Forging a blacksmith hammer - 100K Giveaway

[@dadegroot]

It's always good to occasionally show when things don't go to plan. Nobody is perfect, and we can all learn from the mistakes.

[@paulchristen7610]

I really like that you acknowledge your tools in the video. For example you said "If I didn't have a power hammer I would probably start with 1-1/2" bar to save a few hours of hammering." We don't all have access to the same tools. Thanks!

[@pegcityforge1675]

The patience and tone in your videos just compliments the content. Thanks for helping us all be better.

[@stevetitsworth]

There are many blacksmith channels available these days but yours is the most enjoyable to watch. I'm not a fan of just watching someone work with no explanation and no opportunity to learn and, best of all, you're not jumping around and sticking your face in the camera and yelling at me. even if that guy does do some amazing work, you're like the Norm Abram of black smithing... Hey, maybe you should be using your dedicated mortiser to punch the hammer holes.

[@rockytopforge5303]

I find I learn more from you than anyone else I’ve watched. Thanks for all you do for a new guy like myself.

[@jonharwood9390]

Mistakes = learning experience! I admire how you point out mistakes and flaws, give an explanation as to why it is flawed, then find and explain solutions. That is a sign of a true Craftsman.

[@charminghollowforge1109]

Great to see props to Brent he’s exceedingly talented and vastly underrated for his skill.

[@pyropocket]

When an apprentice makes a mistake you can readily tell. When a journeyman makes a mistake he can hide it so no one can tell. When a master makes a mistake they sell it as an added feature. You my friend are a master of the craft. Keep up the good work. Congratulations on the 100k subscriber achievement.

[@tobyjo57]

I admire your honesty John when things don't go quite as you plan but you always have a remedy and come up with the finished product, that's encouraging to us new guys out here to not give in half way thro our projects. Thanks so much

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

👍 well said tobyjo57 , he keeps it real and teaches how to overcome the issues that enevitably come up. 🙏 Blessings to you Crawford out ⚒️🧙‍♂️

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

I've learned so much from this channel over the last couple of years. Congrats on the 100K!

[@maplehouseknives]

Anyone would be happy to own a hand forged piece from you! Congratulations on your channel growth! Greetings from Germany!👍

[@fuegofyter4952]

Onward and upward! 200K here he comes...

[@frostcb2]

Really enjoy the quality of your videos and the craftsmanship of your work. People ask about you when I wear your shirt. I can always have a story to tell.

[@mitchelperkins6723]

Mistakes happen, im up to nearly 100 hammers made in my shop, and several dozen top tools. Punching eyes and getting them dead centered and not crooked is the hard part. I do some on the power hammer with a round punch, but most of the time it's in the press. I've made tooling to do it both ways, and also have punched many eyes with handled tools and a striker. I like that you show errors, and will show how to correct them. I have several uh oh blanks in a bucket, some I've learned how to salvage, and some are reminders of what NOT to do. Looking forward to seeing these completed. Forge on Sir!

[@dustyroads5753]

My grandpa used to say the difference between a good and average carpenter was a good one could hide their mistakes. I'd say that's true of about any craft

[@armadilloforge]

Took a class on making hammers with Baily, you are right he is the master at making hammers. Good job on this video John. I like a smith who is not afraid to admit it did not come out exactly as you wanted. We lean from your mistakes also! You are an inspiration to your viewers. Also I like you are taking time to show more advanced techniques, not the same old things everyone else is doing!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the comment

[@chargerdemon]

always nice to watch your videos learn a lot if u pay attention. and its not about the errors/mistakes you make it how you recover the counts

[@8gmm8]

Dear John, though you might not be satisfied with todays work, all i can see is a teaching blacksmith with integrity! There are enough of the fireball-montage-always-success kinda channels out there, but you show the real deal of forging and overcoming flaws and growing with ones own challenges. I love it, thanks for pulling it through and keep it up!

[@thomasarussellsr]

1. Thanks for showing the errors and how to deal with them instead of just starting with a new chunk of steel. For those of us with tighter budgets, we can't afford to just toss it and start over. 2. I was hoping you would pull out a draw-knife and spoke shave and make your own handles. 3. Thanks for being an honest guy and not hiding the flaws like so many other channels do.

[@robertkatekaru887]

John, you are a great instructor because you elaborate in detail while you work on projects. As an example, some KZbinrs leave out the simple detail as the type of steel they are using.

[@TomokosEnterprize]

100 K is amazing bud. I have always enjoyed the content and general schooling you give us from this ancient trade. Every time you post takes me back to helping out on my grandfathers smithy. Great memories. Thanks soooo much for bringing them back to me for sure.

[@ddayinvader6487]

My good man, your videos have helped me out so much with learning the craft on my own. You and failure have been my greatest teachers! Keep up the good work and we are very thankful for your hard work and failures.

[@ArieKieser]

This is so amazing

[@mackenziefuson8938]

Your tool making videos are my favorite.👍

[@leontorkelson6246]

A project not going as planned is time consuming. It's a opportunity to learn but since you are dependent on your blacksmithing as your income you don't need those delays. As a hobby smith I can walk away from a project that I am having trouble with and come back to it with a better attitude. Thanks for all you teach us.

[@harrisgraves592]

Best way to beat frustration is to walk away and have a cup of coffee or tea and return later with a view from another angle

[@aliceharvey1226]

Harris Graves Haha. I heard the same from my dad but for a slightly different reason. He was a hobbyist wood worker, at the time making a hutch for my mom. One day I wondered why he was shutting everything down when he seemed to be making good progress. He’d been cutting boards on the table saw, noticed a pretty girl walking by and managed to knick tho edge of his thumb nail with the spinning blade. No more, just a tiny nick, but he felt if he was that easily distracted he didn’t need to be using dangerous equipment. Smart man.

[@harrisgraves592]

Alice Harvey lmao but it is true

[@savage11smw33]

John is my favorite youtube blacksmith. We are lucky to have him! He inspired me to build my coal forge and finally score an anvil!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the comment, I am glad the videos are helping out

[@rlgroshans]

John, great video. Your videos are always so informative. And I do not know about anyone else, but I like that you keep the project flubs and irregularities in the videos. Because every one of us are going to do those same things. You then show us how to make corrections. Congratulations on the 100K milestone.

[@MinionsSmithy]

Love this channel! I now have my own scrap bucket, still learning alot from you! Thanks for all you do for our blacksmithing community, John!!!

[@jan-reiniervoute6701]

...screw things up a lot faster as well. Aye, I eyed the eye and commiserate with you, Uncle John. Power tools do that to me too. Don't they just. But do enjoy!

[@marbles430]

It is refreshing to see someone with the integrity and confidence to say it doesn't always go the way you want. No plan lasts long after first contact; it's how you respond that will result in a win. Great video and as, with all your work a pleasure to watch.

[@andywright2606]

Great video John. I and I believe many others appreciate you showing us you're craft and skills but also showing the few times when things don't go as planned. If you only watched 'some' KZbinrs you would think they never made a mistake and everything they ever did was a 100% success 🤔 Your video honesty is a testament to you professionalism and teaches us beginners to accept our mistakes, learn from them and move forward. Thank You 👍⚒

[@whatdoesntthisdudedo3834]

Not only my most watched channel on KZbin, but my most enjoyable one as well..Wish we were neighbors cause I could spend hours In the shop with a personality like yours!!

[@jonandersen3347]

John I hate to say it but its good to see you struggle a little on my hammer. it just teaches me to keep going, so thank you.

[@harrisgraves592]

So many people waiting with baited breath! It's absolutely awesome! I follow several smiths and for it my life is enriched more than I could have ever imagined! I wish I would have discovered blacksmithing as a young man! Thank you for all you are doing! Flubs and perfection alike!

[@timwiese673]

Hi John, it's not a shame to do mistake. Here in Germany we say who works does mistakes, if you work much you do much mistakes if you work less you du less mistakes. Who makes no mistakes does not work. It's just great to watch you blacksmithing. Just go on.

[@GWIRailroad]

Thanks for all the great instruction!! Every episode is truly a great learning experience. Wayne

[@danandashleyhayes3159]

I sincerely appreciate your authenticity as a teacher. Your willingness to share experiences in the shop that may not be "perfect" allows beginning blacksmiths to see how to adapt to the challenges they will face as they learn the art. It's not always easy to admit and highlight one's "mistakes," but it speaks volumes about your character and desire to actually teach rather than just demonstrate. Kudos to you!

[@randallsummers6551]

We all make mistakes, owning them is what make you good to watch!!! It's part of us learning. Look forward to part two. Do worry about it we will be proud to have one of your hammers. Tale care and God bless.

[@grandadz_forge]

Wow, way behind. Loved it!

[@thnxdizzle369]

You're awesome and your videos are great! I've been blacksmithing for a little over a year now and I've learned almost everything from you

[@jjppres]

Great to watch you make a hammer. It's been a while. Last time is was mostly by hand. I've only made a few and use my 25 ton press to punch the eye. First time was by hand and then I got the press. Anyway. Anxious to see the next video's As always Thanks John!

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

One day I'll have enough $$ to get me a Big Jim hammer too. 🙏 Be blessed Jim Crawford out ⚒️🧙‍♂️

[@papymike6291]

John. I saw the eye going only because I have seen it happen before on my anvil. I am proud that you are going to show us how to fix it. I’m sure it would have been easier to start again like it didn’t happen but you bring honesty to forging. It doesn’t always go like it should. I’ll be waiting for the next video.

[@Axemead]

Congrats on 100k. Been watching the videos on making tools for a while now. You are doing a great thing getting the training videos out there for everyone to see

[@williamburrell4451]

you are one of the greatest blacksmith channels on youtube congratulations on 100k we cannot wait for your next milestone

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@stuffbywoody5497]

@@BlackBearForge , I missed this when it came out due to being on the Fireground in East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Glad I got to see it though. Well worth watching, as usual 😊 Thank you for another well presented video.

[@marty01957]

Great video, John! Looking forward to the next part!

[@Wapitiwill]

My favorite channel I look forward to every episode thank you so much for what you do and helping people like me it’s the real deal and that’s what helps us learn

[@tylerhebert8237]

Thanks for including an alternate method of making the eye. I'd like to try each of them to see how it goes.

[@BobSmith-zh6it]

Thank you for the videos. My dad was a blacksmith for almost 40 years at a mining company in Tennessee. It is great to see the trade still alive. I really enjoy your channel and like to see what your making next. I still have some of my father's hammers and tools. I think he had ever hammer that could be made. I have seen pictures of the shop he worked at working on very large things even the blade arms on bulldozers. It is an amazing craft. I look forward to seeing your videos in the future. Thanks for the content you provide.

[@BlackBearForge]

Great memories, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos

[@HootMaRoot]

I don't like doing this sort of promoting another channel, but there is a young lad ethan hartly that made a short series of videos on KZbin about the hammers he made for someone. but for such a young person I was pretty impressed with his setup and work ethic

[@BlackBearForge]

I'll go check him out

[@jackfrst487]

John, it's always a pleasure to watch your videos and learn just a little bit more about blacksmithing. Thank you for all the help.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you are enjoying the videos

[@steelpennyforge5152]

As they say...Some days you get the bear and some times the bear gets you. This may not be going as you intended but it is good to see you sticking with it and the recovery is looking good so far! Keep your chin up, looking forward to seeing the next video!

[@douglasfathers4848]

Hi JOHN ,many years ago a teacher told me honesty and respect are as one so the honesty you show has got my respect .thank you sir for teaching with integrity .

[@jamesway5036]

I really like your videos and have wanted to get into blacksmithing for several years. I just do not have a shop to set up so I can start. Maybe someday I will be able to do that. Until then, I will watch videos and dream. Thank you and have a good day

[@rickfabin5472]

Your demonstrations and commentary is the best. Keep on teaching

[@brandonballcheese5704]

As I've said before; the fact that you show what your doing all the way through and include your mistakes makes your videos that much genuinely better, because it shows those that are interested in the work not only that even the best make mistakes, but just as importantly it SHOWS that it's okay to make mistakes (instead of just saying it) as they are moments that can be learned from. I believe that in most cases learning how to make a mistake work for you is harder than not making the mistake to begin with. You make both look easy, that's why your channels growing so well. Congratulations on the 100k subs, you deserve it.

[@kensmapleleafretirement]

Thank you for the video. I have a 33 pound air hammer. I thought it would be easy to do something on the power hammer that I was used to do at the anvil. Not the case at all. It all seems to get away on me when I use the air hammer. Brent is the master but his hammer is so big, it acts way different than smaller hammers and his skill level is years ahead of your average guy. So, I really like when you show your hammer in operation. Thanks again...

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

I love John's humility....

[@craigljardine]

Congrats on hitting the 100K subscriber mark John. Here's to hitting the next level. ✌

[@_hillbilly_hillbilly_6540]

Congratulations sir. Thank you for all u do in the shop for us.

[@derickbubb8501]

As a newbie blacksmith in South Africa your teachings are very valuable thank you for shearing your knowledge may you be blessed.

[@BlackBearForge]

I am glad you're enjoying the videos

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

Was waiting on wednesday for your video. Checked my notifications 2-3 times. John i have seen all Brent Baileys videos. He is one of the best using power hammer and making hammer.👍👍👍👍👍

[@BlackBearForge]

Sorry about that. I have been working on other projects out pf the shop the last week and got a bit behind

[@IveysFamilyFactotum]

Congrats on hitting 100k John. Super excited for you and I know all to often how projects don't go to plan sometimes...haha.

[@jeremyl5003]

your channel have grown fast these days , i never saw that 100k coming , well deserved!!

[@johnnymissfire8464]

An elongated crosspeen would be perfect for some applications in auto repair. I would use one almost daily. 👍

[@billy19461]

I would rather have one of yours at the same cost of Brent's . But I can't afford either. I love watching you use the power hammer. You can just see that steel move. Thanks for sharing.

[@wogelkrafts]

Thank you so much for all the helpful videos! Always a great pleasure! :)

[@ukonrautaironworks2541]

Your channel is my go-to channel. I love the creativity and information that I soak up like a sponge.

[@carlcoco2140]

Thank you for showing the mis steps along the way. As a beginner it is nice to see someone else has off days( and how they fix them).

[@chux72vette]

Congratulations John as you've worked your butt off to reach this milestone!!! My cap is off to you sir!! I would love to win a hammer forged by you for sure! It would be cherished for many years. Have a great and better day.~

[@LAFCFalconer]

Congrats on the 100K I remember stumbling across your channel when you had less then 10k.

[@OldNorsebrewery]

Congratulation. Cheers

[@Uncle_Buck]

Thank you for showing how projects really go sometimes!

[@justgonnagetbetter1037]

Your fortunate. Most of my days are like that...... Great build!

[@badinmatenoyard]

I appreciate all your guidance and instruction. It's also been nice having someone give me fresh ideas. Different ways for me to forge.

[@moriaritytube]

Super channel - I just finished a beginners blacksmithing course, got my anvil and made my first tools (flat tongs, centre punch and a hot chisel) Now looking to see what forge to get but torn between coal and gas - Now, I just need a hammer to get started :)

[@BlackBearForge]

A big issue is just the availability in your area. If your in coal country that might be the best option, but if you have to have coal shipped or live where you don't want the smoke, propane might be better

[@richardsolomon8076]

They'll be great hammers John :-) ,,, them that never made mistakes ,,, never made anything :) totally understand the disappointment at having to do extra process. Great video again.

[@jimburnsjr.]

Outstanding video....thanks very much.

[@anthonystrunk5360]

I know you're a beast at the anvil.. I'd like to see you use the power hammer in more videos..

[@cuban9splat]

Congrats on your 100,000 subscribers. Love your channel.

[@RayFromTheHayclan]

Nice to see you take a play out of Bailey's book, he's the hammer making master.

[@johnjude2685]

I'm building my first and Sa Mac many times faster than my 4-2.5 hammers are but I am enjoying my building a double pien,3.4 lbs hopefully. Thanks John Switzer for teaching all ways and them ways are good was. Sir again I saying thank you Sir

[@ryonb2875]

Congrats on the milestone man love the knowledge you share thank you!!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@marcusmccoy3328]

I learn so much from you! Thanks so much for this service to our community

[@marcigarcia6506]

Congratulations on your milestone. I am so glad I found your channel for learning. Your style, demeanor and honesty resonates.

[@jimhills1265]

Those look great, John. It would be a pleasure to use a hammer that came from you. If I miss the Etsy listing, keep me in mind for any later hammers, I'd snap one up without a second thought.

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Lobe that ur honest about this kinda day

[@erikcourtney1834]

Still going to be nice hammers John. Goes to show why I don’t need a power hammer yet. Top tooling under them can get out of wack real fast. Although I have a press, but I made specific dies for it. And seems to very easy to control.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good morning John, didn’t see anything wrong with what you did in the shop ! You will make it work. I would ask you to leave the writings on the screen a little longer, can’t always get them read or find the pause button fast enough 🤗. Looking forward to seeing the other videos concerning the hammer build. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@hannemannironworks1651]

Congratulations on 100k John!

[@brysonalden5414]

As always, it is most instructive to watch your process, learn other processes, and absorb the "in-flight corrections." Looking forward to learning how you correct the cattywampus eye!

[@markbroussard1961]

Great series of videos. I'm learning a lot of good techniques. I'm just starting out in blacksmithing, so am getting a lot of ideas from you. Thanks for all the information. Keep up the great work.

[@nathanleaming448]

Thank you for following through with the not so smooth issues. Us beginners get to see how to make the necessary adjustments. Thanks again

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

I have no doubt they are going to be awesome!

[@marcerivest6204]

I really enjoy watching you make any kind of tools

[@he-mansuncle7661]

Congrats on passing 100k!

[@hankjones5233]

Glad to see you made 100k Really enjoy watching.

[@TheRustyGarageandHomestead]

Thank you mr John

[@jimmyjoslin282]

Awesome video!!!! Congratulations on all your subs.

[@mikes1345]

Watching some of your small projects like the hooks and tool making and ideas is making me rummage through my scraps and tools to see what i have alongside my cheap anvil and a chunk of railroad iron. There is no forge here but there is propane and acetylene and my welding kit. Hmmm, my doctor said to stay active in retirement. Your videos may help fix some tools and implements i have found and picked up. There is an old jackhammer bit i found in my pasture years ago.

[@BlackBearForge]

Sounds like a good start

[@paulcorrigan649]

Your practice hammers are a darned sight better than anything I could make

[@BlackBearForge]

Keep practicing