Studded twist plus a bonus twist

The variety of decorative twists available to the blacksmith seems never ending. Todays twist is an idea I haven't seen before using rivets to create a studded twist. Once I saw the finished bar twist i had an idea for a bonus twist based on the first result.
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My name is John Switzer, I operate Black Bear Forge, a small one person blacksmith shop located in southern Colorado. My current focus is shifting away from commissions and customer orders and towards education through these videos on KZbin. Thank you for watching
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[@jackshadow325]

The Switzer Twist is born.

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

Thats a cool name for the twist👍👍

[@TheBottegaChannel]

Good name. Another good one could be a pun on swizzle stick, the " Switzer Stick" twist.

[@Zogg1281]

Switzer Twist...... AWESOME!!!

[@8gmm8]

i was just gonna say just that.

[@michaelsanchez8519]

The Bottega Channel, I get it. I like that.

[@TMatt007]

I love accidentally learning something new. I really enjoyed that video.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@1averageamerican]

Happy accidents are the best. I like them both but the hole twist looks very cool.

[@richardsurber8226]

That there is a cute video with the Bear Knife add with a bear in the apple tree

[@SpecialOrder_937]

These videos make me smile from ear to ear , and inspires me to get out in the shop Thank you John 👍

[@douglasfathers4848]

Hi John I liked the hole twist as well . And a good project to get the old brain working . cheers.

[@beni2094]

Too cool! What an interesting idea as usual. Time to move back to more videos per week! Thanks

[@BarrRunForge]

Agreed...Switzer Twist. Great work as always! Thanks, John.

[@mikemeinders6717]

I don't know if I ever thanked you for the Bottle opener But Thank you John I use it all the time. I have been forging a lot of Damascus in my shop and I love the way you never know what you get for a pattern . Thank you John keep up the great instructions.

[@denzelgregory5568]

As always, very informative and interesting. I can’t wait to get a forge set up and going. You have given me a lot of ideas to try when I’m up and at it.

[@benchrysler3940]

Kinda reminds me of a collapsed twist a new “twist” on the technic. Love Black Bear forge watch all the time with my 5 year old daughter!

[@brianfalls5894]

Well John, I really love that second bar you twisted with just the holes in it. It makes for a very interesting wavy pattern. The first one with the rivets didn't look bad either but the second one really pops! Great job!!!

[@monsterbash9758]

I can't wait to try that second one!

[@OuroborosArmory]

I have seen the pattered of the holes twist before.. I didn’t know how it was made, but I have seen it. Now I do and it is very cool

[@zxc1972]

We'll all be able to say - we were there when it happened! Serendipity at its best. Brilliant.

[@xXMACEMANXx]

I think the twist with the rivets in it looked best on the second heat it took. Looks about one full twist. I absolutely love the effect that the second one accomplished, though!

[@deemedappropriate4790]

Nice, Switzer twist it is.I like it, I think I might try one with small slits.

[@paulorchard7960]

We dont have the problem of bears eating our apples, Koalas dont eat them! Nice twists, I will definitely try the drill hole twist!

[@mitchellrubio7156]

Hello, I recently got my second forge (i melted the steel supports on my first one) and today was the first day I spent any real successful time at the anvil and i want to thank your videos. I have kens custom iron tongs I am putting together now and I made a twisting wrench after being inspired by you to try it. I want to say thank you for your generous sharing of your vast amount of knowledge. I can't wait to see where this hobby is going to take me and I owe a lot to you for teaching everyone what you know.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

The Switzer wave twist, very nice.

[@johnvradenburg192]

i actually like both

[@rsluggy6485]

Both are very nice. The twist with the holes is especially clever. You have essentially changed the effective thickness of the stock in those places, so they twist at different but consistent rates. That would add much more interest to a typical twisted handle on a tool.

[@Lesnz2009]

Interesting project thanks for showing us.

[@billwoehl3051]

That twisting without the rivets and still with the holes looks really good, and unless you could see the holes, think it would stump even some highly experienced blacksmiths!!

[@HTXtremes2000]

Always love watching you experiment, you are like me! "Don't know whats gonna happen, but let's try it and see!!"

[@FredKustomGarage]

I also did a twist video last week. 😁 These, I did not know them. 👍

[@BlackBearForge]

I will check it out

[@jeffbuller6708]

To be honest, I thought the rivet twist looked better with the full twist, rather than the twist and a half. But, the second one was way more interesting, and my favorite of the two. Thanks for sharing the creative process!

[@jamesbrandon8520]

You should try the same thing every 1” down one side then rotate it 90 degrees and drill every 1” but with a 1/2” offset, or staggered in other words, as usual John I loved the video!

[@realvictim]

Came here to suggest the very same thing, but you stated it more eloquently than I would have :D

[@benmartin5510]

I had the same idea but for the rivets however I think it would be better on the second one

[@billssmithy7352]

What they said.

[@davidbutler3661]

Looks like you can teach an old bear new tricks. Very creative ideas there John. I will do my best to put these twists to use in the future. Thanks for sharing your ideas

[@brettphillips3091]

I'm trying this on a steak turner tonight. thanks john

[@rayarthur1100]

Can't wait to see some versions of "The Switzer Twist"

[@MrJamesjustin]

Great ideas John. Cheers mate. I have a great idea for those. (Candlestick holders) I think I will try the one with the holes only, but with a reverse twist. If it looks any good I'll send you a picture.

[@XavierFaelington]

For some reason I get christmas vibes from that rivet twist. That twist with holes looks really nice, I might have to give it a go my self. As always John Great video and I look forward to the next.

[@cypherian9821]

I agree the twist with holes does create a twist pattern that is pretty cool looking. The rivet pattern one looks neat too but the holes opening up would be distracting but only if it was done on an item that one could handle or examine closely. You might be able to partially shoot the rivets a little long then twist and finish setting the rivets walking them which ever way they need to go to fill the hole.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Fascinating video John, you definitely put some new twists on your work today. There will be many variations of what you just shared that will be tried by lots of Smitty’s today. Thanks for sharing with us and bear meat flavored by your apples would be good eating. Fred.

[@dragonwaterforge]

Very cool i see some more experiments in your future

[@johnjude2685]

Thanks for the kick starter from 🐻 Bear Knifes, I will check em out. Also great video and I in your case hit the thumbs up first thing. Sir thanks for the many things

[@BlackBearForge]

I appreciate it

[@messylaura]

eyeballing things also improves your swear vocabulary. great twist with the disappearing holes, also the riveted one looked best on the first looser twist

[@hosiercraft9675]

Glad to see you finally get a sponsor, hope you get many more. I've been with you since before you got the magic 1k subs. It's been a journey. You might want to talk to McMaster Carr being you mention then so much.

[@patrickbunton3279]

Another awesome video John always enjoy seeing what you come up with

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks 👍

[@eddieagha5851]

Clever! Who woulda thunk! 😊

[@daretodreamtofly3288]

John's next KZbin channel Black Bear Apple Tree. Discovering all the natural beauty of a black bear stealing all my apples. XD

[@messylaura]

nah, "How to mount a bear skull" will be next

[@dingodog5677]

Very cool ideas John👍

[@FornaxusCrucible]

As soon as you mentioned that the holes were collapsing during the twist, I was like, "hey, take the rivets out of the equation!" Two minds with but one thought! Very cool effect you created there, John!

[@rlgroshans]

With the rivets, I prefer the 360 twist. But, I really do like the twist with the open holes.

[@DerKooze]

The “switzer twist” reminds me of putting a twist in square tube. Also, I’m building a coffee table and I’m doing this for the legs.

[@marty01957]

Very cool idea, John! Thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you liked it!

[@tobysharples111]

Just discovered this channel, how fantastic!

[@BlackBearForge]

Welcome to the family

[@MrSchattengott69]

The second one is my favorite. I would love to see more.

[@denislacourse8977]

I love it. The JS twist....

[@OrionsAnvil]

That was very cool. I guess I'll be practicing some twists with some clay at my desk today! lol

[@charleszimmermann7784]

I like the non-organic look of the second twist. Nice work John.

[@sunqwest1]

Fun ideas second was way cool . Thanks

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you liked it!

[@ronthacker211]

VERY interesting. I like it.

[@marcerivest6204]

This gives it a really cool look, l like both of them. The second one gives it a more organic look.

[@GaryForgingOn]

I like that second twist too. That turned out with a cool pattern.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

I have not seen this done before John. amazing video today very creative and unique design ideas really like it forge on my friend. It would make a pretty cool door hardware handles.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Black Bear Forge thank you so much I will definitely have to try this down the road someday

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Those are both very interesting and creative techniques. I agree I really enjoy the second one more than I do the first with the rivets

[@afnDavid]

Warts !! :-)

[@BlackHoleForge]

Sounds like a cool experiment

[@bryanrobinson1980]

You could call the second one a "chain link twist". The variable twisting due to the holes creates a chain link pattern.

[@hannemannironworks1651]

Very cool!

[@chrisdixon7872]

looks cool, like it

[@brysonalden5414]

Have done a similar one to your second experiment with a ball punch, not all the way through, on all four sides. Interesting effect for sure! And the riveted one solved my problem of how to get warts on the back of a steel toad, so thanks!

[@Jennifer-zb4gc]

thanks john for this great idea 👍

[@richardbryant7972]

I can see uses for both actually really good idea thanks for sharing

[@BlackBearForge]

You’re welcome 😊

[@Ben.jack.in.off.to.you1]

great video.

[@khosrowsalehi2214]

Very intresting

[@bigtrucktv8527]

Awesome video

[@brianottaway8873]

That would be cool as a handle for a fire poker or hot dog stick.

[@rcwheeler34]

Really like both of those John. Would be interesting to do the rivet one with partial holes and blind rivets, then you could have a head on all 4 sides on the bar

[@mapo5976]

Great poker handels

[@dalekidd420]

I was thinking the same thing... a spike head on those rivets would make a cool effect, especially if used in a security function piece such as a gate, fence, or window bars.

[@waskasoometalworks3329]

Very interesting! Sort of reminds me of wedding cake piping! I just did a dice twist yesterday on a railroad spike. I divided the spike into equal square sections then punched them to look like dice. A 45 offset per dice and bam!

[@johnmachelski4681]

I need to see this, I need this in my life.

[@waskasoometalworks3329]

@@johnmachelski4681 I am trying to work on a video demo!

[@markeverson5849]

Thanks I think the rivets are actually kind of cool let's say for a handle

[@JustinArrington]

These would be excellent "chunky" door handles at this size or smaller version for cabinet hardware.

[@cuttwice3905]

The second one is stunning.balusters

[@Seelenschmiede]

Dang, you invented "medievil barbwire" ;) The "crushed" twist from the one with the wholes in it, it looks very nice. Could imagine a BIG candleholder (like the one with 3 feet in churches standing on the floor up to chest hight) with this pattern.

[@michaelsanchez8519]

That drilled hole twist actually turned out really great! Very abstract but somewhat symmetrical. Some one called it the “Switzer twist” and I like the sound of it. I might use that some time 👍 I have a thought on the rivet twist. What if you place a rivet on opposite faces of the stock every inch apart, and alternate it like that? In my minds eye I feel like that would develop a little tighter with minimal turning cycles. Just a thought 💭

[@frankbruce6889]

Very cool, interested to see a pattern with the holes on alternate faces.

[@gregwise9595]

Thanks something to try and shink about

[@phredd6070]

The bears around here prefer my chickens to my apple tree. Now I prefer my bear steaks with a hint of chicken and apple. I like the rivet twist best at 360 deg and the second one is quite unique and I do like it a lot. Jack Shadow nailed it with the Switzer Twist. Kudos. Also wonder how brass rivets would look?

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello John That is a very nice twist Both looks great Please be carefull if you go picking Apples not that you get a bear in your arms 😉😳👍 Yours Frank

[@BlackBearForge]

The bears almost never leave us any apples. They get them before they are ripe. They also break lots of branches in the process.

[@frankgaletzka8477]

@@BlackBearForge hello John If it is possible put a electric fence around the trees Barbwire or a normal fence is useless

[@frankgaletzka8477]

@@BlackBearForge direktly around the trees

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

You invented two new types of twist. Never seen these type of twist. I loved both but second one is more cool. I always enjoy fun blacksmithing. That bear was really there???

[@BlackBearForge]

Yes we see bears quite often. It has been hot and dry so they are looking for apples very early this year.

[@goraforge7489]

Love the idea, my first thought to get the rivet pattern was to use a spring swage (but love the rivet idea as much). With the swage could stamp in a small bug pattern and have it climbing a vine or something. Very cool idea thanks John! Thanks for the inspiration and knowledge!

[@BlackBearForge]

I have done footprints down one side before.

[@conalsmith7921]

Set these rivets halfway through the bar and use it for an octopus arm.

[@dartvader9939]

The black bear twist

[@kraccusblack1022]

i have a idea of how that would be amazing copper sqaure with silver studs but instead of dome rivet they are set flush and there are more of them so as to create a pathway look when you twist.

[@BlackBearForge]

Keep in mind that many of the softer metals will melt out at forging heat for the steel.

[@kraccusblack1022]

@@BlackBearForge Thank you so much for reading my comment, I would like to rephrase the statement. Instead of a steel bar, use a copper sqaure bar and use silver studs. recess the holes so you can still set the silver. To broke atm to do that myself but i think it would work and be absolutely amazing.

[@munch15a]

also can use it to make a large iron cthullu/ a squid gate

[@williamsultana3848]

Hi John

[@Cubic5]

I would think adding copper rivets would give a much more dramatic effect.

[@BlackBearForge]

There may be an issue with the copper melting at the heat you need for the twist.

[@Thaddigren9]

Reminds me of octopus arms,

[@nestorknoxs3795]

I've done it before with a railroad spike

[@Andrew-qo6br]

I wonder if you did the first twist (with the rivits) with larger heads to cover the elongated holes - so the holes wouldn't show. I'll have to do some experimenting. Thanks John.

[@ryanjones8757]

I do a variant of this twist for my "twisted branch" twist. All I do is round the corners except for a few spots on one corner. I round those so they look like those rivet heads. Then, you twist and it looks like a gnarled branch that lost some twigs. You can check it out on insta @dragonsnestforge. I love the idea of the rivets though!

[@shortfuse43]

John, I love your blacksmithing videos and instructions on blacksmithing. You are one of the best, if not THE best, blacksmiths on KZbin. I am a faithful subscriber as well and check your videos every day. I understand this is one important means for you to supplement your income. I'll probably get flamed for what I am about to say, but I really hate to see you showing things, and not intentionally promoting, on your channel, things that resemble QVC or a shopping channel and not blacksmith related such at these knives. I think it reflects negatively on your excellent blacksmithing channel. Nevertheless, I will continue to remain a faithful subscriber and view your every video.

[@BlackBearForge]

I see the sponsored videos (meaning I actually get paid) as a substitute for the regular KZbin ads (I don't allow KZbin to run as many mid roll ads in a sponsored video) Sorry you don't approve, but I hate the idea of going to paid content that wouldn't be available for everyone.

[@shortfuse43]

@@BlackBearForge I'm still sticking with you John! Forge on.

[@grifixed]

would be a good grip/ handle for railing or fire poker etc

[@Highstranger951]

very nice, i think smaller rivets would have looked better, just my opinion.

[@SouthernCrossCreations]

Vines would look neat.

[@davidcarroll2851]

Just an idea john a bar welded to the bottom rivet header tool would b nice to add .so u cn sit in in ur hardy or pritchel . May stop the tool falling to the floor

[@BlackBearForge]

I have various rivet tools. Some fit in a hole and some can be used in the middle of a large table if needed so they don't have a shank

[@davidcarroll2851]

@@BlackBearForge wasnt meaning any disrespect .