Why I blacksmith - a look at my personal evolution in blacksmithing

[@brandonburdette7895]

Thanks for sharing your story john

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

Your a awesome guy John ! It's great to hear how you came to be :-) God bless

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks Roy

[@mikeywatts322]

..and this is a great example of why i (and 13,999 others) keep watching- beside the top shelf blacksmithing and your tutorials, it's the plain-and-simple open and honest, kind and generous way you have that simply cannot be faked. that's what i reckon, anyway..and it really is a credit to you. goodonya John, thanks for the story and I hope your holiday is everything you and your missus hoped for.

[@LaviniaWhately]

54,695 and counting. :D

[@lonewolfforge7603]

135,000 now

[@war-wick6379]

185k now

[@thomashverring9484]

@@war-wick6379 And 188k just a month later!

[@colinmackay92]

196k now.

[@alainqueyras372]

John good evening. I am the French of the Alps. You know, no you don't know, I don't speak English. I never learned English at school. I speak a little German, Tibetan, Japanese also a few words of Italian and Spanish, but not English. The mysteries of Life. Still, I've been spending hours watching your videos on KZbin for the past few months, and I can figure it out. I am learning a lot from you. Not only the language but also this passion for the forge that you know how to transmit. I think you succeeded because you are a wish giver. Someone we want to follow. You are one of those Men that we never meet but that sometimes life, luck, allows us to meet. I wanted to thank you for that. With all my respect. Sincerely. Alain Queyras

[@oljames1687]

..Papaw on dad's side used to say.- "..do what makes you sleep best at night, then the next morning get at it bright and early."...

[@thejosuchav]

Ol James wisdom at its best

[@JS-xi5nk]

Pawpaw is a smart fellow.

[@nicholecrouch311]

I'm sure he was a very wise man, my grandpa is wise but very negative towards my blacksmithing hobby unfortunately but my friend that's almost 70 said it'll be a good skill because you need a tool, you can make the tool yourself and love that tool that much more

[@gunterhausfrau]

my grampa said "enjoy what you do, and you will never work a day in your life"...

[@grandadz_forge]

"John Switzer in The Accidental Blacksmith". Coming to a theater near you.

[@JarlSeamus]

Including a South Park cameo......

[@paulorchard7960]

Frustrated woodworker finds his passion! You gotta thank all those old chippies for hiding their tools from John!

[@Aco747lyte]

John, your sharing such a wonderful story just endorsed my daughter's self-belief making "Iron and Fire" her career. We were visiting Nev Morris in North Wales for a restoration job when Molly went unusually silent. On our return home she said "Mum - I'm gonna be a blacksmith. No doubt." 3 years later we're working together. A *big* thank you for this. -Wendi.

[@tayyabsafdar7069]

I am 73, you telling my story, regards, the only difference is l like and do wood work also....best of luck, good health. God bless all hard working craftsman. Best wishes.

[@ApKNJ]

John, from your clarity of expression and presentation skill, I'd have figured you had a background in teaching or communications. I just got into blacksmithing last year, and have years of educational KZbin content to catch up on (and that's just on your channel alone!) but of the various smiths I've been learning from both online and off, you're the one I'd most like to take an in person class with someday. Thanks for all this!

[@manifesto8159]

Dude your a legend! Sooo helpful to us peons who are just tipping our toes in this ocean of knowledge!

[@michelleschisler2850]

Thank you for your videos. I love to sit back and watch you create. My 16 year old son is getting an anvil and forge for Christmas this year. He looks at your videos to learn. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@stuffbywoody5497]

@blackbearforge , thank you for sharing your story. I'm watching this video 2 years later. I enjoy everything I watch on your channel. I plan on watching your videos for as long as you make them. Thank you John.

[@theflyfishingnomad9641]

At 60 y/o and a former rock, ice and mountain climber I would never have pictured you as one. I also filled the roll of medic/firefighter, both military and civilian, for part of my life. And like you was exposed to metal/wood working, welding etc in school and have decided to pick them up again in my retirement years. Just picked up a 120 lb ACME anvil yesterday and a hand operated blower the seller included. I first joined your channel when you had around 25K followers, it’s been great learning from you and watching your KZbin grow. Thank you for all the effort you’ve put into it.

[@49michaelt]

Enjoyed this bio very much. I had been a hobby blacksmith for over 30 years and retired from my day job last June to become a full time smith. I am now 69 and working as hard as I ever have. Thanks for your efforts to share your skills and knowledge. I visit your channel as often as I can.

[@rangerknow940]

The world needs more blacksmiths John. Automation and mass production is taking over the world and getting a quality hand made product is dependent on having blacksmiths and other "traditional" handy craftsman. The first hatchet I ever had was an Estwing that would fold at the edge when you went to sharpen it and it could not hold an edge better than a piece of plain mild steel. Paid good money for a draw knife from Austria and it had cracks it. Good quality tools are so hard to come by anymore unless they are hand made by a professional.

[@nathaniellee4471]

This man is a true-grit artist through and through and I really appreciate his honest words. I am inspired!

[@tashkilat_kaveh_ahangar]

I had some capital, but I didn't have a good job, I have been watching videos about blacksmithing and working with metal for several years , I enjoyed them, my father was a knife maker, and these two things made me want to work as a blacksmith. I am currently making knifes and billhooks ,I am learning advanced blacksmithing and I also really enjoy your videos and I learned a lot of tips from you thank you very much❤❤❤

[@chadlee1571]

You sir are a good example of what this world needs more of! You forgot teacher and a good one at that! I've been with ya from the start and you have taught all of us something about blacksmithing... your story proves that with patience , perseverance, dedication and courage ohh and a little humility our dreams can be obtained! I say thank you and good on ya! I hope ya continue to do the videos and find the balance but whatever you decide good luck with all of it!!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@tonygougeon5100]

I learn so much each time I watch your videos. Fun and educational.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you like them!

[@steveRBForge]

Thank you John. I’m 65 and just starting in blacksmithing. Your videos are inspiring and entertaining. I believe you should do what makes you happy. Keep up the good work.

[@larrydbrazil]

Hi John. You remind me in many ways of the qualities of the best teachers I have had in my life so far. I appreciate the things I have learned from you about blacksmithing, tools, forges and coal, as well as your patient and deliberate teaching methods. In my early 20s I acquired a used portable forge, a 55 lb anvil and some used tools, and learned to use them to make or modify horse shoes for our family horses and many neighbors' horses as well. Although my 1st career in the meat business lasted 40 years, like you, I retired and am now able broaden my skills at the forge and in my woodshop. Thank you for making my life more rewarding and interesting. You Tube is a wonderful place to learn and meet great people like you. Making retired life enjoyable and interesting learning new skills is a great way to wind up! or wind down?

[@brandoncox7460]

John you are such a great inspiration to all of us aspiring blacksmiths. You explain things in a way that always makes since and you show us how to do things where you dont have have to have a power hammer or press to do them! I've learned how to do more things from you in the past 6 months than I have by reading every blacksmithing book I can find in the past 3 years. I know you are going to keep growing on KZbin and with that your etsy shop will too!!!! You my friend are a true embodiment of what it means to be a craftsman!!!!!! Keep up the great work and thank you!

[@patrickkelly9721]

Your videos have been an inspirational guide for me to give blacksmithing a try. Kind of late to the game for me, starting this at 64 years old. It is intended as a hobby for me. My middle son has said he's interested too, but has not helped as I made an anvil stand and set up the gas forge. My biggest huedle(@) is time. I'm an OTR truck driver and home only 2 days a week. And, starting later in life, I'm short on time to develop any refined skill. But I'm giving it a go anyway. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@klasjensgard2177]

I really appreciate you sharing your experience and knowledge on youtube. You are one of my main tutors and you've inspired me to build my own blacksmith. Thank you 😃

[@ronarnott1801]

I certainly enjoy your work and KZbin contributions

[@jcamisa50]

Thank you for sharing your life as to how you got where you are now. I just enjoy watching you create and how you explain the process. Good luck as to what ever you decide. ♥️👌

[@scarymonsterguy]

Iv recently started blacksmithing, and Iv found your videos helpful in so many ways. A year into it and I still watch your videos daily! You’re talent, time and effort are greatly appreciated!

[@leegibbs6753]

My first blacksmithing experience that I remember I was about 5 or 6 years old and was cranking the blower on my Grandfather's riveters forge for my father who was sharpening some cultivater teeth for a neighbor. I was allowed to use the forge and anvil along with quite an assortment of tongs as soon as I was old enough to handle them. The first real project that I made was a hunting knife blade. My father had a beautiful hunting knife that he had made and I asked him to make me one. He told me "make it yourself ".He guided me through it. The next thing I made was a fish spear for sucker spearing. That was considerably more involved as it involved forge welding as we had no other type of welder. From that it was upward and onward mostly only when I needed something. I finally started blacksmithing professionally part time in the early 90's. I now have six anvils, three forges, one stone forge 2 1/2 by 3' with an old commercial firepot and hand crank blower, one old commercial forge 3×4' with attached quenching tank and a rheostat controlled blower built probably in the late teens to early 20's, and my Grandfather's riveters forge. I have three post vice's 4,6,& 8". I have a 5' and 3' cone, two swage blocks,15 to 20 hammers, assortment of Hardie tools, a couple of different cut-off tools, probably about 30 tongs, and a 50# trip hammer. These have been acquired over the years. I feel very fortunate to have had encouragement from my father before he passed. Lee Gibbs, Scotts, Michigan

[@Alanbataar]

Hello John. As always, I've enjoyed this video. My wife & I run our own business (graphic design & illustration) and we reached the conclusion that if we aren't good at or don't enjoy a task, we do it poorly, or perhaps it doesn't get done at all. We've had an accountant for ages, but recently hired a bookkeeper. Our bookkeeper does in 2 hours what it takes both of us most of a day to do. She's efficient, and it's money well spent - we GAIN nearly a FULL DAY of productive time by paying for just those two hours. She could charge 2x our own hourly rate, and we'd still come out ahead. By hiring others to do what they do best, it frees you up to do what you do best. In your case, I suspect you could find a young person to take on packing & shipping, and a bookkeeper to handle billing and banking, and you'll reap benefits.

[@Steveothegreat1]

That's awesome brother I was a firefighter for 7 years all volunteer and now trying to get into blacksmithing. Really cool to hear your story

[@cwis8406]

I dont want to jinx it but your like to dislike ratio is one of the highest on this internet. Great and wholesome we love you

[@jameshuggins4300]

Enjoy your channel John my daughter is currently at fort sam. Thanks for your service. Both in the army and as a firefighter

[@tomayrscotland6890]

Hi Blacksmith can you not take on an apprentice?. I wish I had stayed with my grandfather he was a real proffesional blacksmith. But at 16 I wanted to see what was out there in the big wide world?. I came on to utube accidently and found your show, Since seeing your show 2 years ago I have got my forge built I am using an h beam as an anvil; and I am looking to get a real anvil soon. Your nice part of a life story was nice to watch, I might get my story in there too sometime, but I will have to go to Dundee and try and pick up where I left off. Old bob died in the 70s and i never was in touch with him after about 1966. my loss. But thank you for your nice story and your way into blacksmithing. I have all the other skills welding and being able to use all types of welding and burning gear. but I will get back to you later in the year; winter here now so I am sort of shut down at 75 years old? to cold to work. bye all - take care.

[@Steve-hq4oc]

What a great story. I'm 59 and started learning smithing about 2 years ago...my stuff is still rough but I'm having a blast and watch your videos for inspiration. Thank you!.

[@lynnkerr372]

Very interesting , rendezvous is what introduced me to blacksmithing . Making stuff you like in my opinion is what makes blacksmithing so enjoyable .

[@SivaKumar-bx3fn]

Certainly. The Black smithy works is very essential for all kinds of other works. Without the best Black smithy works there is no production of any works. I am also following your Blessings with experience. It is giving us very proud and peaceful. Thank you. From traditional Black smithy Artisan in Tamilnadu. India. 🤝🙏🌹

[@shanestevenson9501]

Thank you for sharing your path! Loved hearing it!

[@1crazynordlander]

I am guessing we are the same age. I live out in the rural area. I have watched a lot of your videos. I have greatly enjoyed your videos. My daughter and family live in the Denver area. I make it there twice a year. Hopefully I will bump into you someday. I like to cut and weld metal to make jigs and fixtures for repairing tractors. This has piqued my interest as I am trying to retire and find something to do. Thanks for sharing your skills. You explain the steps you take to create an item in your videos very well.

[@johnthero8102]

live stream needs better i net then available ware i live here in Ar the town i live near is 977 persons i like your videos i was a iron worker / black smith 40 + yrs ago but nafta made me change to nursing now that i have dementia starting i am getting back to it so thank you for your work and videos i like the reminders on how to do some of the things i used to do but forgot

[@markschweter6371]

Don't get bogged down in the YouTUBE presentations, you've been pumping out a lot more than one would expect in a week's time. Better to mind the shop and keep the window open so we can peek inside from time to time. Keep up the spectacular content when you do publish a video! (John's everyone's favorite uncle, who's a blacksmith. :^)

[@johnpeters9175]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Super interesting back story.

[@dirkhafner9970]

You’re an awesome teacher Bro! I really have learned from you! Thank you!

[@tonybiello7464]

We pretty much share the same history. 30 year police officer, retired out2008. Started in kydex holsters, which led to leather holsters. I now do holsters and belts . Started out to finance buying firearms collection. Now I’m going toward the blacksmithing trade. You are my mentor! Great videos! Purchased my forge on your advice and now on a desperate search. For van anvil but prices are crazy high in metro Atlanta areas. Keep up the training videos!Big fan thanks for sharing your knowledge and skill!

[@michaeld6968]

Always enjoy your videos, I was at Fort Sam Houston in the spring of '73.I became an Army medic and later that year I was in a Dustoff unit until I left the Army in Dec. of '75. I was interested in Blacksmithing since I was a kid when I built my first forge out of stacked cement blocks. I was amazed at what I could do with fire and iron... my Dad, a volunteer firefighter was not as thrilled...I retired from the State of Colorado as a firefighter in 2019. I have learned quite a bit from your channel, thanks I just bought a really nice 1902 Hay-Budden anvil 198 lbs. my first being an M&H Armitage probably from about 1830 with a slight swayback... I have a shop I built in Longmont and do what I enjoy...Thanks for the help..

[@noonestoplooking]

Mr John you are a really swell guy. Me and my dad blacksmith on the weekend and we love watching you videos and tutorials.

[@bazzi11]

Thank you for all the great info you provide! 🙏

[@binkykingsbury2000]

John I had mentioned before that you should make series of DVD's. This was before l saw all that you have done to put yourself out there. You are great with all you do and all of the tutorial that you give on your videos. I too as well as many other's I'm sure started with the cold chisel in junior high school. Today they don't have shop class in school's. Please keep up the good work hopefully the kid's of today will watch,learn and partake in the art that you so creatively teach.

[@nickyhughes2008]

One of the greatest blacksmith channels on KZbin and one of the best videos i have watched

[@williambarnhartblacksmith414]

I think you've got a better story than I. Lol My first experience with blacksmithing was in a videogame and, even though it was inaccurate, I thought the idea of making all of those weapons and things was awesome. So I started researching it then told my dad what I was doing. Now I'm here a couple years later.

[@BlackBearForge]

Enjoy your journey. There are endless possibilities

[@ahorseman4ever1]

Congratulations on your retirement! I retired in 2012. I was a firefighter/emt in Bellevue Washington. I did farrier and horse training for the past 30 years but have a strong interest in blacksmithing. I enjoy your channel!

[@elmerfox6872]

People like you will be needed in the latter days, as scriptures tell us that we will beat our weapons into shears and pruning hooks, I too desire to learn blacksmiths as have have become older. Bless you, I think there is more to it then you realize.

[@carlwhite8225]

I love your channel, I started doing some small blacksmithing Jobs after watching your channel, I had my uncles forge, Anvil and a bunch of hammers that the estate was going to throw away so i got it free. Love the hook of the week, great practice for a newbie. I get steel drops from several local machine shops to make stuff, so very satisfying to make something from scrap. Thanks for sharing your skills.

[@johncrowe5164]

Great Video! Before this I Assumed We Didn't Have Much in Common..1st Off I Don't Know Where My Junior High Made Cold Chisel is Either. I Also like Roy Underhill & that Type of Woodworking. I've Got Several Hewing Axes..½ a Dozen Drawknives Even a Couple Broadaxes.. Always Wanted a Froe But Those Are Harder to Come By than an Affordable Anvil. I Like the Word Evolved Rather than Changed. I've Been a Chimney Sweep for the Past 25 Years & Thru Chimney Sweeping I Evolved into Masonry. I Wouldn't Say I'm Retired Although I Often Call Myself a Semi Retired Chimney Sweep. Fact is I Just Can't Do it Anymore.. I'm Looking Into Blacksmithing to Make a Froe & Also Some Stone Carving Tools. My Knees are Shot & I'm Looking for Something I Can Be Passionate About & Not Climb Scaffolding & Ladders. I Wasted Much of My Youth Wasted Whether is was Alcohol or Drugs.. I Don't have the Luxury of a Pension Because I Didn't Put in the Work or Planning. I Do Have a Very Nice Civil War Era Home with a Nice Shop. I'm Working on Getting a Forge Set Up Here to Start Smithing. Your Videos Here Have Been Very Helpful to Me. I Do Appreciate them & Your Efforts to Share Your Experience

[@SS-kg2pe]

Thanks John for sharing all your back story. I have always had a bug for working with metal since high school metal shop. I'm 51 now, and recently discovered your channel. I absolutely love it. I hope it all works out for you in whatever may come.

[@brysonhampel5731]

well you tutorials are helping me stay ahead of my son in his blacksmithing. My son is 16 now and with your help I am learning enough to keep him challenged. We have taken your instruction and he is now looking at collage classes for metals. just wanted to say thanks....bryson

[@geoffreynewton5839]

I started out as a saddle maker in pretty much the same way that you started as a blacksmith and I have been doing it full time for almost 30yrs. I have had an interest in blacksmithing since the mid 70s and have fiddled with it for twenty odd years. I made the forge I use, complete with squirrel cage fan out of an air conditioner, every hammer I use as well as all the tongs, punches and chisels etc. I’m 63 this year so I guess I need to follow your advice and “retire “ and start black smithing full time! Great channel.

[@sleepingbear7182]

Thanks for the video. I was first exposed to blacksmithing at the age of five, I went to the local blacksmith shop with my Dad. The neat tools and the smell of the coal smoke got me hooked. Now, 61 years later, I still love the smell of the coal smoke. And spend 4 days a week in the shop at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum in Cleburne, Texas.

[@BlackBearForge]

Wonderful story

[@harleyhonk2477]

Sir, I came across your channel only recently, which I love by the way. I am just setting up my own forge and beginning to learn the craft. Struck a chord with me with this latest update. I’m a uk cop and work a long week too.. so you’ve just inspired me on once again. I’m nearly 50 and can appreciate the hard hard work your putting in, but please please continue inspiring us with your great skill and talent to teach. My respect 😁

[@floydlivingston8205]

The life story is priceless.this boys and girls is how you find your way through life.I my self do something entirely different than what I started out in early on in life to do

[@tonyjones1378]

Thanks for sharing 🇺🇸👍👍

[@robertkatekaru887]

Thank you for sharing. I worked as an employment consultant and I am always fascinated by people, their careers and hobbies.

[@Sleepyjackable]

Man, you have taught me so much through your KZbin videos. Beyond the knowledge you've provided you have helped me realize that, at some point, I can do this for a living. Currently I'm working in film and TV building sets--it pays really well--but the schedule is a fucking nightmare. I'm basically doing what you are. Working a job that isn't ideal to make money and everything my blacksmithing or fabrication/welding earns me goes back into the shop. Cheers, and good luck to you and your future endeavors.

[@geneticdisorder1900]

2-22-2021. 18,759 people have watched this video. Keep up the awesome vids !!

[@donnarhill1932]

Thanks John!

[@jungko9031]

Thank you for spending time teaching and sharing your blacksmith experience with all of us. I learned a lot about blacksmithing and hopefully will get into this interesting craft one day.

[@huntintrailmetals9343]

Great story wish I could come work under you as an apprentice! It would be an honor to learn from you.

[@justanothajoe]

I'm pretty late to the game here. I'd like to say I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I love watching your videos. I've had much the same experience with some significant differences but I ended up building my own forge and buying a new anvil. The anvil was at the time, the most expensive tool I'd ever purchased. I've now got more knife interest and orders than I can keep up with. I'm still learning everyday. I'm no expert in any respect but I have enough understanding to realize what I'm working at. There aren't a lot of places I can find learning instances.. You, good Sir, are one that I find myself coming back to for information. I can't honestly say that I've watched all of your videos but I've watched a good few. I'm a vet, all blowed up and disabled. The things I could do I can't anymore. I've hit a reset point and I'm thinking about going into this as a full time thing. Thank you for all that you do. I'm going to buy a hold fast soon. I could make my own but I'd rather take your advice and buy one from someone who does it better than I could. Again, thank you! I don't expect you to reply or even acknowledge me. My only way to say thank you is to buy one of your tools that I honestly need. If you do read this, keep doing exactly what you're doing. Share...that's the circle of life!

[@SivaKumar-bx3fn]

Welcome. I am also Black smith .Thankful to your encourage to me

[@scottpayne5478]

I love your story. I’m new at blacksmithing. I am 50 years old and just retired from Lew Enforcement after 23 years. I’m so inspired by you and your work. Thank you, Scott

[@bascostbudde7614]

It's good you're here sir, humanity needs craftsmen like you. Making actual things. Motivating by being real. You'll be a topic in my lessons -- and I teach math.

[@BlackBearForge]

As of why I should have paid more attention in Algebra no doubt. 😉

[@bascostbudde7614]

No, for "don't settle" and "work it hot". Kids need focus.

[@dmckenzie9281]

Thanks for this peek into your history. I retired from the fire department in December of 2019 after a 30 year career. After retiring I have decided to do something that I was always interested which is blacksmithing.I have very little experience but am enjoying learning. Your channel is a big part of it.Thanks

[@heliarcweldandmachine]

great to hear your story mate, no need to comment back to every email and comment just enjoy the original craft. thanks

[@jimtalbot3989]

Really enjoyed this video. Thanks John!

[@GWIRailroad]

Wow that is awesome, I retired in 2002 from the Fire Department after 33 years. I wish I had found the blacksmithing sooner, I sure like it as a hobby. Great way to keep your mind active.

[@TBizzell68]

I’ve got almost 30 years in the fire service, I’m 51 and still on the engine as a Lt. by choice. I’ve always had an interest in blacksmithing but only recently started becoming serious about it, I am building a small gas forge and have narrowed down my anvil choice. I’m a welder and carpenter and have worked most of the building trades off and on as side work. I’m starting to try and get a shop together for retirement, to keep me off the streets and provide a little tool money. Thanks for your videos, they are inspirational and are helping me get lined out. I’ll send you a station T-shirt if you are interested.

[@BlackBearForge]

Blacksmithing is a great way to stay busy. I retired from 56 hrs a week in the fire service, now I work 60 hours per week as a blacksmith

[@TheRustyGarageandHomestead]

Getting close to the 15k subscriber mark. John I love all the info you give out.

[@CountyLineForge]

You are quickly becoming one of my favorite Smith's to watch. Thank you for all the information you share with us!

[@daniellycett6843]

Thanks I knew I liked you we have similar evolution's, I started Blacksmithing in about 2002 , I had joined the Marine Corps in 1980, after 9/11 2001 I felt I had to do something and I joined the CANG and was deployed to Iraq. I recently retired from the CANG as a SSG now itis time for me. I am back to blacksmithing and you are a central part of my education.

[@scottsalgren2024]

Thanx so much for sharing your personal journey with us all. Wether you're working at the forge and anvil, talking about the why's and how's of a project, just rambling on or playing the banjo, I really look forward to the videos you produce.

[@jgmb4308]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY,,, VERY INSPIRATIONAL !!! I'M LEARNING TOO MUCH WITH YOUR VIDEOS !

[@tobyjo57]

Time to take an chill out John youv'e served your time and have a happy retirement Thanks for sharing your knowledge and self taught experience

[@fuegofyter4952]

I very much appreciate you sharing your story! I am following your career path:-) 4 years on ambulances, 26 years (so far) professional firefighter, aspiring and future blacksmith...

[@workwithnature]

Thanks foe sharing your story and I hope KZbin will get more profitable for you too. You are sure heading in that direction in my opinion. Cool you build a straw bale house. I imagine you lime washed the outside? Cheers John for showing all your knowledge.

[@BlackBearForge]

We actually used a cement stucco. I think a clay plaster would be good, but constant maintenance.

[@robarcher3892]

Not the type of video I usually watch, but I'm glad I did. Nice story of your life. Keep it hot, hit it hard sir.

[@galendirks1580]

Thanks for the good video. I'm 64 and I plan on retiring in a year or so from my wood Milling business and Build mostly furniture with some Ornamental Iron on it and I really appreciate your videos and what I've learned from them. I watched the new one every morning when I drink my coffee. Thanks so much!! Galen Dirks in Alabama

[@davidstevens5908]

Thanks for sharing

[@McStunkerson]

Thanks for the great videos!......... I like that you don't edit out the important detail for the sake of making a 10 min video as opposed to 30-40 min.......... I am from Manitoba Canada and also built strawbale......... I hobby smith on a 11/4 weight brooks .....home made propane forge and "no weld" grinder .....that I actually welded....... primarily hunting knives......... keep up the vids we appreciate them!

[@gordonfamilyforge134]

My whole family loves watching your videos and my daughter wants to be a blacksmith now she's 9 years old. I'm trying to set up a forge myself and my yard and I'd be really interested to see if I can get you to make me a two and a half pound rounding hammer. Keep up the great work we love watching you take care be careful

[@wingmaster7422]

the best story I've heard in a while

[@pivers01]

It's funny that one of your inspirations for blacksmithing came from The Woodrights Shop. I loved watching that show over the years, and it's one of the reasons why I love your channel. Your channel has the same character and feel of that show. I too got my first taste of blacksmithing back in high school, along with all that comes out of metal shop class, plus a few other forms of materials working and art over the past 30+years since school. I'm a couple months away from buying some forest acreage and building a home and shop on it, and am really looking forward to finally being able to start blacksmithing again, and hopefully including some of my many other skills into what I create. Thank you for all the great content you put out, I truly get a lot out of it! Have a Merry Christmas!

[@TufStockdogs]

Thank you John this was very helpful to me. This is a new job for me I am doing after my accident and haven't heeled enough to ride a horse yet but this has helped to get back my balance and get to hit where I want to. Am I going to be a blacksmith I don't know but for now this and learning from you tube had really helped I thank you very much.

[@denniscollins1857]

Thanks John, really enjoyed that. Will be watching you as long as you post video's.

[@125spectrum]

Thank you for your story. Really enjoy your content. It is great to hear about your journey, to where you are now. I'm not a maker but would love to have a shop, if I had the room. Keep up the good work. Thanks again. Paul

[@zeke1eod]

Wow, thanks for sharing and thanks for your military/fire service. I spent 16 years as law enforcement, EOD, K9. Congratulations on doing what you love, the channel is awesome keep em coming!

[@griplove]

You’re a great teacher, and definitely the blacksmith youtuber I watch the most. What you’ve created here will will out live us all and will be a resource as long as there is an Internet. Along with your service to our country with the guard, and to your community with the fire department you have left quite the impact on the world. You should be very proud. Thank you for all of it.

[@BlackBearForge]

I appreciate your comment, thank you

[@billriley3347]

John, Thanks for sharing. It was great to hear where you came from. Keep up the good vids. We all really enjoy what you do. Looking forward to next great video. Thanks again. Bill Riley

[@79personalities]

thank you John! i love this video. everyone could write a book about their life, and each one would be a national best seller! forge on sir!

[@michaelseachrist3291]

Love hearing how you go there. For me (and I don't do this for a living) literally the 3rd strike of hot metal with a hammer my world changed. I was interested in blacksmithing when I was 13, but in 1983 when your a kid in North Canton, Ohio the phone book is totally unhelpful. In 2018 I took my first class, and suddenly the world made sense. I like that you came to blacksmithing slowly but for me it was transformative.

[@daviddahl4148]

Thanks for sharing everything.

[@ExCinereForge]

I enjoyed hearing your story, John. I got to spend a few months at Fort Sam going to field medic school myself, except we called it Fort Sham or Fort Resort. I love your videos, but don’t burn yourself out. A video per day could suck the fun out of it. I can’t wait to see what’s next!