What to expect in 2024 on Black Bear Forge
Looking ahead to what I have planned for this year I find myself torn between only making forging videos or whether or not I should add in some time to just hangout in the shop and talk about blacksmithing related ideas.
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Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.t yourself.
John,I imagine a great many of us watch and enjoy all your videos right the way through no matter what the content. You're a great speaker and a natural teacher.Thanks for letting us visit
I appreciate that!
Agree 100% - thanks John!!
YOU do YOU John....most of us here are getting so much from Everything you share. Please by all means do those things YOU want to do, I am very sure there will be an audience for whatever you are up to!!
ABSOLUTELY! Very well said sir!
Here here - came to say the exact same thing!!
I just enjoy listening, it's like having a friend over to the shop and not having to answer questions. Thank you.
Like a lot of others have said, if you press record, we’ll press play! Your interests mirror mine in so many ways, I always enjoy your videos on all your channels, and generally learn something!
John you are one of the friendliest youtubers I know, just watching your videos gives a good feeling and teaches you something everytime, keep it up greetings from Germany
I love visiting your shop John and am very grateful you've been inviting us all in for so long! Conversation videos are as great as instructional forging
I watch all of your videos. I’m just starting in blacksmithing. Watching your videos is like spending time with an old friend.
So, I don't normally comment on KZhead but I feel this warrants it. I stumbled across your videos and what I like most is how you take time and explain things. Take your time quality over quantity. I have learned so much and very thankful to have found this channel. THANK YOU!
I will be patiently waiting for what ever comes out whenever it comes out. Have a happy day 😊
Do what makes you happy John, thanks for the videos!
Hi John, As we get older our interests change and evolve, So always keep us posted as best you can as we enjoy your efforts ! Cheers
if you do what you enjoy, you aren't wasting time. have fun and so will I. thank you you have inspired me to tackle many projects. thanks again!
The vast majority of us watch to learn, and your style of presentation makes learning enjoyable. What you call 'discussion videos' are great and something to look forward to. Whatever you choose to do, we're just grateful you do what you do!
I'm 58 I I'm right there with you on just sitting around discussing topics. I like the idea of discussion videos, the more heads you can bounce ideas off from the more interesting projects can become.
That's great. Im glad your thinking about your kids and grandkids watching these videos some day. Thats really cool.
I caught something you said, and it relates to every trade. People just want to learn a tiny aspect of a craft, or skill. Like they want to make knives for a living, but have no real interest in blacksmithing. We get so caught up in one little thing, we miss the big picture. Keep doing your thing, I really enjoy all the videos you put out.
I enjoy anything you make, John. I love forging, and you are one of the top guys producing 1st class videos - which I save.
John I enjoy ALL of your Blacksmithing videos no matter what they are. I sure would like to meet you one day Thanks for what you do
I watch all your channels , look for the notification daily, I like many will watch whatever you choose to upload.
I will just be echoing what has already been said, I enjoy listening to you talk and sharing what know and want to share with us. So Thank you.
I agree I’ve watched you for a few years now and have never been bored with anything you have done
I like the dialogue along with making something with voiceovers describing what is happening. Thanks.
I like these style videos as much as the others, John…. Any knowledge you drop is priceless
John, for some of us, this is sometimes how we "visit" another blacksmith shop. We're pretty remote, and don't get out much. I enjoy your content, whatever it happens to be, like the in shop conversation, wherever it happens to take us.
Axes and Tomahawks!!! Looking forward to those!!
Happy belated birthday John 🥳🎂
Thanks
We're here to watch and absorb you and your experience. Whether you're swinging the hammer or talking theory
Sir, thank you for all your hard work in providing instruction, “ companionship “ and your fine demonstration of skill. although it may be extra work, please know that your many videos are appreciated, and many of us are very interested in watching as many videos as you can comfortably create. Thank you!
I totally get the aging thing John (you have 16 years on me, but I'm starting to think along the same lines - do stuff while you can).
I love discussion on items and tools. you have to have fun and do what you want. I'll be here for the journey. ❤
I know this is also part of your income, but doing what you want to for yourself and for your family is the most important thing in my opinion. I don’t care what you’re doing, as long as you’re sharing it. I’ll bet most of your subscribers feel the shame way! Keep on keeping on my brother!
Personally I get bummed out anytime you say you are going to do less videos but I completely understand and support you working towards your goals. I would love to have a video like this over not getting one at all if you have the time for it. I'd watch just about anything you post! Thanks for all your time and the knowledge you share!
I absolutely love the chat style videos. I'd like any of what you mentioned though. My shop is very small and has very few tools, so I've also enjoyed the little shop series.
Would absolutely love discussion videos. Tell us about your thought process on projects, share sketches and plans. I'm here for the ride. Right now I'm going through an architectural phase and enjoy seeing people make gates, grills, and just interesting pieces, so I'd very much like updates on your window grill, log rack, and gate.
Good afternoon John, enjoyed the video a lot as usual. I always get something good out of your videos so like Pa always said, "Do what you do do well Son" and according to your subscribers you are doing well. Thanks for all you do and shuffle around to make these quality videos. Looking forward to a great 2024. Fred.
John this is your channel not ours we are here to watch and those like me here to learn those of us here to learn and I have learned from everyone of your videos I have watched so if you decide to just set and talk or make something I will watch either way
I love to see you do blacksmithing anytime
You are my Blacksmithing hero. I have tried to replicate your hatchet and tomahawk videos. the errors I have are huge. Forge welding is a constant frustration, especially for hatchets. If you could go more into common problems and how to deal with them, that would me profoundly helpful. I would be overjoyed to engage in any kind of internship or paid mentorship, but am not very tech savvy and not clear how to contact you. thanks so much!!
He's the Bob Ross of fire and steel. He's not the guy who got me started bit he the guy who taught me the most and kept me going.
I watch every one of your videos. I do enjoy the knowledge that you teach, I also enjoy the discussion style videos too. I would definitely like to see the day to day goings on and the less informative style projects that have to be done to keep the shop going.
As others have said, you do you we are here for the ride. Videos discussing the why or creative process would be interesting. The beginner series in the other shop hopefully is getting a ton of interest. A series / Playlist on scrap projects would be fun. Whatever path you take will be interesting. Love the vlog content on your other channel Army
I would find so much value in listening and learning from you!
I enjoy all your videos. Thank you for taking the time out of your day.
I would love to hear you chat about stuff. Tools, theory, concepts, highlight reel, whatever! A video encyclopedia of your knowledge & experiences.
My wife and I enjoy your videos, period. I enjoy your input “talking” about concepts etc. hook or maybe drop of the week, to include any smalls, would be really interesting. Not excluding hooks but being inclusive to other ideas as you mentioned. You sharing is crucial to less experienced smiths period.
Looking forward to your longer projects this year... you keep doing you; that is really why I watch. Discussion videos are especially valuable. And keep teaching us the balance, the zen of blacksmithing!
I don't know what it is about your videos, but they are absolutely fascinating and have an incredible soothing and relaxing effect on me. Maybe I was a smith in a prior life, idk. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
John, you are an inspiration to me and I'm certain to many others as well. I have watched quite a lot of your videos, and I thank you for taking your time to spread knowledge to any willing to learn. Thanks to you and your videos more specifically the starting blacksmithing for $500, I have been allowed to start a childhood dream. Whatever your decision for the direction of this channel I will continue to watch and learn.
I like hearing any wisdom that you share even if you are just talking. If you wanted to see if the friends you just sit and talk too want to join and do a mini “pod cast” style video, I would watch that too. I have learned so much here and have been so inspired over the last few years. Keep it up and I hope to see you on here for a long time.
Sounds exciting, looking forward to watch your 2024 videos!
Have fun at the demo! Always fun to watch. For live, on site videos, audio is important.
Happy Belated Birthday. John do you. Can’t wait to see what ever it is.
Thanks 👍
I’m all about that gate and window grills. Just started 18 months ago. One goal is to make a fence between my shed and fence. As most have said, your explanations of techniques is great and very helpful. We appreciate your experience.
I'm really excited to see what you have planned. I have always found your videos to be very helpful and informative and so detailed that it makes it possible to follow along with the process not not be lost on what the next step is. Your a great teacher, look forward to trying some of your new projects. Thank you for what you do
I enjoy this kind of video.
Just one little voice here. I enjoy the why, why not, how, and other discussions you provide while doing the videos. Each media (metal, wood, plastic, etc) have different techniques and methods for creating projects. I use your videos to give me a metalworking perspective that can help me make better projects in any of the different media types.
The conversation videos, or small topics like a specific tool or concept are a great idea in my opinion! Another channel I watch, Weaver Leathercraft, does something similar. Chuck Dorsett calls it the "Leather Element" series, short videos about a focused topic in the shop and they're great. I'm sure you have plenty of things you could talk about at length, but most importantly, you do you, we're here for it.
I for one would watch whatever you put up John. I'm sure there are many others.
John, i enjoy all aspects of your videos, i nearly always learn a little something, maybe it's just an idea that helps inspire me to make something or to challenge myself. We all need to learn about tools and life. Bottom line is if you put out a video, i will watch it. Every video of yours is like i get to spend time with a friend, possibly a mentor. Please do whatever you want and don't feel like you have to put out videos but know that you have a lot of fans eagerly waiting to see what youve been up to. Thank you for letting us know what you are planning for this channel, I, for one enjoyed this video, John V.
I enjoy all of your videos John, and having some discussion videos in the mix is just fine with me!
I love all your videos from all your channels you are a wealth of information. However you want to do it im still catching up on old videos and re watching some several times you have really such good and detailed videos i cant even come up with a question for the q&a any question i might have i search and there you are explaining it perfectly. Thankyou for the time youve given us enjoy some time for yourself.
Really looking forward to seeing you make the gate and other things that you want to forge for yourself😀
I enjoy all of your content and watch all of your channels.
Been listening to you for years John and have learnt a lot from you and I have made things you have demonstrated over the years. I personally love the forging part of the videos, and the way you explained things. I particularly liked the poz tongs video. I ended up make 2 pair of them. Plus other tooling you demonstrated. well done mate.
I'll definitely be watching your demo at the NW blacksmithing conference. Thanks for all your content.
I really like the discussion videos on tools and other shop concepts. I would like to see some more videos on smaller hand made tools, maybe some decorating punches or a spade bit
John I like your idea of projects rather than specific tools or techniques. I also agree with your sentiment about where you are at in your life, every day is precious. Thanks, Steve in Western Australia.
I personally enjoy the conversation videos. It's nice to hear what you've got going on in the shop, and the ideas you're rolling around. Also happy belated birthday! I just celebrated mine a couple weeks ago.
John, If it feels right, do it! I for one would really enjoy “discussion” videos coming from this channel, it adds another level of depth and a different angle which provides insights we might otherwise never know or understand. But hopefully it will be enjoyable for you to produce these videos and gives you some fulfillment as well. I like the notion of legacy, and I think it is a great way to build upon it. -John
I like your chat videos!
Thanks John, Any or your content here is thought out and enjoyable. I used to work retail (OSH, about 25 years ago) and one thing I miss is being able to hang around with someone for a few minutes and 'chew the fat' while discussing a project.
I enjoyed your video today. A bit more on forge welding with a propane forge would be useful to me.
Big thumbs up on the brake drum forge!
I know how you feel, John. I'm getting a little long in the tooth, myself, and a semi-serious injury to my hammering arm a year and a half ago (that I never allowed to properly heal) leaves me wondering how many more years I can do this. I've switched my focus to teaching up and comers and letting them swing the hammer. Anyway, if you ever make it across the pond, feel free to visit my shop in Sweden. There are a lot of good smiths to talk to here.
I will watch whatever content you choose to post 👍
I find your discussions at least as illuminating as your step-by-step videos, and am really looking forward to meeting you at the NWBA Conference this Spring!
I would like to see you doing just what you want. If your going to do a big gate or grills just some updates would be cool. Do whatever you want.
I do enjoy these types of videos. Still goig through previous ones too
I always come away from any of your videos with something good. always a learning experience. I also really enjoy your discussion videos. I would love to see more of them. although I love the the blacksmithing, its nice to get to know you as well as we can through your videos. its because of you, and a few others that I have made the decision to start my own blacksmithing business. without your content as a younger blacksmith (not in actual age!) I couldn't have come as far has I have. I am always going over older videos and rewatching things, learning more things or picking up on things I missed. I also think you need to do what also makes you happy and gives you the most fulfillment in your career and to meet those goals. I would expect that those of us who can appreciate what you have done for the blacksmithing community and your support to help teach those of us in this really cool trade will support you in turn. I look forward to what you have coming next.
im exited to see these more advanced projects.
It’s always worth watching your videos. Thank you 🙏
Enjoy everting you do. And a gate or long projects would just be a plus. You do gou johnwe will listen
I look forward to watching your videos and learning from you. I like the idea of a log rack ill be needing to make one this year due to building on the family farm this year and ill need to make one myself.
Like this general interest blacksmith 😮 type of video especially Q&A. All blacksmith techniques are interesting even if I never plan on using them, but I still learn something from each I can use. They also inspire ideas. Thanks for all you do!
Discussion videos would be great. Maybe you could call it a "Forge side chat". There are times I will watch a video of something that I probably will not make but it's fun to see how it is done and a person can usually learn some new technique that can be applied elsewhere.
always time to listen to you
John, I love your content and would really enjoy seeing your projects as no matter what. Seeing an accomplished skilled blacksmith do his projects is and should always be paramount. Always remember you have done so much for beginner blacksmiths. There is already a video you have done or someone else has done, so I would love myself to see what you want to make.
The first of the larger projects is in the works. There should be a video by the end of the month
Work from the heart and we'll follow along, you're a natural teacher and a person who is relatable to all of us
John, happy Birthday!
I love it John, I am very excited for the gate and window grills!
I personally would like the discussion videos. I think the people who follow you on a consistent basis would enjoy them.
I really like your videos and talent! After every video I'm waiting for next. Ia am beginer blacksmith and I like learning this from your chanel.
I personally think that all of the videos you put out are great educational and or inspirational videos. I think most of us watch you videos to learn from them, wether it’s a project video, a discussion video, a shop video, or even a video about your travels etc., they provide us a great learning experience and some inspiration. By all means, make the videos and the projects that you want to do for the reasons that you want to do them. I for one will always be here watching and learning from you.
I've dreamt if blacksmithing since I was a kid. I've finally gotten my hands on brake drum coal forge, a post vice, and a few other tools. Still need the anvil and a blower. But in the next few weeks I'm finally getting some brick and concrete to build a small pole barn with a decent floor to start my shop! I've enjoyed a lot of smithing content and channels over the years, but you made it feel accessible in a way no one else had. I can't wait to start forging!
happy birthday
This sounds like a win win for everyone. But most importantly do what makes you happy and your wife. The Real McCoys in Missouri loves all your videos
I just like to watch people who are loving doing their craft. I'll never do any blacksmithing. I'm an old hotrod body man, just do what YOU love, and I'll love it too!!
I hope I'll end up anywhere near where you are at the same stage of life My dayjob is as an illustrator and artist, but nothing is as fulfilling to me as my time in the shop, especially after nearly 20 years of it being my dream
John, Like so many others, I'm content watching any of the video types you have posted. Your instructional videos are detailed and taught with care. Your discussion videos feel personal, like you are talking directly to me and you truly care about my response. I care for the blacksmithing and stayed for the friendly manner you present. Do what you want to do John, and thank you for inviting us along.
Happy birthday John! Keep on doing the things you enjoy. Been enjoying this channel for a long time and im always excited when a new video pops up. Recently started watching your personal channel aswell and i usually just listen to those videos when i feel like closing my eyes for a while after a long day since they dont usually require actually watching them.
John, I could watch you cut up old newspapers as you would most likely show me the correct way. You are a great tutor. Happy 66th. G'day from Queensland Australia ❤👍