Simple forgings to build Blacksmithing Skills

Forging hooks are a great exercise to build basic skills that will improve your blacksmithing ability. Hooks often use material that would otherwise just be scrap and can be forged using simple tools. As an added bonus they make great gifts and can be sold to help fund your blacksmithing journey.

Forge Finish wax:

Use discount code "bear5"

Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil

Precut blanks for forging available from:
use coupon code John at checkout.

My blacksmiths apron

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Some of my most used gear*
*Links include affiliate links

Mailing address:
Black Bear Forge
P.O. Box 4
Beulah, CO 81023

Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.

To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.

Blacksmithing tools and supplies

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.

[missourisavage]

I think I've learned more from your videos than from most other YouTube smiths.

[CPaulCounts]

John, I finally went and did it. After watching you for years I took a local weekend intro to blacksmithing class and then bought my first anvil, forge, and tongs. I joined ABANA as well.

I boogered up my hands pretty good over those three days and I was bone-weary every evening but I was grinning from ear to ear every evening.

Thanks for the inspiration!

[robsonsantosOSO]

I need to apologize to you because when you said you were going to start forging without a prior design I didn't think this hook would turn out so cool!😮 This is a freestyle form of art! Thanks!😃

[natekinnison]

My sons and I love Black Bear Forge. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into sharing; we greatly appreciate you!

[edwardhugus]

YES, Sir, I HAVE been going through Hook Of The Week Withdrawl Syndrome (AKA: HOTWWS) glad to see these little projects alive and well.

[Acolyte]

That simple hook you forged is so lovely, and so well designed. Your videos are helping me ace blacksmithing more, but one thing I learnt while 'being made in the Royal Navy' was welding, and that is something I'm really ace at. John, your blacksmithing skills are very appreciated. Your channel here is one of the very best. ~Wendi 🌻

[FarmsteadForge]

The hook turned out very nice. I understand how hard it is to fit videos in during the summer, mine is very busy too!

[ChristCenteredIronworks]

Great looking little hook John! Also love Zach's Wax

[Bangalangs]

A fine hook that should last a someone a life time. That’d be useful for a heavy coat without the little cloth loop that always breaks.

I think I speak for the regular viewers when I say spend some time on your projects and on yourself. Don’t worry about the camera.

Another excellent video sir.

[davidknight]

Can't believe Johnson floor was is out of business, that's what we shined our floors with in the barracks while I was in the ARMY!! That stuff was really great at shining floors !!

[Dircamonster]

This video is my first exposure to this channel and I found this to be absolutely wonderful. Even though I do not do anything remotely like this I find it fascinating to watch and learn from a distance. I really appreciate these beginner friendly, almost introductory type of content.

[Gray]

Fantastic video, I'm a student smith in the UK and these videos have inspired me to keep striving to improve and try new things when forging.

[haroldhoskison]

I still wish I had one of those angle vises! I may try to make one someday. Nice hook John.

[chewyakarieckenicholas]

The hook turned out beautifully and I truly appreciate you sharing all of the skills that you share in your videos and keep up the awesome work

[DireWolfForge]

John, you vids are always a source of knowledge and entertainment. Thanks for what you do.

[shortfuse]

It's good to see another hook video.😊 Hooks are one of my favorite things to make. Sometimes I go out to the forge and just make hooks...different types. I like the detail you filed on the top of yours....I always get new ideas from your hook videos. Thanks for returning to them.

[JacksonDunnoKnows]

I still need to get a hardy cone. I like using a hardy pillar I made. It's a nice size for most hooks. And I used a hard car axel shaft so I can beat I the top of itnif I need too. And have fun, Iowa is a little far for me haha

[brysonalden]

When I began smithing I watched, and made, every HOTW, and learned a lot in the process. Thanks, and I am still learning from you.

[thenightangler]

You are helping me make my channel a real thing, John. Thank you!

[billwoehl]

I made something I don't see much of, got the idea from Roy's pointer hand, a back scratcher in the shape of a hand in a claw. I made one for work, just a simple thicker, squared area with rounded corners for the handle, and a hanging loop on the end of the handle