Why do you Create?

[@oldschool3372]

You are the bob ross of blacksmiths,bob taught when he was with us and he continues to teach new generations even tho hes gone. YOU will be teaching new generations of blacksmiths long after we are all gone. you have forged your spot in our shops and in the craft of beating on hot metal. Thank You John.

[@jokerfacewild9268]

I started my forge up for the first time a week ago following your budget videos. I have a single burner propane forge and doyle 66lb anvil. $50 harbor freight 1x30 belt sander and some better sanding belts. The first fire I learned how to straighten coil spring segments, square them up and draw them out. Second day I made 2 large curled s hooks for my fiancé's hanging plants, a railroad spike knife for my nephew, and a blacksmiths knife from coil springs. All of this I have to say thanks to you for these videos I have been watching and studying your videos for about a month now until I felt i knew enough to give it a try. Your videos inspired a new young smith to fall in love with the art I can create and gave me the basic knowledge to start my journey. Thank you for your time and effort you put into your work and videos. I consider myself an old soul. I enjoy antiques, handmade, and historical things etc. The feeling of accomplishment when I finished my first s hook and pulled the cheap generic hook off my fiancé's plant and hung it from my hook I just couldn't stop looking and saying wow.... like I just hammered that out of a piece of scrap metal and made it into a piece of handmade art.

[@BlackBearForge]

Have fun and enjoy the journey

[@peter_somm]

Nice! I have started since watching black bear forge. Been doing it for a couple of years ago and am now master of hook making. Thanks John!

[@cassallen6362]

​@@BlackBearForge hello sir, I've been watching your channel for awhile now, I appreciate all the very helpful info. I have a brain injury from iraq so learning new things/retaining info isn't always easy, but for some reason i can absorb this. I just got my first forge it's coal and I'm excited to start. My grandfather apparently was a smith(he passed in 76 i never got to meet him) and when I was talking to my dad and expressed my interest he jumped on it and found the forge for me. But since I was little I have always been drawn to blacksmithing, the smell, moving metal, taking something and making anything. Needless to say I'm stoked but watching your channel has given me some hope in my endeavors. Thank you for the content and information sir.

[@fzr400rr100]

I finished my first gate yesterday and filled it with bull rushes, reeds, lily pads, dragon flies and a mouse. Only needed something to keep the chickens off the patio but I can sit with a big stupid smile on my face looking at it while having a beer using the bottle opener I made when I started. A lot of this has been down to your videos, thank you.

[@steveodeluxe]

Where can we see it?? Gate is my next project. Cheers!

[@fzr400rr100]

@@steveodeluxe Hi sorry I don't mean to hijack Black Bear Forges video but since you asked to see it I uploaded a video this evening of the gate, hope you like it.

[@steveodeluxe]

@@fzr400rr100 I wouldn’t say it’s hijacking at all! This is a community meant for sharing and if furthers the point of this video.

[@hosiercraft9675]

Once again I am still riding on the comment of another person because I am incapable of commenting directly for some reason. I don't know why. But generally if I'm going to make a bottle opener I am going to incorporate it into another tool which is both decorative and useful. I like to make my bottle openers as handles attached to a wine cork which has the two arms after you screw it into the cork so far you can pry down to pull the cork out get it the same and you still have a bottle opener and I want to make it a piece of art so it's going to be decorative

[@Miiabooish]

I just forged my first nail yesterday! First time forging anything! It's bent, asymmetrical and there's absolutely no practical use nor resale value on it. But it's my first nail and I love it. :3

[@BlackBearForge]

It sounds like a great place to start, have fun

[@aarontabor]

I found myself watching this video immediately after some of the older videos in your backlog. It is quite striking to see the evolution of your video work, composition, and delivery. I think it's safe to say that the topics you cover here also apply to your work as a video creator as well - really appreciate your channel and your work!

[@wildcycles1]

I was just having this conversation with a friend who doesn't understand why I have a need to not only create, but I also enjoy repairing old tools, machines and automobiles. I also enjoy teaching others. This particular friend has interests and talents, but not associated with making or fixing things. I was having a hard time explaining it to him and this video helped me gather my own thoughts on the subject. Your comments about your perspective changing as you get older really resonates with me. I like the idea of creating special items such as knives or other useful and personalized items for friends and others who will appreciate them and possibly pass them on to future generations. Thanks for the great videos!!

[@larryjones4713]

John I do love watching your videos. You do have a couple of years in me but If it makes you feel better, I will continue to watch your videos after you have gone on. I learn something every time I watch them

[@BlackBearForge]

I appreciate that

[@scoundrel1680]

I'm certain that a significant percentage of new smiths exist because of your work and these videos, the impact you have had (and continue to have) on this craft is immeasurable, truly. There is a short list of Blacksmiths in all of History that have inspired and taught (to one degree or another) more people than yourself by numbers, consider that. You have reached hundreds of thousands of aspiring smiths around the world. The Name John Switzer is cemented in History, and I thank you for all you've done, and continue to do. Almost everything I do at the Forge, I've learned from you over the years. My relative success in following my dream is due in large part to yourself, and for that I am grateful. (and imagine how many eyeballs have been saved with your "wear your safety glasses" reminders haha! at least a few I'm sure!)

[@michaeledwards5954]

Agree totally with the above. I wonder who holds the record for the most re-runs of Johns videos, I reckon I'd be right up there as I'll often repeat a number of times to try and pick up all the nuances of what he's trying to show us.

[@twistedironprojects8814]

His videos are a big reason I started blacksmithing. I always thought about smiting but had no idea how until I stumbled across johns videos and started learning from them. I am very grateful for this channel.

[@It_Is_I_I]

Very well put. Im still in the phase of life where i do things because i enjoy it rather than for helping future generations. But i absolutely see what you mean about the need to create

[@howardrichburg2398]

I create because it makes me happy to do it. If someone appreciates my work, I'm even happier.

[@Big222Dog]

I've been creative all my life. I trained as a carpenter and joiner, I carve & turn wood too. I took up blacksmithing 2015 partly to learn new skills, but also as a boy, back in the 60s, I spent a lot of time on my grandparents farm, here in N. Ireland, there were 2 blacksmiths close by whose work I found intriguing & indeed magical. I wanted to experience that again. I was amazed at how much I had taken in from those old craft men. Besides all that, I see my world as a lot of pictures, I create the pictures in my head. I believe it's an attribute given to me from God & I can carry on His creation. At 67, I've got time to create & yes, it's part of my legacy. Thank for making videos, they helped me a lot. Regards Hugo

[@cwccharters]

The challenges of making what I imagine to a sketch, and then to the process of working the metal, is what I love. Your videos have helped me a lot. Thank you so much for so many ideas.

[@Jay-kk2rd]

Well said John. Since retiring from my “real” job, I’ve been able to be creative instead of focusing on an income. The freedom of creativity has been healthy, rewarding and peaceful. You’ve been there the whole way. Thank you.

[@lukeevan5393]

Thank you for existing and having this channel.

[@torbjornahman]

I think I can agree to that! Especially that contemporary architecture or design lacks elements of "art", it definitely makes stuff boring.

[@Rob11235]

It doesn't matter if it survives after you are gone. What you create is an indelible mark on history. It will have always happened. More importantly, your videos, the impact you have on others, your appretices, your friends, your spouse, your instructors all are forever changed when they interact with you and see your expression of that which makes you unique. That impact ripples out to eternity. One person inspires another that inspires another for eternity. So we create not for it to survive but to have an impact on others that influences them, inspires them, creates a moment of ease, creates a moment of excitement, creates a moment of inspiration so that they can take that energy and propagated ig to others. In this way we are all one and we are eternal.

[@fourgedmushrooms5958]

Too see if I can!, also can make many things with forge and workshop. And I'm in control of the quality.

[@stevepenno6369]

I agree with you Black Bear and all of the comments, I also love using and doing things that connect me to the past, like there is something that compels me to want to do it, I have heard the word “ channeling “ well that’s how I feel when I am doing woodworking with my old hand tools. It is an intense feeling things just seem to flow. Do other people feel this I wonder .?.

[@toebarsrealm3773]

We create things because we must. Its an inner calling. Thank you for your incite.

[@aaronbazis2561]

This is exactly why I’m gonna be learning to forge. A lot of things we buy are ugly and don’t last long, and I want to make things that are strong and nice. I believe that’s a big part of “Love your neighbor”.

[@GoCreatehms]

In my case making and building things is my therapy for a healthy mind and maintaining sanity. My workshop is my retreat my domain, it's insulation from an increasingly mad world.

[@bigredbeard65]

I think that most people have a need to create, whether it's from metal, a good meal, painting or sewing something for yourself or someone else. It makes me happy to make or repair something for myself or someone else. Your videos are certainly helpful for many people, myself included. I watched your recent leaf hook video and i am wanting to do something similar and I really like the way you bent the leaf, makes it look more realistic.

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

Great video John ❤

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you kindly

[@peterreidy603]

John, I really enjoyed this clip which made me think about the reason I have created my blacksmith workshop. Most pieces I make, I give away as gifts to immediate family and friends. Their reaction to my gift is what I enjoy most, as it’s nearly always astonishment along with lots of questions and thankyou’s. So I think the main reason I create, is for the “love” and giving and my satisfaction of making those people happy. I too, like you, would like my work to be still used or appreciated for a long time to come, because let’s face it, it’s probably much better quality, than a lot of the mass produced rubbish of today, and made by an individual artisan.

[@biggothkitty]

My real job is fixing things for other people. When I get to my own shop, it's just for me. And making the things around my life better.

[@WARLOK813]

The main thing about creating is that no matter what anyone else thinks or says, no matter what your creating, keep creating. Satisfy yourself, create for yourself, even if its to give to someone else or to sell, do it for you. Making, or even fixing something with your own hands satisfies a part of your soul that cant be touched any other way. It doesnt have to be art, it doesnt have to be useful, it doesnt even have to have a reason, and while it certainly can be any of those things, making things of your own accord, making things that you want to make gives you purpose. There are millions of hobbies, get ya one or get ya 10. There is so much to learn about everything there is.

[@WildBearFoot]

My great grandfather practiced blacksmithing as a necessity on the family farm, I've found old tools and things he made over the years and it drove me to start, there's magic in turning a piece of steel or iron into a soft plastic state and shaping it into what your mind says it should be.

[@danbreyfogle8486]

I have been a woodworker nearly all my life. As a child I made things out of scrap wood found on building sites and later became a carpenter, cabinet maker, and all around handyman in the building trades. I do often image some piece I make may be cherished long after I am gone but it is really more like a need in my mind to create things out of wood. I once chip carved a wall hanging for a pastor that was on loan from the UK to a church I worked at in Ames, IA as a custodian and maintenance guy. This was about 1976. Imagine my surprise this spring when I found that piece for sale on eBay. That was nearly 50 years ago and my makers mark on the back side led me to find it for sale in the UK. It was a very rustic carving yet the pastor held on to it and later is was found in an art studio where it was sold to the eBay seller. So yes, some things will live on after me, but I live in the day knowing that the talent and abilities given to me by God can make me happy as well as others.

[@worthlessotaku1546]

My feelings on art and creativity are pretty much the same as yours. Humanity needs it.

[@jonathanstewart1101]

I am now starting my blacksmith journey because I love to learn the old ways. These will be what we fall back on when all else fails. I want to teach my kids that living for a better future is fine but knowing the roots of things is where its important. Weak roots allow a wind to blow down a tree. I also want my children to know you dont need much to make something that can last generations.

[@valentinigarageworks]

I really enjoy your videos John. As a maker / artist, I think there is a need to see what we create live on in someone else's home and life. It gives me a sense of fulfilment and pride in what I do. I have had my products ship around the world which to this day not only brings me joy but shock at the same time. Thank you for making your videos, they have helped me as a maker thats for sure. All the best sir!

[@jay_chang]

It's not about money, though money cannot buy something if there is no such product being manufactured to begin with. This is a philosophy of craftsman. I recently got into needle making by accident, I was looking for stainless steel sewing needles, but I do have a few particular favorite sized needles I use. The thing is most needle manufacturers made needles that's nickel plated carbon steel. The less common stainless steel needles have really non-standard sizes and needle sizes is a mess across different manufacturers. So I took my favorite needle, got some stainless steel wires that's about similar thickness and challenged myself to make a needle out of wires. The sharp point is the easiest to make, but a needle eye on stainless steel wires less than a millimeter thick took a few trial and errors to make it work. The initial challenges is to make them industrial standards by comparing them to standard sized needles. This video is a comparison of my handmade needles to the one being benchmarked against, they are by no means any lesser quality as far as performance is concerned, since I customized the sharpness and length to feel right in the hands. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKucl5eqaLibY5Isi=9WS7rCSe9oFss8fv Though after making what the industry need heavy machinery to accomplish with almost seemingly primitive hand tools, the sense of satisfaction is really good.

[@virtusleather]

John you're my favourite youtuber by far. I 100% agree the things we make in our shops arent "needed". But many of us dont want to buy made in china junk anymore and want to learn and pass on what we've learned. I started my hobby journey in woodworking, then leatherworking, then boot making and now I blacksmith when the weather is decent out. I wear my own apron I made, in boots (and jeans😜) I made and I feel more alive. My leathergoods can be passed down to my sons, as well as my blacksmithed goods. LONG LIVE HANDMADE! 🤙🏻🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@gimmeducks]

I know why keep on doing what You do, i Think and do so Well I might ad. Because You have genuine love and respect for Trade, the crafting and the satifaction of a job Well done, i guess? That why Your videos is so inspiring to many of us, who watch it. Thank You for putting in the effort, so we All can learn and be well entertained! 🙂

[@markcockerham646]

I made a bunch of treble clef key chains for my daughter’s school band to give to the seniors (barely forged). The kids loved them and the next year, the seniors wanted them, too. Makes me feel good to make people happy.

[@KoJaksKranium]

Sir, you are so darn real. You have always related your subject matter to so many different types of people, and in such realistic ways. I'm a long time (6-8yrs) watcher and an unofficial student of yours, for as just as many years. Needless to say, I've learned so much from mostly your videos. The commonnsense, instructional conversations that you have with the camera are loaded with valuable information. Thank you, sincerely. KK The reason(s) I create or make is for the following. I flat out need a part or object of some type. If I think I have a shot at making something, I'll give it a try. To learn and grow my skill set. I'm always learning. And to make people I care about smile and show them that they are special in my mind. Thanks again and great subject matter. KK

[@emmetpbyrne]

For me, I love history and recreating things, it started with spending a few days in my father's friend's forge. It showed me that I could take what I had knocking about in my head and make it real, tangible. This year though I've started thinking more and more about how the things I make will last, how in years to come people will see my raven touchmark and remember my forge. Another part of it though is that love of history, I teach history a d being able to bring in recreations of the things we are talking about really helps the students to better understand the past. I love being able to take one thing and fundamentally change it into something else, I took a drop bar from a prefabbed gate that was scrapped years ago and now it's a dragon with copper wings. I love this craft.

[@pocketchange3543]

Working with my hands creating as a hobby and a career is enjoyable and challenging. It is my church, my antidepressant, my therapist and my meditation. I strongly believe if you enjoy what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I know I won't get monetarily rich, but I don't and never have wanted to. Sure there are things I can't afford but I make due. It always seem I am able to afford the things I really need. I take pride in seeing a house I built, or old farm equipment or vehicles I fixed up. Knowing I did that and someone is using it and appreciating it, is . . . . Indescribable. Whether they know it was me or not. It doesn't matter. I also enjoy marveling over other's craftsmanship. Because I realize the time, effort, talent, and enjoyment it took to create these things it inspires me even more. I never thought of myself as an existentialist.

[@sampence484]

I create because I can. If I dig deeper, I create to challenge myself, to push my skill limit further out. I love taking a hunk of junk that most folks cannot see any value in and create something either useful or beautiful out of it. It’s also incredibly therapeutic. I’m a blacksmith, a bladesmith, and a woodworker. I sell some stuff but give away as much as I sell just because I love to create and challenge myself…. I appreciate your videos John. You don’t know me but you helped me tremendously when I first started blacksmithing. For that I am grateful. I hope that you continue to showcase your creativity for many years to come.

[@andromedajacobson2520]

Personally, I create because it is a deep way of connecting with other people. If I make a hammer or an ornament or something, I make it for myself and other people. Will this person like this thing? Will it communicate to another person something I am feeling? Will they use it and have an emotional connection when they use it? I also create because I enjoy it. It brings be joy to manipulate the metal and show people hey, check out this cool thing I made! I also enjoy cleaning up old tools and restoration work because old objects already have a human history. Instead of replacing that, let's build on it! You are so right on so many points. Firstly, cities devoid of human art and spaces are fundamentally less pleasant places to be. The channel Andrewism just put out a video about this, it is very interesting, about how we build non-places. Places that only function to be productive for the economy are not pleasant to exist in because there is no humanity in them. This lack of humanity is why AI produced material is so worthless. The people making and promoting AI don't understand why humans make art or communicate. Secondly, this all connects to what you said about value. Value is a funny word, because, at least for me, I default to thinking of monetary value. Realistically, monetary value is the most worthless valuation compared to emotional value, community value, spiritual value, artistic value, and others. I think you are completely correct that humanity needs art. It is revolutionary to be able to produce something functionally worthless to society that people still value very highly. A lot of us are skeptical and weary of machine-made, mass produced junk. Why is that? I think it is because we, as human beings, recognize that these objects made by dehumanized workers running machines on the other side of an ocean are devoid of every other value except monetary value. To make an object that is the inverse of that, to admit that we value beauty, humanity, ourselves, and each other is a powerful thing. To deny ourselves artistic expression and connection is to deny a part of ourselves. Thank you for the video!

[@orshaharorna.shahar8921]

Woodworker, 63 years old. Live in Israel in the midst of unnecessary war. I am no longer interested in the money nor if my children will keep or throw away what I create. I force myself to enter my workshop every day because otherwise I sink into cycles of anxiety, depression, anger and distress. The wood and creation replace mental therapy and pills. I create to survive mentally

[@lizziemoriarty]

I don't do blacksmithing or metalworking. I started following your channel because it was wonderful to watch someone create and craft beautiful things with patient instruction that was always encouraging. This video showed up when I needed to hear it most for my own craft. Thank you for being so honest, kind, and inspirational.

[@doingitoutdoors7083]

I come from a long line of do-it-yourselfers. Sometimes to save money but mostly just for the sake of doing it. I don't have an artistic bone in my body, but sometimes I do make something that is aesthetically appealing. I make stuff mainly to see if I can or to prove to myself that I can. This channel has been very helpful on the blacksmithing side of things.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

I do have a deep desire to create heirloom level blades & other tools that will serve my people way after I'm gone. Something beautiful & functional that they can trust & cherish. Obviously I do so to make a living as well but it is mostly that I want to serve my people & do what my ancestors did so as to make them proud, as well as leave a lasting legacy for my descendents.

[@MaadMike]

I just want to say that this is a beautiful message you are putting out there, I often struggle myself with justifying being creative just because I want to be, and not necessarily trying to create something useful. People around us can often be dismissive of this desire to make something and it is encouraging to hear voices like yours that I respect a lot, be so encouraging. Thank you for all the free lessons and sharing your views with us!

[@PeteResseguieSnyder]

I really love this video/topic. I'm at a similar place as you at the time of that dinner where I'm mostly driven by the process, but I also find the act of creation to be an interesting way to tap into (and contribute to) a kind of cultural conversation without the need for words. It's also kind of a way to exist in the past, present and future. We don't live in a vacuum so whatever we're making (however original it might be) is always to some degree tapping into people's experiences who came before us, and I think that's kind of exciting to engage with that. The in-the-moment making of the thing, tapping into that process is immensely gratifying. When we're done making the thing, hopefully others can see it and either give them joy, make them think, or maybe inspire their future creative endeavors (preferably not as a counter example 🤣, but whatever, it's still part of the cultural creative conversation!)

[@garychaiken808]

Great job. Thank you 😊

[@theBoonarmies]

Art, and expression of the experience of being alive is the absolute seat of what we describe as humanity. It's communication ourselves, of our path through existence, and of who we are, and of what matters to us and to each other.

[@jeffreyjones6409]

My wife was really into a lot of this "old timey" stuff as she grew up on a farm. I do Smith, woodwork, garden, make flowerpots out of old milk cans, make hanging flowerpots out of old milk separators, funnels, and a whole bunch of other stuff to decorate our backyard..........you get the picture. The amount improvements I have made on our home, including wains coating part of our dining room and living room with recycled corrugated barn tin, had to be rusty of course, with a wood rail cap, made from recycled barn board. Not to mention the hooks, horseshoe hearts, and all of the other stuff that decorate the walls. Sadly, about a month ago she passed away. So for me the reason I created things, and trust me, there were a lot of things, was for my wife and myself. Going forward it will be for my children and grandchild. Thank you for being an inspiration when I needed to pull something off that I had no idea where to start.

[@springwoodcottage4248]

The power of your channel is that you are endlessly innovating: Cameras, videography, audio, induction forges, power bank for off grid shop etc and at the same time also encouraging beginners with the simplest equipment. Everyone, no matter skill level, finds something on this channel. In my case it has been learning how to do stuff I need & then going from a rail road track anvil & home made forge, to a Vevor anvil & forge. Much of what I do is addressing a need. Bambi was eating my veg, so I fabricated a gate out of rebar, lacks refinement, but it was done quickly & worked & the time saved then went into planting, ditto many other things like hooks. Crude jobs often, but it’s the done that matter & I can refine another time. For me it’s often creation for a need, but as my skill & tools expand I can do better work with the still pictures at the end of your video an inspiration of what I need to aim for. Pity others don’t show case their work like this as it gives the opportunity to fully appreciate the art. Thank you for sharing!

[@steambub]

The right thing isn't always the easy thing. Craft your heart out.

[@howardrichburg2398]

Durable, useful items or gifts are like a memory totem. When you hold the knife your grandfather made and used, you remember him. A great meal is only in your memory, and there is no longlasting item to help you remember the cook.

[@nppjbrown]

John, I agree with your need to create. I have made a series of bird baths using plough discs. The first was totally utilitarian, I later added a forged snail. Each subsequent bird bath has challenged me to make something different. I mostly give them away to friends, a bottle of wine sometimes in return. I do it because I want to. Cheers Peter

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for sharing

[@larryduttry9400]

I asked myself that very same question. There truly isn’t a single answer for me. Firstly it is to learn and preserve the knowledge to possibly pass it on in the future. Secondly it is indeed a creative outlet that allows you to take something that is a part of your imagination and make it a reality. Thirdly it is to enjoy the tools and become more proficient with them and in doing so you preserve the tools for future generations. It is a multifaceted experience that is just plain enjoyable. I hope that something I make survives far into the future not to preserve my name but hopefully it is picked up by someone who sits and looks at it and studies every aspect of it and more or less reverse engineers it in their mind and imagines someone putting the effort into making an idea a reality, and with any luck it sparks something inside of them to try it and express their creativity. I enjoyed this video, as I have enjoyed your videos for years, but this one was a great one because it’s thought provoking and makes you explore your true reasons. Thanks John!!

[@Lccastaldo]

Thank you so much for reminding me of this today! Nothing I have have ever made throughout my life as ever been exclusively utilitarian no matter what medium I was working in and I feel like I am in good company here with all of you! Make something great and have fun doing it, too. Forge on!

[@brysonalden5414]

Blacksmithing and SCUBA diving are the only two things I've ever done that focus my attention completely; when I'm smithing I am totally in the moment. I love the fact that the steel speaks to me, sometimes, and does what it wants, so some of my sculptures are certainly different than I'd planned, but the process is central to who I am.

[@stevenbowen471]

For a short video this has a lot of wisdom. It was great!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you liked it!

[@dekar820]

I started my forge for the first time this week by following your videos. I made my first "J" and "S" hooks. Even sold one. I'm super grateful for your inspiration. Thank you!

[@BlackBearForge]

Nice work!

[@skilletborne]

I'm an artist and animator by day, but I also play and write music, I do a little software development, I'm an aspiring cook, and I love blacksmithing. I'm also far less affluent than that makes me sound! I scrape and save and spend everything on my hobbies. For me it's just about making the world a little happier in the ways I want life to be. Blacksmithing is the one that feels the most tangible, because something I make can be physically held in the hands of someone in 3 generations, making them as excited as the old tools I find in auctions and thrift shops now

[@normandbujold6677]

I agree with all the reasons you gave and would add the satisfaction of offering someone the unique custom piece that can’t be anywhere else.

[@Cratercitysmith]

it’s almost like there’s something in our brains that thinks of these items and ideas and you know that you are the only thing inbetween this being real or just a thought. it’s a beautiful feeling and when i get those thoughts of creating it’s incredibly hard to let it pass

[@ericwhitmire4610]

I make things because I have to. It's like taking a breath after holding it for too long when I make something. This channel has taught me most of what I know about blacksmithing and given me another outlet for my need to create. Thanks john!

[@sherlock1159]

Your videos are honestly so helpful, when I was saving up for my anvil, over the course of six months your videos are what kept me interested in the craft. I learned so much that I’ve finally gotten to apply to my own projects! For me the process of creating is its own reward.

[@gaylecoombs5510]

Sir i cant begin to explain how much youve helped me and watching you, you gave me the passion and beginning skills needed to start my journey. Im so thankful that i found your channel. Thank you for what you do sir, it helps tremendously. Hope you have a great day and weekend cant wait to see your next video

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos

[@yasashidoku]

I create because I need to. Be it writing, trying to compose music (I really suck at this) or woodworking... Creativity is as important to me as breathing and eating. I've been writing for almost 30 years now and still improving my skills and started woodworking and woodturning 2 years ago because I had this compelling urge to actually create something with my hands, not with my mind only. I finished my first music instrument a few months ago and I aim at becoming a luthier just because I want to do it, not to pay the bills but because I want to. I can't explain it. I need to create. Art is life. Thank you for your inspiring videos!

[@valsforge4318]

Well said! I agree with you on all points. I am happiest when I am in my shop even when working on something difficult.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Why do I make things? Mainly because I need them right now and it gives me a sense of accomplishment to see what I CAN do. Something someone else can admire and might save some where for someone to look at and think about making it better or better looking. Thanks for sharing with us John, stay safe and keep up the good videos and the fun you have around there. Fred.

[@fourgedmushrooms5958]

My favourite thing is when I make a tool too make a tool too make a thing. Very cool experience. Especially when it's largely made from junk or 100+ year old equipment

[@awyeagames]

Valeu!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you so much

[@jamesperkins9833]

John, I was having this very same internal conversation with myself just the other day. I was working on a project trying to get something to fit just right while on my shoulder was a little devil telling me “it’s good enough.” I started thinking about the quality of my work and what I’m leaving for future generations to hopefully enjoy while thinking about why I bothered working in the shop at all. I came up with the same reason you mentioned here I appreciate the video thank you.

[@johnsims5330]

I have given this subject thought before. I don't have an answer. I'm compelled. I see things in my head and some part of me says I have to bring that into the world. I don't know why. Sometimes, we do things in life and we don't know why we do them but we do them anyway. I'm just happy that working with metal brings me joy.

[@Rustinox]

Or just for the fun of making something. It doesn't need to be art. Creating smiles isn't art. It's just... beautiful.

[@ThomasDavis-pn6xl]

The art of creating something that is useful to you or someone else is a gift from the heart ❤️ ❤ else

[@swc1606c]

Great sentiment and I agree with everyting you said. I think it comes down to two important things, desire and accomplishment. There is a physiological response to accomplishment, your body produces hormones that cause physical comfort and euphoria when you accomplish something you set as a goal. Desire sometimes has a negative conotation when it should be the primary motivation for everything that you do. Regardless of success or failure, just do something that you want to do that accomplishes a goal.

[@smaugsgollum]

You are a big inspiration for me to learn and make my own fire poker. Since my son is now learning, thanks to you and Alec Steel the art loves on. We do it for the joy of doing it, and it makes some great gifts.

[@racerofrc]

I have been Blacksmithing for 20+ years now. As an Introverted person it has allowed me a great path to meet and now teach this great Craft.

[@paullongley1221]

I agree wholeheartedly with you, wether we leave our mark on something, or inspire others to be creative in some way, time spent in our workshops is time well spent. Whatever size or type the shop is.

[@LewisAngelForge]

I make and create because i want to, not because i have to. I make stuff for family and friends and they seem to appreciate my works. Which does make me feel good that they value what i make. I appreciate your videos for helping to inspire and teach me how to do blacksmithing. 👍

[@jeffreymiller9706]

Your videos help inspire other makers. I learned blacksmithing basics as a means to behin bladesmithing. Currently 13 hunters withing a mile of my home own and carry blades that i made. Im leaving my mark on the community.

[@kimmosaarinen2780]

I'm not even a blacksmith, hobby woodworker that uses only hand tools, this guy still can inspire me. Ofc I'm thinking building budget forge and whatnot in the near future, cause I would love to make my own hooks, hinges, corner pieces and many other things that I can use in woodworking.

[@michaelrichard5554]

There used to be a blacksmith who lived not far from me named Nol Putnam. Nol did a couple of the gates on the Washington National Cathedral in DC. I had the privilege of visiting his workshop and home and seeing his beautiful work. Nol was gracious enough to cut off the bottom of a nitrogen tank for me that I ended up making into a bell that still hangs on my home. Yes, we create because it adds to our lives.

[@BlackBearForge]

Nol came out to Colorado to demonstrate, great blacksmith and a great human being. I really wish I could have known him better. I was lucky enough to have the winning bid on his demo piece which now hangs in the shop. One of the most inspirational videos I have ever seen on KZbin is this short documentary on one of his gates for the national cathedral. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHyVhnuZnst-Y7c

[@michaelrichard5554]

@@BlackBearForge His shop was superbly equipped. I remember he used to say that he would commit to a project but wouldn't commit on a delivery date. That and he charged something like 10% of the project cost for any changes made by the customer after he'd started. As encouragement for anyone who thinks they're too old to start smithing, I think Nol got started about age 50!

[@Smallathe]

Awesome video. Yes, we make stuff because it's fun, because we learn from this, expand our skills, know-how, use new tools, etc. That's a lot of fun and you can give a gift to a friend, possibly enjoy extra-income (especially if you don't need it). It builds communities of people with the same interest around us, which is a lot of fun and interest too.

[@gizmo4816]

"I want work that survives" This. This right here. I don't care if, after I'm gone, anyone remembers that as an individual, existed. I care that I leave something behind that another person can look at and know that SOMEONE existed and set out to try to make the world a little better in some small way.

[@centerededgedesignusa7957]

I create for the flow state, the ability to lose myself in the process and build skills. Sometimes that leads to burnout, when I don't have new things to learn, but then I pivot and learn new skills, like I hope to do with blacksmithing, when I have the space. Its also great to have skills to call on for problem solving, and the more things you know, the more things you can solve!

[@cbylsma626]

The beauty of blacksmithing is there's always something new to learn! We can go from making simple objects to the most ornate items... and then angle our attention to other ways to Blacksmith... like bladesmithing, etc! Hammer on!!

[@rustybow7293]

Thanks, John. This was good. Human spirit wants to grow...to live. Make it for yourself? Or posterity? How many 'makes' are lost to time? The doing is the thing that matters. Everything else is the quench. :) thanks again, bro.

[@royfrasersparks7846]

I think people look past the fact that they are creations. That we are , is taken for granted which goes hand in hand with today's accessibility to necessities without having to create them one's self. I view my creating life as a determined need to enable myself to be less reliant on instant gratification afforded by shopping. I view creating as exploration and discovery of what can be and a challenge to myself to build my skill set in order to craft something tangible and functional. Functional in the form of a decorative art piece to please the eye or a useable tool or instrument. More broadly to create an opportunity for myself and others to appreciate what is achievable by applying the gifts we have been blessed with by our Almighty Creator. Greetings from South Africa.

[@shaun3276]

Art is what makes us human 👏

[@trader025]

Have a high stress job it allows me to completely disconnect and forget about work for 2 or 3 days on the weekends and evenings. And its fun!

[@douglasbidwell3229]

I am Happy to be the proverbial Jack of All Trades and Master Student of Many, I enjoy the challenge of creating anything, idle hands make Jack a dull Boy is a fact, I intentionally adopted a personal growth program I call it "My One Thing Theory!" I make a list of things that I have chosen to do, each day I commit to invest My focused attention to that one thing, Be it read, practice, build, or produce! It removes the tendency to get overwhelmed by the growing number of projects I used to put off trying to find the time get around to doing or trying! After all the journey of a thousand miles only begins with an Intentional Choice to take that first step! Never heard anyone complain that They had done, Learned, or accomplished too many things in Their Lives! 🤔😎

[@MisterTee2010]

What's the point in anything we do ? I am 66 years old, I am never going to become a blacksmith, so what's the point of me watching your videos? Because I enjoy it. I find it fascinating and entertaining. Love your videos.

[@frenchcreekvalley]

Why do I "create"? The blacksmithing itself, building webpages, making and editing youtube videos, etc... -The personal challenge -to educate -to pass on insights, kinda like education, but if I think I have have found something that others have missed, I like to bring that bit of knowledge to light

[@TalRohan]

I started making to give me a hands on way of controlling what I now know is ADHD, I learnt blacksmithing as a child but have over the years made everything from tools to hedges and woodland, ponds and rock gardens, carpentry and fishing lures I am back to blacksmithing so I keep myself active and busy in a constructive way . I am a creator at heart. ADHD is incredibly destructive if you don't look after yourself and creating is one of my most practical ways of doing that.

[@jonas.rystedt.blacksmith]

For me, the keyword is "want" I want to forge items that other people want, not that they need them but because they want them. To me there's no better feeling than when I deliver an item and it exceeds the customers expectations. That feeling keeps me on my toes and always trying to do my best.

[@woodcutter4670]

I make bottle openers from a part of a horseshoe. One part of the horseshoe I forge into a hoof pick and the remainder I forge into a bottle opener. The hoof pick one uses before the ride, and the bottle opener gets used after the ride. However, more often than not these days, my forging follows more along the line of repairing something, or making something, to make a job easier, like some kind of tool. In the past I made items for the home, curtain rods, drawer pulls, door knocker etc. These items I made reflect throughout the home the interest that the wife and I share and are just too give the home some modicum of custom, original pieces and not a off the shelf, standard, run of the mill appearance.

[@billssmithy7352]

Yep!

[@SavageSalvageSmithing]

This is exactly why I struggle to get into the shop sometimes. I wonder if I'm just spinning my wheels. Thank you for this.

[@mickellis8747]

I built a mini bike when I was 12, I taught myself how to oxy weld when I was 14, no internet, no books and no mentor and built expansion chambers for motor bikes, modified frame etc. I'm a diesel fitter by trade but I love machining and fabrication. I had a well paying office job for 13 years but found it boring so I went back to fabrication and welding (and a little bit of blacksmithing) and finished my working life doing that. During that time I taught myself how to tig weld mainly through KZbin videos. Now my old boss calls me back in on occasions to do welding on his drag car. I've been retired for 5 years and not a day goes by where I'm not doing something creative, I have a small hobby machine shop in the shed. At the moment, I'm in the middle of installing an off grid solar system on my shed. I was asked recently why, haven't you got power in your shed? which I do but I think the answer is I like to challenge myself and I like the process of researching and learning. It keeps me active and it's better than sitting on the couch watching the idiot box.

[@bhazen406]

Because I find peace in the noise of the anvil, the beauty in a hand tooled belt that just keeps someone's pants off the ground that was once a cow on the plains who had to struggle through the cold winters. And the fight of the tree over 70 years just to get sick and be taken out with a chainsaw and axe sure it could become firewood. But with a mill it can be shared with others around the table with a meal. At the end of the day anyone can do what I do but few take the effort to. Half of them won't even put together a night stand from IKEA

[@ronthacker211]

As a lifelong Wood Worker with generations of heritage, most any DIY skill, effort or creation is SO SATISIFING. It's kind of like an adrenalin rush of a winning athlete, or the satisfaction of just standing back and saying, with a smile... I MADE THAT.

[@awyeagames]

I make videogames as a hobby and I feel completely represented by this video.

[@systemtim]

Making and creating is fun, it’s good for your mental health and it inspires some people. Just as some are inspired by sport or music (or anything else) we are all different and for some of us making something is a passion and joy. Dont worry about why just do it and enjoy it.