You should make a contest out of this. No prize necessary or anything, just see if anyone can guess what this will become a part of. This is a great example of making things that aren't knives. I feel like most of the "blacksmiths" on KZbin are one trick ponies that only make pattern welded steel knives. I've always been interested in blacksmithing and I started watching videos years ago to try and learn but it seems that 99% of the content these days is making pattern welded steel or making knives out of pattern welded steel. Watching you make such fantastic items that aren't knives using single steels is far more fascinating. Anybody can wow people with damascus, but to wow people with simple steel requires a skill and a vision that the 99% just don't have. My hat is off to you sir. You are truly an artist of the highest caliber and I think if people could only learn a portion of what you have to teach the market wouldn't be saturated with overpriced cookie cutter knives that all look alike. Keep up the great work my friend. I love your videos.
@brysonalden5414 Жыл бұрын
And now, three years later, I'm grateful this video is still up, as I now need to make some big leaves, and needed to be reminded of some of your techniques. I was going to try to forge out 1" round stock, but this is much faster and easier! Thanks, as always.
@BlackBearForge Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@marty019574 жыл бұрын
Great video , John!
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@clintonm2357 Жыл бұрын
I think I’m going to try fluting a leaf stem. I really like the way that turned out and was armoring before blacksmithing so I think that technique could work too!
@gavsgav90 Жыл бұрын
Love your work! I really wish you was my Grandpa 😂
@danmilburn65974 жыл бұрын
Thanks John, I look forward to your Sunday morning videos
@listentodave4 жыл бұрын
John, your camera work zoomed in on those pieces at the anvil is exceptional!
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@dwayneburbridge32834 жыл бұрын
Great project! If my wife sees this video, I will be making leaves for the next year!
@MrJimmunn4 жыл бұрын
John, I love the atmosphere of the coal forge, I can almost smell that sweet smell. While the hook of the week was fabulous content, I can already tell I’m going to enjoy this “new chapter”. I love the ornamental/architectural work and was excited when you stated you’d like to do more of it. Can’t wait to see the ensuing episodes and what these elements will evolve into. Keep it up!
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍
@davedoessomestuff81764 жыл бұрын
Thank you for being my constant (and consistent) friend while I'm out at the forge
@olddawgdreaming57154 жыл бұрын
That’s a good looking leaf John. I don’t care what you make, it’s always interesting to see how you form anything. Thanks so much for sharing your passions with iron and fire ! Fred.
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
You bet
@hannemannironworks16514 жыл бұрын
That’s a big ol leaf!
@stanervin61084 жыл бұрын
Very nice leaf John! 🌱🌴🌵☘🌿🐾🔥⚒
@frankobrienmd15034 жыл бұрын
Love the supersized leaf
@grandadz_forge4 жыл бұрын
I'm already loving where this is going. Yep, this is gonna be one of those playlists I'll keep rewatching.
@WildHuntKnives4 жыл бұрын
Ive binged hours and hours of your videos during this whole COVID business. Thank you for keeping my sanity intact. And in all seriousness. I could fall asleep to the calm soothing tone of your voice.
@1averageamerican4 жыл бұрын
Going to be fun to see this project come together. A plant themed yard decoration maybe? A fancy pants gazebo? Whatever it's going to be, thanks for sharing.
@TheIdeanator4 жыл бұрын
Awww yiss! Ornamental design element of the week!
@Jennifer-zb4gc4 жыл бұрын
Very nice leaf John 😊 thanks for sharing your knowledge again
@fauseth4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the hook idea at the end!
@lenblacksmith85594 жыл бұрын
Nice John
@jamesbarisitz47944 жыл бұрын
That looks just like a leaf from a rubber tree! Nice work on getting the center spine down the middle.👍
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍
@petermarsh49933 жыл бұрын
Dear John, thank you so much for sharing your work producing a Philodendron leaf. It is simply superb. I’ve a great idea for a collaborative project. Get a tall wooden verandah pole and insert several short metal pipes, say 400mm at the base and down to 200mm at the top. Now make your work with twisted, scrambling metal with leaves, flowers and even some fruit. Add some critters {birds, lizards and insects} and you’d have a magnificent piece of nature. Cheers.
@clydebalcom82524 жыл бұрын
Aw...Well, I guess the hook of the week has had an awesome run.
@lifeofaking9964 жыл бұрын
Let’s see some power hammer. But I do love your teaching and the way you go about it
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
I am sure there will be more power hammer
@steelpennyforge51524 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to the announcement of the project! The leaf turned out awesome!
@pwaterdu4 жыл бұрын
Combination of Popeye and Brutus hammer in hand..spinach in forge on low..haha.. cool leaf love the bronze tone.. can imagine many uses..cant wait for more and very well done!
@fieroboom3 жыл бұрын
Thinning like that really makes you appreciate the time & skill that went into creating Roman armor. And this doesn't even include working a bloom down to usable metal, so it really makes sense why only the higher status soldiers had metal armor while the lower status soldiers still had toughened leather. Excellent job, as always!!
@NeilGraham.I.M.F4 жыл бұрын
That came out great! I really like that leaf
@criswilson11404 жыл бұрын
I love that vein. Time to go practice. Thank you!
@original50654 жыл бұрын
Hi John, new subscriber here. Excited to follow this project. The life you put into that leaf is very pleasing.
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Welcome aboard!
@robertrobert79243 жыл бұрын
Very nice leaf. I would be so tempted to make a leaf shaped spear head.
@dadegroot4 жыл бұрын
The folded vein really sets this apart from the chiseled leaves commonly seen.
@tobyjo574 жыл бұрын
Nice Leaf John. I've been thinking how to create the vein along the centre and was going to try and made a hardy with a central half round groove but you teach us the simple way of folding it. Looking forward to the new series ( if it is a series ) and more great educational videos from you. You always say you hope to Inspire us newby's out here and yes Sir that's exactly what you do. Thank You
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Matching top and bottom tools are a very common way to create a raised vein.
@rickkirkham87014 жыл бұрын
Greeting from the Philippines lockdown. Essential youtube viewing are recipes, travel, bread making and BLACK BEAR FORGE. Great job John ! 😄
@robertwhitney22324 жыл бұрын
Thanks John, I was really pleased to see you make a folded leaf, that is the way I was shown to make my first leafs several years ago, no chisels required. Yes, it takes a little extra care to make a good leaf, after you make a dozen or so there quite easy to make.
@gurvinderkau1e5w184 жыл бұрын
Beautiful leaf made. 👍👍👍👍
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much 😊
@mikes13454 жыл бұрын
Your ideas from your scrap bucket are amazing. I watch several persons who turn scrap items into useful or ornamental items and yours rate with the best. Thank you.
@danbreyfogle84864 жыл бұрын
Great looking project, I will be waiting for more elements. Who needs hook of the week when you can have something as nice as this?
@thedarwinexperience53124 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the Sunday relaxing while having coffee
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome!
@glitched40704 жыл бұрын
Brilliant video 👍👍👍
@paulbilodeau98824 жыл бұрын
John, This was a VERY NICE project instead of Hook of the Week. I'll bet the BIG project that this will be part of will be impressive. Can't wait to find out.
@JackPinesBlacksmithing4 жыл бұрын
Even during the forging, that leaf emerged organically. Beautiful!
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@marcerivest62044 жыл бұрын
Excellent video John, lots of content, always interesting and l look forward to seeing your video.
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍
@thomasarussellsr4 жыл бұрын
Great looking leaf, John. I like it.
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍
@TufStockdogs4 жыл бұрын
Hey buddy so nice I got my new glasses today thank you for the sharing of the leaf things are really looking very clear thank you buddy for all you sharing. Thank from central Oregon
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
New glasses are something I must do soon. I am currently wearing an old pair after breaking the temple piece on the newer ones (but still due for an update) pair.
@brysonalden54144 жыл бұрын
Your folding technique to form the central vein looks much more organic than if you'd done it on a swedge block, which I usually do; thanks for the continued instruction!
@frankgaletzka84774 жыл бұрын
Hello John Thank you for your Video I have learned in this 25 Minutes more than in a blacksmith Class here at my home town Thank you very much for sharing your skill with me You are a great teacher ☝️👍 I smiled a bit if you said if you want a hook you can Scroll it here around and out there a screwhole an ready is the hook John you are a joyfull man All the best stay healthy Greetings Frank
@PaulFontaniniArtist4 жыл бұрын
Great stuff John.
@stuartmcintosh57094 жыл бұрын
John, I used to do photography years ago, the anvil shot came out very nice 👍, it’s also nice to see your skills on other things for a change, where you are your more isolated than some, hope you and your family keep well and safe. 🏴
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
We are able to do a pretty good job of staying to ourselves.
@terrykleier50688 күн бұрын
Impressive
@BarrRunForge4 жыл бұрын
Great projects, as always, John! You are definitely a major influence in my blacksmithing. I hope to create projects and content that honor the kind of work you consistently produce. -Troy
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Glad you're enjoying it.
@awesomecreationschannel4 жыл бұрын
Lovely work John 👍
@alant3914 жыл бұрын
John. Thank you for using the coal furnace. Most of the locals here use coal. I’m from the western slope so I identify with coal. C seam coal is the best imo. Also like how you make everything look easy. A mark of the true craftsman
@TufStockdogs4 жыл бұрын
This is very awesome and thank you for sharing and that we can do at the anvil
@mtyson90044 жыл бұрын
Very nice John! Thanks for all you do and bringing us along! God Bless you sir!
@georgecuyler75634 жыл бұрын
I was watching you make this beautiful leaf and I thought, what about eagle feathers and make a fan like you see in POW WOWS and West Coast drum groups.
@3870TheDad4 жыл бұрын
John, your decorative work is amazing. Love it.
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@daveyjoweaver51834 жыл бұрын
A Very Lovely Leaf Indeed! Thank You Kindly! Blessings your Way! DaveyJO in Pa.
@markmcmeen2874 жыл бұрын
Thanks, John. As always, great step by step instruction. Also, thank you for the insight into the preparation and planning for a larger project. One thing that has struck me throughout my time blacksmithing is the planning that is required to execute a completed project. Keep up the great work.
@Blacksmith.from.Lorien Жыл бұрын
Спасибо большое за науку, Мастер!
@justmakeit2616 Жыл бұрын
Nice one. Going to try to make one
@OuroborosArmory4 жыл бұрын
I loved when you made the gate/window.. likening this one as well
@jeremiahjohnson13254 жыл бұрын
Great job John. Love to see the coal forge fired up. Got my shop up and running. I've fired up a made a few hooks kinda crude but a hook .thanks for bringing me happiness.
@timwambeke99384 жыл бұрын
Very informative and great leaf!
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it!
@terryholl38194 жыл бұрын
Thanks John...will be watching to see what the final product is..I would suggest as usual it will be something interesting/unusual and something that will expand our knowledge of smithing. Stay safe .
@Zogg12814 жыл бұрын
I really liked this tutorial on leaf making, it has so much information and the camera angles are really helpful. At 8:30 you have a close up shot that makes it really easy to see where the hammer is hitting as you can see the dent in the steel as each blow hits. It a lot better then having a wider angle with just a white mass sitting on the anvil thats just to hot for the camera to pick up properly. Thank you for this video, John, I think it's got to be one of my favourite leaf forging video's! 👍
@georgecuyler75632 жыл бұрын
Old school forged Bowie knife, not Damascus, nor stock removed. My late Dad said you bend your material into a banana shape and then forge in the bevels. I found a video once on it but my phone died and I haven't been able to find the video again. I was maybe two minutes in and the material was just getting up to temperature 🌡️
@douglasfathers48484 жыл бұрын
Project of the week sounds good John , best looking leaf yet ,liked the way you forged the center vein looks good.
@derrickloughlin28204 жыл бұрын
Keep it coming! I love your videos! I'm just getting started and really love this stuff. I used to do some early blacksmithing about 8 years ago, and have been wanting to get back into it after the military!
@hightowerone4 жыл бұрын
We all secretly hate you. Well done once again! Inspiring.
@TheOldaz14 жыл бұрын
A bit mre interesting than the "usual" run of leaves. Thanks John.
@bobvines004 жыл бұрын
John, before you textured/curled this leaf, I thought you were making a Magnolia leaf. I'm really looking forward to this "series" of videos. I want to start making some ornamental items in my shop. I really enjoy how you explain your thoughts and how original designs change as you go.
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
If thats what I had set out to make, it probably wouldn't have looked anything like it
@albertoguerreiro0064 жыл бұрын
another simple but bad ass Project !! big respect for you and your chanell , i am portuguese and i made a coal forge from scrap , and work's ok , with refractive argamass but i offer to my friend who work's a lot only by hand , no eletric machines , no welds , only tecniques of construction and rivets made by hand but i bought one rivets forge for 140 €uros and i put a eletric blower and i am learning and i need to take some lessons for learns some things who alone takes a lot of time , nice work and thank's for sharing !!stay safe #covid19sucks #projetosecriacoes
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Enjoy the journey, glad you're enjoying the videos
@stanervin61084 жыл бұрын
Thank you, John. I had totally forgotten that veining technique
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Happy to help!
@joelsims43964 жыл бұрын
Beautiful work as always. Im excited to see what this project will become
@clarklindquist81374 жыл бұрын
Awesome video.... My mind was thinking that this design would make for a really cool gardening trowel. If ya also did a cool garden set, that would be amazing
@Strive19743 жыл бұрын
Sucks living in the burbs.....trying to set my shed up to forge. Hope I don't burn down the block
@beni20944 жыл бұрын
Thanks John!
@danielcrawford73154 жыл бұрын
Very interesting process to watch. Kuul.how much it will stretch out. Thank you for sharing valuable information on fire and steel control 🙏 blessed days sirSir Crawford out 🧙♂️
@Redneckemtb4 жыл бұрын
Love watching your work John, if hook of the week is to be no more might I suggest Scrap Bucket Sundays. Keep up the good work.
@jeffgrier84884 жыл бұрын
I really like the way that hook turned out, and I am already curious to see how it gets incorporated into a project!
@jackshadow3254 жыл бұрын
Nice work.
@20mcarroll024 жыл бұрын
John, just as you were cutting it off, I got to thinking, that would make a nice large arrowhead finial for a door hinge. Kinda what I've been working on as time allows for my cabin build. Had minor success, but looks much better in the stock you started with. Thanks.
@ga57434 жыл бұрын
Such a fitting project this week, my real leaves popped out this week and they are beautiful. Thanks John, eager to see where this project will end up. Be well.
@anthonygreyling55504 жыл бұрын
Hi John, love your channel, I've learned quite a bit. I was wondering if you could share the dimensions of the inside of your gas forge? I'm planning on building one, and would like the burn chamber to be close to the one you have. It looks just about right for most of the work I'll be doing with it. Thanks for a cool channel. Anthony (South Africa)
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
All of the information on that forge is available here chileforge.com/forges_jalapeno_details.html
@MrDukaman4 жыл бұрын
I always have a problem welding round bar. It seems I have to square it up first. Then weld it and then draw it out and round it again. ....Paul.
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
My scarf generally ends up square so I am doing the weld in square section then transition back to round
@tfunaro4 жыл бұрын
John, recently subscribed and appreciate all of the knowledge you're passing on! I only recently started (I've fired my coal forge three times so far...) and I'm wondering what weight hammer you 'typically' work with - and if there is a beginner weight you recommend? Based on the how sore my forearm is...I'm guessing that a 4 lb hammer hasn't been the right way to go (it was the lightest hammer that came with the package of old tools I purchased).
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
I use a 2 1/2 - 3 pound hammer most of the time. As a beginner I would try 2 - 2 1/2 pounds at first. If you have lots of time with other hammers its easier. But if any form of hammer work is new to you it is easy to injure yourself with to large a hammer.
@alexandretillmann74953 жыл бұрын
👏👏👏
@jimc47314 жыл бұрын
What is your philosophy on "brushing"? I see in some demonstration videos the smith brushes very often and with yours there is infrequent brushing? Can you expand on this? Thanks, JIM
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
While roughing out large pieces there is little need to worry about scale. As you near the end on pieces that need a better finish brushing becomes more important. Working lightly down into a black heat also removes scale and leaves a better finish without the need to brush.
@terrycarwile64994 жыл бұрын
Great job, really nice work! Where do you get your coal? The stuff I use from local mines makes great big chunky clinkers. Thanks!
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
I have coal from several sources. But with all of the local mines closed, I have to have it shipped from back east, which is quite expensive.
@joemcgillivray93223 жыл бұрын
What size cross peen hammer. Are you using?
@obh77624 жыл бұрын
Do you have any tips for lighting the first fire in a new coal forge, especially with anthracite coal? Also, I really like when you use the coal forge rather than propane forge in videos.
@dragonstonegemironworkscra47404 жыл бұрын
Try a small bed of charcoal in the center over turyre then surrounded by anthricite. Light charcoal and get it going and cover e anthricite and give it some beans n blow lots of air. Oughta light up faster than not
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3-1f42Kqt2sfbc
@obh77624 жыл бұрын
@@BlackBearForge Thanks.
@davidhillman70044 жыл бұрын
Will miss hook of the week
@christiankaiser4443 жыл бұрын
😀👍nice
@waskasoometalworks33294 жыл бұрын
good day sir! have you happened to work any more on your bloom iron?
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Not yet
@kevinhansen21824 жыл бұрын
Hi John. I was wondering what the best way to heat treat a lawnmower blade. Quench in oil i think. But I don't know what color for temper
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
You would need to do some testing on the blade you have. I suspect that they are not all the same
@kevinhansen21824 жыл бұрын
@@BlackBearForge ok John thank you
@yelworc064 жыл бұрын
John you had a book that you showed a while ago i cant seem to find the video that mentioned it an older one that you said was hard to find. Come to find out its harder to find when you don’t know the name.
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
I have talked about quite a few books in the videos.
@yelworc064 жыл бұрын
Black Bear Forge it was an older spiral bound book. I think you referred to it as a blacksmith bible no better way to phrase it
@yelworc064 жыл бұрын
The Blacksmiths Cookbook
@billwoehl30514 жыл бұрын
Is cast iron forge-able?
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Not in any way I know of
@clydebalcom82524 жыл бұрын
I have a very dumb question. Is it possible to build a forge that has attributes of a coal forge and a gas forge?
@BlackBearForge4 жыл бұрын
Not very sucessfully
@clydebalcom82524 жыл бұрын
@@BlackBearForge thanks. Like I said, a dumb question.