Simple forgings to build Blacksmithing Skills

Forging hooks are a great exercise to build basic skills that will improve your blacksmithing ability. Hooks often use material that would otherwise just be scrap and can be forged using simple tools. As an added bonus they make great gifts and can be sold to help fund your blacksmithing journey.
Forge Finish wax:
www.zhfabrications.com/shop/p/u26pb796j5i7svorvtjeqg01kryf7q
Blacksmith Supply: www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Use discount code "bear5"
Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil
www.stevefontaniniblacksmith.com
Precut blanks for forging available from:
www.blacksmithingblanks.com
use coupon code John at checkout.
My blacksmiths apron
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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.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
New anvils - fontaninianvilandtool.com/
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
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.

[@missourisavage7195]

I think I've learned more from your videos than from most other KZbin smiths.

[@BlackBearForge]

I'm glad to know the videos are helping

[@FallenAnvilForge]

I've watched a lot of smiths on here and I have defiantly learned more from watching John than any other smith on KZbin.

[@CPaulCounts]

John, I finally went and did it. After watching you for years I took a local weekend intro to blacksmithing class and then bought my first anvil, forge, and tongs. I joined ABANA as well. I boogered up my hands pretty good over those three days and I was bone-weary every evening but I was grinning from ear to ear every evening. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@edwardhugus2772]

YES, Sir, I HAVE been going through Hook Of The Week Withdrawl Syndrome (AKA: HOTWWS) glad to see these little projects alive and well.

[@robsonsantosOSO]

I need to apologize to you because when you said you were going to start forging without a prior design I didn't think this hook would turn out so cool!😮 This is a freestyle form of art! Thanks!😃

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

Great looking little hook John! Also love Zach's Wax

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@natekinnison]

My sons and I love Black Bear Forge. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into sharing; we greatly appreciate you!

[@Aco747lyte]

That simple hook you forged is so lovely, and so well designed. Your videos are helping me ace blacksmithing more, but one thing I learnt while 'being made in the Royal Navy' was welding, and that is something I'm really ace at. John, your blacksmithing skills are very appreciated. Your channel here is one of the very best. ~Wendi 🌻

[@thestrandforgeofficial]

You are helping me make my channel a real thing, John. Thank you!

[@FarmsteadForge]

The hook turned out very nice. I understand how hard it is to fit videos in during the summer, mine is very busy too!

[@Kangraxx007]

Thank you for doing metric as well 😊

[@BlackBearForge]

You’re welcome 😊

[@rbfcaf]

Thanks John. I do like these videos. Great 1 day project.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Bangalangs]

A fine hook that should last a someone a life time. That’d be useful for a heavy coat without the little cloth loop that always breaks. I think I speak for the regular viewers when I say spend some time on your projects and on yourself. Don’t worry about the camera. Another excellent video sir.

[@mikephillips2728]

Fantastic video, I'm a student smith in the UK and these videos have inspired me to keep striving to improve and try new things when forging.

[@brysonalden5414]

When I began smithing I watched, and made, every HOTW, and learned a lot in the process. Thanks, and I am still learning from you.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to help

[@DireWolfForge]

John, you vids are always a source of knowledge and entertainment. Thanks for what you do.

[@haroldhoskison7239]

I still wish I had one of those angle vises! I may try to make one someday. Nice hook John.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks 👍

[@Dircamonster]

This video is my first exposure to this channel and I found this to be absolutely wonderful. Even though I do not do anything remotely like this I find it fascinating to watch and learn from a distance. I really appreciate these beginner friendly, almost introductory type of content.

[@BlackBearForge]

Welcome aboard!

[@mountainwolf1]

Hi John, I am very happy you are doing well, and thank you for the inspiration and ideas. God bless and be well, my friend.

[@BlackBearForge]

You are very welcome

[@tylerhebert8237]

Between the cabin project and little 1 day projects, I am plenty happy with the content. I need to make more time to get in the shop and make some of the things on my list.

[@shortfuse43]

It's good to see another hook video.😊 Hooks are one of my favorite things to make. Sometimes I go out to the forge and just make hooks...different types. I like the detail you filed on the top of yours....I always get new ideas from your hook videos. Thanks for returning to them.

[@JeffSearust]

Love to see a video about those hinges and how they're used

[@davidknight1612]

Can't believe Johnson floor was is out of business, that's what we shined our floors with in the barracks while I was in the ARMY!! That stuff was really great at shining floors !!

[@xFalconFixer]

John, I've probably watched every video you've made - some several times. I enjoy watching/learning how to make this simple - though elegant hook. If it wasn't ridiculously hot here in Texas... I'd be at the forge making several of these hooks. As always, I greatly appreciate you sharing your knowledge, experience, and skills. THANK YOU!

[@FallenAnvilForge]

@xFalconFixer I know what you mean, I haven't lit my forge in almost 3 months now because of the 100+ degree days we been having. What part of Texas you in? I'm in Hamilton.

[@benjhind]

​@@FallenAnvilForgedon't feel bad, I rarely forge when it is above freezing!

[@Cleo8575]

As always old boy, appreciate the education in blacksmithing! That's one hell of a vice you have there. Cheers

[@chewyakarieckenicholas6049]

The hook turned out beautifully and I truly appreciate you sharing all of the skills that you share in your videos and keep up the awesome work

[@billmckillip1561]

I do like the little projects like this but all of your videos are well worth watching.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Looks awesome John, thanks for sharing and have a great time at the show and sell everything you take to the show to display. Fred.

[@JNowAdventures]

Your videos have helped me a lot. I’m a beginner and I’m still working on my blacksmithing skills.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to help

[@SovietUnion6]

I took inspiration from this, thank you because you're video and skills are educational for us beginners

[@billwoehl3051]

I made something I don't see much of, got the idea from Roy's pointer hand, a back scratcher in the shape of a hand in a claw. I made one for work, just a simple thicker, squared area with rounded corners for the handle, and a hanging loop on the end of the handle

[@JacksonDunnoKnows]

I still need to get a hardy cone. I like using a hardy pillar I made. It's a nice size for most hooks. And I used a hard car axel shaft so I can beat I the top of itnif I need too. And have fun, Iowa is a little far for me haha

[@phillean]

Another very useful video, thanks.

[@Vikingwerk]

Taking us to school, even on a ‘simple’ hook. I always learn something from you. Putting the scroll of the hook in the hardy while working the other end with short material seems so obvious, but I’d never thought of it.

[@pjamestx]

Another great video! One more reason that hooks are a great project for beginners is that if you're just starting out, you're likely setting up your shop and will need to hang up some new tools and the like, and there's nothing more satisfying than using a hook you've made. Thanks for sharing!

[@stevefarley7014]

I still go back and watch hook of the week #40 on a regular basis. Great place to see the benefits of a double horn anvil.

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

Really nifty lil hook. The file work gives it some pazaz too. Blessings brother Crawford out 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼‍♂️

[@owenkuhnke3785]

Hello! I’m a young welder figuring himself out in the world. I love your videos. I have no interest in baking a career out of blacksmithing, but I just love your videos. I love the process of making something from practically nothing. As a side note, the sounds of the hammer are soothing to my ears and put me to sleep.

[@BlackBearForge]

Best of luck, enjoy the journey

[@SchysCraftCo.]

John thanks so much. So happy to see a new video in this series. This project turned out very unique and very nice design there John. Can't wait to see more updates an projects and many more videos soon my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep forge lit. Keep Making. God Bless.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carpetania47]

From Spain thank you very much! ...

[@BlackBearForge]

You are welcome!

[@BerserkerGang2019]

Im stuck here in Germany. I would love to visit you at the tool fair... I love your channel.!!! I just finished forging 2 Oseberg Oil lamp replicas from a viking Grave site for the Viking Market coming up next weekend in my town.

[@BlackBearForge]

Maybe one day!

[@bloopbloop9687]

I certainly enjoy these kinds of videos, if nothing else, it can at least give us a few ideas on projects we could make

[@FallenAnvilForge]

Morning John, Great hook design, I really appreciate these type of videos since hooks are about all I make in my shop. Your a true inspiration for me and you have my utmost thanks and respect. Have a great day.

[@6Sally5]

I just started learning blacksmithing….mostly from watching your videos. Thank you so much for the instruction and inspiration!

[@CaptainTwitchy]

The fasteners actually finished the look of the hook!

[@enzovalenti2750]

absolutely LOVE the cone handle, might have to buy one or try and make one

[@potsy9973]

Thanks again blacksmith!

[@billssmithy7352]

Had a failed candycane I made from an Allen wrench. Made a hook. Bought a big handfull of Allen/Hex wrenches from the pawn store for a few bucks. Now I've got to make sure I've got something to use as tongs for the smaller ones.😅

[@markmcmeen287]

Great beginner or refresher project! Love the detail! Thanks for the encouragement.

[@BlackBearForge]

You are so welcome!

[@gsw444]

John, I enjoy all your videos, especially the small project videos. I re-watch a lot of the old hook of the week videos for ideas and techniques. I really looked forward to those as they came out each week. Keep up the great work!

[@HisWayHomestead]

thanks so much for sharing what you do John! You're so good at explaining what you are doing. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get some time in the forge this winter.

[@stephenjohnson6841]

What a great looking hook! Thanks for sharing some of your skills/techniques John!

[@JoshHampson]

Recently found your channel and am watching through as many videos as I can. Started looking into blacksmithing a few weeks ago as a potential hobby. I've ordered my first forge and my first anvil. Making sure I get everything set up, and I appreciate all the different ideas and thoughts on hooks. Would you happen to have a video, perhaps in the small shop (really like that, as it's where I'm probably closest to on my learning journey) about figuring out how to get the forge to temp and the metal to temp. I'm going to follow the recommendation and get 3/8 round bar and make hooks to start. Again thank you for all the helpful wonderful videos.

[@crackerjak801]

Glad to see you coming to Iowa!

[@BlackBearForge]

We’ll start setting up tomorrow

[@MASI_forging]

Great work dude 👍👍

[@noneyaonenoneyatwo2879]

Soon as I get my wifes mini apartment built for her chemotherapy I am starting up a smithy, I haven't ever done anything but my brother and I have been wanting to do this for years. I've collected around 100 railroad spikes to start but I think the thing I really want to try first to possibly sell is making belt buckles. I think it's possible and simple enough could you do a video on this?

[@madeinusa4253]

I would love to know what that little shelf thing on the side of your anvil is for. I was also wondering about the flat tapered horn, but you explained that in this video. You should make a video series for download or DVD. You seem to be a good teacher, and I would love to have a complete guide that I could buy, instead of searching through thousands of KZbin videos that may, or may not, give complete details

[@glenndarilek520]

Took me a while to realize that the curves on hooks look best when they are semicircular, not oval shaped

[@BlackBearForge]

The side face on the anvil is primarily used for scroll work. it allows a scroll to curve under the shelf instead of bumping into the side of the anvil. But I find other uses for it all the time, very handy to have.

[@ga5743]

Sweet surprise, a Sunday hook….one of my favorite series you made. One question about the convection unit…does the opposite end of metal get too hot to hold? I noticed you always using tongs but I’ve seen others holding it with their hand, does it matter on the length of metal or is this just your preference? Thanks for the video and enjoy your day John.

[@BlackBearForge]

The induction forge does keep the heat isolated better than other heat sources, but it will eventually travel up the bar. So for shorter items tongs are still needed.

[@Artexmadera]

Hope you do a review of the Amana event, would love to see all those cool handtools, thanks for the video

[@BlackBearForge]

There will be some, but I didn't get out to look as much as I would have liked too.

[@benjhind]

Good work John. The simple projects that focus on fundamentals like hook of the week make great content. Finial of the week? Hook of the week 2.0? Just some thoughts.

[@juresimic176]

Nice to know

[@chriskelly3678]

Wish I could Double Thumbs up. Thank you sir.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@hanleysoutdoors19x]

Can you do a video of forging a hoof trimming knife?. I recently purchased a single burner forge and want ro try my hand at making knives and hoof trimming knives to try to sell for extra cash over the winter months!

[@ewanhamilton1012]

Man, I just saw this video today, and I live just a few miles from Amana! Wish I'd seen this video six weeks ago! Oh well, maybe next time.

[@BlackBearForge]

Next time!

[@kevinlott9626]

Any time I start a project.... regardless of whatever it is, I purposely drop something to get that mishap out of the way. 😂

[@morgangriffith6763]

Man I wish I could get up to your shop just to take a look around one of these days. And maybe bring my hammer lol

[@nevagullett591]

Listening to him is almost like Bob Ross

[@TheMeinereiner]

Very nice. Shalom from Germany

[@jlj209]

I’d love a video on how you made you logo stamp that you mark your projects with.

[@BlackBearForge]

I have them made for me from henryaevers.com/

[@markmoreno7295]

I needed inspiration for some hook/hangers for my shovels, rakes, and yard equipment. While this style of hook may be overkill, who says every hook needs to be identical?

[@BlackBearForge]

Not me, thats for sure

[@luislopez-i2w]

What was that tool you had between the bench vise that held the work piece at a 45 degree angle?

[@BlackBearForge]

A filing vise

[@The_Smith]

That punch made from flutagon, or atlantic 33 or whatever it's called? I'm impressed that it takes a straw blue heat and stays hard!

[@BlackBearForge]

Its good tough stuff, S7 and H13 are also good hot working steels

[@BryantWalker-m6e]

You made it because it has the right size hole in the top of it.😊

[@scoundrel1680]

quick question: at @8:07 what is that angled vise insert you're using there? I've seen something similar before but haven't been able to track one down. Thanks!

[@messylaura]

yay, hook of the week!, yeah missed that series, great finishing fixings on the outro did you put the link up for the forge wax?

[@BlackBearForge]

www.zhfabrications.com/shop/p/u26pb796j5i7svorvtjeqg01kryf7q

[@familyonamissiongo4790]

I like that vise pliers Where would I get a set for my vise?

[@BlackBearForge]

Those are usually shop made. Here is part one of a series i did a few years ago on those little filing vises kzbin.info/www/bejne/favEhGqVr5V6mNUsi=wlpy3l6AErFXY3L2

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

​@@BlackBearForgethank you Mr John. Posting links to previous works is sooooo helpful 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼‍♂️

[@familyonamissiongo4790]

Thank you

[@Jason-jd1jv]

I'm in the process of setting up a small work space and while going through buckets, tubs and crates I realized that I have a ton of little pieces and parts that I've cut off or collected with various purposes in mind and I'm having a terrible time trying to organize all the odd shaped or small pieces of metal, old tools that I'm going to repurpose or restore and other items that I have plans for but I haven't gotten around to yet. I know that's probably standard operating procedure but would it be too much trouble to do a video showing how you organize things that don't necessarily already have a place? My limited space is quickly being filled and I need some ideas and I'm sure that others could benefit from the experience of others as well. If I can't figure out something soon I'll have to do something drastic and unforgiveable like throw things away.

[@BlackBearForge]

I'll see what I can come up with, but some of my solutions over the years haven't been all that great either

[@peterreidy603]

Hi John, having seen the cone mandrill in this clip, I was wondering if you have ever done a clip of one being hand forged ie no power hammer? Just curious. Thanks

[@BlackBearForge]

I don't. I bought the ones I have, they are tough to get right even with a power hammer. A lathe would be the best way to get one just right

[@peterreidy603]

@@BlackBearForge thanks so much for your very speedie response . Cheers and thanks for doing so many wonderful educational clips. Pete

[@user-br3ou2cs9o]

Your creations are 😎 because you are 😎 👍💪🫡

[@BCM1959]

Ya make it look sooo easy. It is not so easy. Did you make the screws too? Or just modify some store bought?

[@BlackBearForge]

They are modified from store bought. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqObm4iVYq-KfsUsi=J7iATxEFEEuu2b4h

[@dextervandendowe8329]

What would it cost to forge a custom cast iron wood fire cabin stove?

[@garlonforge]

Great video as usual. Where could I order one of those brushes like you use with the longer wires. I can’t find them anywhere. Thank you in advance. 9:21

[@BlackBearForge]

www.blacksmithsupply.com/Block-Brush-Casting-_p_315.html

[@garlonforge]

Thank you

[@candymountainforge]

I know you have a very busy summer, and your videos are sometimes prerecorded and scheduled lately. But if you get the chance to do a little something on the business of blacksmithing or even just some encouraging words for us struggling to break our way into full time forge work I'd be all the more appreciative than I already am for all you do for us on this side of the screen. Wonderful work as always sir!

[@BlackBearForge]

I try to talk business from time to time. Here are some videos I've already done. But I'll try to do more in the future. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3jQnqOMgKx-qsk kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpK5n4KfoNdkeNksi=4aOprNtFGQfnEvfF kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4iTdKeggJhsgcUsi=8HTSKS2oODXxp68d

[@michaelwright1177]

Did you make your filing vise?

[@BlackBearForge]

This one was made by a friend. However I do have some videos on making filing vises. kzbin.info/www/bejne/favEhGqVr5V6mNUsi=wlpy3l6AErFXY3L2

[@tropifiori]

It’s so hot here I can’t imagine lightning my coal forge.

[@malachiway8802]

Hay do you need some metal to foreg with

[@D.J.60]

Hi, sir. How would i go about forging that hole puncher and cone?

[@BlackBearForge]

Here is a video on making a punch, kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKO8ZquQaayobNEsi=l486-Hp7YNAOHpTB The cone mandrel is one I bought, similar to this onewww.blacksmithsupply.com/Anvil-Cone-_p_22.html

[@williamyeager8639]

Where do you get your touch mark

[@BlackBearForge]

henryaevers.com/

[@HunterFain-cd1pj]

How do you keep it hot for so long?

[@BlackBearForge]

I reheat often, but that time isn't generally shown in the video

[@HunterFain-cd1pj]

@BlackBearForge What do you reccomend to somebody just starting to get?

[@Dzon_Jacek]

👍

[@warthog02]

I am very much in withdrawal from HOTW and have been for years.

[@doronamar8776]

✌

[@GodschildinNC]

All good projects are drop forged 😅