Metal
Filmed without voiceover or music, this film is an absorbing portrait of the complex processes behind the crafting of a steel knife by bladesmith Owen Bush.
As part of ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Four Goes Slow, this programme follows the forging of a steel knife. From the slow stoking of the fire to the hammering, welding and etching of the metal, the film is an absorbing portrait of the complex processes behind the making of the knife.
Forged in a spectacular industrial space, bladesmith Owen Bush uses a combination of modern and traditional techniques, some of which date to ancient times.
The most time-consuming element of the process is the shaping and blending of a sandwich of steels into a blade which, after polishing, is placed in a bath of acids, revealing an intricate pattern - a technique used by the Vikings and Saxons.
The bold style of the film-making, making use of long, static shots and with no music or commentary, allows the viewer to simply enjoy watching the painstaking and highly skilled craftsmanship.
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"A nicely made knife is both an object of beauty and a tool.."
Clips
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At the forge, blademaster Owen Bush begins his day
Duration: 03:57
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Blademaster Owen Bush, close to the edge
Duration: 05:21
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Participant | Owen Bush |
| Executive Producer | Richard Bright |
| Director | Ian Denyer |
Broadcasts
- Mon 4 May 2015 21:30
- Tue 5 May 2015 01:30
- Thu 26 Oct 2017 20:00
- Mon 6 Aug 2018 19:30
- Wed 29 Jan 2020 19:30
- Wed 8 Apr 2020 00:00
- Thu 6 May 2021 23:40
- Fri 11 Feb 2022 00:45
Featured in...
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Handmade
Series filmed without voiceover or music so the focus is entirely on the craft process.
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ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Four Goes Slow
Slow down the pace, sit back, relax and enjoy.
Three master makers reflect on the challenges and rewards of their crafts
Take a quiet, unhurried look at the philosophy of each master craftsman.
Director Ian Denyer on making Slow Television
βThe brief was brief: no words, no music, long, very long held shots.β