Forged iron skillet - blacksmithing

Forging a skillet or frying pan from sheet iron is a fun blacksmithing project. I am using a piece of 12 ga. 8" round, 14 ga material would be a bit easier to forge.

name is John Switzer, thank you for watching. Black Bear Forge is a small one person shop located in the Southern Colorado Mountains

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

My blacksmiths apron

Links for some of my video and lighting equipment.

To take a more active role in the production of these videos. You may provide financial support through one of the two links below.
Or you may set up a monthly contribution through Patreon

To request a custom order from Black Bear Forge. Please sign up on the wait list at

If you are curious about some of my other interests, you may like my second channel
Off Topic with John Switzer

I have set up a Facebook group just for you, the viewers of this YouTube channel.
If you would like to share your work that was inspired by my videos
This is the place to do that

Find my shop on line at:

For custom order requests. Please sign up on the wait list at

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

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.

[mathewtuten]

Someone give this man his own show! 30 min well spent!

Thank you!

[TardyTardigrade]

Am I the only one that doesn't see the need for sped up video sections on blacksmithong videos. I could literally watch a 3hr video on smithing a skillet. Especially with John doing the smithing. Always a pleasure to watch. John is the reason I have begun trying my hand at blacksmithing. Got a RR track anvil and just bought my first 2.5lb Kanca cross-peen hammer. I was using a framing hammer before. Still need a rounding hammer and some real tongs.

[CyFiWasTaken]

I love how he knows what he's doing, and I'm just over here with my pit and a piece of rebar

[planbuilduse]

"If you take your time, you'll get there before you know it". A bit of wisdom I struggled with. 😀

[billtalkington]

I got a friend in the welding gas business. He is gonna get me a old tank. They just sell em as scrap when they put them out of service. Thanks for what you do sir. Im learning much from you.

[philjackson]

You never fail to impress me. The quality of your work, your easygoing manner and natural presentation and the time, effort and expense you’ve gone to with your equipment. You are instrumental in getting me into blacksmithing and I’m very grateful for that.

[WizardLivesMatter]

I just watched another smith (Torbjörn Åhman) make one of these very similar to yours. Both turned out awesome.
There is so much work that goes into these it really is amazing. Thank you for posting, as always you get a thumbs up from me.

[leontorkelson]

Another great video. I don't notice much difference in the sound. But John, you are adding to my project list faster than my wife is to her Honey-do list.

[euqraf]

I have been watching your videos for quite some time now and being as I am in Australia I really do appreciate you converting measurements to metric for me :)

[carlylestewart]

I love the little side plot deciding which mic is better, just unapologetically exploring curiosity, amazing videos

[Emma-plqz]

I've seen some of your videos so far and I'm absolutely loving the fact that you're doing everything by hand, without a power hammer.
It's the way I've learned from a dear friend and neither of us own one, so traditional stuff like this is pure enjoyment for me.

[andrewlast]

Now I’m learning about video production and blacksmithing. Lol I absorb this channel daily. Quality content through and through.

[mrmyorky]

What a pleasure to watch someone with real hand skills and an affinity with metals, who makes it all look so easy, so enjoyable and so natural.
Your video making, your communication skills and your ability to inspire are all up there as well. Thank you.

[OuroborosArmory]

I really like the new lens.. very crisp and clear.. I want one. After trying out the cable mic I am thinking about creating a “wire channel” in my apron. This way when I put on the apron, the mic is attached allready, and I just plug it in and cords are pre-corralled.

[larryking]

John , From a Flat plate steel, To An Great Skillet ! Ready to cook dinner ! With some clean and seasoning ! The Wonders of Being a Blacksmith !
Be Safe and Keep Hammering !
Thank you for your Inspiration !

[garymyers]

Iike your pan very much.thanks for sharing it with all of us that like your skill.

[smartypants]

The wireless mike is no loss at all. Great skillet. Toast and coffee, freezing cold early in the morning and learned how to make a skillet, Now aint that what life is all about.

[wadestewart]

Like the new mike better, sounds clearer to me. That's one of the nicest forged frying pans I've seen great job and thanks for some new ideas

[ricardohoffmann]

Every one of these videos are a joy to watch. Thank you, gentle Black Bear!

[phillean]

Another great video with a lot of good content. I am a beginner and have watched many of your videos and have learned a lot. I just watched this video and learned more. Thank you. Phil in Australia