Forge welded double hook Hook of the Week 12

[@kenndekenner1943]

Video was perfect, shows every move clearly, not too much talking, not too little explaining, loved it Thanks for the inspiration

[@TheRealWeirdoC]

For a really simple piece like this one, this style of video works just fine. Nice to get an occasional video where we can just watch you knock out a project start to finish working the way you normally would without stopping or slowing down to explain the steps. Definitely keep these as a once-in-a-while diversion, though. Your teaching quality is top notch, and we don't want that to ever go away. You and DF - In The Shop are probably the best two instructional blacksmithing channels out there right now.

[@stallind]

The best part of your channel is the narration, and you tend to edit out you rambling so pacing is usually great. Out of all the KZbin craftsmen I watch, my wife requests your channel. Stamp of approval earned my friend.

[@nedboyle1491]

I really like this style of video it is very close to the Peter Collins Blacksmith style of filming and editing.

[@BlackBearForge]

I will have to take a look at his channel.

[@tomfarrow710]

This type of video is good, as long as you revert to the other once in a while. I like this because it tends to be somewhat shorter and sometimes time is a valuable commodity. Thanks and keep up the great videos.

[@michaelsanchez8519]

I like this kind of video because it makes sleeping a lot easier. Hearing the sounds of the shop just puts me at ease. But I also like your other style of videos that are filled with info and technique. I don’t think YOU can mess up any video sir. Great work 👍

[@SamuelMcCunemusic]

I like the mix. I love your narration in your videos but simple stuff like this it is nice to have to just pay attention and go for it! Thanks for sharing John!

[@kensmapleleafretirement]

I can watch you shape metal all day and my wife can listen to you talk all day. So, it is 50/50 in our house. I say you do whatever you feel from day to day and we will just be happy that you shared your vast knowledge and skills with us..... Thank you again for a great video and hook of the week....

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

I love it when you narrate and throw in those little jokes. Makes it interesting and fun!

[@PavlovsBob]

Very very nice hook. I do enjoy this type of video and your question brought back a ton of great memories. I'm a master goldsmith with over 40 years experience. About 35 years ago I learned to make rubber molds from an old Russian. He was an amazing craftsman who could cut the most complex rubber molds that opened effortlessly and produced clean and beautiful wax models. It was like magic. I had noticed he always brought a sack lunch, ate early and worked while the rest of shop broke for lunch. I asked the foreman if I could spend my lunch hour learning mold-making from the old Russian. He said I could try but the man hated being bothered and in the 5 years he had been working with him, he had never heard the man utter a single word and had refused to share his knowledge with anyone. Undaunted, I approached him humbly and asked if I could watch him work. That's all, just watch. I promised I would stay out of his way, wouldn't ask any questions and would, in fact, remain completely silent. He looked at me and, after a very long pause, he grunted and gruffly nodded his head. A few days into it I accidentally made a small sound as I shifted my weight on the stool I was sitting on. He froze and half turned his head toward the sound. I held my breath and after a long minute he resumed working. Over the many months that followed he taught me so much and I became the only person in the shop he actually spoke to. Years later his sons contacted me to create a series of very complex and difficult master models. I asked them to come to shop but they insisted I come to their offices to discuss the project. I found their father still "at work" in their shop. It was an honorary position for an extremely aged and honorable craftsman. He had recommended me to his sons and asked that the meeting take place there so we could have a visit. It was joy to see him again and I laugh when I think about it today because that once silent craftsman and teacher could not stop talking. I'm sure some of his molds if they've been cared for, still function today but, his work endures in me, the apprentices I teach and in those to whom they will one day pass his knowledge. I learned to do magic from that man but, I also learned a great deal about how to teach.

[@aliceharvey3019]

Oh yes jewelry mold making is definitely an art. You were so lucky, and smart, to learn from this man. I never got very good at it, had more success making molds for sculptures at the foundry. I loved your post you definitely have a way to draw a person in. I am not a blacksmith, have a tiny bit of experience with the artist blacksmith next door to the foundry, but am fascinated watching these videos. Who knows, Pieh Tools is right down the road, I may end up taking some classes. Well thanks for sharing your experience, and thank you John for sharing these great video lessons.

[@RojasCarpentry]

Some things require instruction, some don't for that investigation and thinking factor. I believe a mix of both is a must! Your wealth of knowledge can help us figure out other projects you do in silence.

[@ga5743]

Cool hook John, and I love your style of speaking, teaching, and humor. Explaining as you go is my preference, but it’s nice to have this style of video too. Whatever floats your boat as they say, is fine with me. I’m very thankful you make videos, I’m learning lots from you.

[@jaredslattery9233]

I like all your videos. The verbal intro explained what was going on then the work spoke for itself. I do like hearing you talk.

[@aaronkokesch3593]

I enjoy both narration and non narration. Since I have been binge watching your videos (watch your videos an hour or so a night instead of regularTV) I am starting to better understand the process. My Roommate laughes now when start in on my own narration when I see the next step your about to take.

[@8beef4dinner]

I never knew that making hooks could be so addicting! Love the "hook of the week" videos!👍👍 They make you want to run out and pick up a hammer (and safety glasses) and start hooking it up!! I like it when you mix up the different styles of videos.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you

[@wayneshirey6999]

For the last 3 weeks, each Sunday's hook looks better than the last.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you

[@mikedagostino6318]

Good video, I also work with wood and watch Wood turning videos were the guys say nothing through the entire video all the time... some use back ground music. I think it's a good idea, let's us see more forge time and when you think some steps might need an explanation then give one... Getting all the info out at the beginning then just forging right through to the end 👍. Like you said, makes us use a little more of our brains and if we want too back up the video a hundred times to figure it out we can.. thx for your well taught videos. I have never forged before (35 year carpenter) but the more I watch the more I feel like I can do it myself...

[@GadYaHoVaHswarrior]

Growing up in a family business as locksmiths, I being the third generation, this is my style of learning honestly. I believe back to say 1000 years ago, I believe this is how all Blacksmith's pasted on their trade from father to son or apprentice. But I do like a little narration from time to time.

[@joemelvin5254]

It really makes for a nice mixup throwing this format in now and then. Still amazing how many different skills can be in a simple hook

[@henrygardiner7740]

Watching your methods of work is always instructive. That said, I have really benefited from your highlighting the key turning points of a process - what to watch out for and how to maximize the forging during a particular heat. So I guess I'd vote for a mix of chat and splat!

[@larryking606]

Good Morning , John I Enjoy the "HOOK OF THE WEEK " I find myself watching the time on Sunday Morning , Wandering when you are going to Post it ! As for the 2 ways you present the Video , I enjoy both , without the Narration , I concentrate on your Technique , which shows me a lot , On the other hand , the Narration , Teaches me a lot more ! So , as long as you are Happy with it , so am I ! Thank you for sharing and Please , as long as you are still Loving the sharing of your Skill with this Blacksmithing Community , I will be here , Enjoying and Learning , more Each time ! TAKE CARE AND BE SAFE ! KEEP HAMMERING !

[@BlackBearForge]

I try to post them about 7:30 mountain time

[@larryking606]

@@BlackBearForge Thank You very much , John , I will give myself a Reminder of that !

[@54jake451]

John, I've enjoyed all of your video styles. You can add music for longer sequences that don't need explanation, be quiet while forming a shape where the operation is obvious or really fill in the details where needed. I like the stories you tell of your life experiences, too. All in all, "WELL DONE."

[@farsalor2627]

Hook of the week is great, thank you for continuing to do this.

[@timwambeke9938]

I like both style of videos. I did enjoy figuring out why you were isolating the end of the material at the beginning and it became very obvious when you started rounding out the isolation.

[@paulk8180]

I look forward to your hook of the week videos. My grandson and I watch them togother. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@robertmayer6361]

I agree with several others. For this more simple project no narration is needed. Your narration is always spot on.

[@Rick_Bagnall]

I like both styles of video for different reasons. The narrated and explained videos introduce concepts and techniques I may not have thought of, and the "working videos as you said engage my brain to see how you do it and what if anything I might do differently.

[@DBacaMaker]

I love this style of video when the work is easy to follow. Obviously there will be procedures that can't be just shown but will need a little explanation.

[@johnscarboroughregenerativ7240]

I really like both style videos. Whether you're Getting right to the point and just doing the work. Or really trying to explain what you're doing and why you're doing it. I have learned a lot From this channel both from Your blacksmith work but also your channel itself Is something I can Aspire to And learn from in my channel.

[@raammctavish2528]

I like both formats. I think that the quiet down to work format is good for smaller projects to help keep the videos short and the explanation at the beginning is sufficient. I also enjoy the videos with more narration as there is more depth into why you are doing different things and in what order.

[@Neptonic101]

How can anyone dislike his videos? This is pure craftsmanship 👌🏼

[@stevefarley7014]

I tried this hook today and I walked away with a higher respect for John Switzer than before I had started.

[@thestonefairy]

I love your voice and instruction the best, you are a wonderful teacher, I keep on panicking thinking i am going to run out of shows but you have a lot and I will happily watch some multiple times. the nonverbal video is ok every once and a while but i don't get nearly as much out of it and when i am out at my fire i think they will be harder to remember. I keep coming back for the amazing class on an art that is hard to find good instruction in. Thank you for all you do.

[@tenpennyguy]

One of my favourites in the hook series. There are hours of practice technique in this one project for a beginner smith like me. Also a great example of what a little creativity can do with a simple bit of raw material. I very much enjoyed the chance / challenge of watching and narrating to myself what the techniques were and the sequence of processes, as well as when to stop fussing and tweaking an item that is more than good enough. And for a bonus, an eggbeater drill. Two thumbs up for sure.

[@tomcarlson3244]

I have learned a lot watching your videos and this will be my first project

[@benloudermilk]

As many of your videos that I have watched, I can still hear you narrating it in my head.

[@BlackBearForge]

I do hope I'k saying the right thing 🤔

[@benloudermilk]

@@BlackBearForge Yes sir. Octagon to round. Light rapid hammer blows. This parts kind of fiddly. The usual lingo.

[@mandolinman2006]

I kinda like this type when it's a simple project like this is. You were able to describe what needed to happen at the beginning.

[@random40s]

Very cool hook there! I like your main style of videos a lot, but on a small, and fairly simple thing not a lot of talking is needed. The explanation at the onset of the project was plenty to have most people understand what you were about to do. Keep the series going, so many people ( I'm definitely one of them) love it. Thanks for the awesome ideas, and videos. Keep them coming. 👍 👍

[@jeffgrier8488]

This video style has it's merits, but I do enjoy the narration, especially on certain projects. Great video!

[@salleecreekworkshop]

Love the hook of the week series. My wife even watches it with me.

[@armadilloforge]

Thanks for "hooking us up"

[@abitoffblacksmithing9985]

Heehehehehehehehehe ( Peter Griffin laugh!!)

[@sm4rtmouth]

I really enjoy your calm narration and side jokes here and there and sometimes it´s one of those half sentences in between that explains a bunch for me. But I do also enjoy vids like this, not as much but still a lot more than many others out there. So I second the "A good mix" notion. Good looking hook btw John and have a nice start into the week. Smarty

[@rbaker1423]

I like this style of video. There's enough explanation up front, and then we can just enjoy the sights and sounds of the process. Works well for the simpler projects -- more complex ones would need more explanation along the way.

[@stevenbyars3384]

John, I like both the narration and seeing more of the process. It helps me to see things from a different way and gives me a better flexibility in how I analyse my approach to projects both large and small. Thanks for the great videos!!

[@BigWillSD]

It's nice every once in a while to have a quiet video, but I much prefer you narration and personality.

[@tkjazzer]

Love this video. Very Mr Chickadee and Rune Malte , primitive technology style. One thing that I like with primitive technology is he puts all narration as closed captions... Lots more work

[@rogerdevries4401]

A very cool Hook from a very cool series enjoying it a lot. The video was great but John your strong point is in how you explain things so clearly and so easy to understand. Keep up the great videos either way

[@donaldasayers]

Great video, I love the show rather than tell style. I think of those hooks as the "drunk octopus wants a fight" style.

[@shanehuddleston3761]

I like a mix. Some time the narration helps when you do something subtle that is an important step. Keep up the great work John. I have learned a lot from your videos. Thank you

[@ForgeandFairway]

Great video! I love hook of the week. My only qualm with this type of video is I generally listen to KZbin while at work or working in my shop, but as always than you for being so willing to share your knowledge!!

[@abitoffblacksmithing9985]

Howdy john from northern Idaho! Love both narrated and not narrated. Keep it mixed up ! Love the hook of the week . Made the feather this last friday and put it on blackbear forge Facebook group. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Cheers everyone!

[@doug817th]

Yes! This style of video is my favorite.

[@Big222Dog]

John loved the style, I think on short self explanatory videos it's a great way to go. Keeps them shorter too. And if there is a tricky bit, you can cut in & explain. The hook! This was a great project, I did not see the forge weld coming, cool. A lot of core blacksmith skills in that 1 wee job. I loved it.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Another great looking hook and so handy as well. This style works well when the project is fairly simple, even for us non black smiths that watch to see things made.

[@DerKooze]

I really like that hook! A smidge more narration would be good. If you were to do more of these types of videos, throw in your other types as well. Your explanations are great!

[@paradisefalls37]

Don’t change a thing, your videos are awesome, thanks.

[@shtf411com]

So far, I really enjoy all of your videos; all are high quality, and easily followed.

[@marty01957]

Hook of the week sounds good to me to, John! Narrate , don't narrate, (although I like your narration) , I learn something from everyone of your videos. Thanks John!

[@steelpennyforge5152]

Great addition to the series! I like both styles of video and I think both have a place on your channel. I do find great value in your more instructive style when we are being introduced to new techniques and to projects that are pretty complex. The value of your thought processes on more complex layouts or projects can't be over stated! The straight forward approach for often used techniques works well too. Thanks again for this hook of the week series. I look forward to it each week.

[@grifixed]

So I'm new to this so I really appreciate your videos. I'm also a nurse , so I laughed my but off at the scene of you bending the hooks over the horn ( it looked anatomically comical) :)

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you for not being more descriptive. I started to regret the design when I saw that during editing.

[@tdschisel]

Explanation of what to look out for or any special techniques we should pay attention to would be great. Good video, I like hard work... I can watch it all day long ;)

[@myownspiritlevel]

Narration is good. You don’t blather on like other blacksmiths. You don’t over-gesticulate. You don’t act like an excited middle school girl. You don’t misuse big words trying to impress. Accent is good, too, for a yankee.

[@MauledByBears]

Great video John! Imo, short and sweet is best. You have such a large body of videos now that you don't have to re-explain basic techniques again and again. People who are interested in forging will follow along, ask questions, and be challenged to think sometimes.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you for the input

[@abitoffblacksmithing9985]

I agree 100% cheers!

[@richardsolomon8076]

Great job again John, I like the talky style video but I'll happily continue watching :-) I love seeing the stock change under the hammer. Thanks for hooking us up

[@FZR650]

I’ve been hooked from day one of watching your videos.

[@alanbutler7712]

I love that you live in a log cabin too!

[@wesking5600]

For small projects like this I like the more work less talk

[@akherber]

I like both, but the narration is quite valuable for really connecting the dots

[@johndilsaver8409]

That's a nice creative use of the 1/2" square bar. I enjoyed this, -- I need more practice forge welding, this looks like a good project for that. I also liked this style of presentation with less narration, keep them coming!

[@leontorkelson6246]

I like this style of video. I like the narrative style also.

[@gustavfranklin]

I enjoy both the ones where you talk more and these ones.

[@waylandforge8704]

I learn by watching, listening and doing so whatever you feel's the best method of presentation is ok by me

[@josediaz1484]

I like the video format. It shows the flow of the forging process.

[@trknust]

Great one. Your instruction is welcome every day with or without words. I wish I lived close to you, I would be bugging you all the time so I could work with you. Thinks

[@coffeehouseforge5632]

Like the hook series and the simpler projects are nice with just work, but of course your more involved projects the voice instructions are welcomed.

[@kevinhansen2182]

I love this video and all the others you make. You have come a very long way. Light, video quality, etc. Keep up the good work.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you

[@russelbutler6704]

I'm in the middle for narration. Like this hook will be doing this 1 a bit I think to practice my welding 👍

[@albertheatwole3559]

Hi John from Williamsburg Va. I really liked all the different camera angles. I've always like your narration but on a small project like this, the "get to it" style really works. Great work, keep it up.

[@picturetaker3997]

Nice cordless drill.

[@BlackBearForge]

The original

[@douglasfathers4848]

I like both formats but I like the narrated ones for your little jokes like the wife's view of the grubby blacksmith . my wife just calls me a grub . cheers

[@erikstevens8537]

Love the video, and all the hook of the week videos. There's so much that can be made from something small, these are really inspiring! looking forward to the next hook!

[@lo5042mh]

I like your narrated videos more. 👍

[@briangingerich7632]

Love this style of video! Great little hook!

[@pukinpaja1974]

I like this video style! Nice to watch and learn her in Finland! 🎅🏻🇫🇮

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you

[@grandadz_forge]

I loved this style of video. Looks to me like this hook thing is a freaking hit! Good numbers John. Congratulations. I love hooks anyway

[@BlackBearForge]

I figured people would quit watching hook videos after a few weeks, but so far they still seem popular.

[@julioctaboada]

Love it, great to watch while i’m working on the office.

[@jefffarley9223]

I like a combination of both personally. Both types have their allure. Awesome hook sir!

[@shortfuse43]

I like both types of videos...each has it's own purpose. Narration is great, silence is great...just no music please! The hook is cool, BTW. I have many short pieces of 1/2" sq. bar left over from some other projects. Now, I have a solution for what to use them for, thanks!

[@AndyColglazier]

I do like your commentary!

[@ffcrick9144]

I like both types of videos and learn so much from your video's THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS📖⛪

[@robbullis5025]

I like it also, especially on the simpler projects.

[@StNuttall]

I don't hear many reports of successful forge welding of mild steel in gas forges. I'm glad it worked for you.

[@BlackBearForge]

I do it all the time

[@Thebigmanmetaldetecting]

I love those styles of hooks they always reminds me of a drunken octopus looking for a fight lol

[@BlackBearForge]

I have seen a few with all 8 arms on them

[@Hoaxer51]

I couldn’t recognize the maker of your cordless drill. It wasn’t yellow or red, must be a new make! Another great video, I really like these Sunday hook videos.

[@redmondworkshops5181]

I like both types of videos. I think this was a good change as it made me think a bit.

[@Res375]

I like the hook of the week and look forward to seeing the video

[@mikechapple2363]

Loved it! Easy to follow....but don't stay too quiet, random thoughts about things like chosing the right spot to use on the anvil, as when you rounded up with the ball in the hardy hole, are good things to air.

[@minibuscus2]

love this kind of videos, would have loved a couple quick "forge welding" or "am finding the centre of the bar"

[@andywright2606]

Great hook John, and also some good beginner practice for that forge weld. Personally I like your narration in your videos, but with the simple projects it is OK to have just the visuals I suppose. Wouldn't like to miss out on all those pearls of wisdom totally though !!! so I hope this is not the way of the future 🤞 Keep up the good work and Thank You

[@bwax1542]

Nice presentation. Either way I learn something.