History in the Making

In the opening episode of the new series, Nick Kaikkonen returns the legendary M1 Garand rifle to its former glory. Plus, we also create wooden whiskey barrel using traditional methods and American leather sports balls from the 19th century.

Blacksmith Robb Martin forges a hoplite soldier's breastplate in the same way as ancient Greeks did. We also take a look at wood engraving, a traditional printing press, and see how Baird Scott handcrafts a beaver fur top hat.

Blacksmith Robb Martin manufactures a Viking shield of iron, leather and wood. We also see Randy Asplund hand-craft an illuminated manuscript using ancient techniques. Finally, Jonathan White makes one hundred percent handmade delicious traditional cottage cheese.

Craftspeople Gabriel and Michael Bell make a traditional Japanese samurai's weapon of choice, the katana sword. Next, we see Mike Robinson taking a photograph using the daguerreotype method developed in the 1830s. Finally, Rick Kelly makes a hand-made electric guitar using wood from New York buildings.

In this episode traditional methods are used by craftspeople to recreate historic items, first Doug Morlock handmakes a huge legendary American Bowie knife. We also see how Scott Gooch handcrafts a traditional Windsor chair. Finally, Roger Rodriguez makes early industrial-style small batch chocolate from his own cocoa beans using traditional methods.

Artisan Darrell Markewitz makes an intimidating Viking spear in his workshop using ancient traditional methods. William Gudenrath shows how a glass dragon goblet is created by mouth-blowing, similar to medieval Venice. Finally, Ed Koren brews small batch Indian Pale Ale with a method developed by the British in the 1860s.

Artisans use original techniques to make a 1400s-style gauntlet. Plus, they strike stone to make prehistoric axes and arrows, and carve traditional wooden clogs.

A father and daughter team revive the art of hand-turning wooden bowls. And, an expert makes block-printed wallpaper the old-fashioned way.

Expert craftsmen make a shotgun by hand. Traditional tools recreate the iconic penny-farthing bicycle and an expert creates stunning scissors by hand.

Artisans restore the Universal Carrier to its WWII glory. A family continue producing an iconic leather jacket, and experts craft gorgeous fishing rods.

Skilled craftsmen create a neon light. Plus, artisans make cowboy boots the old-fashioned way and maple syrup as it’s been done for centuries.

Artisans recreate the historical oddity of the 45-calibre luger gun and messenger bag – the old-fashioned way. And, craftsmen reveal the art of cowboy hat-making.