Forging a bowl carving gouge

Carving a wooden bowl from green wood starts with an axe and an adze. But for the final cuts a bowl carving gouge is the ideal tool. This bent neck fishtail style gouge is just the thing.

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 YouTube. Thank you for watching

To provide financial support use one of the two links below.
Or you may set up a monthly contribution through Patreon

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

Find my online at:

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

My blacksmiths apron

RZmask 99.5% dust mask

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

Blacksmithing tools and supplies

Most of my videos are shot on the Canon M50

Audio is recorded using the RodeLink Filmmaker Wireless Microphone Kit

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

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.

[roybailey]

Us carpenters have so much to help you blacksmiths for , it's an amazing skill , well done 👏 👏👏👏👏👏 best wishes from a old vintage carpenter in old England 🇬🇧

[sinclairmarcus]

Thanks a lot of craft work is about doing the process in the correct order. I have learnt a lot about this with this upload great upload!

[bluesky]

Hello greetings from Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan Canada Very good work my respect. 👍

[rudebwoyyyy]

Its always fascinating how silent Mr. Bears anvil is. Applause applause

[sonofmanarkjazz]

I appreciate you explaining what you're doing each step of the process. Thank you for the upload and the passion you put forth in your craft.

[Dominic.Minischetti]

That came out awesome! If I remember correctly, you started blacksmithing so you could make woodworking tools! You were inspired by Roy! Thanks for sharing this!

[BarrRunForge]

John, thank you for your videos and inspiration to many other smiths. I just spoke with a veteran who got into it, largely due to your videos. God Bless.

[waylandforge]

Thanks for another excellent presentation, I learn something new every time. The virus lockdown has been a good excuse to do some binge watching and I've been impressed with the way you've evolved as a presenter and the way your camera work and editing has become more sophisticated. Thanks again and stay well.

[Bootes]

Sir, that was a pleasure to watch. Alas I'm not a metal-smith, but I sure could do with a beautiful bowl gouge like this one for my wood-smithing. Love watching your Tubes. Best wishes from the UK.

[jimhumphrey]

As a woodworker and an amateur blacksmith, this type of project is my favorite.

[jandastroy]

Sadly I kind of fell behind on your content since I've been so busy. But now I've suddenly got time and am looking forward to catching up on what you've been up to lately! Glad you're doing well.

[AABlann]

The little white spider climbing up onto that in use anvil at 12:39 is surprising

[paulorchard]

You always have my attention, another genius tool produced out of almost nothing! Talent is an amazing gift and you have plenty, thank John, sharing knowledge to all of us is very much appreciated!

[eianhalsted]

Thanks for making these videos. I really enjoy watching and learning from them.

[frankgaletzka]

Hello John
It a pleasure to see you working and building the Tool
Thanks for sharing your skills it is very inspiering
Stay save and healthy
All the best
Yours Frank

[BCM]

Always enjoy watching you make things with simpler tools to help beginners and smaller shops. Making the tools to make more tools is a fantastic skill to have. I believe I heard you say you don't make many knives though I'm sure I heard you say that you have made them. Is there a video of you making a knife with simple hand tools? There are hundreds if not thousands of knife making videos out here everything from professionals with every tool imaginable to first timers with nothing but harbor freight tools and I want to hear you explain the process because the way you teach and break it all down so everyone can understand it. I like that you answer they why it's done as well as how it's done. Looking forward to the next video. Stay safe sir and thanks again for the free info.

[rafaellondono]

Todos los comentarios, son de maestros fidedignos...su karma los lleva a aprender y comprender la gran oportunidad de verlos trabajar con el ejemplo....aprecio cada explicación... abundancia, prosperidad, salud, armonía, amor, alegría, ....para ud, su familia y colegas del hacer

[glenmatthewwilson]

Very nice gouge! I use sandpaper glued to a dowel to sharpen the concave side of my gouges. Grind side-to-side along the edge so you don't round the bevel. It seems to work well enough, although it is a bit tedious. It's at least easy to make and you can choose whatever dowel radius you need for the particular tool.

[oddwoodforge]

This was great. I liked how the whole time you really pushed to make them what works and is comfortable for you. Instead of going by the norm. Very cool.

[Guitarplayer]

This was a fantastic video. I enjoy carving and bowl making and I'm a fledgling blacksmith. Now I can combine them...well..maybe.. :D