A Blacksmith's Apron

This apron will last your whole life, and the life of whoever you give it to!
More Steve Harris here: • Carving Leather With A...
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[@BrianBriCurInTheOC]

This Gentleman ALWAYS knows what he is discussing!!! Unlike too many KZbinrs!!!

[@abdulelkhatib2674]

Yes that's so true

[@wornoutwrench8128]

Many, many years ago. When I first started in my trade (Heavy Equipment Mechanic), the shop I worked at had an old blacksmith still there. He didn't do much forge work, more welding but what a tradesman. Old German fellow, extremely precise and what a gentleman. He had so much patience with us young guys (lord knows he needed it) I was able to help him once when he had the forge running. Nothing too fancy, just making some new chokers up and he was pouring the babbitt into the knobs. I was the young guy cutting the cables and bringing it into him and taking the new chokers away. This vid reminded me so much of him because he always wore a very well used leather apron. Good memories. He is long gone now, but he is so well remembered in the community where I live. I wish that I could have spent more time with him and had the chance to learn more about his trade Love your channel Scott, one of my favorites.

[@bananastickman2]

Cool. sounds like he had a lot of knowledge to give. sucks that you cant transfer everything to the next generation.

[@johnhunter273]

Super hero's wear a cape. Useful humans have quality PPE. Momma wore an apron, pa had one for the shop. Just makes sense!

[@jramercreates6583]

John Hunter well said!

[@noc8076]

A leather apron is heavy, so a neck strap tires you out; hence your sheepskin lining. Instead of the neck strap, go with two straps that cross over your back, moving the weight to your shoulders and away from your neck. The hardware to attach the straps are already in place on you apron. And with a cross, you don't need to open them, just slide the whole thing over your head and attach the waist strap. Try it out with a couple of pieces of rope and you will see how much your neck gets relieved.

[@kengamble8595]

NoC Exactly, it makes a big difference ! When I was welding a lot I realized that I wasn't wearing my apron as much as I should've because the neck strap bothered me. When I changed to the shoulder straps, lot more comfortable !

[@parones]

This is exactly what I did with my leather apron and I love the comfort. Added side pockets too.

[@j.collingallagher7030]

I've got one with the crossed straps and it does indeed hang better. However, they skipped the waist strap and the apron doesn't stay close to my body when I bend over.

[@solwong1338]

Kind of what I was thinking but more of a "Y" down the back and then a loop at the end to feed the waist through or even attach through a belt on your pants; it would add to the ease of movement and take side strain off the side of the apron waist belt. Imma make this now!!!

[@fasousa4798]

J. Collin Gallagher I would be inclined to say that i don't like anything to stay close to my body when i bend over... Just my 2 cents...

[@JohnMGibby]

I'm going to go out on a limb here about something I've been suspicious of for a while. I suspect that Scott is really into blacksmithing. I know, I know it sounds crazy. But I'm a smart guy and can pick up on these things pretty quick.

[@hasdrubal121]

I brought my 11 year old daughter into my forge with me before Christmas, I sat down the night before and stitched together an apron out of a pair of my old jeans. Boy are they rough, but she loves them. Now I've gathered the leather, I have three to make for my kids and one for me. For now they will have to do, this vid is very helpful as usual. I really appreciate the channel. Thanks

[@icezpider]

Just like Brian says, you always know what you are discussing! I watch every video even though I'm no craftsman just a very basic diy guy. But the tone of your voice makes everything you talk about sound interesting!! Thanks a million from Sweden! ☺

[@GoofyGoober-us7yp]

Your videos are amazing sir I’m only 18, I don’t know much about much but I’m very interested in learning many crafts and one day excelling at them and your videos are not only entertaining but a huge help to me and I’m sure many others like myself

[@thoi412]

I just got a canvas apron for woodworking. It's amazing how donning an apron, or any uniform/PPE, can put you in the right frame of mind to get some work done.

[@broja4387]

completely agree. Even pulling on some work gloves can flip the switch to buckle down and go into work mode

[@thejohnsons2123]

Very true.

[@kengamble8595]

Yeah, before I started wearing an apron I wore a lot of clothes with burn holes in them ! Didn't understand why everyone knew that I had been welding ! 😊 Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@mesocratic]

I appreciate how you not only explain how to do a thing, you also explain the reasoning behind it, and some of the points where other decisions could be made to get varying effects.

[@joegarage6132]

I knew a guy in his 70's and he was in his garage and caught himself on fire and got 3rd degree burns on his chest and belly. He taught me a few things about Model A's and British cars. He drove himself to the hospital and died there, sad day. Good man. I have always worn an apron and leather when I weld. I do it for safety and keeps my work clothes clean. I have gotten ribbed over the years for wearing it in the diesel shop and working on equipment. Not sure I want an expensive one, but I use my leather welding apron every time I weld (christmas gift form my girls). Be safe.

[@alitabattlechicken9732]

I like being a useful human

[@pendulousphallus]

Still trying to figure out how to become one.

[@forgotmylogininfo]

My kids didn't believe me when I told them that buildings at one time were torn down just to salvage the nails from them. Salute to the blacksmiths.

[@brystonfranke1691]

you could talk about the word "the" and I'd still watch for 6 minutes.

[@Lengsel7]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6GWhYScZ913mZo

[@abstractbybrian]

or how rust forms.

[@danabasiliere5417]

I love the comment "that makes me a useful human" That is something we all should strive for.

[@nigelross6123]

Another great video, I love watching your stuff. You're refreshingly honest and calm and down to earth.

[@nebraskaslim77]

Great videos all the time. You're very knowledgeable. I thank you. I'm always learning something new from you.

[@Uncephalized]

I'm late to the party. But I just found this channel. What a treasure trove. I've been getting along with a cheap (POS) leather apron from Harbor Freight. But I've got some nice full-grain veg tan rolled up in the storeroom...

[@threeriversforge1997]

Great content, as always. I designed my own leather apron for at the forge and couldn't be happier. Your video helped a lot in that regard.

[@tonysailer8470]

"Add dimension to your life and make yourself a useful human"... Wow! advice everyone should heed. Thanks for great content. Keep hammering.

[@christianscustoms6429]

You have such a great way of putting things. Absolutely love your channel! Thanks for all the great content

[@danlewisii4716]

Really enjoy these videos, nice overview of so many things! Keep up the good work

[@rayeddy528]

Thank you Scott and Nate for great content !!!! I appreciate you all !!!! I feel that God has put all of us right here, right now to be " useful human beings" !! We should bloom and bear fruit where He plants us !! Thanks again !!! You all be safe and God bless !!!!!!!! Eddy

[@albertlionais]

Love every video. Thanks from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

[@bobolander]

i'm all for you sharing your leatherworking friend's work with us, I'd love something similar...

[@kbranger3498]

I would really love one of these aprons! I'm starting to get into welding and this looks like something that would be good to have in my tool kit. Thanks for the video! Your great!

[@rwe2156]

Hey I just bought a t shirt. We need to support this guy I'm a woodworker but if craftsman is essential to you he speaks our language!

[@watermain48]

Great discussion. Thanks Scott.

[@MetroDET2011]

Hand grinders are nasty tools. Especially if you dont know the danger associated and the power behind them. I wish I had a leather apron many times, thanks for sharing Scott

[@duncanjunctionsthemadman7418]

Good sir, I have a Leather Apron soon for my own forging I will have to note this video. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@ryanjowers]

Hey man you truly astonishing with your wealth of knowledge in the trades. I am a welding/pipe fitting instructor in Houston and I use your videos all the time. Keep up the good stuff. Would love to meet you someday.

[@63256325N]

Thanks for the video.

[@garybrayartgarybray3604]

I ordered an apron much like yours after seeing your vid. Instead of the neck strap it has shoulder straps that cross in the back. I paid a little extra or solid brass buckles and it came to $425. For all the times I've caught myself of fire and been hit in the gut with grinder shrapnel, it's worth the price. Elf Leather in BC Canada made mine and it took 2 weeks from the order to the door. Excellent workmanship. Thanks for the great info!

[@garybrayartgarybray3604]

I'll send an email to Lorrie at elf leather and tell her about your video. The apron looks exactly like yours and has the upgrades you suggest. With your large audience and their quality product I would think ya'll could work something together. Later friend, gary

[@1962vid]

Best channel on KZbin. Thanks.

[@Mucram-17]

Great and useful information ,thanks Scott 👍

[@kchortu]

Leather worker here, I find that the straps that are more a kin to your suspenders work better than a simple over the neck loop as it (just like your bracers) transfers the weight and rubbing to your shoulders not the back of your neck. and they should probably be made of that shearling material from about an inch past the clip to about an inch before the cross point. That sheep skin (shearling) helps airflow and keeps rubbing down, like a lot. That said you need to choose the right shearling for the job probably something with less pile than the one yours has. Also a crossing neck to hip straps will help with that tension issue you have on the undersized rivet. when it comes to something like that I use the philosophy of layers, glue, stitch, rivet/grommet because if you make it correctly it will be hard to fix later as most people wont have the right tools. If you under build it you need to make sure that it can be user repaired with no specialty tools. A good apron should have a main body that is one piece of leather and that is the reason it will be expensive because it will basically use up all the usable leather of the hide leaving a lot of scrap behind. When it comes to rivets burr and spur old style rivets are the only way to go they take skill and time to use, but they almost never fail. All in all you have a very nice furriers apron (the split and leg straps are for shoeing horses)

[@normanboyes4983]

kchortu Farriers - they do horses. I think furriers do beavers.😂

[@keiths2404]

also true , really like the final statement , Thank You

[@lst1nwndrlnd]

what a useful human! I aspire to be good and useful.

[@kevinmonday522]

Over the years of my deliveries & pickups, few have asked me if there's any money in trucking; I've said yes; but I've also told them to learn a trade you like, using your hands...

[@dirkshrubb]

i'm an ironworker and i would love one of those aprons for industrial work

[@TheAussiePirate]

You are a master of craft.

[@1ouder]

Great video again! I was nice to see you wearing some hearing protection although briefly. An inexpensive shop coat works well for keeping clothes clean and protected. Now thinking about aprons!

[@byAspiration]

Man, I wish I could be mentored by you. Great demonstrator and explains very well.

[@jacobusjohannescaspers4476]

Thanks again, you have a wonderful voice. I have too listen, even if I want to be somewhere else.

[@alanr4263]

Great stuff.

[@jason-ge5nr]

my work uniform is half polyester. That cheapo split grain apron is much appreciated when welding

[@ALPACABOWLCOMPANY]

Useful Human. Pure awesome.

[@USNERDOC]

Okay ... I just watched a 7 minute video on a blacksmith's apron and was throughly enthralled ... fascinating stuff Scott. Thank you for such a great channel. I am going to be in trouble soon as I am on a Essential Craftsman binge and will be out of content soon 😬

[@natesforge]

Really cool video dude!

[@stephenrainey5074]

I would be interested in buying an apron for sure

[@ifell3]

Lovely video!!

[@bomaite1]

A combination of fabric glue and rivets will go a long way. It is easier to glue something first, and then put in a metal fastener, as you probably know from carpentry. And as for that chest pocket on your apron, consider putting the pocket on the inside of the apron. If it is near the edge, it is still easily accessable, but not in the way during work.

[@joelkrause8694]

My favorite KZbin channel

[@cliffwarmoth9070]

Love it!

[@theopiner402]

I am not a blacksmith, but I am a woodworker and I use an apron in my woodshop for many if the reasons you stated. My wife certainly appreciates that she no longer finds stains or dried glue on my clothes, lol.

[@newenglandyankeeliving5052]

I use a cheap harbor freight denim apron I don’t do forging, maybe some day, but I grind and solder it works for me

[@whatdoiknow1803]

Saved many a painful belly full of wire wheel abrasion! Ouch! I do have to say I am partial to an apron that doesn't wrap the legs because I have found it very useful in using the lower half to quickly carry forged production parts to the next workstation.

[@PeopleAlreadyDidThis]

Do whatever you have to, to start smithing (or any other skill): AMEN. Start young, start cheap (and safe), develop skill, and enjoy the rewards for a lifetime.

[@smoothbore4377]

Traditionally, a Blacksmith used an apron made of horsehide. But when I told my neighbor that I wanted to measure up some of his many nags, in search of the perfect fit, he recommended upholstery leather, instead. So that's what I used, ... and got the local shoe repair guy to stitch it up. And yes, it's like a suit of armor when welding and grinding.

[@MrB82901]

Another great informative video, reminds me of the times my PPE protected me from working for a living. Thanks again for your excellent videos. Wear your Personal Protective Equipment it only takes a second to be blind or maimed for life.

[@sethwereska6959]

2 Thoughts: First, I have an cheap Harbor freight apron for the warehouse and a slightly nicer one at home. Both are entirely adequate and cost less than $100... the HF one was under $30. I keep a pair of safety glasses in each and automatically put them on when I step into the work area. Very Very worth it.... Second: Levi's denim won't catch fire UNLESS it's frayed... Then the strands will light up and it will start to burn.... Managed to remind myself of this while welding yesterday....It gets one's attention quite quickly!

[@waveman0]

I never wore a leather apron and set my shirt on fire from a grinder, I now have a leather apron on always when forging. Best money I've spent so far.

[@alfredovergara6974]

muy buen delanar para trabajo

[@NathanNostaw]

great video

[@machiningbasics1729]

Great video. I have a long welding coat made of leather its warmer when I'm walking outside

[@regsparkes6507]

I live in Canada, and you now, I'd 'love' to have an Apron like your's, BUT the reality is that with the Canadian dollar being so much more than your's , and the unrealistic shipping costs on top of that, I'm just going to have a to settle for a commercial Apron from my welding supply shop. And that is where I'm headed today, as a matter of fact. Thanks for this good and safe idea.

[@John_Montgomery]

If you use nylon boot laces, i am sure that you are replacing them to often. mine always seem to get the hot beads from welding on them and they break. Great Video as usual.

[@ClintGrantham]

Useful human ... Fantastic!

[@BoxcarsGarage]

Funny this episode subject has come up only 1 week after my lovely wife ordered me an apron.looking forward to saving some of my t-shirts and a second layer of protection. Good topic. Thanks

[@ScottyBr4700]

My apron is like yours but thin leather. I bought it at a welding store and it has lasted years! If I have to buy another one it was cheap.

[@sheep1ewe]

About that neckstrap, we added an extra leatherstrap from that wich went to a iron ring on the back, connected in the wheist strap, on one sida a carabine hatch to make it possible to take it all on or off easy (for example if one need to go to the house without tie up all knots and fittings...) (Sorry for my English, it´s not my native language...)

[@The_Smith]

Look up a "teamster's" apron. They cross at the back so the weight is carried on the shoulders, not the back of your neck. Works for me.

[@Aa-wv4gh]

Got a pile of good tee shirts that have holes in them where the grinding sparks land. Apron saves my shirts.

[@tsbhb]

I wish I was younger and could follow you around just to learn from you. Best regards.

[@morgezorge6387]

We are standing on the shoulders of giants. As long as the knowledge isn't lost we can rebuild our civilizations from scratch. Not even from scratch, we can already start in the iron and steel age :)

[@rondumontier1187]

I make these to the customer,s specs. The cost can be controled by the leather used and the design. I started out making horseshoers aprons. Good videos here.

[@williamreed4059]

If you live near amish communities, check leather prices with some of their businesses. Where i am from it can be gotten fairly cheap

[@victorcastle1840]

Great video ! Surprised there wasn't interest in the leather apron , I assume :-( I was hoping to get a price .

[@victorcastle1840]

Good . Thank you.

[@paulnewman2115]

R u gonna do any blacksmithing for the speck house?

[@Americanmade1997]

Im just starting in machining and i could see one of those being useful but I can also see some safety issues

[@cowboyatthebebop]

I want a pair but do not do smithing and i have no practical use for a pair, but i may get a set of the duck fabric ones that have all sorts of pockets for my woodworking tools

[@bikedeefer]

Who are the morons voting down videos like this? A guy with real time life experience telling us his opinions and recommendations on cool stuff yes even leather aprons . . . I've started myself on fire 3 times this month, I need this!!!!

[@ellieprice3396]

Fraser Tackle: "Who are the morons?" As my favorite motivational speaker Jim Rohn likes to say, "It's the law of averages" If you do something long enough, no matter how good or useful, someone eventually will not like it and vote a thumbs down. On the other hand if a beginning salesman ask enough clients "You wouldn't want to buy something today, would you?" someone will eventually answer, "Well since you asked I might, what you selling?"

[@secondcreekworkshop3908]

I need one of those aprons in the husky size .

[@arkansas1336]

Great commentary/video! ....13

[@farmworkMi]

The post leg vice has a spring in the center I was wondering if you could walk threw how to make a fast and easy replacement

[@firstnamelastname8865]

I made my own apron, I didn't pay a dime, I worked for the owner of a leather shop and he paid me in top-grain leather and rivets, whenever I don't like something about it, I just modify it a little, they work awesome and I just feel awesome while wearing them

[@larndavies6954]

I have a welding jacket plus a leather apron for welding. Absolutely a god send for protection to me and clothes

[@DMBVR4]

I sure wish I could show you a picture of the custom apron my mother in law got me this year for Christmas. Made by a gal in your neck of the woods.

[@maximilianozilleruelo2679]

nice video!...I like better when instead of using a neck loop on your apron, you cross your leather stripes backwards, from left shoulder to your right hip and from right shoulder to left hip...it can be more comfortable, speciacially withe heavier aprons. best regards from Valparaíso, Chile.

[@grandjunctionguy]

Inception! I'm in my shop wearing my apron (it's an absolute mess from adhesives, fire, etc.), watching you in your shop talk about wearing your apron. Haha!

[@timmills3823]

I saw a video recently from jay bates, he has a leather apron for woodworking and talks about templates pocket size and location... might be worth a watch for your friend and or you to fix yours and get into production of these things... I'd be game to give it a whirl.

[@zzrmatt1]

I like to be a "useful human". Love your work.

[@roberthornwoodturner]

My grandson is a blacksmith wantabe. Now I know what to get him. Thanks

[@J_prath]

I know you have a long list of things to do but you should do a welding video.

[@TheRealFOSFOR]

Nice.

[@americanaxetoolco2076]

Nothing like leather around hot steel!

[@mike.juliano1124]

I bought a apron for $5 in a ppe store next to my hose, the leather was really low grade, but like for $5 you can't really go wrong

[@rjtumble]

Nice, watching this lead me to a content idea. What's the use case difference in belt grinders? 1x30, 2x72, etc. Is it just the one you have or are there specific pros/cons that lead you to decide you need a 2x72 vs whatever other size. I'm enjoying the spec house series, but it's always nice to see a blacksmithing video pop up.

[@henkbarnard1553]

The longer the belt the cooler it cuts. However it also costs the most; for belts and grinders. And you cannot run to home depot Etc and bye one.

[@bryanleenheer5850]

Larger belts cut metal cooler and last longer. If you're interested in a belt grinder, make sure that you have at least as many horsepower in the motor as the width of the belt. And remember that 60 grit will chew through skin in an instant if you let it - don't push on the metal too hard.

[@johnpossum556]

Get a standard 3 by 21 to start with and you will learn a lot. I mounted my Ryobi upside down to an old oak table and with the speed control and control of that position I can conquer the world with it. (I've worn the switch out so many times I now use a foot switch because the double insulated ryobi ones were spendy and took to long to get.) I'd like to get a longer belt more specialized for blade making but the truth is I don't need one. BTW stick with the blue grit belts.

[@michaelmeacham8266]

You're right about the handiness of the split legs, but technically, that's a farrier's apron. A blacksmith's apron is solid. Why? The best guess I can make is that when you're lighting off some green coal, and it starts to smoke you out, you can lift up the front of the apron and flap it to blow the smoke away from you! LOL :)