyn BeFree Tactical Water Filter - GEAR REVIEWBen & Lois Orford2022-01-22 | Ben and Lois are out on the hills testing out their Katadyn BeFree Tactical 1 litre Water Filter. They talk you through some of its best features and what they have found after using it on the trail over the last 12 months.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/store Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherKnife Making - How to Make a PatternBen & Lois Orford2022-01-19 | In this video Ben shows you in depth how to take a paper knife design and turn it into a steel knife pattern, including technique, the tools you'll need and some helpful tips along the way.
Store: benandloisorford.com/store Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherLake District Walk - Robinson to Dale HeadBen & Lois Orford2022-01-15 | Ben and Lois take a new route opposite the iconic Buttermere Valley to explore another summit, Robinson, and then follow the Ridgeline to Dale Head before a decent towards Honistor Slate mine. Travel with them on their trek through the tranquil beauty of the Lake District national park.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/store Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherShaping a Campcraft Knife Handle (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2022-01-12 | Ben's back in the workshop and getting some of the first knives of 2022 finished off. First on the bench are some special flat ground Campcraft knives, perfect companions for woodland camping trips. Ben talks you through the knife and shows you how a lump of material becomes a handle ready for use.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/store Instagram: @craftlabknives + @craftlableatherKIT TEST: Ed Stafford Forest SmockBen & Lois Orford2022-01-08 | This week Ben is testing out some kit: the Ed Stafford Forest Smock made by Ridgeline. It's described as a 'smock that can perform whatever is thrown at it' and Ben puts some of its features to the test in a rainy, wild and wet Lake District adventure!
The Store: benandloisorford.com/storeEd Stafford Signature NomadBen & Lois Orford2021-12-08 | Ben's out in the Lake District this week, testing out a new product: The Ed Stafford Signature Nomad! He gives you a run down of some of its features and the options available.
Ed Stafford Signature Nomad: bit.ly/30bieb6A Week Wild Camping along the South West Coast PathBen & Lois Orford2021-10-17 | Ben and Lois are back on their route along the South West Coast Path. This time they're heading through Land's End and on to St Ives! Along the way they wild camp and give advice that you might need along the trail.
The Store: benandloisorford.comMaking an Ed Stafford Nomad Bushtool (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2021-09-29 | This week Ben is making some Ed Stafford signature Nomads, taking you through what goes into these special bushtools.
Ed Stafford Nomad Bushtool: bit.ly/39LviVN The Store: benandloisorford.com/storeKnife Sheath Dropper Improvement (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2021-09-15 | This week Ben and Lois have been modifying their classic Poppered Dropper, a device that allows you to convert a belt sheath into a Scandi sheath for ease of use.
Poppered Dropper: bit.ly/2XmGB3v T-shirts: bit.ly/3nPtseT The Store: benandloisorford.com/storeMountain Walking in the Lakes - Steeple and PillarBen & Lois Orford2021-09-11 | Ben and Lois are back on the trail, this time camping in the Lake District. They're walking from Ennerdale Water up into the mountains, along the crags with the aim of making it to the top of Pillar Mountain.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/storeKnives, Atoms and Future Shows (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2021-07-28 | Ben is back in the workshop after a very busy few weeks. It's the run up to the first shows for a long time, so Ben is busy prepping lots of different bushcraft knives and some Atom axes too.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/storeDamascus Bushcraft ComboBen & Lois Orford2021-06-10 | This week Ben talks you through a combo of Damasteel bushcraft knives, a Nomad and a Trapper, with blasted black canvas micarta handles and grey kydex.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/storeMaking a Friction FolderBen & Lois Orford2021-05-26 | Ben is making folding knives this week, taking you through the knife making process to bring a Nomad with a special Iroko wood handle to life.
The Store: http://benandloisorford.com/storeWILD CAMPING - Walking the South West Coast PathBen & Lois Orford2021-05-16 | Ben and Lois are back on the South West Coast Path, this time for a longer adventure. They're carrying everything they need for a week on the coast, overnight camping, wild swimming and more along the trail.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/storePrepping Parang Handles (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2021-05-12 | Ben has an unusual wood to work with this week. It was originally part of a bench in a school science lab, a piece of Iroko, which he is transforming into a custom order Parang.
The Store: benandloisorford.com/storeSharpening a Crook Knife (WIP Wednesday)Ben & Lois Orford2021-05-05 | This week Ben shows you simple techniques to sharpen your spoon knife so that it's razor sharp for carving.
Carving Tools: bit.ly/2QOWMEc Carving Tool Sharpening Kits: bit.ly/3to2GJB Camelia Oil: bit.ly/3h5XGXs Instagram: instagram.com/craftlabknivesReturn to the Workshop + Knives Available (WIP WEDNESDAY)Ben & Lois Orford2021-04-28 | Ben is back in the workshop after a break on south east coast and this week has been working on some friction folding knives, some classic woodlanders and some thorns (available to below).