This Is How a Traditional Billhook Is Made in Iran

In this video, I craft a traditional Iranian billhook using an old car leaf spring, following the methods of traditional blacksmithing in northern Iran. Gilan Province, located along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, has a long and rich history of blacksmithing. For centuries, local blacksmiths have produced agricultural tools such as billhooks, sickles, and knives to support farming, forestry, and rural life. These tools were traditionally forged by hand using simple equipment, charcoal fire, and experience passed down through generations. The steel used in this project comes from an old car spring, a high-carbon steel known for its strength, flexibility, and durability. Reusing this material is a common practice among traditional blacksmiths, allowing them to create professional-quality tools from recycled steel. The forging process is done using a charcoal fire, which provides stable heat and precise control—an essential element in traditional Iranian blacksmithing. Both hand hammering and modern tools like an angle grinder are used to shape, refine, and finish the billhook, combining old techniques with practical modern methods. This video shows the full process, from raw steel to a finished tool, preserving a traditional craft while adapting it to today’s tools and materials. #billhook #sickle #blacksmith