HOW TO: Forge a Hammer with Only a Hand Hammer!

[@DrDevon23]

The fact that he can give nearly flawless commentary while pounding on that billet it quite impressive!

[@imbadman6658]

Devon Weidauer exactly what i was thinking!

[@3npitsu992]

Devon Weidauer think about how much endurance he has

[@tommytomaras7005]

Seriously! No loss of breath or anything. This man is a beast!

[@finalcam1740]

I cant even do that with a 4lb(his is 7lb) hammer. Gotta take breaks lol.

[@jerod5636]

Kid grew up with a hammer in his hand. I just hope his hands don’t hurt like mine do in 15-20 years

[@andyaitken4243]

Here I am two years later after seeing his move to Montana in the US and seeing how far this young man has come. Now married, dog owner and a thriving business he built up with Will Stelter, an awesome blade smith and constantly showing old guys like me how life should be done.

I'm watching him back in the UK. Lol.

[@jameshughes5722]

Yes being born into a family that can afford to pour money into his whims. Such a visionary.

[@HickLif3]

@@jameshughes5722 Dude was working as a professional black smith since he was 13 (pretty sure) he apprenticed with someone and has been making and selling things the whole time. Maybe his parents helped him buy things here and there but he has done the vast majority on his own

[@dingus9155]

"You start off gently" *SMACC*

[@kaliumnitraat]

Haha

[@dumbleking5172]

Oh, market garden slaps

[@dingus9155]

Yes!

[@IronKing66]

😂

[@Hunni427.]

Fish slap

[@shanemaitland8010]

People who have never done this type of work won't understand just how in shape you must be to swing that hammer and talk without being completely out of breathe. Always love your work.

[@grimreapybones2875]

Well I'm allready an athlete so I think I'll do fine when I start blacksmithing

[@skilletborne]

From my experience, it's about technique more than athleticism My arm might be killing during a long hammering session, but I have trouble breathing normally and can hold a conversation pretty easily while hammering.

[@WattsUp-sub]

I have done forge work before, but never a hammer. This was a great starting point!

[@firemoustach2932]

"You start off gently" Proceeds to deliver blows which cause earthquakes

[@Phyankord]

i thought i was the only one.... im not alone.

[@BigWillSD]

finally a hammer video by one person without a power hammer!! thank you!!

[@bonsaiisland3193]

This man IS a power hammer, though.

[@hiddenworldforge374]

He has 2 lol

[@stageforgejon905]

@@hiddenworldforge374 he sure does! He has two arms! The kid is a beast with a hammer,no doubt!!

[@picklesaregross01]

I follow a few blacksmithing channels here on youtube, and I just want to say, Thank you, for explaining why you are doing what you are doing and the process you are working through. So many channels just show the work and don't really explain what they are doing. Your explanation of your process and great looking works made me subscribe to your channel.

[@LazyMansWorkshop]

Love how you're able to speak so calmly about what to do while you're swinging a big hammer and forging! Great video

[@AlecSteele]

+Liam Donahue Thanks LIAM!

[@LazyMansWorkshop]

Alec Steele A KZbinr who responds to my comment two days in a row is one who's got a daily viewer in me for as long as the channel exists. Can't wait to see what fantastic piece you do next!

[@ovidiugheorghe2182]

How the F can you swing that hammer like that and speak like you are in a jacuzzi at the same time? # the blonde man of steel

[@bradameerbeg6422]

ovidiu gheorghe I noticed that to.... wtf?

[@badgoy8439]

more of ginger if you ask me

[@johndifrancisco3642]

ovidiu gheorghe, I was thinking the same thing! He didn't miss a beat or a breath! Ah, to be young...

[@tofanedward9049]

Look at it's name! Is genetic

[@Ocram_sokart]

Like walking through a park.

[@cybernoid001]

inspirational, You said you were looking for ideas. How about how to create a file? We use them all the time, even make things out of them but not make them ourselves.

[@richkeagy8907]

You make this old man smile. Your focus and enthusiasm are something to behold. Bless you young man. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@dutchweeks1]

Dude, look how far you've come in two years! Same guy, same positive attitude, same work ethic, but with miles more knowledge and an enormous shop in Montana. You have every right to be pleased with your work sir :)

[@metalbob3335]

Alec I love your work . Remember where you came from. I still follow your work since you came across the sea. I will continue to follow your work and so much so I bought a shirt people ask me who you are . WORTH IT every time!

[@javierr.castillo1101]

These are the kind of videos I miss. The newer ones lack so much.

[@javierr.castillo1101]

And every day videos. I forgot about that. Not anymore.

[@walnutforge1203]

This video is how I learned how to make hammers. Thank you Alec!

[@Gingerbred_Hed]

Going back to these old videos and looking back at the old shop brings back memories.

[@chunkbaby7544]

Hey Alec my name is Charles, and I am a young blacksmith at the age of 13. This just happens to be the first video that was not damascus I've seen on your channel. Amazing work Alec keep it up!

[@TheOldaz1]

Steele by name and steel by nature, how else can he swing that 7 like he does. Thanks Alec, really enjoyed this.

[@stimpsonjcat67]

I don't understand why this video doesn't have millions of views. I miss Alec making videos THIS likely to make new blacksmiths.

[@0num4]

Alec is just swinging away rhythmically while speaking casually to the camera. He makes it all look so easy. That's what you can achieve when you put in the discipline and time required. Well done!

[@AflacMan13]

A recommendation told to me by my local forge group, a member group of the Alabama Forge Council, have multiple punches of the same type (at least 2 per) so you can use one punch for several minutes, and then have your other punch be cooling, (rapidly in cold water for example. might help) so you can swap punches and it has WAY less chance to weld/rivet into the workpiece. Yes punch lube helps A LOT but multiple punches also helps alot as well. :-)

[@nblythin]

Nicely done Alec. I did my first few hammers entirely by hand after watching Brent Bailey's video doing the same. It's a heck of a lot of work!

[@hrdze784]

Its amazing to see how far you've come in 2 years

[@RoscoPColetraneIII]

Thank you for such good explanations with each step, Alec. I never specifically understood why you strike the "high" side when forming the cheeks. You explained it perfectly in about 5 seconds. That's a sign of someone who truly has a Master's understanding. I look forward to learning more about you and Blacksmithing. Cheers!!

[@peternelson2145]

Lord of metal!! Holy hell! I love my wood work shop and my forge, I love helping my clients my god this chap is an inspiration and a great teacher. Classic reference. We are not worthy!! We are not worthy!! Excellent dude!

[@eamh2002]

Alec do you sleep or are you a vampire? Youre teaching 40-50yr old guys who are blacksmiths like you've been a blacksmith for 100years and uploading videos at midnight, I think I found your secret :D

[@rich1051414]

Well, judging by his last name, it might be genetic. Perhaps I should have been a blacksmith as well but the opportunity never arose :P

[@eamh2002]

Maybe you should be the Agent Mr. Smith in Matrix :p

[@rich1051414]

It is inevitable.

[@tomstaunton1804]

hahahaha

[@ben9820]

Notice, no mirrors in the workshop boom *x-files music plays in the background*

[@RyansTribute]

Hey Alec! Just started watching your videos and instantly subscribed. From you high energy charisma, to your video editing, to the quality of craft you're producing, I've become fascinated. I began watching how to make a forge on other channels and then yours came up and I want to thank you for the encouragement you bring every video for me to start working with metal. I look forward to learning more from you and seeing what you come up with. One Love, Ryan

[@ieatcaribou7852]

He makes it look so easy. This man has some serious skill!

[@SivaKumar-bx3fn]

Brave and very talented. Your concentration in Black smithy works is very interesting to see. I am very proud to say Black smithy Artisan. Thank you.

[@willwyatt7023]

Your enthusiasm is truly infectious.

[@imhard2please503]

Best tutorial ive seen in a long time. Such a gentleman also commending other craftsmen whilst pounding steel. Yeaaah

[@esnyd]

Alec, I know you make a lot of videos these days. This is my favorite.

[@swordofgabriel]

Awesome job young man. I wish more of our youth had your drive and work ethic.

[@eviltwinx]

Fantastic Alec! I don't have space for a striking anvil so this demo is perfect for me.

[@AlecSteele]

+eviltwinx great Peter!!!

[@american798]

eviltwinx j bjjii9

[@jenniejefferson3160]

An impressive video, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing just a little evaluation on this. And he in actual fact purchased me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If potential, as you become expertise, would you thoughts updating your youtube channel with extra details? It is extremely helpful for me. Massive thumb up for this video put up!

[@BernieFromTheInternet]

how about a rebar - something(knife, axe, tongs, or tool of some sort). in my experience 1/2in rebar is about the same as 1050 on the carbon levels and can be water hardened. also you dont exactly need a power hammer to move it so its a nice project for the hobby smiths.

[@Droidzey]

these videos are very theraputic to me the sounds of blacksmithing is asmr to me

[@geoffallert1921]

Great video, Great enthusiasm, Great upper body strength and you are a credit to the industry.

[@charrontheboatman]

Been making my own hammers since I was 8 your doing a damn fine job of it Mate!

[@prophez23]

Alec just look how far you've come. Both in skills and miles. I can't wait to see all the cool things you and Will make in the years to come. Good luck to you both. Cheers!

[@banjosambar]

Your a beast Alec, to be able to commentate during the whole demonstration and not be out of breath, kudos to you mate 💪🏻⚒

[@jonchilders8933]

Nice work! Good to see the hand wasn't damaged too bad!

[@talldarkandsam]

youve come a long way, alec.. so proud to have seen your oldest vids up to the latest ones

[@PatrickCordaneReeves]

Alec, maybe a few more like these? Just simple how-tos are often very entertaining, definitely quite educational.

[@xero724]

After watching your videos, I've decided to start smithing. I still need a few of the tools to get started. But I just want to say, keep it up. Your work is awesome and inspiring. Can't wait to see the Kris blade completed. I have your channel subscribed and I have notifications on.

[@nicholasvinkler1635]

Awesomeness! Earned our like n sub. My 7 year old son and myself are just starting forging! He wants us to build Thor's hammer Stormbraker so bad. He begs me every day. I have an old 3.5 lb mini sledge head to work with. Building our forge this week.

[@brianfox5209]

TY Alex for all your dedication and countless hours you have put in to show people how great this art is and how they can get started and the basics for doing so, your enthusiasm while you teach really sets home, keep these great videos coming and for god sake sleep some time!!!! Semper Fidelis my Friend

[@opforgeron]

I really enjoyed this video. I like it way better than the other videos that you have. You speak at a more relaxed pace and the points of views are right where they should be. Thanks for this great video!

[@Teafoam]

I never been so impressed with a young person. love your channel.

[@PTMOFF]

How about a video of making a pair of the dual slotted bolt tongs you used to hold the hammer billet?

[@cordellselman1116]

TheCompute101 That would be a great video. I need to make a pair

[@shalormckee2784]

I made a pair of tongs at one point off a video... major failure. Tried again, slightly less of a failure since I can use them, just not for what I intended.

[@Test-nr3cd]

Just subscribed. Great work mate. I´m barely starting out forging. I used to make all kinds of things when I was a kid (mainly weapons hehehe) but stoped in my late teens. Now I'm pushing 40 and I would love to get back into it and your videos are helping me do so. I hope to request a few projects in the future when I know a little bit more of what I'm talking about. As for now, thank you very much and keep up the good work.

[@pscottbx]

I like the new videos and they are very entertaining. However, I miss these old videos without perfect lighting and quiet music...and just good teaching and instruction and me learning something. Thank you for these.

[@groovstreetfamily]

Respekt for you my friend , i am watching your videos from Moldova Europe , we respekt hard working guys , i will lime ad share all of your videos because you have the pation for what are you doing .

[@TheSGman66]

Quality stuff man! You've inspired me to start forging!

[@davidcoalkey6074]

You are very inspirational, I love your videos. Interesting that you mention both Brian Brazeal and Brent Bailey. Two years ago we had both if them as demonstrators at our annual conference for the Bonneville Forge Council. KZbin videos are one thing but in person demonstrations and workshops are worth every penny. some day I would like to attend one of your workshops.

[@danieljungmayer7064]

It seems just like yesterday Alec! You've grown your talent and skills so much!!

Watching new videos in his return to the UK shop. Now seeing where he began.

[@dalekidd420]

SEVEN POUNDS? That's not a hand hammer... that's a sledge! My elbow gives me hell after an hour or so with a 4 lb. hammer. I'll leave the Thor-esque heroics to you young fellas and bring in a striker for the heavier work. LOL As to the "what next?"... how about doing some sort of project involving forging and tempering a spring? Maybe a leg vise repair or some such?

[@jimbobojim4634]

I know, right. I don't pick up a 16 oz. framing hammer without taking a few Advil first.

[@ss5gogetunks]

You should look up info on proper hammering technique, the right hammering technique won't kill your elbows and wrists.

[@3vanguardofthephoenix335]

Its about proper technique. You should use a lighter hammer bro and use your shoulder. Not your forearm or biceps. Thats what my teacher (thomas dunn) told me anyway. God bless!

[@alirofelipesanchezcastro4067]

Congratulations on your new program on the history channel, greetings from South America Chile.

[@joshuawilcox7394]

amazing video. always awesome to see a hunk of metal become a lifelong tool.

[@thebalddevil3874]

Grand to see you powering that hammer down. you're fitter than you look 😀 would love to see you making hammer tongs next, as for me, that completes the set as I've seen you make drifts, hot cut hardies, hammer eye punches and lots of hammers 😀😀 always a good watch and doesn't need fancy cinematics in every vid. Hope the hand is ok chief.. hammer on! 🤘👍😀

[@magnus6802]

Live stream epi: 29 or 28 (cant reameber) he has a video about it somewhere. for the tongs that is.

[@eamh2002]

I can bet 100% that bodybuilders would be all sore and wondering what crap is this if they tried blacksmithing :)

[@bradameerbeg6422]

I can confirm this, new a body builder and got sore after only a few minutes sanding a wall to prep it for painting.... it's because body builders work on mass, not density. Density comes from doing the same few actions over and over every day... body builders work a zone a day, so each zone rests for two to three days... doesn't help build density, just mass.

[@darink300zx]

So, if you make a hammer with a hammer, how was the first hammer made?

[@krislaracoelho8643]

darink300zx with a stone hammer, probably.

[@joshuaperry4112]

A chicken laid it.

[@jordanwalsh1691]

Cast bronze, maybe?

[@shivk6660]

A rock

[@miguelchacon2717]

Prob bronze or a stone hammer

[@dallasweasley2521]

I admire you, I wish to become as skilled in the forge as you, thank you for being so concise and clear even with music and hammers you made it work, GG

[@Stillpoint23]

That does look like hella fun! Cannot wait till my first bladesmithing class in February!

[@sixtoramos6323]

Great work, Alec! Those of us who work alone and have to resort to power tools to be productive, should not forget how to do things by hand on our own. Do you have a "blacksmith's helper"? It works great for adding detail to pieces worked by hand (i.g. fullering around the faces of a hammer). If not, there you have a project...

[@darthravage8243]

“Start off gentle” *starts viciously banging steel*

[@matthewberzins4431]

Great video! I like seeing things done simply that I can accomplish working alone.

[@grafikal100]

born with a blacksmith's name - good stuff man. I love these videos

[@xZombee]

You're an absolute delight to watch, it's informative, it's fun and you truly have a way to capture an audience! Subscribed fo' sho'!

[@AlecSteele]

+Luka Jovanovic Thank you Luka :)

[@ericcartrette6118]

Really cool project! When I get brave enough, I will try it myself.

[@broadusthompson1666]

Holy cow! You handle that hammer like Godzilla! Great video Alec!!!

[@AlecSteele]

+Broadus Thompson Thanks brother!

[@Rinndonabo]

hi alec, im from 2019 and your are doing great. keep up the good work.

[@lucaskoch8270]

I'm from Brazil. Great videos! Congratulations.

[@mikesuri7157]

You are a fantastic insturctor Alec Thanks for your efforts and videos! we are all learning a alot

[@thenocguesswho]

To think this was only two years ago, miss this content !

[@shirak8]

There's a lot of videos showing the basics of what you need to start.... I'd like to see a video that recommends what the first 10 tools you should make for yourself, after hammer and tongs. Also thank you for the videos, they are great!

[@randomron67]

That's one fine piece of craftsmanship. simple and fun!

[@AlecSteele]

+Channel 67x Thanks 67 😀

[@Emulation_Inflation]

Dang I'm a pretty resent subscriber. The difference in the "youtube evolution" of your videos is awsome!

[@alexkatsaros6180]

I of the best teaches of technique. Well done Alex you rock!

[@speedgnom]

That was very impressive. That is sure to give you one hell of a workout.

[@marcusk6702]

That is some serious hammertime, Good work alec! Really useful videos as always!

[@pokerprank]

Cool, dude! I have been watching some of your videos and enjoy them a lot! Passionate young craftsman! The biggest compliment I ever received was: "You should reproduce fast and in great numbers!" I pass it on to you! And now it hits me - find the next candidate and pass it on yourself :) Keep up the good work and remember: slow, wide turns, brother!

[@jonahglover59]

Brother! I love your videos! You are so detailed and consice, it's very helpful.

[@thomasmiller7747]

thank you for this video! your power hammer videos are epic but really nice and also wicked informative when you do these hand hammer videos for us mere mortals who havent made the huhe investment in a power hammer yet! keep the awesome content coming!!

[@michaelkoukaras7515]

Alec, that was extremely cool. I love your channel and how you have a very down to earth outlook on forging!

[@Hawkeyestalker]

Strong work, Alec. Keep living the dream. A video a day seems like overkill. Do your own shit from time to time too.

[@joshtucker1777]

um...IMPRESSED! you have skills! this is awesome!

[@kerrydills3240]

I look forward to whatever you mske. I'm hoping to get started soon.

[@Dylan-ey4sy]

It's so great having something to look forward to every single day! #Daily Steele! Damascus fork spoon and knife set?

[@alexkatsaros6180]

Great video Alec! I am mesmerized by your technique. Wow!

[@tanyaoleson5714]

Hey, Alex, very good tutorial. Great job as always. Is nice to see your old handwork and simplicity of things. Totally understand progression. Keep up The great work. You’re an inspiration to many people, and that’s awesome. PS, somehow this is my wife’s channel, mine is Jimmy’s blacksmithing. It is subscribed to your channel as well. Have a beautiful day. Jim

[@mebobbygillis]

This is great stuff. I'm happy I found this channel.

[@DanDan3663]

An idea for a future video: Can you make a fence post maul? Growing up on a farm, every spring we went out and pounded every fence post on the farm with a post maul. It would be cool to see you forge one.

[@Zyvo2]

Alec, challenge for you: Make a complete set of basic forging equipment using only a rock. You have to make the forge as well. You can use any metal around the shop to actually smelt, and no charcoal briquettes.

[@jordanengblom2062]

Dang Alec, you're a beast. awesome vid as always. I definately want to see a vid on that punch lube you use.

[@petardragoev7106]

Fantastic video! Really useful for those of us who don't have a striker at hand :D .

[@motiurrahman]

Appreciate you work - you actually do physical work.

[@randymartin2396]

great job on the hammer and the striking table

[@SasuKarinChIdOri]

Omg why is he so casual with it wth I wanna be this chill

[@allyblair]

that was fantastic and actually exactly what i needed. i have been wondering about. thank you SO much

[@damoking9471]

I'm struggling to find demos for a fleur de lys. I've checked out Joey's but it wasn't the classic style. I need to make 4 corner bracing straps for my Whisky cabinet and some fdl's would really finish it off.