A tale of three hooks - Hook of the week 49

Many people think of forging hooks as nothing but a beginners project. While the novice blacksmith can learn a great deal from making simple hooks, I believe they can also provide a learning experience for the more advanced blacksmith as well.
Black Bear Forge is 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 KZread. Thank you for watching
To provide financial support use one of the two links below.
www.paypal.me/BlackBearForge
Or you may set up a monthly contribution through Patreon
/ blackbearforge
Mailing address:
Black Bear Forge
P.O. Box 4
Beulah, CO 81023
If you are curious about some of my other interests, you may like my second channel
John Switzer
/ @johnswitzer
Find my online at:
www.blackbearforge.com
www.blackbearforge.etsy.com
/ blackbearforge
/ black-bear-forge-20986...
Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
My blacksmiths apron
www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF
RZmask 99.5% dust mask
rzmask.com?afmc=ay
To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
www.abana.org/
Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
Most of my videos are shot on the Canon M50
adorama.evyy.net/NEnJV
Audio is recorded using the RodeLink Filmmaker Wireless Microphone Kit
adorama.evyy.net/g5vXA
I have set up a Facebook group just for you, the viewers of this KZread channel.
If you would like to share your work that was inspired by my videos
This is the place to do that
/ 101400907400310
Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

Пікірлер: 105

  • @rjg3876
    @rjg38764 жыл бұрын

    This Show make me wish that Jr/high school had a Black Smithing classes

  • @whiskeyinthejar24
    @whiskeyinthejar244 жыл бұрын

    I am a young blacksmith and today I made an s hook. Although it's Autumn here in Australia. My daughter insisted I make an S as it's the first letter of her name. First time I have done some smithing in about 6 months. Moved my gear from my family farm to my house in light of travel restrictions. Had to make a tarp shelter for some space.

  • @Whipple1

    @Whipple1

    4 жыл бұрын

    whiskeyinthejar24 Good morning from Pennsylvania. I like the fact that your daughter wanted you to make something for her. That’s great! My tractor shed has become over-run with blacksmithing tools in the last couple of years since I got serious about smithing. My work space is in one corner and is only about 5’ x 5’. Makes for tight quarters, but it still lets me work out my frustrations. Hope you can make many fires this winter. Stay safe, healthy and alert, Down Under! Cheers! Whipple

  • @3870TheDad

    @3870TheDad

    4 жыл бұрын

    S hooks are the most useful item you can make for primitive camping. As Boy Scout leader, I was always making S hooks for the patrols in my troop, and other troops.

  • @scottmoore6492

    @scottmoore6492

    4 жыл бұрын

    My daughter's name is Samantha and she was the recipient of the first S hook I ever made a few years ago when I first got a couple smithing lessons. Now I've recently gotten my own forge up and running. When I get the shelter built that will be its permanent home, I'll put another S hook over the entrance since my name is Scott. These S names are real convenient for this part of the hobby! ;)

  • @kassiog.6595

    @kassiog.6595

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@scottmoore6492 and here am I strugling to make a good looking K

  • @beni2094
    @beni20944 жыл бұрын

    Good morning all! Beautiful morning here in the great Hoosier state! Great day for hooks!

  • @dalekidd420
    @dalekidd4204 жыл бұрын

    For the reenactors among us, S-hooks are a necessity. You can NEVER have enough. And just when you think you DO... you either find another use for them, or LOSE some! (And they SELL great at reenactments, too...)

  • @richardsolomon8076
    @richardsolomon80764 жыл бұрын

    Great hookups again John :-) no mention of the last curly Q being bent backwards LoL 3 very nice pieces.

  • @erikcourtney1834

    @erikcourtney1834

    4 жыл бұрын

    Richard Solomon I seen that too. 😂 I thought about commenting. But I thought to check the comments first, no reason to overly comment about it.

  • @brodbi9685
    @brodbi96852 жыл бұрын

    I stay up to date with the videos but when I'm having a bad day I go back and watch old videos, they brighten my day up watching your videos and I would also like to pursue something like this but I'm having a hard time finavcualyy

  • @matthewdotson5755
    @matthewdotson57552 жыл бұрын

    Literally my favorite blacksmith teacher ever!..I love your channel and watch you all the time!..cant wait to get back to the anvil after every video..just wanna thank you!

  • @douglasfathers4848
    @douglasfathers48484 жыл бұрын

    Hi John I like the way you used the file to make the ball in the last hook , you said a chisel is one of the first tools to make .Well i made a couple there not so good but i went back and watched your video on making chisels out of coil springs so this time i hope to do better. so thanks John stay safe .cheers.

  • @Moondog-wc4vm
    @Moondog-wc4vm4 жыл бұрын

    Today at last I took John's advice. I got out to my shop and finished off a dragon head bottle opener intended as a small gift for my grown up son. No forge work needed, I was able to do the heat I needed with a propane torch, but I managed to get the final filing and polishing done and waxed the finished piece. I even made sure I washed my hands several times! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for these videos John. They are always welcome but just recently have done so much to brighten up the lockdown. Glad to see you and yours are keeping safe and healthy, and best wishes from my family to yours for he future.

  • @daviddanielson3522
    @daviddanielson35224 жыл бұрын

    This young blacksmith is thinking about going to church!

  • @elmermainville4429
    @elmermainville44294 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for teaching the skill building lessons before relying solely on tools. Great reminder!!

  • @Lesnz2009
    @Lesnz20094 жыл бұрын

    Also easier if the hooks do not try to run away from you...cool hooks good learning experience.

  • @SlowEarl1
    @SlowEarl14 жыл бұрын

    I love your teaching style and I have learned so much from you. Thanks so much for doing what you do!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    You are so welcome!

  • @parlainthtownie85
    @parlainthtownie854 жыл бұрын

    What a great opening to the video.

  • @jeffgrier8488
    @jeffgrier84884 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for reminding me that I need to get out in the shop and practice, i'll have to get more propane.

  • @garybower1824

    @garybower1824

    4 жыл бұрын

    I ran out yesterday. Robbed the tank off the barbeque pit.

  • @frankgaletzka8477
    @frankgaletzka84774 жыл бұрын

    Hello John Out of your Hands such a SIMPLE s hook looks very good and it is far of simple You are a good teacher an i learn alot from you Thank you for that I look forward to more hooks Stay healthy and save Yours Frank

  • @paulcorbeil4364
    @paulcorbeil43644 жыл бұрын

    Hi Mr. You are alway a very good teacher, thank you very much for yours skill. You know a lot of different technik to learn for KZreadr, i apreciate very much. Have a nice sunny day Mr. 2020 04 19 Saint-Joseph de Mékinac, Trois-Rives, Québec et Labrador. P.s. I finish my installation of a new 5 HP 230 V with magnetic starter for my air compressor. Now i star my gaz forge for black smiting.

  • @Vic1943_
    @Vic1943_4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks John for sharing blessings to you and your family 🙏 stay safe out there

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I will

  • @MLFranklin
    @MLFranklin4 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoy your channel. This demo was particularly good. It triggers lots of creative thoughts on what can be done with this process.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much!

  • @danp3796
    @danp37964 жыл бұрын

    Thanks John. The basics teach us the skills.

  • @TheOldaz1
    @TheOldaz14 жыл бұрын

    A great way to practice, thanks John.

  • @joshsmith4274
    @joshsmith42743 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for your time and patience and knowledge and making these videos.

  • @Jennifer-zb4gc
    @Jennifer-zb4gc4 жыл бұрын

    thanks again for sharing your knowledge 🙏 love the third one

  • @bobvines00
    @bobvines004 жыл бұрын

    John, I'm still at the beginner level and mostly make hooks for my wife to hang bird feeders & wind chimes. (I think it's time for _me_ to start forging my own Blacksmithing tools.) A good source of inexpensive(?) material for beginners is rebar, which is even available at Ace Hardware and other hardware stores. I often hammer the "rebar pattern" out of the material when I'm trying to make a nice-looking hook. Doing that gives me that much more practice. I just need to find a steel supplier that is close enough to me and will sell small enough quantities that I can get it home in my car. I wish I still had a pick-up truck....

  • @brysonalden5414
    @brysonalden54144 жыл бұрын

    Couldn't agree more; S hooks are great practice! I make some every time I forge, partly because they sell well. Still wrestling with the split cross hook from last week, though.

  • @HisWayHomestead
    @HisWayHomestead Жыл бұрын

    Thanks John!!! I'm working on my first hooks now... you do such a great job explaining all the steps and all the options! Really appreciate you!

  • @hannemannironworks1651
    @hannemannironworks16514 жыл бұрын

    Back to basics I like it!

  • @patrickwoolery6000
    @patrickwoolery60004 жыл бұрын

    About 7 years ago, I took my first blacksmithing class through the local Folk School. In the 2 hours, I made 3 nails and a hook. I still think hooks and nails are the two best projects for starting out. I need to fire up the forge and make some more hooks. I don't have enough.

  • @louislarose4023
    @louislarose40234 жыл бұрын

    Cool Hooks ! Thank You for your instruction !

  • @Bobsutubes
    @Bobsutubes3 жыл бұрын

    Very nice demonstration. Thanks...

  • @markmcmeen287
    @markmcmeen2874 жыл бұрын

    Another great reminder, John. Skills build upon the previously learned skill, whether it is mathematics or blacksmithing! Thank you for being an encourager! Now I'm headed to the shop to try to file a ball in the middle of my hook.

  • @stanervin6108
    @stanervin61084 жыл бұрын

    I hear screaming in the corner from the pineapple twist, :"What about me, Daddy?". Aaaaaaand in the opposite corner, the basket weave is whimpering. 🐾🔥⚒

  • @woodchipful
    @woodchipful4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for doing this! I always enjoy your videos.

  • @shortfuse43
    @shortfuse434 жыл бұрын

    Love watching your Sunday hook(s) of the week. You always have a different style or technique one can learn from.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoy it!

  • @TufStockdogs
    @TufStockdogs4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for thinking this way John some may not have other tools

  • @grandadz_forge
    @grandadz_forge4 жыл бұрын

    "It was the best of hooks, it was the worst of hooks,,,,," --B Bear Dickens

  • @mountaingroveforge6554
    @mountaingroveforge65544 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video .

  • @johnjude2685
    @johnjude26854 жыл бұрын

    Good morning to you Sir Thanks for teaching my Sunday class.

  • @georgemchime6979
    @georgemchime69794 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoy your videos

  • @robertcutburth3745
    @robertcutburth37454 жыл бұрын

    Great instruction as always, thanks John

  • @bombproofbushcraft
    @bombproofbushcraft4 жыл бұрын

    Hello, I wanted to say I have been watching your videos for a little while and just subscribed. Recently I have been learning more and more about blacksmithing from a local smith and this video caught my eye as this is EXACTLY what I had to do for him. I made simple S hooks for tripods and camp kitchens. Smithing is a great exercise in creativity and a physical workout as well. I like the way you walk through the process and the way you show steps and your projects aren't overly complicated for the most part. So, Thanks for sharing what you know. It is much appreciated!

  • @erniebeswick7675
    @erniebeswick76754 жыл бұрын

    Love the hook of the week look forward to it

  • @billwoehl3051
    @billwoehl30514 жыл бұрын

    Raided the landlords scrap yard, got a brake drum/rotor, a piece of what looks like a steel pipe handrail with the T and one leg, and some of what looks like sides cut off a 1/4" thick 3×3 square tubing, used these to cut pieces off and weld into the drum tapered down and making the area and the hole small enough to fit the pipe on, bought a hairdryer for the air and making a table for it all, also got what looks like a sacraficial piece off a bucket from a farm tractor I plan on welding on top of my railroad track anvil to make it perfectly flat instead of curved.

  • @jimtalbot3989
    @jimtalbot39894 жыл бұрын

    A simple project, yet so much information. Another great video.

  • @GregorPQ
    @GregorPQ4 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful work!

  • @olddawgdreaming5715
    @olddawgdreaming57154 жыл бұрын

    👍👍 Thanks for sharing with us John. The way you have different ideas and how you put them to use lets you see what all is possible if you just try. Great video. Fred.

  • @garyhill2507
    @garyhill25074 жыл бұрын

    Look forward to these every week, learnt so much from you John

  • @BigWillSD
    @BigWillSD4 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video. You can always tell when someone was a firefighter when they check for heat. (When you were filing)

  • @marty01957
    @marty019574 жыл бұрын

    Nice hooks, John! Thanks for the video! Stay safe!

  • @randallsummers6551
    @randallsummers65514 жыл бұрын

    Good class today John! Enjoyed it. Take care and God bless.

  • @BadgerRobot
    @BadgerRobot4 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video, so much information. I haven't been out to the forged in a while, this is a great reminder of some of the basics.

  • @unknownprofit4683
    @unknownprofit46834 жыл бұрын

    Good morning I am a new Blacksmith and have been watching and learning everything I can from you and very much appreciate everything you have put out it has helped me in so many ways. I watched you make a rounding hammer for another blacksmith working with you in your shop that was a great watch and was wondering if I could talk you into making me one around 3lb to 31/2 lb seeing I don't have any kind of power hammer and how much that might cost me to have you do?

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    I currently have several years of work backed up. But I occasionally make a hammer to sell ln the Etsy shop, so your best bet is to keep watching over there.

  • @unknownprofit4683

    @unknownprofit4683

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@BlackBearForge Ok will do truthfully I havent seen your etsy store as of yet but I will look for it I am really hoping my best hammer becomes my rounding hammer with the Bears tuch market thank for taking the time to reply to me

  • @steelpennyforge5152
    @steelpennyforge51524 жыл бұрын

    Nice set of hooks! You make very good points about the skill building vs short cuts. The scroll end you did by hand looked much better than the round nose made one. more organic. Very well done !

  • @jamesreyes4184
    @jamesreyes41844 жыл бұрын

    I haven't made an S hook in a while now I got the bug to do so LOL thanks John wonderful video as always

  • @robbullis5025
    @robbullis50254 жыл бұрын

    John if you do not have a rawhide mallet yet can you use a wooden mallet to straighten a twist?

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes you can

  • @allenowen131

    @allenowen131

    4 жыл бұрын

    I made my own. 2 6 inch 2x4's glued together, drilled a handle hole, rounded the edges of one end. Then covered with 3 layer's of leather.

  • @Zogg1281
    @Zogg12814 жыл бұрын

    It looks like an awesome skill builder as well as being quick, cheep and an object that be replicated pritty quickly and could be used to finish off your forging session if you don't have time to start a new project....... so something a beginning could sell. Basically a winner all round! 👍

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    Couldn't agree more!

  • @allenowen131
    @allenowen1314 жыл бұрын

    Can you please do a recap of all the hook of the week's?

  • @jasonsisk2902
    @jasonsisk29024 жыл бұрын

    Cool

  • @dpickettturnings7484
    @dpickettturnings74844 жыл бұрын

    Nice camera setup ..

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @jeffberry1567
    @jeffberry15674 жыл бұрын

    Now I know what I'll be making today. 😊

  • @antheaxe7340
    @antheaxe73404 жыл бұрын

    first one longer or maybe thinner smaller material a little bit easier to bend if you want the shorter S hooks

  • @exile182
    @exile1824 жыл бұрын

    2nd from down under! 😂 gday john

  • @billy19461
    @billy194614 жыл бұрын

    In normal years do you give classes? Loved the three different hooks!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    I do a group demo once a year, but my shop really isn't set up as a teaching space.

  • @LoganKaval
    @LoganKaval11 ай бұрын

    Nice poz tongs.

  • @stanervin6108
    @stanervin61084 жыл бұрын

    You skipped right over the simplest hook of all: no taper. Utilitarian workhorse. 🐾🔥⚒👍

  • @danhardy8229
    @danhardy82294 жыл бұрын

    Hey John who made your touch marks ? From Dan Hardy Farrier Blacksmith in Australia

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    Mine were made by Henry A Evers company.

  • @waylandforge8704
    @waylandforge87044 жыл бұрын

    1st lie from Down Under 👍🍺🇦🇺

  • @glenndarilek520
    @glenndarilek5204 жыл бұрын

    Would be interesting engineering-wise to see whether the decorative part of the third hook would fail before the hooks would give out.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    If abused, yes it would. But it is still 1/4" and a 1/4" hook is strong enough for most uses.

  • @glenndarilek520

    @glenndarilek520

    4 жыл бұрын

    Black Bear Forge Right, doesn’t need to be strong enough to pull an engine block!

  • @BCM1959
    @BCM19594 жыл бұрын

    My day just seems right after the hook is made. Will you do B&B forge"s silly challenge? Please? I want to see what your imagination can do. It's definitely not in your normal range. Black Bear Forge does the #railroadspikecoronavirusapocolipticchallenge, or something like that. What could it hurt? Enjoy your day and thanks for the video.

  • @BCM1959

    @BCM1959

    4 жыл бұрын

    Or is it #toiletpaperrailroadspikeapocolipticchallenge ?

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    I will give that some thought

  • @papam7658
    @papam76584 жыл бұрын

    I dont think ive ever seen you use the step on your anvil. What is it designed for?

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    I actually use it a fair amount. It can be a simple V swage for rolling a socket, it is a great place to butt something up to when driving lengthwise such as upsetting a bar. The step is simply the are where the hard face of the anvil stops leaving the softer body exposed, for that reason many people use it as a place to chisel, but I don't want to chpp up my anvil any more than it already is.

  • @Munxcub
    @Munxcub4 жыл бұрын

    You've got a really hot floor at 6:20 haha

  • @rogergadley9965
    @rogergadley99654 жыл бұрын

    I can’t remember. Have you made a trammel hook in the “Hook of the Week?” If you have, please do a variant.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    two

  • @rogergadley9965

    @rogergadley9965

    4 жыл бұрын

    Oops.i should have known that. My humble apologies. I really do watch everything you do.

  • @johnjude2685
    @johnjude26854 жыл бұрын

    I have to spend much of my Smithing time prepping my tool seems so much work in my first year I only have a few months with anvil and hammer . You Tube Teaching such as your , Brian Bazial and j p s services Inc as the greatest of my education. Sir I don't get out much , But did and planning again for the meeting of "The Quad State Roundup in Ohio". I did meet Brain Brazil and Yamaz, last year there Jennifer of j p services Inc said she's trying to go this coming last week of September. Sir I would love to invite you and hope you stop in it's claim to be on of the biggest Blacksmith meet up . Thanks so much for getting me this far unhurt as I love your safety advice. John Switzer I thank you Sir

  • @pocketchange3543
    @pocketchange35434 жыл бұрын

    I caught your oops John, but you secret is safe with me.😉

  • @jeffkelly2793
    @jeffkelly27936 ай бұрын

    I saw the booboo.... scroll was made wrong way... lol. Great vid bud..

  • @skunich
    @skunich4 жыл бұрын

    6:17 floor is lava?

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ye😜p, comes in very handy,

  • @MarkATrombley
    @MarkATrombley4 жыл бұрын

    The ads are getting excessive. An ad free Patreon version would be appreciated.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    I would need to figure out how that might be done.