Why are Anvils Shaped as They Are and Why Do Blacksmiths Tap the Anvil After a Few Strikes?

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  • čas přidán 29. 05. 2024
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    In this video:
    Anvil shape has evolved greatly since the earliest anvil-like objects. These primitive objects used for anvils were typically made of stone, often just a slab of rock. The first metal anvils were made of bronze, then wrought iron, and, finally, steel, which is the material of choice today for anvils, though cast iron is also used in low-end anvils (cast iron is quite brittle for this particular use and absorbs more of the hammer blow’s energy than steel does, so it is not preferred).
    Want the text version?: www.todayifoundout.com/index.p...
    Sources:
    • how to use an anvil
    / is_there_a_reason_anvi...
    boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/a...
    www.howstuffworks.com/iron.htm
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anvil
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farrier
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacksmith
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cast_iron
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrought_...
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig_iron
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anvil_fi...
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Anv...
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:3_t...

Komentáře • 1,2K

  • @TodayIFoundOut
    @TodayIFoundOut  Před 4 lety +84

    Help feed our research and writer monkeys by joining us on Crossout for free using this link and get three extra weapons or a cool vehicle cabin as a bonus: v2.xyz/TIFO_Crossout

    • @stevenutter3614
      @stevenutter3614 Před 4 lety +2

      I'm not sure how you missed the memo Simon, but EVERYTHING WAS FORGED IN THE HEART OF DYING STARS, except for a small amount of hydrogen and helium the universe started with.

    • @jdavis417
      @jdavis417 Před 4 lety

      How DO you train those monkeys... or are there just infinitely many of them? ;)

    • @tonygalloway3704
      @tonygalloway3704 Před 4 lety

      I think it would be good if you can make a video about the warrens occult paranormal museum where the real Annabelle doll is stored

    • @TodayIFoundOut
      @TodayIFoundOut  Před 4 lety +7

      @steven utter That depends on your definition of "dying". I think it might be argued that quite a bit was forged in the heart of living stars. :-) -Daven

    • @Murderface666
      @Murderface666 Před 4 lety +1

      Please do a video about real ninjas if you havent done it.

  • @FriendlyNeighborhoodNitpicker
    @FriendlyNeighborhoodNitpicker Před 4 lety +1655

    Seriously? Seriously?! This one time you couldn’t say “ hammer that like button”?

    • @TheLoxxxton
      @TheLoxxxton Před 4 lety +41

      Ooh yes. Missed opportunity there. Mind you the real Simon would have said that for sure

    • @CurtisL8.3066
      @CurtisL8.3066 Před 4 lety +8

      Low hanging fruit

    • @RTKdarling
      @RTKdarling Před 4 lety +19

      Lizard people don't "get" puns tho 🤷🏻‍♂️

    • @TheLoxxxton
      @TheLoxxxton Před 4 lety +11

      @@RTKdarling if you watch closely he never blinks you know!

    • @mrsapplez2007
      @mrsapplez2007 Před 4 lety +2

      @@TheLoxxxton Fact

  • @alexanderblitz6819
    @alexanderblitz6819 Před 4 lety +1137

    It's shaped to be easily handled by coyotes.. especially wiley ones!

    • @1969Kismet
      @1969Kismet Před 4 lety +13

      Thank you for that, mate! You really got me there ; )

    • @Wavemaninawe
      @Wavemaninawe Před 4 lety +34

      Provided that said coyote isnt either:
      A) functionally retarded
      B) maliciously cursed by the gods
      C) both

    • @biffabacon8860
      @biffabacon8860 Před 4 lety +3

      I came here to say this! Nicely done

    • @MAGGOT_VOMIT
      @MAGGOT_VOMIT Před 4 lety +27

      It's gotta be _"ACME"_ ..........or nothing at all.

    • @Wavemaninawe
      @Wavemaninawe Před 4 lety +16

      @@MAGGOT_VOMIT
      To be honest, that idea of launching anvils into the air by means of explosives, sounds like the kind of method that ACME would use for their mail order deliveries.

  • @Uncephalized
    @Uncephalized Před 4 lety +439

    I'm a blacksmith, so I already knew all of these facts, but now I can say: you nailed it!

    • @Nozzred
      @Nozzred Před 4 lety

      :-D

    • @ORCs-R-Idiots
      @ORCs-R-Idiots Před 4 lety +7

      Uncephalized
      The more proper term: You hammered it!

    • @Kaleb.R
      @Kaleb.R Před 4 lety +13

      I am a blacksmith and knew these facts too. Cool and well reseached video, hope this gets others interested in the craft too.

    • @smartyrdumb4681
      @smartyrdumb4681 Před 4 lety +4

      Uncephalized , as a metal smith/fabricator I’m glad he didn’t fk it up. 😉

    • @liamdk9625
      @liamdk9625 Před 4 lety +4

      You same here saw the video and only came here to see if he knew what he was talking about

  • @c.b.7830
    @c.b.7830 Před 3 lety +32

    As a smith myself, I can honestly say BRAVO. I was nervous when I can across this that you would screw it up, but you hit it one hlthe head.

  • @tncorgi92
    @tncorgi92 Před 4 lety +819

    Anvil: exists
    Blacksmith: I'd tap that.

    • @lapoose325
      @lapoose325 Před 4 lety +6

      👏👏👏👏

    • @AtomicReverend
      @AtomicReverend Před 4 lety +8

      I get jokes. Bravo!
      Thumbs up

    • @InsideOfMyOwnMind
      @InsideOfMyOwnMind Před 4 lety +10

      @@AtomicReverend I get jokes too, and I do stuff. We just won't elaborate on whether it involves the pritchel hole or the hardie hole.

    • @IamCoalfoot
      @IamCoalfoot Před 4 lety +1

      Thank you.

    • @joshglover2370
      @joshglover2370 Před 4 lety

      @Bunker Sieben Hahaha! That's great! 🤣

  • @arcitejack
    @arcitejack Před 4 lety +356

    It’s rhythm. Drummers do it too. It’s called a ghost stroke. It’s all rhythm.

    • @ScabbyCrab
      @ScabbyCrab Před 4 lety +29

      It's also just to not work out arms anymore than we have to, so when we're done striking we just "drop" the hammer as it were.

    • @MajesticDemonLord
      @MajesticDemonLord Před 4 lety +6

      Gotta get the Blacksmith Shuffle groovin'

    • @claredegroff1491
      @claredegroff1491 Před 4 lety +13

      I did notice in the video he shared the blacksmith appeared to adjust his hand on the hammer. I think they both make sense rythm & hand adjustment.

    • @arashishinkaku169
      @arashishinkaku169 Před 4 lety +6

      But I aint go no rhythm!

    • @dudepool7530
      @dudepool7530 Před 4 lety +9

      I thought a "ghost stroke" was something completely different. Well, guess im not having any fun with this ouja board...

  • @ssplintergirl
    @ssplintergirl Před 4 lety +371

    Black smiths tap the anvil after a few strikes to remind themselves that they have an anvil.

  • @johnnyrandom100
    @johnnyrandom100 Před 4 lety +243

    fun fact: sweating like pigs refers to the pig irons cooling down and moisture in the air condensing down on them. real pigs don't sweat. If you don't believe me do a google search for the origins of the meaning to sweat like a pig, I live near Sheffield in England, it's where steel production used to be the main employer. Its common knowledge around here.

    • @ravinchowdhury5215
      @ravinchowdhury5215 Před 4 lety +14

      Why would moisture condense on hot iron though? Doesn't moisture usually condense on cold things like icy drinks?

    • @christopheralegria71
      @christopheralegria71 Před 4 lety +4

      STFU! I did NOT know that.

    • @Notmyname1593
      @Notmyname1593 Před 4 lety +9

      @Timbo Dewabem The iron would still have to be cooler than the air.

    • @Yourlibrarian
      @Yourlibrarian Před 4 lety

      Interesting.

    • @Notmyname1593
      @Notmyname1593 Před 4 lety +1

      @Timbo Dewabem It was said "pig irons cooling down", indicating, that they were hot.

  • @michaelcherry8952
    @michaelcherry8952 Před 4 lety +147

    0:24 It's not a true "Acme" anvil if there isn't a squashed coyote underneath it! :-)

    • @charlesjessie1733
      @charlesjessie1733 Před 4 lety +14

      And he walks off like an accordian.

    • @Arin-3
      @Arin-3 Před 4 lety

      @@charlesjessie1733 i dont get it can u elaborate?

    • @MaciejBogdanStepien
      @MaciejBogdanStepien Před 4 lety +4

      @@Arin-3 Meep, meep! Road Runner & Wile E. Coyote --->faze.ca/anvil-about-to-crush-coyote-you-wont-believe-what-happened/

    • @diggerpete9334
      @diggerpete9334 Před 4 lety +7

      A squashed coyote in a body shaped crater under a tiny umbrella with the anvil on top.

  • @blacksmith67
    @blacksmith67 Před 4 lety +146

    The horn is usually used for starting a curve, but the rest of the forming is done with the hammer hitting the metal with nothing backing it, while the cold part of the piece merely rests across the top of the anvil. The horn is more often used to reshape metal in combination with the peen of the hammer. A fuller in the hardy hole can also be used for this purpose.

    • @skeetum2695
      @skeetum2695 Před 4 lety +23

      yep your username checks out

    • @fire304
      @fire304 Před 4 lety +26

      I wish he had talked to an actual blacksmith for research. Sounds like some of the "facts" were more Wikipedia based than researched. Things I noted on first watching: the step is softer (unhardened) metal which won't damage your chisel... You don't cut on the anvil edge, that's what a hardy is for.. The face is hardened steel and you can seriously injure yourself if you strike it. You'll only try to use a hardy hole to punch something once when you discover why there's a pritchel hole. The shape he's talking about is a London pattern, there are dozens of different patterns such as the round topped turtle anvil of China or the flat square top Japanese style.... I could go on quite a bit more...

    • @blacksmith67
      @blacksmith67 Před 4 lety +20

      Batman The Dark Knight: Simon describes bending curves on the horn, I point out that the horn might be used to start a curve, but it is not used for the majority of the process. Instead I point out that changing the shape (drawing out, a process that makes metal thinner and wider/longer) is the main use of the horn, which he doesn’t mention at all.
      There are reasons why you don’t make curves on the horn. When you strike ductile metal between the hammer and anvil, the metal deforms. When you want to maintain a constant thickness throughout a curve, you cannot hit it against the anvil.
      Watch a video on basic blacksmithing.

    • @gnarthdarkanen7464
      @gnarthdarkanen7464 Před 4 lety +6

      Nice tips... THX.
      Just wanted you to know you and "fire..." down there ARE authentically appreciated. Don't let the haters grind you down too much. You can't explain anything to dick-heads who know it all already... especially when they don't know what they don't know about. ;o)

    • @jollyjiggler
      @jollyjiggler Před 4 lety +2

      I have on occasion seen the horn used as a drift, but that seems sketchy.

  • @nickverbree
    @nickverbree Před 4 lety +22

    I love exactly how accurate this video was, and that it didn't repeat any crazy old myths (e.g. the tapping of the hammer knocks "slag" off the hammer face) or use commonly confused terminology (difference between quenching, hardening, tempering, etc)

  • @ssbohio
    @ssbohio Před 4 lety +261

    So the sailors were relying on large, burly men to "help them out" by varying their grip, speed, and stroke until they got the job done?
    I see. So, nothing unusual.

    • @cheezysauce4963
      @cheezysauce4963 Před 4 lety +29

      sailors, also known as seamen. >.>

    • @TodayIFoundOut
      @TodayIFoundOut  Před 4 lety +113

      Ya, the seamen just weren't good enough at whacking it when it popped up, so they had to bring in more practiced hands to help out.

    • @mrsapplez2007
      @mrsapplez2007 Před 4 lety +7

      @@TodayIFoundOut obviously😉

    • @ssbohio
      @ssbohio Před 4 lety +36

      @@TodayIFoundOut Do you know what a submarine is?
      It's a long, hard tube full of seamen.

    • @marcussmart7673
      @marcussmart7673 Před 4 lety +4

      Hah when your in the Navy your either a seaman or a fireman, depending on your job. If your in engineering your a fireman if not your a seaman.

  • @robinthrush9672
    @robinthrush9672 Před 4 lety +215

    You'd think the logical counterpart to the Hardie Hole is the Softie Hole.

  • @labeachgeek
    @labeachgeek Před 4 lety +136

    What did one horseshoe say to the other horseshoe?
    "Let's stop in at the blacksmith's for a few rounds. I feel like getting hammered!"

    • @joewhite6844
      @joewhite6844 Před 4 lety +2

      Stop....just....stop....

    • @Beer-can_full_of_toes
      @Beer-can_full_of_toes Před 4 lety

      Elisha Miley or that the shoes get rounded?

    • @therealamerican99.76
      @therealamerican99.76 Před 4 lety +1

      I’m not gonna like Cuze I have 69 likes. Great joke.

    • @freeholdequine2733
      @freeholdequine2733 Před 3 lety

      A rounding hammer is commonly used to make horseshoes

    • @reh3884
      @reh3884 Před 3 lety

      Horses are shoed (shod) by a farrier, not a blacksmith (almost it's often the case that a person has both jobs).

  • @valrdjem
    @valrdjem Před 4 lety +21

    I am a bladesmith, Simon is exactly correct on his information. Well done!

  • @ValhallaXYZ
    @ValhallaXYZ Před 4 lety +12

    3rd generation blacksmith here... just wanted to say thank you for the great vid : ) Hope you have a joyous holiday season... and may Aulë bless you 😉

    • @_Abjuranax_
      @_Abjuranax_ Před 4 lety

      More of a tinsmith myself, but I like anything covering the lost arts.

    • @12jswilson
      @12jswilson Před 4 lety

      Ah. I see that you too are a man of culture.

    • @krknfmkr8919
      @krknfmkr8919 Před 4 lety

      My Dad was second generation but I only started making knives in '90. I have my grandfather's anvil and a 1906 coal fired forge so I guess I'm third generation also

  • @jipillow1
    @jipillow1 Před 4 lety +82

    It’s calibrating. Just like clicking your tongs together before flipping a steak.

  • @therealsulaco
    @therealsulaco Před 4 lety +10

    Very interesting. I find the evolution of form - particularly in industrial design - to be immensely fascinating.
    On a side note, this is honestly the first time I've seen sponsored content that I use fully endorse. I've been playing Corssout for many months and enjoy it tremendously. It's fun, hectic, and the community is surprisingly non-toxic. I highly recommend it.

  • @Live4Freedom23
    @Live4Freedom23 Před 4 lety +13

    Forged in the heart of a dying star... Nice reference to Mjolnir.

  • @jamaicanenigma
    @jamaicanenigma Před 4 lety +13

    Those bonus facts worth the video

  • @dbfbobt
    @dbfbobt Před 4 lety +17

    Blacksmith to apprentice: "I'll hold the work on the anvil. When I nod my head you hit it with the hammer."

  • @calendarpage
    @calendarpage Před 4 lety +11

    I had a relative who was a blacksmith for the Government Printing Office in DC, back when they used horse and wagons to deliver the documents around town. Interesting video.

  • @thorgeirnable
    @thorgeirnable Před 4 lety +2

    This man speaks such proper English, it actually achieves what the creation of the accent set out to accomplish.

    • @thorgeirnable
      @thorgeirnable Před 4 lety

      @Mr BonesThe modern British English accent was created to distance themselves from seceded American colonialists. The goal was to make themselves sound posh, or more intelligent, versus someone from the US.
      Im saying his British accent is so perfect that instead of my usual opinion of the accent, which is lazy, I think it makes him sound rather fancy.

  • @DenisLoubet
    @DenisLoubet Před 4 lety +7

    Playing Whack-A-Mole with U Boats. Brilliant!

  • @thefacelessmonster
    @thefacelessmonster Před 4 lety +9

    First they give me the question I never knew I had, then they give me the answer I never knew I needed.

  • @top6ear
    @top6ear Před 4 lety +11

    There was a 7 year wait for wrought iron railings to be made for Canada's Parliament, they had to come from the UK. Huge demand for blacksmiths.

  • @zackshrigley
    @zackshrigley Před 4 lety

    I am a modern day blacksmith working over a 366lb Peter Wright with hand hammers every single day. I felt sick when I saw this video released today....it took me hours to actually click it. After 3/4 though, im really happy with your script writers understanding, explanation and accuracy. the delivery was spot on too, good show as always, even from your most critical critics.

  • @colsoncustoms8994
    @colsoncustoms8994 Před 4 lety +1

    Bouncing the hammer helps quite a bit with timing.
    I mainly use it as a way to calibrate where the hammer is hitting. Allows you to kind of feel how the head needs to be tweaked left or right, up or down to hit flat against the face, or slightly to the side depending on what you're working on.

  • @jliller
    @jliller Před 4 lety +76

    So tapping the hammer is how blacksmiths maintain their high APM.

    • @Swnkmstr
      @Swnkmstr Před 4 lety

      @Aggressive Tubesock I'd argue it's more their assist to death than the kill to death ratio that is high... Although it could be said that both ratios are essentially one and the same but have fun telling a league of legends or CoD player that. Lol

  • @joniroxanne96
    @joniroxanne96 Před 4 lety +155

    Stop! *Hammer time* ! 😅

    • @jasonarmstrong5750
      @jasonarmstrong5750 Před 4 lety +7

      emar 5207 take my upvote and get out of my sight

    • @CieJe.Alexander
      @CieJe.Alexander Před 4 lety +10

      I was going to reply here. But, I can't touch this.
      Ba-doom-chiss
      Break it down.
      Ba da da dum, da-dum, da-dum.
      Ah-oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh.

    • @estudiordl
      @estudiordl Před 4 lety +2

      Just came to see this comment.

    • @RadeticDaniel
      @RadeticDaniel Před 3 lety

      Anvils be like: every time you see me, the hammer's just so hyped

  • @zxc1972
    @zxc1972 Před 4 lety

    I'm a hobbyist blacksmith, but thought I add what I was told by some of the great blacksmiths I've trained with. When you swing the hammer, at the moment of impact you grip actually relaxes significantly - I was once told that at this moment someone should be able to grab the hammer from your hand. If they were quick enough! This helps reduce tendon strain from the impact. So after a few blows, sometimes the hammer can lose its orientation, depending on the piece you are working on. So by moving your hammer hand and the hammer bounce, and it corrects it straightens up, and you can grab it again knowing that it is perfectly perpendicular.
    Also, scrub off the varnish, blacken with a torch and rub with linseed oil. Varnish will blister your hammer hand in minutes!
    Love the stuff about the submarines!

  • @10beebo
    @10beebo Před 2 lety

    blacksmithing is a literal art-form and it's amazing to watch people work

  • @jackstone6072
    @jackstone6072 Před 4 lety +17

    The step is also usually softer, this means that if the cutting tool slips it will not blunt it as much.

  • @mikewood3203
    @mikewood3203 Před 4 lety +14

    Was taught as a child that the smith continues striking the anvil because it keeps the evil spirit hiding so they don't ruin the piece of work. They don't want to get hit with the hammer.

    • @djosearth3618
      @djosearth3618 Před 4 lety +1

      That one sounds a lot like it's been conflated with the old knock on wood superstition.. ;]

    • @anftrew3775
      @anftrew3775 Před 3 lety +1

      Sounds like one of those stories an expert makes up when asked a daft question by a non expert.

  • @Aco747lyte
    @Aco747lyte Před 2 lety

    I tap my anvil after a few strikes to maintain cadence. Excellent explanation of why our anvils are shaped as they are. I've been blacksmithing only 20 months, making knives, gold prospecting tools, ironwork for clothes hooks and buckles for belts and various. Thank you very much for your video. -Wendi

  • @goldskula
    @goldskula Před 4 lety

    Good video. Usually non-blacksmiths youtubers get a lot of facts wrong about anvils, blacksmiths tools and techniques. Two things that I would add are that there are many different kinds of anvils which have specific purpouses. Also many anvils are mostly made of less optimal material than steel but have a steel face. This way they can be cheaper.

  • @quintenwhyte6660
    @quintenwhyte6660 Před 4 lety +24

    "Whoever holds the hammer if he be worthy shall possess the power of... Simon Whistler!"

  • @armyofthewolves
    @armyofthewolves Před 4 lety +3

    An ad for a mobile game interrupted the ad read for an automobile game.
    Priceless

  • @crypto66
    @crypto66 Před 4 lety

    10:25 to 10:42 is prime example of a hurricane of euphemisms. Bravo to the writer. And bravo to Simon for keeping a (mostly)straight face.

  • @joshtowns5630
    @joshtowns5630 Před 2 lety

    A note from Australia, what we called anvil firing was bringing a piece of metal to a welding temp, smearing the the surface of the anvil with water then timing it so you hammer the metal when it touches the anvil. It sounds like a shotgun going off and sprays and impressive amount of sparks. Allegedly a technique for jump welding but I'm a little sceptical. Still fun to do when people don't expect it.

  • @Geraffel
    @Geraffel Před 4 lety +4

    "some find it nice to continue their hammering rythm, while they're examining the piece their working on" *big grin*

  • @eduardbass839
    @eduardbass839 Před 4 lety +16

    Would the universe explode if he meets his alternative self Vsaurce?

  • @sageavatar
    @sageavatar Před 3 lety

    You're absolutely right about the rhythm of hammer blows and taps to the face of an anvil. What most people don't realize is that an anvil is bouncy. It is so massive, dense, and comprised of materials that reflect force. When making strikes, you can allow the hammer to bounce on the face to then go back for more strikes, which is way less energy than lowering and lifting the hammer -- not to mention faster. Anvils can lose this bouncy-ness for a variety of reasons. An anvils value corresponds to its weight, type, composition, manufacturer/foundry, general upkeep, and bounce. An anvil with little bounce, is worth very little for forging. Source: Am Blacksmith

  • @DBec7
    @DBec7 Před 4 lety

    One note to add to your many correct analytical points.
    The tapping of the hammer on the anvil keeps it in motion. The momentum of the bounce reduces fatigue by not having to lift the full weight of the hammer every time you check/adjust your work. (Keeping the rythem also helps me with accuracy)

  • @bensam4518
    @bensam4518 Před 4 lety +43

    Not a single Looney Tunes reference??? Come on Simon you’re better than that!

    • @stevenwilgus8982
      @stevenwilgus8982 Před 4 lety +2

      The way that everybody's suing everybody for copyright infringement That's probably why he was not able to do that...

    • @Beer-can_full_of_toes
      @Beer-can_full_of_toes Před 4 lety +1

      Or at least Tom and Jerry reference

  • @deathmetaldahlia
    @deathmetaldahlia Před 4 lety +4

    This is fantastic! I have quite a few friends that are metal workers and traditional blacksmiths that I'd love to share this with. Since I'm a professional journeyman leathersmith, I'm curious if you were interested in doing a video about the history of tanning and leathersmithing through the ages. Love your work as always, cheers!

    • @CieJe.Alexander
      @CieJe.Alexander Před 4 lety +2

      I'd watch that.

    • @_Abjuranax_
      @_Abjuranax_ Před 4 lety +2

      I saw a similar video, and the stench of the leather tanning process compelled them to be located on the outskirts of a city. I think it was part of the worst jobs in history series.

  • @michaeljohnston243
    @michaeljohnston243 Před 3 lety +1

    The horn is also used to help draw out billets. Punching a hole is often called drifting.
    The tapping helps to “right” the hammer, should the head slip to the right or left.

  • @michelleherbert3058
    @michelleherbert3058 Před 4 lety +1

    Hey there Simon, really, really like your show on blacksmiths. When I was 21, l was taught blacksmithing by Gordan Blackwell who later became The Naragingi Blacksmith at Naragingi Nature Reserve in Doonside, Sydney. A true master, with recognizable tunes he could play with a lump hammer on the anvil as he worked...... Absolutely magical.
    I've always wonder what his full story is/was, I'm not sure now as I'm now 62 years young lol...
    You and your team have great skills at research and I think people would be surprised that blacksmithing is still a thing. Gordon was the strongest man I'd ever seen and licenced to make cross bows and swords. His career was a long one that I only know bits and pieces.
    Please fill in the blanks if you can. Ty Shelly

  • @nonyobizness7307
    @nonyobizness7307 Před 4 lety +9

    Every element other than those synthesized by intelligent beings came from exploding stars. Carl Sagan says so: “We are all made of star stuff.”

    • @TodayIFoundOut
      @TodayIFoundOut  Před 4 lety +5

      Technically a lot of it was "forged" while the star was still "living". In the dying phase is when the heavier elements were made.

    • @zacharyhandy9606
      @zacharyhandy9606 Před 4 lety +1

      And kilonova made even heavier elements

    • @chrisroberts3870
      @chrisroberts3870 Před 4 lety

      Hydrogen was created in the Big Bang.

    • @garethbaus5471
      @garethbaus5471 Před 4 lety

      What about hydrogen?

    • @Tmanaz480
      @Tmanaz480 Před 4 lety

      Don't forget Hoagy Carmichael.

  • @MAGGOT_VOMIT
    @MAGGOT_VOMIT Před 4 lety +3

    A New High-Quality Anvil will ring like a Bell when Struck. A cheap anvil or worn out high quality Anvil will not ring. The worn-out high quality Anvil develops internal cracks, absorbing some of the energy from good solid blows from your Hammer and having less effect, thus making you work a lil harder. The "Dry Strikes" allow the Smith to reset his Grip "One-Handed" without losing his Rhythm.

    • @KlockoFett
      @KlockoFett Před 4 lety +1

      Serious question. What does one do with a worn out anvil? Does it get melted down and re-cast into a new one? I can't imagine you'd just set it to the curb on trash day.

    • @garethbaus5471
      @garethbaus5471 Před 4 lety +2

      @@KlockoFett just continue using it, it still works.

    • @paulesterline5714
      @paulesterline5714 Před 4 lety

      Old wives tale, not 100% correct. .

    • @MAGGOT_VOMIT
      @MAGGOT_VOMIT Před 4 lety

      @@KlockoFett That's right. Pro Smiths tell friends like my Dad and we go get 'em and the Smith's proudly show us their Brand New Anvil and proudly "Ring It" for us. I think we collected 5 or 6 of them through the 70's and 80's

    • @paulesterline5714
      @paulesterline5714 Před 4 lety

      @@MAGGOT_VOMIT well then I have been making my living for 43 years knowing "absolutely nothing" I think you must have tried out what you suggested I do with that hammer a few times too many. Hammer bounce tells you all you need to know about an anvil. The ring only tells you how soon you will be going deaf.

  • @hameley12
    @hameley12 Před 4 lety +1

    Today I learned something new: Anvils 🤔 ⚒
    Great job on explaining everything Simon and I will definitely check out Crossout 👏👏 I'm so happy I found about your channel years ago, it has the best content and I get to learn more about your sponsors and go to their website and subscribe to them. I hope that our support helps you to continue for years to come.

  • @ladynyx2840
    @ladynyx2840 Před 4 lety

    Another tool the hardie hole uses is a a friction clamp to hold your part. So far the video is spot on, even why we tap the hammer. Good research. Bravo. This my top favorite video on youtube. Thank you so much.

  • @MegaRudeBoy69
    @MegaRudeBoy69 Před 4 lety +29

    When you talked about the U-boats, i thought you were going to say they dropped anvils on them, that would have been some Tom and Jerry stuff.

    • @commonsense5125
      @commonsense5125 Před 3 lety +1

      Wrong cartoon, Coyote and Roadrunner is what your after.

  • @johngingras
    @johngingras Před 4 lety +83

    Anvil launching?! I wonder how many people died from this.

    • @1969Kismet
      @1969Kismet Před 4 lety +10

      Let's look it up in the Darwin Awards Editions. It's bound to be there...There's always an idiot to come up with a great idea like anvil throwing or anvil launching.

    • @MatthewStinar
      @MatthewStinar Před 4 lety +14

      I can imagine some of the people I know here in Georgia doing this. And I know someone who would love to bring moonshine to such an event.

    • @1969Kismet
      @1969Kismet Před 4 lety +8

      @@MatthewStinar Please, do everybody great favour and keep these people in Georgia. I don't want to live close to someone with a stupid idea, an anvil and explosives. It really makes a frightening trio.

    • @MatthewStinar
      @MatthewStinar Před 4 lety +4

      @@1969KismetI can't even get them to stop addressing me as "yeowl" (y'all).

    • @1969Kismet
      @1969Kismet Před 4 lety +3

      @@MatthewStinar Oh heck! We're all doomed, then. Keep safe, mate.

  • @ghjuyt101
    @ghjuyt101 Před 4 lety +1

    As a blacksmith I appreciate how accurate that was, keep it up!

  • @magnificentfailure2390

    I like taking little things to a smith just because it's fun to watch the various jobs going on in the shop. My buddy Freddie was a fair smith and an excellent farrier. So cool to watch him work.

  • @Wavemaninawe
    @Wavemaninawe Před 4 lety +18

    "The face is the main large, flat slab where most of the hammering takes place. It also contains the hardy hole and the pritchel hole. Unlike the step, it often features slightly round edges, so that the edges dont cut into the metal being pounded on the face."
    And here i used to get uncomfortable when Simon made *sexual* innuendos.

    • @TodayIFoundOut
      @TodayIFoundOut  Před 4 lety +6

      It's the little things that make this fun. ;-) -Daven

  • @hifox21
    @hifox21 Před 4 lety +17

    The Anvil, brought to you by a guy who has never swung a hammer in his life 😆

    • @KuraIthys
      @KuraIthys Před 4 lety

      That's pretty common though, isn't it?
      Most documentaries and 'factual' programs are presented by people that know basically nothing whatsoever about the subject they're describing. XD

  • @MikevanHattum
    @MikevanHattum Před 4 lety

    As a blacksmith, not correctly on everything on the anvil, but the tapping on the anvil...spot on. I have been blacksmithing for 10 years, and had many teachers, each having their own ways and traditions. But the tapping is indeed mostly used to keep the rhythm and see what needs to be done during that heat of the metal. Feel free to contact me for further questions on blacksmithing

  • @marvinkitfox3386
    @marvinkitfox3386 Před 3 lety +1

    I came for Anvils, took a casual stroll through an Iron smelter, briefly visited a supernova, and ended up with U-boat periscope whack-a-mole.
    What an interesting journey!
    OH, is that a flying anvil I see?

  • @wolfwintemute7298
    @wolfwintemute7298 Před 4 lety +7

    I'm slightly disappointed that you missed the opportunity to tell us to "smite that like button" rather than the typical "smash that like button"

  • @johnalexander2349
    @johnalexander2349 Před 4 lety +29

    Wait a minute, this isn't Essential Craftsman...

    • @typrus6377
      @typrus6377 Před 4 lety +3

      I thought EC, GOTL, Hoffman or maybe Roy uploaded something for a minute there too haha

  • @redlionforge9173
    @redlionforge9173 Před 4 lety

    I’m a blacksmith and all of the information was 100% correct, good job!

  • @Sailor376also
    @Sailor376also Před 4 lety

    Your description of the hammer bounce is excellent. The hammer face to anvil is extremely elastic. Much of the energy of the strike is then used to lift the hammer for the next blow. Yes, and change the hand position up or down the handle,, An addition, The wooden hammer handle has a rhythm as well. No steel handle I have ever used and only a single fiberglass handle I have used was suitable for striking. And,, A hammer must have available to it a 'dead blow'. This is a skill that accumulates over years of hammer use. The short of it is,,, you do not hold the hammer handle tightly at all. You do not swing hard,, or harder,, you barely hold the hammer handle,, it is just a guide. You 'allow' the hammer to strike hard. You let it release, turn it loose. . Two results,, a ferociously hard strike,, and unless you hit something soft and cherry red,, a rebound that will carry the head nearly as high as it was originally. The same type of dead blow is essential for cutting stone. The fingers are on there lightly, and only there, to gently guide it to target.

  • @Sgt_SealCluber
    @Sgt_SealCluber Před 4 lety +7

    Bonus Fact: The best/preferred anvil sealant for anvil blasting is peanut butter.

  • @shanematthews1985
    @shanematthews1985 Před 4 lety +20

    So today I learned submarines are weak against hammers
    The more you know

    • @expectnothing9032
      @expectnothing9032 Před 4 lety

      Because the water pressure makes it collapse in on itself or something right?

  • @theslacksmith
    @theslacksmith Před 4 lety

    It is so incredibly apparent that you have done very in depth research because you nailed every part of this, and I commend you for that :)

  • @DareMurdok
    @DareMurdok Před 4 lety

    I have a great appreciation and interest in blacksmithing and metalwork in general
    and I've seen another video show a blacksmith use the tip of the horn to create a chain link and that was really cool.
    Thank you for this video!

  • @TheCimbrianBull
    @TheCimbrianBull Před 4 lety +3

    Acme anvils! 😀
    *Wiley E. Coyote intensifies*

  • @justdueit6199
    @justdueit6199 Před 4 lety +8

    When someone asked a silly question not knowing that there is a rather large history and science to it.

  • @Indiana_John
    @Indiana_John Před 4 lety

    Great job man! This is probably the only YT vid I've seen about blacksmithing that's both totally accurate and done by someone who isn't a blacksmith. I've seen plenty of videos by blacksmiths that were accurate, and plenty of videos by nonblacksmiths that were inaccurate. You can really tell that you researched this in depth!👍

  • @bushmanPMRR
    @bushmanPMRR Před 4 lety

    This is why I love Simon's channels. I HAD wondered about the anvils shape and the hammer strike and the video didn't disappoint.
    The comments are an extra bonus!

  • @arturbies
    @arturbies Před 3 lety +2

    Everything except hydrogen and helium was forged in the heart of a dying star. Heavy metals had to go through that process twice ;)

  • @JustPlayTheGame76
    @JustPlayTheGame76 Před 3 lety +2

    So at one time, someone could have said "I took out a U Boat with my bare hands!" and they wouldnt be completely wrong. lol

  • @brianartillery
    @brianartillery Před 4 lety +1

    In the last war, the Germans invented the Acoustic Mine, which could be set off by the noise of the engines of a ship passing over it. After a while, some boffin in the Royal Navy got the Admiralty to buy a load of 'Kango' petrol powered hammers. These were put on rafts, and set off, and floated into areas where Acoustic Mines were laid, and so, set off the mines. It didn't take long for the Germans to go back to magnetic and contact mines, both of which were fairly easy to deal with.

  • @timothyjacksondrake4454
    @timothyjacksondrake4454 Před 4 lety +2

    I watched this because I was curious about its accuracy as a smith myself. You did not disappoint with spot on facts. Keep it up.

  • @anewspinonthings
    @anewspinonthings Před 4 lety +3

    I was just wondering this the other day

  • @themobseat
    @themobseat Před 4 lety +36

    Who dislikes a video about anvils?! Maybe they should have one dropped on them, Looney Tunes cartoon style.

    • @crystall9522
      @crystall9522 Před 4 lety +8

      My dad is an amateur blacksmith and in a Facebook group solely dedicated to anvils. The amount of outrageous arguments that break out over anvils in there is incredible. Apparently anvils are a highly debated topic.

    • @jodders619
      @jodders619 Před 4 lety +3

      @@crystall9522 It is a truth of our modern times: Anything said on the internet will be disagreed with in the strongest possible terms by somebody eventually.
      If I say water is wet somebody's gona say...

    • @JamesBond-xx1lv
      @JamesBond-xx1lv Před 4 lety +6

      jodders sure I'll help you out... YOU STUPID LITTLE TWAT HOW CAN WATER BE WET WETNESS IS A SENSATION AND NOT A PROPERTY YOU IDIOT LOOK IT UP IS BEEN SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN LOL IM SO SMART AND YOURE AN IDIOT LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL 😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @quintenwhyte6660
      @quintenwhyte6660 Před 4 lety +1

      Acme!

    • @jodders619
      @jodders619 Před 4 lety +2

      @@JamesBond-xx1lv You nailed it! Well done! (I'm not doing this right am I..?)

  • @TheMasterofTruth
    @TheMasterofTruth Před 3 lety

    Spectacular description.. complete & precise... thank you for the info & knowledge transfer!!!

  • @anonymous.youtuber
    @anonymous.youtuber Před 4 lety

    You just answered so many lil’ questions I had in one video!
    Keep up the good work !

  • @boat02
    @boat02 Před 4 lety +3

    I usually find it much easier to stick with a crystal hammer, preferably augmented.

    • @zlcoolboy
      @zlcoolboy Před 4 lety

      Unexpected Run Escape (yes, I know ;) )

  • @craigcorson3036
    @craigcorson3036 Před 4 lety +3

    Did no one think to float oil-based paint on the water to foul the periscopes? Seems like a no-brainer. Costly in paint, I suppose, but when did the military ever care what things cost?

    • @windhelmguard5295
      @windhelmguard5295 Před 4 lety +1

      i wonder how nobody ever had the idea to arm sailors with shotguns.

    • @CieJe.Alexander
      @CieJe.Alexander Před 4 lety +1

      @@windhelmguard5295 hmm naval snipers on water. Both sharpshooters, and targets each moving at relatively (although individually varying) high speeds.
      Most of all, it would require eagle eyed, tireless spotters, watching 360°, 24/7. That would be, quite an interesting challenge.

    • @windhelmguard5295
      @windhelmguard5295 Před 4 lety +2

      @@CieJe.Alexander
      it's doable with some practice.
      i mean aircraft machine gunners trained by shooting down clay pigeons, while riding on trucks on bumpy fields, so making that leap to shooting a periscope from a boat, with a shotgun shouldn't be too difficult.

    • @CieJe.Alexander
      @CieJe.Alexander Před 4 lety

      @@windhelmguard5295 But incessantly watching, watching, watching, all day, every day? And in ALL directions. Going days, and days without seeing ANYTHING at all not even a bird? The old game of hurry-up, and wait. It would most likely, be trance-inducing. Humans are not - naturally - suited to such practices. I'm not saying it's impossible to manage. Just EXTREMELY difficult.

    • @windhelmguard5295
      @windhelmguard5295 Před 4 lety

      @@CieJe.Alexander
      i mean, there is more than one sailor on a ship you know?
      put them into smaller groups, one guy per group is watching while the others are doing different kinds of work so they don't get bored out of their minds.

  • @shadowhenge7118
    @shadowhenge7118 Před 4 lety

    I have a great Cliff Carrol anvil I use. I find the bounce to be great and that's why i tend to keep the rhythm going. I had an anvil that didn't bounce well and didn't tap as much unless working with an assistant and we had to keep time. I find it also helps to knock scale off the face of the hammer that may have gotten stuck there while forging. You got this one 100%. Incidentally, the tool used to punch the hole on either the pritchel or the hardy is called a "drift" and most blacksmiths make their own I tend to have a separate punch and various sized drifts, but they can be the same tool. You'll find plenty of basic tongs and such for sale but one of the cool things about smithing is that once you get a source of heat, a hammer, and something hard to hit it on.... you can make nearly every other tool you would ever need. You can tell a lot about a smith by their collection of various hardy points, drifts, tongs, tapers, and other tools. It's a history of every special project they've ever done and every crazy idea they thought would work, hehe.

  • @dshe8637
    @dshe8637 Před 3 lety

    Excellent explanation. Well written.

  • @spencerdokes6056
    @spencerdokes6056 Před 4 lety +3

    When the bonus fact is longet than the main pary = win win

  • @allenmorgan6847
    @allenmorgan6847 Před 4 lety +12

    Explain the difference between these two: University of “State” and “State” State University
    E.g. University of Iowa and Iowa State University

    • @CieJe.Alexander
      @CieJe.Alexander Před 4 lety +23

      Better choices then my cousins had. One went to Penn. State.
      The other went to the State pen.
      Ba-doom-chiss
      I'll show myself out.

    • @_Abjuranax_
      @_Abjuranax_ Před 4 lety +7

      @@CieJe.Alexander Roses are red.
      Violets are blue.
      If skunks went to college,
      they'd go to P.U.

    • @MsKathleenb
      @MsKathleenb Před 4 lety +7

      'State' State University is usually the land grant uni, and devotes a lot of time and money to agricultural programs and research.

    • @louf7178
      @louf7178 Před 4 lety +1

      @@MsKathleenb Thx

  • @JulioTijuana01
    @JulioTijuana01 Před 4 lety

    Thank you for this video. My grandfather was a blacksmith, I saw him working as a kid many times. After watching this video I understand a little better what he did.

  • @MoonshineMetalworks
    @MoonshineMetalworks Před 4 lety

    As a blacksmith, I love this, it reaffirms my belief that these videos are generally well researched and accurate. Great video, I shall be sharing regularly!

  • @ihmesekoilua
    @ihmesekoilua Před 4 lety +48

    *smite that like button.

    • @clintonjohnston2970
      @clintonjohnston2970 Před 4 lety

      Tapping the hammer on the anvil cleans off small chunks and helps keep the hammer face clean

  • @ThisOldSkater
    @ThisOldSkater Před 4 lety +9

    10:04 Is this where we get the saying "Dumb as a bag of hammers?"

    • @timothyneiswander3151
      @timothyneiswander3151 Před 4 lety +2

      I thought the saying was "dumb as a box of rocks"
      I have also heard "dumb as a screen door on a submarine"
      "dumb as a kickstand on a tank"
      "dumb as an airplane with a sunroof"
      "dumb as a whiskey barrel with an antenna"
      but never have I heard anyone utter "dumb as a bag of hammers"
      Is that a regional thing? like Easter Island?

    • @caniscerulean
      @caniscerulean Před 4 lety

      @@timothyneiswander3151 I've heard dumb as a bag of hammers a couple times in my life, but mostly box of rocks in the PNW. Most of your other examples I usually hear as "Useless/Useful as a..." i.e. "He's about as useful in the shop as a screen door on a submarine."

    • @blindleader42
      @blindleader42 Před 4 lety

      @@timothyneiswander3151 I prefer
      "useless as a box of rocks"
      "dumb as a bag of hammers"
      It seems to me, "useless" is more appropriate for your box of rocks, screen door, kickstand etc. expressions.

    • @timothyneiswander3151
      @timothyneiswander3151 Před 4 lety

      Now that you mention it, I do recall hearing "useless" being used as well.

    • @horsemumbler1
      @horsemumbler1 Před 4 lety

      @@blindleader42
      A box of rocks can be quite useful, though. The box is useful for containing the rocks, and the rocks for weighting down the box. Ever seen a trebuchet?

  • @alexcbeal
    @alexcbeal Před 4 lety

    Took me a few videos to warm up to this man. Now I love him, and would offer him a hug.

  • @thatguywiththeblueberrypie9594

    Just bought my first anvil, super excited

  • @heather5254
    @heather5254 Před 4 lety +3

    Does his accent make him sound smarter?lol. Still, a pleasant voice.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred Před 4 lety

      If nothing else Simon is articulate.

  • @seanbaugh3239
    @seanbaugh3239 Před 4 lety +11

    *Today I Found Out :*
    Anvils are shaped that way because Leon Schlesinger, Rudolf Ising and Hugh Harman thought it would look funny in their cartoons.
    *The More You Know🌈🌟*
    *"NUFF SAID"*

  • @joshschneider9766
    @joshschneider9766 Před 3 lety

    I have a 305 lb Peter Wright anvil made in 1908. it is essentially a London pattern. Thanks for sharing this knowledge with the wider world.

  • @magnus5356
    @magnus5356 Před 4 lety

    Excellent video, information and presentation, as always!

  • @rautermann
    @rautermann Před 4 lety +16

    Had an ad in the middle of the sponsor's ad. This is getting ridiculous.

    • @gregjohns5235
      @gregjohns5235 Před 4 lety +2

      Agreed.

    • @rautermann
      @rautermann Před 4 lety +1

      @Andrew Friend There was a documentary on North Korea once. Amidst all the atrocities in it, they had a few long shots of the streets there. I kept wondering why they looked so calming - until I realized that there was not a single Billboard, large shop sign or commercial poster in sight, even though they were driving through a main streets with shop windows and all... Pure bliss.

    • @gregjohns5235
      @gregjohns5235 Před 4 lety

      @Andrew Friend Of course, because as long as people keep watching CZcams, they have no incentive to change. The only way to get their attention is for us all, (or at least a large portion of us.) to stop watching CZcams. But that's not going to happen.

  • @BibleStudent4U
    @BibleStudent4U Před 4 lety

    My father was not a black smith but he still needed an anvil to straighten out bent nails and other tasks. He used an 8 inch piece of rail road railing as his anvil and that works very well for non-smithing tasks. It also works well as a door stop, that thing is quite heavy.

  • @suckontheserobotnuts
    @suckontheserobotnuts Před 4 lety

    having a british narrator explain things you could have easily googled its the first class luxury version of research. love it