Penanular brooch or Blanket pin

[@robertmuntz7763]

I’ve been searching for months for an explanation on the red rust that forms immediately after pulling my work out of the forge and just about gave up! Thanks again, Mr. Switzer!;)

[@MrDanielKrauss]

Thanks for explaining that red color. I was flinching when you were grabbing that red metal with your bare hand.

[@congamike1]

Dude! Your anvil doesn't ring. Awesome!

[@thechaddad1609]

This would look amazing on a large tartan blanket.

[@um5785]

I believe that this style of clasp was historically made in many sizes as they were used for many different types of garment.

[@getoverit4887]

They were I looked them up and some were made smaller to accommodate things like togas and things of that nature.

[@shadowmage36]

Yup! I make them in copper for SCA people, myself included. Depending on the usage, they can vary in size from as big as (or bigger than!) the one John made in this video, and down to only a centimeter or two for securing leg wraps. They're not just for cloaks and blankets!

[@robphone4895]

On the twenty-second day of Christmas the black bear made for me, a blanket pin, a squirrel cooker, a key fob, a ball and cup toy, a decorative punch, meat scewers, a hot dog fork, jingle bels, a candy dish, a paper towel holder, a menorah, BBQ tongs, a stocking hanger, a Christmas tree ornament, a cabinet pull, a dinner bell, a steak flipper, a hose hanger, a bottle opener, a candle snuffer, a nice wreath hook and a beaitifull coat hook. Just tell me if this is getting annoying. only 8 days to go. Very beautiful project. Gargoyle, 😀😀!!

[@bryanrobinson1980]

I use a pair of these for my Renaissance Scottish costume, to pin my great kilt on.

[@splder5430]

Really enjoyed watching that. Thanks.

[@chainsawsurgeon6108]

As a chainsaw artist I have many artist friends, still waiting for the blacksmith .

[@anthonykent7983]

Historical Celtic ones ran in sizes 1 inch to 2.5 inch across . They pop up on metal detector hunts in the UK from time to time. But made of copper mostly but some are made of fine gold and silver. Maybe iron ones would of been bigger but iron would mostly rust away ! Great content loved this one thanks John . Anthony Kent

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the info. In the smaller sizes they must have been used on very fine fabric

[@bobrees4363]

Thanks for taking my idea seriously. I got the idea from watching a Scot camping with a great kilt and Dan Wowack on Coalcracker bushcraft on youtube. I think the size you made will be fine for a nice thick wool blanket, and I really like the twist. I am going to make a couple to stick in my vehicles, (I keep a blanket in them for emergencies during wintertime).

[@frogjunk]

I was thinking I’d like a smaller one for a kilt pin.

[@stanervin6108]

Just came back to finish watching. Had to help dress a deer. Another nice piece, John! 🐾⚒🔥👍🎅

[@shadowmage36]

You did, in fact, pronounce "penannular" correctly. An excellent piece! I've seen a few that size in an exhibit of Viking-age artifacts at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Those ones were silver, not iron, and highly ornamented with chasing and other embellishments. While definitely on the larger side than what would usually be used, it's definitely in the realm of historical examples.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@tropifiori]

Lovely work

[@dogrimp3151]

I need to make this as my next project so I can wear a blanket around the house 😄

[@Birkbecks]

a lovely example of what is known in Scotland as the Celtic brooch/pin in use from around the early medieval 800s decorative and functional again many thanks

[@robindewert9645]

Thank you. I will be trying to recreate this upcomming weekend!

[@The1Norseman]

This is typical from the viking ages and it's called a fibel or fibula in general but there is many different styles like cross fibel, shield fibel and there are many different sizes depending on style. Btw: love all you're videos, I just hope I some day can afford a small forge so I can get some creativity out from my system lol, you are doing a marvelous job.

[@suzukichopper]

You can make a forge for less than $50. A scrap brake drum from a van or truck, some tubing and a hair dryer. Heck, a hole in the ground and a hair dryer or bellows is all you really need. Go get creative so guys like Loan Wolf and myself can maybe be inspired! I have all the talent but nothing for ideas.

[@suprspi]

Awesome video, thanks John. In large part thanks to watching your videos, my blacksmithing has gone from newbie level to basic competence in the last few months. I have seriously enjoyed these countdown to Christmas projects, 80% of them are on my short-list for projects I want to try as soon as the hectic holidays are over. (And as soon as I have the blacksmithing and woodworking done on my MIL's Christmas gift - it's getting to be crunch time!)

[@kambranictay1]

This will be next on my list for my wife. She uses hair ties for this exact purpose and this will do much better for her. Thanks again John. Much appreciated and as always, keep up the amazing content 👍🏼

[@MartilloWorkshop]

It's nice to see your take on this. I need to find time to make a decent pair of these for the mother in-law tomorrow, since I've yet to make anything else than the practice pair I did a couple of weeks ago - the timing of this is near perfect!

[@kimcurtis9366]

Having made hundreds of these, I would suggest you close the circle even more than you did after the curls were done! I find that most of them are 2 and a half for the smallest ones and more often 3 to 3 and a half inch diameter. I had one requested for a VERY heavy blanket at 4 inch diameter. The ones I have seen in historic journals, etc are that size! Since you are doing some Rendezvous type things, could you make a flintlock rifleman's set, with a brush, (which would show how to make a cup and insert horsehair for the brush) a nipple pick and a screwdriver? That would be a neat set for you to show how to make and, I doubt it would take a very long video, too! Thanks! I love your videos and have learned a great deal!!

[@larryking606]

Very Nice project ! That blanket pin was very, very Elegant ! Thanks again for the inspiration ! Stay Safe

[@bentoombs]

Wow never heard of those. Learn something new everyday. Thank you John

[@TufStockdogs]

John thank you very much you show very nice little things that we learn what and how to do I really thank you buddy you make this very fun and want to do going to play in my shop for my safety glasses and ready to get it hot buddy.

[@theinvisiblequeen]

Great videos, your explanations are very clear. I've been making penanular pins in many sizes and metals for about 30 years, with cold forging technique in base metals and sterling. Same metalworking technique, without the heating (just to anneal). So this is a very versatile project. My first apprenticeship was as a blacksmith, (still do it). The cold forging techniques (manipulating the metal) are very similar . Done them 1" across (for shirt openings), and 2-3" across for cloaks, blankets etc.

[@madmodifier]

Attempted a couple of these today. Need to get better at the material estimates. Thanks for the video and the idea!

[@TufStockdogs]

Yes John for sure thank you for saying that yes if ya had torch!

[@alanbuban9020]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2K5lHqKZZ6fi6s

[@sirkai007]

I made a few of these, less ornate, for when I'm camping and I want a wool blanket over my shoulders while I get the fire going or cook breakfast.

[@grandadz_forge]

These pins can get very elaborate so I've seen great video

[@davidgiffordsr.930]

Thanks, I enjoyed that. Just came across these pins recently and think they are pretty cool.

[@darinvoight68]

I've seen a similar concept in a figure 8 style. The holder was figure 8 and rounded slightly along the length of it so the pin could go through both holes in the 8. Smaller ones were used as a hair pin to hold up long hair.

[@suprspi]

I've made a handful of these for hair, and they're quite fun and rewarding. Also, interesting to see how a conversation/hobby that is boring to many women I know instantly becomes interesting and a huge conversation starter. My wife loves hers, and my daughter's all want them for Christmas. (Just need to make time to get out to the forge!)

[@brettsayers7768]

A great idea, good to see one made and it turned out great. Would have many other uses as well.

[@jeffbarkett366]

As usual John.... you make it look so easy!! Looking forward to giving this a try!!

[@random40s]

I have made a few of those, and really liked using them on thick wool blankets. If you pin them right you can even make the blanket have a hood on it. Yours sure came together better than the few I've done did tho.. I've had a hard time getting the pin loop the right size. As always a fantastic project, and excellent work. I absolutely love this series.

[@johnnydrummond8216]

Thanks again John!, I make them from 3/16 round for the brooch and 1/8th round for the pin

[@twistedpiforge2364]

The really different project thanks for the video

[@vincentgolden5352]

Great piece

[@drason69]

Nice work John! I did a 'show n tell' video, for Daniel Moss, on some that I have made. Historically, they came in many sizes for different uses.

[@brentrobinson6456]

Great idea.

[@yadaroni]

Nice project as usual John. Thanks for the great content.

[@bogomir67]

In Germany these things are called "Fibel", and are frequently found by people with metal detectors. The ones I have seen are maybe 3/4 the size of yours, with the jaws a bit closer.

[@richardstewart1955]

They are great on a kilt, to hold the excess material over one shoulder.

[@smartgorilla]

Loving your channel.

[@cerocero2817]

Nice project

[@gutpilegame7657]

great stuff! This has been a great series! Thank you!

[@dadsrustorations5103]

Thanks

[@BigWillSD]

I was so excited thought I was gonna hear my name on that one :'( But thank you for the video, the penannular brooch turned out nice. (The worlds first safety pin)

[@BlackBearForge]

Sorry, I know there were more people suggesting similar projects, but I didn't finish writing down every name

[@jakobrosenqvist4691]

Those things came in all sorts of sizes for various uses.

[@dongorman6941]

Scotch brute pad on belt grinder might work well

[@HelenaOfDetroit]

You can make an overhead mount pretty easily. Most cameras use a 1/4"x20 bolt to hold them to a tripod. So, just make whatever bracket you need and either drill a hole and stuff a bolt through or weld a bit of thread rod onto it. Not fancy, but very functional.

[@BlackBearForge]

true, but it is more a matter of getting it made than it is design. Plus it means getting out a ladder to mount the camera and set the focus.

[@HelenaOfDetroit]

@@BlackBearForge I'd volunteer to do it for ya, cuz I've been working as a videographer for 15 years. But I'm nowhere close enough to do it.

[@hannemannironworks1651]

Looks Great John! But I believe broochs were a bit smaller. (I’m not a historian so I don’t have any proof but the ones I’ve seen are around the 2inch in diameter)

[@SodBustersMetalDetecting]

Your an awesome blacksmith! I am trying to decide if I should go with a small coal forge or a propane forge. I'm also wondering about my shop since I don't have a cement floor. I am wondering if concrete fire board would work to create a place to work in my shop without burning it down lol

[@BlackBearForge]

Dirt makes a good floor. But if you already have wood, cement board would help.

[@SodBustersMetalDetecting]

@@BlackBearForge thank you, I appreciate the reply. You've inspired me to get started doing what I've wanted to do for a long time.

[@getoverit4887]

There is something similar to this that is for hair. The main differences are it's smaller and the pin isn't attached. I'm thinking about making a couple for my girls and chiseling in their initials.

[@BrianDaleNeeley]

I've seen something like that too; although it was more of a closed 'S' or figure 8 shape, and curved to fit the shape of the head. The video I saw was a female blacksmith making it, and it was really a beautiful item.

[@ShaminMike]

Love it good job!

[@WallaceLivingFree]

Thanks good video, cheers mate

[@boxfortpirate900]

One could use that as a kilt pin! 👍

[@reneschaap8091]

Maat tussen 50 en 70 Millimeter. werden van koper ,brons ,zilver ,goud en ijzer gemaakt . leuk opa

[@bc65925]

Evidently they found hundreds of these in the Viking battle grounds.

[@artlandry233]

Can the pieces you are making for Christmas be polished to a chrome like finish! I haven't seen you do this so I am not sure if it can even be done. And do you burn your fingers by grabbing a hot piece by mistake I think if I tried your trade I would have toast for hands!

[@suprspi]

Hi Art. Personally, I find blacksmithed pieces hard to polish to a very bright finish, but I'm a beginner too. However, chrome like, or mirror like, requires smoothness. So if you were to grind all the surfaces on a belt grinder, it's probably possible, but also probably not worth the time. I am making a project for my MIL for Christmas that requires bright steel after forging, and includes some decorative twists. I used a knotted wire cup brush on an angle grinder to polish them. They're not chrome like, but they are a bright brushed steel - which is what I am guessing you may have intended. Also, one of the first things you learn when you take up blacksmithing is the first rule of the blacksmith's shop: It's. Still. Hot. For better answers I'll let John chime in, always better to hear from the master. 😎

[@glennwiebe5128]

As Jeff Closs stated, shininess is a function of smoothness. Care must be taken when forging to keep the surface free of scale which is harder than the steel and will leave pits and divots. Grinding, filing, sanding, and then polishing on a buffing wheel can bring it to a mirror finish. The detractor, I find, is that with mild steel it will dull very quickly. Having to coat it with lacquer will protect it but ruin the look. 6 of one, 1/2 a dozen of the other.

[@BlackBearForge]

The time required to sand then polish pieces like this would be prohibitive, but it could be done.

[@Dylfunkle]

I think the size difference is negligible, looks great, can't wait to give it a crack.

[@heavyhittersgaming3759]

I mark my ends, twist and then taper. I just find it easier.

[@frogjunk]

I’d like to have one but much smaller for a kilt pin.

[@moretimethanmoney8611]

Would a pickle (acid bath) work to remove the rust scale?

[@thedestroyer9512]

Could you do a video on forging a bit for horse? Great video!

[@BlackBearForge]

Anything I would make would probably be dangerous for the horse, so I don't see it being done.

[@thedestroyer9512]

As long as there are no sharp edges is shouldn't be. I am mostly interested in the technique you would use to weld then shanks on to the bit. Thank you.@@BlackBearForge

[@dongorman6941]

I think 2" would be good

[@robertmcanany6397]

The design on the brooch is really nice, but it was just a touch too big - at least in comparison to any of the ones that I've personally seen. If you were to keep the ratios the same as you've used here, I'd say knocking about an inch off the brooch bar itself and you'll end up with a damned near perfect size. As usual, though, this was a great video and I thank you for it. Keep it up!

[@CountYulith]

What kind of a torch are you using? It looks like it heats up metal a lot faster than the Benzomatic propane torch that I have.

[@BlackBearForge]

its a Victor oxy acetylene torch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6qpnIGLoa14Y9U

[@k.c.meaders4796]

Looks like a Brooch used on a Kilt Tartan on the left shoulder, albeit simpler.

[@WhiteDragon689]

Good but the open ends needs to be closed up more to just let the pin slide through.

[@devilsdenmetalworks1809]

is that the same thing used for pining hair up?

[@devilsdenmetalworks1809]

nevermind my question was answered in the comments. thanks for the video!

[@anelson97212]

Looked up some examples. Three Irish, 8th c. brooches (Londesborough, Breadallbane and Hunterson) range from 9.8 to 12.2 in diameter (3.8" - 4.8"). This site (www.urweg.com/list/broaches.html) does museum replicas, and they all seem to fall into that sort of range. Great work as usual!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the info

[@Katzztar]

Wha... only 2 comments? I must be early! I never find these videos this early. Guess insomnia has some uses after all. I had a few shawl/cloak pins in the past. both were around 2-3 inches diameter. I did see some with 4in dia. But don't recall anything bigger than that. Doesn't mean they don't exist, just that I was looking for smaller ones to use with ren costume.

[@CXonthefly]

This is for Bob Breeze put a little friendly Cloud there like Bob Ross get the joke

[@Loan--Wolf]

i was wondering why it rusted so fast i thought you might have quenched it lol

[@joebucci389]

Dumb question from a true beginner: when drawing out a tapper I see you rotate 90 degrees, but are you hitting the metal with your hammer at an angle?

[@BlackBearForge]

Generally yes. I also lift the tail end up so the center line is parallel to the anvil face.

[@6969smurfy]

OMG model it for us please! ;)

[@erintobler7254]

Where does one find those scrolling pliers?

[@BlackBearForge]

Check out Centaur Forge or Blacksmiths Depot

[@stuartmcintosh5709]

Similar to an ancient Celtic brooch

[@BlackBearForge]

I do believe that is where the design originates.

[@georgelasala6588]

thanks jhon

[@stanervin6108]

First!

[@hwdllc]

Curious what pound your anvil is ?

[@BlackBearForge]

308

[@Francois_Dupont]

it is the worst video i have seen making one of these.