NorthWest Blacksmith Association Demo - part 1

I recently had the privilege of being asked to demonstrate at the Northwest Blacksmith Association conference in Longview Washington. This is a very lightly edited (long) video from the first day of that demonstration.
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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.

[@crohnos01]

I attended this demonstration. John knows his stuff. I sometimes feel like I'm a "lesser" smith because I flounder around with not the right tools at times. I'm slowly figuring out that most everyone faces the same challenges. John just does it with more confidence and skill than i have

[@wallyschmidt77]

It's interesting to see the real-time demo, which highlights John's video planning skills to boil down a lengthy project to a manageable presentation.

[@Joe_for_real]

I didn't think I'd watch a whole 2 hour demonstration but here I am, not even a metal worker of any kind, finishing at the 2:15:20 mark. Thanks for the demo John. Just like many people enjoyed watching Roy Underhill who don't work wood, people like me enjoy watching you even though we don't smith.

[@daved8858]

I watched this entire video. More entertaining than anything Disney produces nowadays. Glad there is a Part 2!

[@zanderjeger]

Hello John! I haven't watched your videos for a while and I regret it. A great performance in front of a live audience. I have already written several times that you are the best teacher. Your KZbin channel is the most valuable of all blacksmiths. You are a role model for thousands of people, especially many younger than you and the audience at your meeting. Greetings from Poland!

[@robsonsantosOSO]

I congratulate you for your dedication and effort in demonstrating this work. The community of blacksmiths and metal craftsmen is greatly strengthened by you and your positive attitude.

[@sherlock1159]

I’ve never seen someone work with a striker before, it’s really cool to see the two of you work like a well oiled machine

[@zanderjeger]

One more thing. It's great to watch you at work in real time. Maybe one day you will make a live broadcast or a 24/7 camera in the workshop. Thank you Master! 

[@traildust55]

As usual, I enjoyed your video. Its just great to see you interacting with the group. I have to join my local group, as you have encouraged...

[@richardsurber8226]

your preparations to the project worked. nice work John. I guess you could have brought the blacksmith's helper stand. Good they brought one out.

[@brianadamsjr2664]

Thank you for posting this, Jon. I am still very early in my blacksmithing journey, so getting to see stuff like this is really awesome.

[@jamesbush6969]

Great job. Thank you for your voice instruction in the videos. I like Torbjon videos, but I wouldn't understand them as well if I hadn't also learned from you.

[@BlackBearForge]

You are welcome!

[@lev53420]

Can't wait for the rest

[@phillipkirbow8567]

John, thanks for coming and for your demonstration. Very informative and a great time.

[@rojopedro9566]

Thanks you Sir

[@JoseJuniordaSilva-tn6iy]

Aqui no Brasil não temos tanto ferreiros bons como você ainda trabalha nodo de Tubal Cain da bíblia parabéns aprendo muito também tenho esti don

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great video John, great presentation and explanation. It's going to turn out great. I believe a good time was had by all. I do have a question about your britches. I am having a hard time finding out the model number of the pants. I have searched through Duluth's products and not found the correct ones you are wearing. Could you give the number inside the pants for me. I wear nothing but Duluth's clothing but they are going more with the expandable pants and those don't go well with sparks and grinders or hot ashes. This would be helpful to others too. Thanks for sharing. Fred.

[@BlackBearForge]

www.duluthtrading.com/s/DTC/mens-duluthflex-fire-hose-relaxed-fit-cargo-work-pants-brn-038-032-45507.html?color=BRN

[@scoundrel1680]

Mr. Switzer, a question for you that maybe you could answer on camera if you desire: If you had to choose one option , which would you choose? - using your anvil with the horn and hardy orientation the way you prefer, but having to deal with a worn edge or - using your anvil in the orientation you do not prefer (flip it around), but gain access to a crisper edge? (obviously this hypothetical is not at all random, but is the predicament I've found myself in. Currently, I am using the anvil in the orientation I prefer but avoiding the worn edge and working around it. It feels cumbersome, but I'm hesitant to try the other option due to muscle memory and general workflow/creative process) Thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

I would use it based on the horn and hardy hole orientation. most work doesn't need a clean edge and you can make a block with a good edge profile to place in the hardy hole when needed.

[@MrBakkerBolletje]

John, is that a selfmade ribbon burner by u or was it made availeble for u

[@bunyanforgings7849]

Possibly a silly question, but since anvil work height is such a personnal thing, do you pack an anvil along for these demonstrations? or was it provided for you along with the forge? I'm just not used to watching you working on portable stuff like that.

[@BlackBearForge]

The anvil was provided and was a bit short. Sometimes you just have to adapt to whats available.

[@eddyarundale1566]

👋🏼

[@longhorn7809]

Question ❓ is that a ribbon forge Thank you

[@BlackBearForge]

Yes it is

[@longhorn7809]

@@BlackBearForge Lucky live audience Gratitude for all your demos ( not all ribbon burners quiet as reported )

[@seandahl8441]

What anvil were you using. I couldn't read it clearly

[@BlackBearForge]

I think it was a Nimba Anvil, not sure if they're still in business.

[@geronimolives6926]

Ron swanson

[@shogun470]

I don't know if you realize or not but your Facebook page was hacked and is now posting random things on it

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, I am aware. Feel free to report it to Facebook, nothing else seems to be helping