Anvil Bick

The anvil bick is a small horn to help forge smaller rings on iron work. These bicks are handy on full size anvils or might make up for the lack of a horn on an ASO or anvil shaped object.
Black Bear Forge is a small one person blacksmith shop located in southern Colorado. My current focus is shifting away from commissions and customer orders and towards education through these videos on KZbin. Thank you for watching
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Beulah, CO 81023
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John Switzer
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Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
My blacksmiths apron
www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF
RZmask 99.5% dust mask
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To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
www.abana.org/
Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
Most of my videos are shot on the Canon M50
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Audio is recorded using the RodeLink Filmmaker Wireless Microphone Kit
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Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

[@waynemitchell8254]

As an archeologist I love watching you work and hearing things like “it serves no purpose just an aesthetic choice”. Too often we forget when we are looking at things made in the past that, maybe they made it that way because they liked how it looked.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, I am always amazed at how much care was put into the ornamentation on so many old tools

[@waynemitchell8254]

@@BlackBearForge do you have any thoughts on the Ozark Pattern Anvil for sale on Blacksmith supply? It’s pricey but those three different Prichel hole sizes seem really handy for punching.

[@BlackBearForge]

@@waynemitchell8254 I agree with both statements. I don't know anything about this specific anvil, but it sounds pretty good. I have wondered if I can drill a few extra pritchel holes in mu new anvil. But I would hate to mess it up.

[@waynemitchell8254]

You are the Bob Ross of the anvil sir!

[@nutsmcflurry3737]

The man has the ability to competently and efficiently do traditional forging, and yet does not do the colossally irritating, bounce the hammer off the anvil between strikes on the item thing. Lovely, thank you.

[@andywright2606]

Loved this video John, I really appreciate you taking the time to make the tool at the anvil as I know you have the big power hammer there that would have made the job a lot quicker and easier for you should you have chosen to, so thank you for showing us who dont have such tools how it is done "the hard way" LOL. Also a great demonstration of how to create the shoulder around the hardy shank by forge welding on the square bar, Top video John, well Done 👍⚒

[@randallhackworth421]

Just as I think I start to get an idea about blacksmithing, I Find one of your video of some thing I had no idea existed😂

[@johnjude2685]

Also about the mail gifts the blade is from a Studbacker leaf spring. Really do hope you find them as helpful as our family Thanks for the videos and your endless teaching Sir

[@Rouverius]

I like how you're taking form and function into consideration. No reason not to have a nice looking tool if you can help it.

[@howardmanuel]

By the way you're my favorite blacksmith on KZbin.

[@ResoluteForge]

That radiant heat coming off of inch and a quarter stock is brutal for sure

[@divanavitch]

My anvil was given to me by my grandfather. He snapped off the horn. So not gonna lie I’m excited to try making this. Thanks so much.

[@Wade_NZ]

Black Bear and Alec Steele are my comfort videos.

[@hankatmaggies8819]

There is something traditional and warm about Black Bear though, like drinking beer watching a crackling log fire on a cold night.

[@DireWolfForge]

I love this video John. For tool steel or high carbon, you could try heating just the shoulder area you want with a torch, then the rest won’t upset. I used your example here a year or so ago for making one for my 209 # Fisher and made an almost identical bick. Thank you for the tutelage all these years.

[@NestorIrizarry-rh8ks]

Thank for the video. I'm learning 👍

[@CloudProductions]

Awesome. So many tools I needed, but wasn't sure how to make.

[@robmorris7667]

Watching this on a beautiful English summers day, whilst waiting to go to work

[@clydebalcom8252]

Spectacular. Your videos give me a chance to get to know my grandfather. Thank you.

[@ugo7295]

Great way to shoulder a tool for the hardy hole, as Forge Wright mentioned below thank you for showing this at the anvil... you swing a mean hammer John. As alway another great tutorial, you are a true professional. Thanks.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@craigpadley3535]

Coming to the end of my working life as an emt, and always been interested in blacksmithing and wheelwrighting, learned a lot from watching you John, great stuff. Steve Nottingham England.

[@BlackBearForge]

Best of luck! It can be an adventure

[@timfromtang]

Humbly, I would suggest that aesthetic considerations may serve a purpose, they are one of the drivers of pride in your work and the pursuit of excellence in even the simplest of things.

[@Jeremy-zi6pi]

The hand-eye coordination pounding the piece while it's bouncing all over the anvil at the 4 minute mark was impressive!!

[@mr4611johnston]

I'm loving the new edits in the videos John. The slow-mo and the music just add that extra special touch to your already spectacular videos.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@howardmanuel]

My six years of arc welding and zero forge welding makes me think I will go with what I know best when I make my hardy tools.

[@alwaysbearded1]

And that dramatic music at the end just fits so well. Well done.

[@jonas2431]

I love how he works on the fine details even on shop tools. This is so beautiful

[@TheOldaz1]

Nice bit of welding there and a really good job - I used the electric welder. Thanks John.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good morning John. That’s some fascinating work today. Love the tools you see around a smithy shop. They can recall why they made it and whatever they used it for. Very interesting stuff to see. Thanks for sharing with us. Fred.

[@dsw.handcraft]

Beautifully made tool. I think I will have to make one for my anvil. Thank you for making videos regularly.

[@bruntie58]

Excellent job !!

[@sprungmonkey6inches]

well done sir

[@NordicEdge]

Great video. Thank you

[@benzracer]

Loving the transition from worked metal to refined right at the bend. Looks like a fantastic tool!

[@darrell3368]

Great job it looks great

[@michael3573]

A joy to watch you work, sir.

[@RaspyOB174]

thank you for filming what you do. Such a joy to watch and learn.

[@mikejeffers6371]

Once again great video

[@HornadyMatt]

Exquisite weld sir!

[@williamcunha9136]

Awesome Work John!

[@thijs3514]

Very nice and all by hand, well done!

[@filipester]

This type of thing is really useful to me, thanks!

[@brysonalden5414]

As always, a cogent and thorough walk through the process. Thanks!

[@steelpennyforge5152]

Nice looking tool! Well done sir

[@LelandSelene]

Love your videos, they've really helped me learn. Thanks :)

[@deo53]

Really cool project. It turned out great. Very handy tool. Thanks

[@paulorchard7960]

Thanks for your work John, always informative as you are a wealth knowledge!

[@pmi7696]

Thank you John. Beautliful collar weld.

[@thomasbrighton6159]

Looks like a functional piece art!

[@stevefarley7014]

😑my face when John says, “that’s a fair amount of work”

[@richardsolomon8076]

Awesome tool John :-)

[@robertgentry24]

25:08 perfect traffic cone. As always great instructions. Thanks Mr. John

[@terencebarnett113]

Thank you

[@jjppres]

Thanks John! As always a very interesting video. I enjoyed learning how to do the collar.

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Great project! A very useful tool and I've been wanting to have a go at myself.

[@elvispusley3515]

Nice job aye!

[@Ben.jack.in.off.to.you1]

great video

[@stevemoore5053]

John, like others, great video. Thanks for doing it by hand for the ones of us who don't have a power hammer.

[@dragonwaterforge]

Great vid as usual

[@audiosoil1]

Very informative. Gonna need to create one of these as I am just getting started and only have a flat slab of steel to use for now.

[@jeremiahjohnson1325]

John had to go to nome Alaska going to miss u for a few months there is a forge in a old bucket line dredge where I'm going will take some pictures of it. It last ran in the 50s. See u when I get back thanks

[@jeffputnam8554]

Great nick tool. Guess I'll make one

[@wayneparris3439]

Something most beginners will not catch is that you did NOT use the edge of the anvil to form the inside of the collar square, So many beginners want to use the edge as a square form and by hammering into the edge of the anvil, they thin the collar and do not know why. As always nice project. The whole time you were drawing that out I kept thinking "I would just take that to the power hammer" :D

[@johnjude2685]

My horn don't satisfy me , just seems spongy and more often to blunt.. I seldom use it so. Have watching you many times use like this buck not use the horn and probably much better recoil than my setup I built one shaping much as your work today but the shoulder are tuff and the fabacation man can do it with ugly weld. Still hoping to do a beautiful bick for the pride. Thanks for teaching Sir

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

That's just a Lovely and useful tool that is truly a piece of art! I do believe you are a blacksmith plus! Thanks Most Kindly for this Great video! A delightful Spring week! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@Odaken_hl]

I Love your videos, and I reallly needed this help I'll learn a lot of things with your channel

[@marcerivest6204]

Looks really good, l made a double ended bick a couple of months ago.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Great tool. Wishing I had a hardy in my ground railroad anvil to add one of these to. My "anvil" has a ground horn, of sorts, but nothing so fine and petite as this for smaller round work. I suppose I could make one to be held in my bench vise as I have yet to aquire a post vise. Thanks for the video and the tool idea.

[@TufStockdogs]

Thank you John for sharing how to forge that collar thank you buddy i am getting better healing i mean.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Very nice useful tool, enjoyed the video. Thank you John.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@limheelai]

very nice

[@mtyson9004]

That’s really awesome John! Quite a bit of hammering. Thought you go to the power hammer. Thanks for sharing and God Bless you sir!

[@currajeperm8418]

Maestroooooooo profesore

[@jeffgrier8488]

That's going to be a great tool, i'm thinking that everyone would get use from a bick like that.

[@FSAM2132]

Always amazed at how long your steel stays hot ..even the light stuff...

[@GaryForgingOn]

Thank you John. I have been wanting to make one of these. My anvil horn is too big and blunt. I have a cone mandrel for my hardy but it shakes so hitting sideways on it. I will probably cut up a fork lift tine and make one.

[@douglasfathers4848]

You must be a mind reader John ,just last week my son and i was talking about welding a horn on to my homemade anvil .But i think this is a far better idea, so thank you for sharing your never ending knowledge .cheers.

[@fourgedmushrooms5958]

Nice 👍 i have a couple that I use, but made in 2 bits like a T rod on one side and tapered on the other. Work great. Mostly made from 40mm trailer axle.

[@Moondog-wc4vm]

Advanced manual right there, but very clearly explained! It would take me very many years to get my own skills to that standard, but in my head i understand! Thank you for passing on the skills, I'm sure smiths way better than me will use your techniques to their advantage!

[@kingloki1641]

Absolutely beautiful work, i have been wanting to make one of those for a while now and just don't know if I'm up to snuff, you make it look easy

[@MrJimmunn]

Just love the coal forging, more please!

[@camoswald6752]

Woke up and had a new video to watch!! Thanks for all the good ideas! Can you do a video on making handled chisels?

[@1averageamerican]

Really great video! I've decided I prefer watching forging with the solid fuel forge. (Probably because mine is propane so I see that all the time.)

[@profzen1]

Nice

[@martindesrocher4528]

a donut box with no donuts ! that is cruel...

[@Jennifer-zb4gc]

thanks for the great video i lerne a lot again 💪🏻👍😊

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello John Very inspiriering work The collarweld is very interesting I will use this by myself Thanks for the Video All the best Yours Frank

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you as always.

[@dimboolabladeworks7927]

a Bick is so important for things like collars, collar for spear or arrow heads. or anything that has to fit on anything else , i have 3 sizes here and looking to make a super fine one for doing cutlery

[@thebabylon2933]

عمل رائع تعلمت منك الكثير

[@seangere9698]

Another way to make a caller is to heat the middle of the metal and upset it to make it wider than the upper and lower portions the shape it the same way you did. If you don't have an anvil with a hardy hole you can spike both sides and leave one straight so you can drive it into a stump. It's a great way to make a portable horn. It would go great with your Viking anvils.

[@tkjazzer]

Great video. Coal videos are more relaxing to watch. May be sound related

[@grifixed]

Great video. How many people thought "oh no!" When he coughed? Stay well all

[@BlackBearForge]

Just one of the down sides of working with coal.

[@williamsultana3848]

Hi John

[@ISOSAILING]

that's one thing i'm going to have to learn fire welding, but when i make an arse off it i'll just stick weld it like i normally do haha, i could do with making one off them as my horn is too big for half the stuff i try to make love you video's.

[@ayers_metalworks9805]

@12:50 what a cool shot!

[@Rudimentary007]

Awesome 👍. Had to sub.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the sub!

[@claystanislaw2281]

Been thinking about slicing the head off of an old bull pin to make one of these

[@GodschildinNC]

I like you using the coal forge. I am just starting and using hardwood charcoal, and am interested in how you tend to the fire and place the steel to be heated.

[@rickfabin5472]

Love to see that on your power hammer

[@pnwRC.]

Neat video! You've got some awesome content on this channel, I just had to subscribe!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the sub!

[@johnshirey7463]

I loved this video as well as so many others of yours. I have only been forging/blacksmithing for 8 months or so now, and I have learned so much from watching your videos. Thank you sir! I do have a question. I suspect I already know the answer but, would this process work equally well for making a small cone mandril also?

[@bryanhomann7837]

As anaside to the weeding tools, an old loco driver friend of mine showed me how to make similar tools from used circular plough shares, (disc harrows) I think is another name. They then have a nice 3D curve already built in! We cheated and electric welded a split piece of tube to take the wooden handle. Like a lot of other people, love your videos. Bryan, South Australia

[@OKBushcraft]

Right on time. I have a pick I'm thinking of repurposing. The one side begs to be made into a bick like this. Any idea what type of steel picks and mattocks are made of? How should I heat treat it? Thanks, John.