Simple Forging for Profit - Affordable blacksmithing part 3

Forging simple items is great practice as you learn blacksmithing. But these simple forgings can also be a way to pay for the tools and supplies you need to equip you blacksmith shop.
Basic blacksmithing Tool list:
From Vevor use code: VVPRO
Propane Forge, Single Burner: s.vevor.com/bf...
Propane Forge, Double Burner: s.vevor.com/bf...
30kg Acciaio anvil: s.vevor.com/bf...
4 1/2" vise: s.vevor.com/bf...
From Blacksmith Supply use code: bear5
Hammer: www.blacksmith...
Tongs: www.blacksmith...
Other supplies found online or locally
Hacksaw frame
Hacksaw blades 18tpi
8" - 10" half round file with handle
Propane cylinder 20lb or larger with propane
3/8" hot rolled mild steel 40 feet (usually sold in 20 foot lengths)
Blacksmith Supply: www.blacksmith...
Use discount code "bear5"
Combat Abrasives - bit.ly/3r73P8d
Use code "Blackbear10" for a discount on your next order
Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil
www.stevefontan...
Precut blanks for forging available from:
www.blacksmith...
use coupon code John at checkout.
My blacksmiths apron
www.Forge-Apron... use code BBF
Music sourced through Epidemic sound
www.epidemicso...
Become a Patron - / blackbearforge
Donate - www.paypal.me/...
Shop - www.blackbearfo...
Web site - www.blackbearfo...
Instagram - / blackbearfo. .
FaceBook - / john.blackbe. .
John Switzer channel - / johnswitzer
Some of my most used gear*
Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera - adorama.rfvk.n...
Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera - adorama.rfvk.n...
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Lens - adorama.rfvk.n...
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L Lens - adorama.rfvk.n...
Sony ZV1 point and shoot camera - adorama.rfvk.n...
Rode Wireless Go microphone - adorama.rfvk.n...
Deity V Mic D3 pro - adorama.rfvk.n...
Insta360 One X2 - www.insta360.c....
Insta360 Go2 - www.insta360.c....
Autel Evo II pro drone - auteldrones.co....
Autel Evo Nano+ drone - auteldrones.co....
*Links include affiliate links
Mailing address:
Black Bear Forge
P.O. Box 4
Beulah, CO 81023
Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
www.abana.org/
Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhamme...
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresf...
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco....
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforg...
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmith...
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmiths...
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithb...
New anvils - www.oldworldan...
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils...
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore....
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
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.t yourself.

[@larrypostma2866]

The voice over is perfectly acceptable. As long as you have fun and the knowledge is clearly passed from you to us I’m here to support it.

[@Nephilen2030]

I agree

[@CelliniCreations]

The post-shooting voiceover works well. Helps to isolate your voice from the noise of the forge and anvil.

[@VirginiaBronson]

I second this.

[@MJHemmer]

Thanks John, this is going well!

[@trabantdelux]

Yup! Awesome idea!

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

It's a good choice when there's a lot going on that needs to be covered as it's happening with enough voice to be clearly heard as the work goes on. That said perhaps not every video will benefit fr the voice over style. It's your show and your intamently better qualified there in than I. 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼‍♂️

[@kevingunter5994]

I like the voice over I can hear you better then when you try to talk o er the hammer blows

[@garlonforge]

This affordable blacksmithing that you’re putting out is a fantastic series! Yes, I like the voiceover. It is very generous that you spread your knowledge in this way. Thank you!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@bernardflood8289]

Greetings from Ireland. Thanks for all your time, it's good of you to share your knowledge with the world. I like the voiceover format, it gives you an uninterrupted chance to make full use of your heat and also gives you time to describe the process better. You are a good teacher.

[@rbfcaf]

John, the voice overs for these smaller projects is great. This so reminds me of the famous hook of the week series. Perfect timing, my Son and nephew want to learn and I can refer this video to them before they start. Thank you for all your videos and time.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@warrenclay7460]

John, the voice over technique worked well for the narration.

[@Carlpinding]

I started balcksmithing/bladesmithing about 3 years ago but am still finding this series very useful. Thank you Mr. Blackbear!

[@BlackBearForge]

Great to hear!

[@aaronbenesh4722]

I do like your voice over editing for the videos for when you want to move faster through the project.

[@haroldhoskison7239]

I like the voice over format I think it let you explain more about what you are doing.

[@Redneckemtb]

I'm a fan of the voice overs John. Keep up the good work.

[@wallyschmidt77]

Love seeing the basics. The voiceover works great. I'd say do whatever is most convenient for you.

[@BlackBearForge]

Good to know!

[@tonyn3123]

I have really enjoyed this series. I am too old to become a serious blacksmith, but I have been intrigued by blacksmithing for some time. From other videos, I assumed entering the craft was too expensive for an amateur. Your series have pushed me to maybe give it a try. I also appreciate simple projects that may or may not sell more than the elaborate special blacksmithing projects. And the voice-overs are nice. Thanks.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@kennethharrison2423]

Never too old!. I, like you, had the same feelings, but this has been something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. I finally pulled the trigger about a year ago, and now I enjoy doing this almost every day as a hobby. Don't set limitation on yourself.

[@robbullis5025]

John I have never had a problem with this style video. I think they just as informative.

[@sfghowwarrior3130]

Love the voice-over John, especially instructional videos. You're a very good instructor.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you kindly!

[@funkyspacecow]

Really like the voice over for an educational video like this!

[@waynemitchell8254]

Thank you for all these great videos. I have started up a forge in Estes Park after being inspired by you.

[@BlackBearForge]

Wonderful, enjoy the journey

[@rawls1976]

I like the voiceover, you do a great job of explaining your technique. That would be harder to explain while you’re actually working on the piece. Glad I found your channel, thank you.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulhedman7387]

I like the voice over narration, it lets the smoothness of your work show. The flow is very important. Thanks. I just aquired a one burner forge but haven't gotten around to trying it out yet.

[@chewyakarieckenicholas6049]

I like the voice over we get to hear what you say very clearly and we get to see each part of the process and understand how it works better I think great work and videos on getting started thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to hear it!

[@mikehodges6598]

I've been watching you for years John, and I think I like the voiceover more. Part of it is that it gives the closed captioning better audio to work with and your voice is not competing with the sound of the forge, hammer, etc.

[@randygalichia]

Definitely like the voiceover, soo much smoother flow to follow,and can hear better.

[@ericcartrette6118]

I like both the voiceover and the narration while you are working. It's kind of amazing how tricky a simple curl can be sometimes. Maybe once I clean my shop this morning, I can fire up the forge and do some practice.

[@BBrown-yn9qp]

I appreciate you taking the time making all these videos. I have enjoyed every one of them. It gets me excited to go in my shop and try something new. Thank you!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for watching!

[@ImaLurkin]

I like the voice over. Provides context, while not interfering the visual presentation with stopping. Really appreciate everything you’re doing and sincerely hope they keep coming well into the future!

[@332mcdaniel]

I really like the voice over. Makes a very clean video. Thx John!

[@BlackBearForge]

You're welcome!

[@rogerbrown6359]

I liked the voice over it allowed you to accomplish more in less time than explaining as you go.

[@robsonsantosOSO]

These are very useful tips and it is when forging that we see the importance of these details. Thank you very much!

[@andreasfrank6544]

Hallo John this Videos in your new shop is a great idea i like it very much! Also the voice over is a good way to explain! Thanks for your Videos I am looking forward to the next one! Thanks for Germany

[@tommyhartman]

Love the voice-over. It also allows you to keep the forge going and not worry about the blower.

[@dannyoif06]

I do prefer the voice over. You make really great mentoring videos. You are full of talent and many skills. I'm just starting out in blacksmith.

[@ProfessorLandorf]

Loved the voiceover, Mr. Switzter! It was the perfect combination of seeing the strikes and motions, while also clearly describing what was actually happening. For me, it was a huge plus, thank you!!

[@Peter-swe]

I think the voiceover is perfect. Nice and calm voice to listen to. It's make it also more easier to understand when you explain things. Thanks for good videos👍 /Peter from Sweden

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Another great beginning to the Basic Blacksmith Shop John. Fantastic skills you are showing to becoming a Blacksmith. Thanks for sharing with us and the voice over was excellently done. Stay safe and keep up the great videos. Fred.

[@NathanRodger]

Voiceover recorded in post is perfect. Just starting down this rabbit hole… and appreciate this series and your videos. Thank you

[@medusaman1]

You are a perfect inspiration to everyone who is starting in blacksmithing. On small projects like this I like to work on two or three pieces at a time to economise on the gas forge. While I hammer on one item, the other one or two are heating up in the forge ready to be hammered on.

[@Joe_for_real]

I do like the voiceover style, especially in these more instructional videos.

[@Bangalangs]

19:54. I had to come back today after making up a few of these tightly curled things out of 1/4 round bar, and got the idea to leave about 2.5 inches on the end past the curl. Taper the last inch of round bar, and then flatten it into as though you’re making a leaf. Try bending back down towards your original curl. After practicing on a couple, I was able to make a keychain that looks quite a bit like a musical single note 🎶 Thanks for the starting idea. If a guy was careful with his curlie cues, he could make a double note one pretty easily 🎵

[@pb-xt5vg]

I have been smithing for 20 years now of which 15 years professional. I love watching you videos, it is almost like watching Bob Ross paint :). I hear a lot of high tones and singing from the anvil. Specially the smaller ones. We use magnets on the anvil, that really helps. I hardly see any blacksmiths on youtube using this method. I don't know the American price for a magnet but budget wise you can take them out of old speakers.

[@andrewpryor7383]

First I would like to say the voice over is perfect. I would also like to add that you have given me many different ideas to try. I have already made many of the tools you have suggested and a few hooks and leaves. I first started my quest in making a blade the very first attempt to make something. It wasn’t terrible but not something I would buy. Since trying these projects I have really gotten better with heat and hammer control. I have been a construction/maintenance guy my whole working life so I am very good with a hammer and power tools. What I thought was a hobby has now become a passion and I would like to say thank you for you time, help, and suggestions.

[@LarryKidkil]

thank you for being part of my Sunday morning coffee routine. Im not usually a fan of voice overs, but you did quite well in my opinion.

[@Lccastaldo]

This is wonderful! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Beautifully organized.😄

[@c-mac2228]

yes, I really like the v/over technique used in this video. Great little projects - thanks.

[@heydenlabelle513]

I definitely like the voiceover style here. Its nice to be able to hear your voice more clearly when you have the chance to explain things, taking multiple takes if needed. Problem with speaking while working is it takes away some of the focus on the work, and once you say something you can't unsay it. With the voiceover, you can really explain things exactly as you want. Great video, Jon 💪

[@BlackBearForge]

This is very true. Video and forging isn't to bad, but adding narrative can become a bit much and I tend to make more mistakes with too much multi tasking.

[@heydenlabelle513]

@@BlackBearForge either way, you do a great job doing it. Keep on keeping on, and we'll be here watching the videos anyway.

[@marcusmoellmer8843]

My preference would be a combination of the two. It’s nice to have a clean audio, but it’s also nice to be able to hear your thoughts on the moment

[@aarontravieso7784]

Voice over style is great 👍

[@davidcumbest1282]

I really like the voice overs. Looks like it let's you focus on what your doing better.

[@jonas.rystedt.blacksmith]

Love these back to basics videos!

[@markchodroff250]

The voice over is great ! And you can say and explain as it’s done and know the end so there are no surprises.

[@knifesmith1993]

Also a great book for beginners I recommend the $50 knife shop.

[@drey4184]

I really enjoy your channel. Thank you for doing these, my forge shop will be completed this week, can’t wait to do these projects.

[@bentoombs]

Thanks John for doing these

[@jameswheatley566]

Love this. Keep up the great work John.

[@6Sally5]

I do like the voice over. When I first became interested in blacksmithing, I watched a lot of videos from Fire Creek Forge. His voice overs are great for instruction….plus, I think you get to interject ideas and comments better if you see yourself working.

[@donmccarty9216]

Voice over is just fine.

[@HisWayHomestead]

we have had so much going on lately on our homestead that I haven't been able to beat on any hot metal. As soon as I get a chance, I'm going to be following along with this series and making these items. Thanks so much for sharing John!!! This is going to help and old newbie so much!!!

[@daniellopezeverest]

The voice over editing is awesome, especially for people like me who are blind. And don't know what you are doing this way. We know exactly what you are doing and can learn. Thank you for sharing.

[@T3_forge]

Amazing work John, I like the fact that you explained that you don't need a ton of money to get started! Oh, and thank you for the old drone videos. It was a great way to show my parents where I live.

[@BlackBearForge]

My pleasure! I need to get the drone out and fly more

[@WallaceLivingFree]

post-editing works really well ,cheers

[@maknifeandrods7701]

I was forging knives several years ago. I retired from my job, and moved to N. Georgia. Finally got my forging gear together and found a place to get propane. But because I’m so rusty (like my steel) I am finding these videos a way to get back into it. And make some sellable pieces. Thank you for doing these.

[@chacehawkins4708]

Hi, thank you. after a couple of classes and some hard work, I am setting up my forge on a budget this week, so this series came at the perfect time, and I will be referring to it often over the next few months.

[@heinoobermeyer7566]

I actually really like how you do the voice over

[@stephenpadilla4086]

I definitely like the voiceover!!

[@boomer03n27]

I think the voice over not only works but seems practical.

[@zugi]

I think this format that combines voiceover and real time talk is the best. It's easier to hear over hammering and other shop noise. Also, as you said, you actually tell us more this way. But keep real time talk as in this video, it's just gives more personal note. So, overall, great what you did here. 👍

[@danielmcgraw812]

This was a great and wonderfully instructive!

[@davebuterbaugh4054]

Voiceover is a great addition. As always great information.

[@1Ev1LM0nk3y]

amazing teacher, love the way you speak. thank you for your great educational videos.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you! 😃

[@artmetalscience]

Another great video! I've learned a lot from your channel over the past couple of years. Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills and attention to the details.

[@BlackBearForge]

I appreciate that!

[@madflatlander]

I really enjoyed the narration.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you!

[@brianfalls5038]

Good morning John. Love the videos you do and I also like the voice over too. Keep up the good work sir!

[@BlackBearForge]

Good morning! Thanks for the comment

[@williamtilletts6636]

Great video- I love the voice over (as long as it works for you?). You are super clear about what you want us to understand- thanks so much!

[@christopherogle4349]

I always enjoy your videos, & look forward to seeing the new ones as well as re-watching the older ones. I enjoyed the voice-over aspect of this one.

[@wdchopnfool]

Great video. Reminded me how to make leaves again.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@FornaxusCrucible]

Hey, John. To your question, yes, I really like the voiceover method. It allows us to hear what you're doing while we're seeing you do it.

[@peterreidy603]

Thanks once again John for a very educational lesson. I thoroughly enjoy the voice over and would definitely like to see more videos done using this method as a newbie. Please note I have watched dozens of your previous videos with the talk during the making of the clip and have enjoyed those as well. Thanks for your ongoing tireless effort in teaching others how to blacksmith . You are an inspiration, from Pete (Australia).

[@gregwells8764]

Hi John, been subb'd for years now, and working in my hobby shop. To see you doing the small start up stuff again was strangely comfortable ! I guess thats what drew me to you initially , you are a teacher supreme and the voice over supports this. Thank you for being instrumental in me starting blacksmithing. The song of hammer on anvil is my medicine. Legend.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you're enjoying it

[@AdeodatoVigano]

Like the voice over and I really appreciate this series. For a beginner like myself (no power hammer, fly press or other advanced tools) this is a fantastic step by step help. Thanks John!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you like them!

[@Vikingwerk]

7:46 i have this same anvil, and I took a scrap piece of 1/4” x 3” strap and bent the ends down to form sort of a saddle that fits over the anvil, and put 3 sizes of holes in it to use for a bolster for punching. It is a big help because it stays put and provides a good amount of surface to rest the work on, rather than trying to balance on a smaller bolster block, which is frustrating when you are just learning and trying to manage hot metal, hammer, tongs, punch, and bolster, all at once.

[@BlackBearForge]

Great idea

[@leroybarker8510]

I like the voiceover format.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@bunyanforgings7849]

Hi John. I actually find the voice over approach more informative. For one thing l can hear the dialogue more clearly (lifetime of powertools is to thank for that), also l suspect you're able to provide more information, especially the thought processes your going through, when you're not concentrating on the actual workpiece. I got a kick out of the price tag still attached to the file. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[@Kenny-ll4yw]

The voice over sounds great!

[@olegpetelevitch4443]

Thank you for your knowledge and practical work ! Top stuff ! Very masterful !

[@LittleDipper55]

Love the voice over, new subscriber from VA!

[@jacobboutrup9831]

I love the voice over

[@tonyozimek2116]

What a great series

[@paulregner5335]

Voiceover is great!

[@henkvandebeek7921]

Excellent video and such a good premise. Awesome

[@billwoehl3051]

I've found that when trying to put a hole in some hard material, like bed frame or stainless steel, punching is easier, quicker, and a lot more successful than trying to drill through it.

[@ewsblacksmithing]

Voice over is good for me. I don’t really have too much of a preference. I have noticed that while talking and working, more mistakes get made. Which, from a learning aspect, helps teach people how to fix problems after you make them. So both are good but one way offers more learning opportunities.

[@OwensIronworks]

I thoroughly enjoyed the voiceover honestly. I've thought about whether or not that would work better for your style or not, and personally I think it's worth pursuing. Whatever you decide, I love your videos and love this series! I had just bought a blacksmithing set up for around the same budget before you started this series. Got alot of the same/similar tools honestly, so thank you for all you do!

[@irishmo87]

Watching for my 13 year old son so I can teach him. Just got him most of the basics so he can start smithing!

[@MrSophia6969]

You did great. Thank you

[@charlesstuart1853]

This is truly great stuff. Well done, and I like the voiceover style - it's effective at providing information in light of what you know from later in the project.

[@BlackBearForge]

Much appreciated!

[@chux72vette]

Hi John. I really like this style of presentation completely. The voice over is great as not interrupted by the background noise and you can work at "Your" pace, ie; leaving the forge on, etc... It does however come back to you and your preferences as though I'm sure it takes you more editing and time and it is much appreciated at least by me. Thank You. Gods Peace and Blessings!!~

[@Bangalangs]

Videos like these are why I’m on your Patreon. I like the voiceovers. You can focus on your forging instead of having to stop partway through something and talk about what you’re doing. The voiceovers should help with keep videos a little shorter overall. It also seems to help keep your voice from getting muddled by shop noise. These little projects are a great way to practice and build your fundamental skills, which is crucial in any discipline you’d care to practice. Another excellent video sir.

[@BlackBearForge]

I appreciate that!

[@smallscoutstuff]

great vid, thanks again John

[@joestuttgen5058]

Really enjoying this series! I kind of jumped right into bladesmithing, but I want to pull back and learn the fundementals!

[@WildHeartForge]

Love the voice-over. It is easier to follow and hear what you are doing this way without the hammer sounds being as loud as your voice.

[@zac9933]

Thanks for this video series I've been enjoying it a lot. I quite like the voice over in cases like this because it gives more opportunity for you to explain exactly whats going on. Whereas talking when you're working you have other things to focus on at the same time. I think both have their place. (:

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to hear it!

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

I think the voice over for a video like this is definitely advantageous! That being said, other videos hearing real time is pretty cool too! We get to see your thought process and reasoning! Thanks for sharing brother!!

[@Raymond.Butler]

I like a mix. I like to know your plan and I like to know what you actually did.