Blacksmithing Business vs YouTube
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- Here at Black Bear Forge, blacksmithing is a business and making CZcams videos about blacksmithing is an important part of that business model.
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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.
www.abana.org/
Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhamme...
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresf...
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco....
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforg...
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmith...
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmiths...
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithb...
New anvils - www.oldworldan...
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils...
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore....
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
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.
I really appreciate how transparent you are about the business and what you are doing in the shop.
I always viewed these videos as a way to teach someone how to do something. A modern day way to pass on a trade to new, and up-n-coming people. Changing the layout of your shop to streamline your ability to crank out a little more work, a little faster and easier, is just being efficient. I was excited to see you pull the old forge out, because you know what you're doing. Thanks for the video
As someone who has dreamed of becoming a blacksmith since i was little, i've really come to rely on people like him to teach me "Tricks of the trade", because sadly i dont have many outlets where im from for blacksmithing knowledge.
Hmmmm...
As a Patron, now you know why I don’t watch your videos via Patreon very often. If you were to retire from blacksmithing today, I’d happily continue to say how much I gained from what you’ve given us. There are new generations (even from old guys like me) who can be tracked back to you as our teacher. So, I’m here to keep the algorithm happy and support you as long as you’re willing to produce content.
As for holding you to prior statements, those were different times. One huge mistakes many make is to believe things shouldn’t change. Change is the only constant. And growth requires recognition of that change. As a Patron, I was happy to just support you as I’m also an idealist. However, I don’t blame you for moving with the change of times and I look forward to seeing what shows up only on Patreon.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
My husband calls you Grandpa Forge, you're his role model and inspiration! Currently getting his own workshop together thanks to you.
🇺🇸Jhon I just wanted to say thank you for all you do everything changes with time and we all have to adapt to it or be left behind
You are completely right I run a construction business but I love blacksmithing. Now if I devoted all my time to blacksmithing I would be a poor man. I'm not anywhere on your level. So construction it is and blacksmithing is a really fun hobby. Thank you for all that you do
I was in the same boat a few months ago. I was a wildlife biologist. Retired at the end of last January. Spent more time I tbe smithy in the last 2 months than the previous 6. Love it. Only sold one steel striker but have some inventory now. I love my shop time and my arms are not hurting because I'm getting i to shape. More consistent hammer time.
Every time I mention that I’ve started blacksmithing/bladesmithing people always say “have you seen Black Bear forge on CZcams?”
These are great points that are often overlooked, and something we don't usually try to explain to the occasional snide comment that gets made in the CZcams comment section...
Another thing that has to be factored in is the hundreds of hours it takes to refine and perfect your craft. In any other job people expect raises and recognition for their years at a place of employment; I'm often amazed at people's attitude towards the traditional crafts, as if we can feed our families just on the passion and good feelings for the trade...
Of course on the other hand there are the wonderful clients that appreciate our work and support it accordingly!
As far as CZcams, yes, there are lots of videos we could make that wouldn't get views, and that's just not sustainable for reasons you mentioned. Finding the balance between videos that will be worthwhile and still "stay true" to your vision is a challenge.
Great video.
20% here, watched to the end 👍🏼
You mentioned dental bills but there is also the overhead of fatigue or injury as you experienced a couple yeats back. 6 months off could take someone right out of the business if they are not established and some security in place yet.
That injury certainly had some long term effect. Not so much physical, but I fell out of the habit of getting into the shop early in the morning and started doing more computer work .
Stayed to the end, can't wait for the book to be published!! 😉
Hi John. I apreciate your work. Blacksmithing is blacksmithing, no matter how you heat up the metal. You are helping to keep the art alive all over the world. Well done and thanks for the buisness insight.
Would be cool to add as a perk the ability to download the videos. Maybe catalogue them and then offer them to paid subscribers. The wealth of knowledge is massive. I would gladly pay to have access to all of the videos outside of youtube.
Happy Easter! Thank you for reminding the CZcams world that just because you choose to share your knowledge & skills with the public that you are not publicly funded. You're free to do what you need to.
The world is not entitled to control you.
Thanks for continuing to be willing to give of your time.
I had a good chuckle over your comment about people unsubscribing because you removed the coal forge. I watch to see you forge and learn from it, I don't care how the metal gets hot. I love that you used all the methods, I don't have a coal forge or induction heater, and it's always interesting to see why you use a particular method. But my real interest is to watch you form metal. I'll probably never have a power hammer, but that doesn't mean I can't figure out how to do something on the anvil that you did in the hammer. The same is true of the coal forge and induction heater.
Regardless, I really enjoy your videos and appreciate the time you put into them. Today's video repeated what I've seen other makers state, diversify income sources. Very few get rich off of you tube monetization.
I think I'll look into zarta and I think it is very smart of you to include it.
Just don't over burden yourself.
Don't burn out. We need you.
I'm hopeful to have your wisdom in my future, and more importantly this is your retirement years.
John doesn't forget that safety has had to keep many Smiths and want to be with many bodies still safe.
BlackSmith don't use belows sin
Thanks again, we have you
Great information! I hated that you removed the coal forge. But you have to do what is best for your business. Like you said in that video, sometimes it isn't easy to find good coal. While I love using good coal, I find myself using my gas forge quite a bit lately. It's just easier to get the fuel.
The way things are going with the insanity around the Earth. I wouldn’t put it past certain US States making it illegal to burn Coal for any reason
I was heartbroken to see the coal forge moved out of the shop. I'm far more used to using a coke forge than a propane one, but it's the march of progress. It won't be long before using a coke or coal forge is just uneconomical, and not long after that that it becomes illegal. Gas will also be demonised at some point. The real problem I can see in the future is that electricity is so expensive and large capacity induction forges are so expensive that hobbyists like myself will simply be priced out even attempting to forge steel. Not long after that even the professional smiths will be able to make any kind of profit from their business, even if they diversify their income streams. Even the spectre of the day when there are no more smiths gives me a cold chill down my spine.
@@Moondog-wc4vm
I wrote a similar comment. I didn’t see your comment. Before I had written mine and posted it. I’m sorry and didn’t mean to somewhat plagiarize what you wrote. I absolutely agree with you
@@mdlanor5414 No worries!
While I could just sit back and absorb your knowledge for free, I don't. I have been both a Patreon supporter and now a channel member for over 2 years now. The way I look at it , I am getting real value from you, I have no problem paying for that value. I have run businesses and know the work needed to do so. I watch til tthe end on most, I repeatedly watch projects I am trying, adding them to the ever growing BBF playlist... I look forward to whatever you put out for us, including the cool drone videos of the Beulah area! Thank You Sir!!
Thank you so much for the support, it really does make a difference.
Thankyou John, nothing ever stays the same, but it always stays good.
John, thank you for the insight into your business. I run a woodworking business and people never understand that our shop rate in not what myself or my guys get paid.
hey, i'm 59yo IT desk jockey....backyard clown black smith. what you just presented could have been a whole semester in a college. when i get working again i will try to show you appreciation. for now all i can do is thumbs up and comment
Just watching and commenting really does help
This isn't really relevant to the video, but I just bought my first forge. I dug through some old magazines and it looks to me like it's a Canedy-Otto Chicago Forge no. 153, which is a lightweight portable forge. It's been a bit of a challenge, I had to make a new belt for the pulley that drives the fan, then the fan blades weren't turning so I had to go and oil it every day, but it's getting there and I hope by the weekend I might start my first fire. I don't believe I would have ever had the ambition to actually do it without your channel, John, so, thanks! I for one am happy to follow the channel whatever direction you take it.
Thank you for sharing this information about the true costs of running a business.
Happy Easter
Very informative video. I wouldn't have missed a second of it! Thank you for showing the realistic business side of things.
Glad it was helpful!
Just wanted to say that your videos are what inspired me to get a small gas forge and an old worn down anvil that hasn't been used since probably 1920 and to start tinkering in smithing. Anything you chose to share with us is a blessing and I always look forward to your next project no matter what it is. Even ones like today's is great and informative, so you keep doing you and we'll keep watching! Thank you for your time, and as always, I'll be watching for the next one.
John,
Honestly, I think this is one of your best videos yet!
It takes a lot to admit when we’ve said (or done) something short sighted or foolish. Wanting to provide content to people a handful of years ago for “free” was neither in my opinion, but rather a generous offer to the public to further the craft you obviously love.
Running a business is work in itself as you so well point out, and it is a shame we have to monetize our time so. But it is what it is.
So I thank you for all you do, and I look forward to being able to chip in once my revenue stream normalizes again. You have inspired me many times over, and I can’t thank you enough.
Meanwhile, I will continue to watch videos to the end, and I’m not sure why some 70% don’t, they are missing out.
-John
I'm new but not new to your videos. Never saw it as side gig but more so as a hobby! Appreciate the work you put into these tutorials!
I plan to open a small local forge. It was very interesting to listen to you, thank you. Making videos is a very difficult task for me, but I understand how important it is.
If you made a set of dvds with in depth how to info and things like that, I would add that to my collection of stuff. Love what you do. And as for the coal forge, I'm here to watch and learn and no matter what forge you use, the steel getting hot, doesn't do much when trying to learn the techniques on forging. Keep doing what your doing, a lot of us are here for the long haul
Exactly!
Thank you for taking the time to do this! As a beginner smith, this is stuff I need to know. I also hope it helps people understand how small business actually works.
As I've gotten older, it's become clear to me that people who complain about prices have 1.) never run a business, and 2.) never actually made anything that someone would consider buying. The proliferation of cheap stuff from overseas doesn't help matters either. Those who know what quality is because they live and breathe it will always understand why it costs extra. Keep up the good work 👍
I love your channels, but always like and share them whenever I can with my friends, *and* let the ads run because YT will be financially supportive of you through ads watched. (While they run, I'll be making a brew), but I appreciated all you said about then monetary side of running your business, factoring in the all-important overheads, only because I'm a business gal myself. Thank you for all you have taught me and my daughter! ❤ We enjoy all your three channels immensely, and we take the time to do so. Wishing you all the very best and happy Easter, Wendi 🌻
Thank you for being a true inspection my wife bought me my fist forge last Christmas and you have become a daily watch for me and you have become as big an inspiration to me as Alton Brown 💜 Thank you so much!
I don't mind helping out. I've found so much value in your videos and have been a viewer for years. Thank you, your contribution to the blacksmithing community is immeasurable. I'm all looking forward to see what the future holds.
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you John for taking the time to explain to your followers what your thoughts are. I started in this craft as a stress relief hobby about 5 years ago (I'm a mechanic) and I have watched you and Roy and have basically taught myself everything (after taking a weekend course from David Robertson , Ontario , Canada)from just watching your videos. I'm sorry I don't have extra money to help pay for your work but I will watch everything you put out to hopefully add to your ratings. Once again, Thank You.
You are very welcome
Hello John, Keep in mind their are people (like me) who just appreciate the way you present your material and the thought process that goes behind it. Some of your videos aren't about what i am interested in doing, but I know that I can gain some insight just by watching it. I don't subscribe and watch for an algorithm, I watch because YOU find something interesting and that makes it interesting for me. Even your mistakes (not that you make any! LOL) help me so I learn from them. Keep doing what you want to do and have fun with it! It's great to see someone have a passion about their work.
I fully support you with whatever you want to do, I don't think I'll ever get the chance to blacksmith the way I envisioned in the "yeah I can do everything I wanna do" days of youth, but your content lets me live that dream through viewing. It's relaxing to me to have your videos on as I go through my work day, just hearing the sounds of metal being worked is lovely.
Your videos are always so impressive. And I can almost see a roof through the woods. No I’m not a stocker I just happen to live close by.
Didn't realize the evolution of your mighty mustache over the years 😂
Always look forward to hearing on the business side of the forge, I need all the advice I can get and I trust your experience!
My ears with your explanation..and my eyes to your beautiful farm .. like from IRAQ❤
Hi John, I liked your talk on business and profitability, it provided food for thought. Over time I've matured as a youtube viewer, realising that it costing me money in data just to watch my favourite blacksmithing channels. One thing that quickly turns me away is long videos that laboriously show every shigle hammer that went into the project.
Anyway, thats my two cents worth. I'll finsh by saying I'm a big fan of your channel, I've learned a lot from you over the years and I reaaly like your style as a blacksmith and youtube creator.
Wishing you every sucsess moving forward. Kind regards. SW
Thanks John for taking the time to share/educate in this area. The struggle is very real., CZcams vs keeping the food on the table.
Keep the forge lit! 🔥
Watching or i should say producing this kind of content for us to watch. Is just as important as the actual blacksmithing videos. This kind of video allows us the viewer to see what you are thinking. An allows us to see behind the scene thought process.
Hey John! Thanks a lot for having us last week! we safely made it to the East Coast by now. Your videos inspire people all over the world and we could tell how passionate you are about it, I hope you can continue with your passion as long as possible.. Greetings Jan,Petr and Dennis
It was great to meet the three of you. Glad you're making steady process, enjoy the Atlantic portion of the flight.
Thank you for good videos, I am from Finland, and I am thinking to do blacksmithing to make my living,. I am unemployed and it's very difficult to find a job because my age is over 50.I watch these videos to learn blacksmithing and English language 😊❤️
I've always been interested in metalworking and your channel has inspired me to dip my toes in the water, who knows it might end up being the one hobby that sticks. Thanks for your content and your character.
I'm a solo father of two little kids.... limited time and tight budget...my forge is a wicker basket and home made refractory cement under a tent....might as well be third world over here lol. I'm a blue collar guy and I can't even find coal for sale in my area let alone blacksmithing classes....That said I've learned soo much from your channel I appreciate you taking the time to post these videos more than you know!!!
Thank you for the free encyclopedia of blacksmithing you've already posted online!!!
Us poor hobby Smith's love your channel!!!!
good to hear some behind the scenes
Thanks John, Looking forward to where the videos are going. I definitely understand the day job gets the most attention and then the moonlighting gets the leftovers.
Thank you John for offering so much to this community. Deeply grateful for your work. Inspired me to start hammering some hot steel!
Sounds like this is in response to some silly folks complaining!!! Always happen to watch what you produce, I always learn something new. Keep up the great work! You sticking to doing what you love to do while being a normal human who has other commitments in life makes me like your videos that much more.
Absolutely love your demeanor …. Calm , precise, and extremely informative. I believe I’m going to start forging my own products, and I have to thank for it.
A genuine treasure of CZcams! Keep up the great work Sir!
Thank you kindly!
You are an absolute fountain of knowledge. I've learned an incredible amount from you. Thank you for continuing to give us access on all the various platforms. And even taking the time to interact on the comments when we have the odd question or clarification. Sitting through an ad is a very small price to pay for this kind of access. But I have to ask...
What's a Deeveedee?
I'm kidding, I'm late 40's... just found it humourous.
It is your channel not ours you do you there will be people like me that watch your videos because they would love to do blacksmithing but do not have a place or the money to do it the way they want to do it so keep making videos the way you want I will keep watching
Thank you for the content.
I also love seeing my drawer handle in the background.
2nd from bottom alligator twist.
People don’t understand how expensive it is to do what you do stay profitable and make videos for us when you can thank you again❤
Glad to be a part of the 20-30%
Love to see a video of looking through that steel order. And a look through the steel pile in general... What you're buying just to "have" for the shop.
Will do!
I would buy a DVD, thanks to you I bought a forge and anvil. If you took the videos that you already have and organized them into a beginning blacksmith DVD I would buy one.
I appreciate all you do for the community! Even every time you aren't getting paid to plug up a battery for a wireless mic. I closed my shop doors, but you were a HUGE influence, encourager, and inspiration during a tough time of life. Now I am married to the mother of my two children, happy with my work, I love myself, I take pride in my accomplishments and my blessings... I am a fulfilled man and equipped to always be my best. Thanks for being a part of who I am.
Wesley McCravy
Good talk Being a self employed known in your own business For many years it's hard to explain to people
Thanks for the video
Fair enough... 👍
Woo hoo, i made it to the top 20% by watching the whole video. I really learn a lot from all your videos, especially these business related videos. As someone who’s wanting to step out in faith and pursue a career in blacksmithing, I really appreciate content like this. Thank you for all you do
Thanks for sticking around
Very insightful and informative. Answered a lot of questions that have been bouncing around inside my head. Thank you! HAPPY EASTER
Same to you!
I understand the time incolved in making content. I've made a few videos for CZcams. It is time intensive and editing cuts a lot out. I've had 2 hrs plus of filming that didn't have 5 minutes of good footage. I know you get better with experience and know what works better for video. Most of us appreciate what you do and understand that you're making a living with your trade. If CZcams content diminishes then so be it. I for one will watch how ever much or little you put on. Thank for what you do.
Great tips for those of us who are thinking to make our hobbies self funding. Love the content, and keep doing what you are doing, it is most appreciated.
Thank you for helping us understand how a Blacksmith business might work for us and or just how we can be semi serious about making some extra money doing nice projects and or simple projects that also make extra money. I for one appreciate your videos.
Being a self employed plumber, I know exactly what you’re saying.
Thank you so much for all of your videos, you are a great teacher and also very inspiring to get out there and try. Very much appreciated!
You are very welcome
I made it to the end. Things change over time, you have to go with it.
I stumbled upon your channel with a CZcams search for blacksmithing for beginners and so far, I have not been disappointed. You have so much rich and informing content here that I haven’t really explored too many other channels, I just come right back here because you’ve had a video for every one of my questions. Great channel, great host, great info!
You speak a lot of sense John. Very informative. Many thanks.
You’ve really come a long way in your videography and storytelling, John. Still very enjoyable to watch!
I also wouldn’t concern yourself with the ones pissed about the coal forge, I bet most of them don’t forge once a month. The tools don’t make the artist
Happy Easter sir. Glad to see the decision to take down the coal forge is working out. I was hoping that would smooth out your workflow. Thanks for the talk about operating costs and overhead costs. I’m getting to the point where I’d like to start selling some more things, and working out prices has been a challenge.
Another excellent video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Please take us on that journey of preparing for the hand tool conference. I for one am interested in seeing what products you make for it. Might make for some exellent videos on how to make our own tools!
watched it to the end. I became a subscriber. Thanks for putting it all out there. You have to do that, being transparent is good and honest, especially these days. Thank you again!
Thanks for the sub!
I identify very much with your situation and understand your needs perfectly. I thank you for making your work available here on CZcams and I wish you success!😎
Your channel is giving me the confidence to start my journey. Thank you.
Thanks for the cost run down, that was helpful
I am trying to get started in blacksmithing as a hobby and a little side income. I love your videos. They are so educational and easy to follow. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into them.
Glad to help
Evolving is part of life. I have learned SO much from you here and I’m grateful for both the project videos (I made a fire striker from one of your videos yesterday in fact!) AND straight-talk videos like these; thank you for the time you put into them and helping me start down this blacksmithing road 👍
I haven't commented in a long time. I would like to say that you've proven to be a real work horse as far as volume and consistancy of videos. There are quite a few guys who started making videos but have crapped out eventually. It's quite an achievement and likely under appreciated. That said l would like to say that l have learned the most from you and greatly appreciate your efforts. Cheers.
Thank you, your comment are greatly appreciated.
Hello John.
Thank you for all the information you are sharing. As a beginner Blacksmith, i like not only the produktion videos but also find the ones where you talk about your thoughts and the decisions very inspiring and helpfull to build my own mindset. Fore example the coalforge video inspired me to completly change my shop layout an it turned out to be so much more fun to be in my shop now. So thank you very much.
I hope you and your family have a beatifull easter weekend.
Greetings from Germany
Max
Ps: sorry for my bad writing havent writen in english fore a long time
YOU have got a pretty good pension and dont even know it! You listed a LOT of things it pays for. Good deal! Thanks for the videos! Happy Easter!
Thankyou for your videos and you clarity. you have improved my smithing and thinking around smithing , very grateful.
All of your videos are welcome information . If it is a new project or information on the business , they are always informative and a great learning tool . Because of that I follow your channel more than any other blacksmith on you tube . Always look forward to new videos and still catching up on the older ones
I appreciate that!
Thank you for what you're doing John, we appreciate the videos so much. You've gotta do what makes the most sense for your business. Make that work so you can keep making videos.
I appreciate that
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas.
Thank you for all the videos!! I know I’ve learned a lot from them. I know it’s hard to tune the trolls out completely, but like Ricky Nelson said, you can’t please everyone, so gotta please yourself.
Also I know I’m the past you’ve been Apologetic about using the power hammer or press, I took a class from great blacksmith last week he said, “ my arm only has so many hammer blows in it, I don’t want to use them up on drawing out something like tong rains”
Good 'yammering' - your content is great, 'you do whatcha gotta do for YOU, first'
Thanks for your efforts. We appreciate the instruction and entertainment.
All's well Mr John😇😁😇
thank you sir, i always enjoy the chance to set in your shop, listen to some thoughtful explanations and easy to understand demonstrations. this was a goodun too, you may not of shown how to make something this time, but you left me with something new to think about...and like always your dialog was easy to follow.
You touched on many interesting subjects in this one. For fun and personal education, I have tried to make some videos of myself blacksmithing. People don't realize that it isn't that easy. Granted I don't have the greatest video equipment but man it is a challenge to try and make something that doesn't look like my 2-year-old grandson was doing it. My hat is off to you sir for everything and every time you post on you tube. Keep us up to date on the goings on in your shop as I find it very informative.
Love your work and your transparency! My suggestion would be to keep on with the short blacksmithing instructional videos, you’re a great teacher! I wouldn’t be afraid to remake a technique either new is new. Keep up the great content!
Thanks John for sharing various aspects of blacksmithing, including the business side. I really enjoy watching your videos, and they are an immense help for a beginning back yard blacksmith like myself.
Thanks 👍
Appreciate the honest advice and explanation of your business and channel.
I find that the best time to buy a whole bunch of steel is yesterday. Here in Europe prices of everything goes up daily. It's getting insane.
Astonished that someone could be so ridiculous as to unsubscribe from your superb content because you had the temerity to invest in your own workshop. Keep up the good work.
I think a curated online course broken up into a few “semesters” would be very cool
I didn’t realize you were a firefighter.
Could you talk sometime about fire safety in blacksmith shops?
Happy Easter
Frank