I've been in Brian's presence a few times. He is a humble teacher who is very clear and entertaining. His ability to help you notice the subtle intricacies in all aspects of smithing is astounding. He can do more things in one heat than most people can in 5 heats. He has a very deep and thorough knowledge of his craft yet carrys himself like just a regular guy. A true master in "economy of motion" A true national treasure in the making.
Brian is an innovator and a hell of a good guy. He is, in my opinion a huge part of why the craft is back in the lexicon and still growing. So many established smiths can trace their knowledge and skills back to him.
I've watched this video a number of times, and now that I've had the opportunity to take a class from Brian it's amazing how much more sense the video makes! Thanks.
always wanted to learn blacksmithing. reminds me of how i visualise clay when im sculpting. i started when i was around 5 i think, i loved seeing the reactions of the clay in my hands, how compression would squish material up and out, how rolling would thin the edges but leave material in the center. stretch out the clay from the ends and the middle will be thinner. watching blacksmiths work, seeing how you all work that metal and know how itll react when you hit it at a certain angle, idk i feel something there. no smiths in my area to learn from though, its a shame,
You have the magic of you tube!!! Black bear forge, Joey van der steeg, Alec steel, Mark aspery, Christ centered ironworks, purgatory ironworks, Brent Bailey and so many other channels including this one have great videos!!!
Excellent hammer control. Beginners, at the start of the video note how the smith effectively uses the edge of the anvil to fuller and draw out his stock. Very well done.
@@BrianBrazealBlacksmith well darn, I just built my first little forge a couple weeks, and been trying to learn from anything I can on RUclips for now. Alec makes it clear you are a legend. Thanks for the reply, it's much appreciated
@@bochapman1058 I'm going to pickup some steel today to build my prototype forge for the school here in Louisiana at Chappapeela Crafts. We already have the four forges on one table with one chimney and one blower. We are building 6 fully equipped stations like we built in 2016 that are now in Africa.
@@BrianBrazealBlacksmith Do you have a forge making video? I'm out in AZ and I have space to work but I am working with a coffee can forge. It works for now I just made my first ugly leaf haha
@@bochapman1058 I do not. I will put some pictures on my Facebook page when I make them. We are building everything here. I'm working on power hammer dies at the moment.
Here it is again...1:04 'the hex coming around and the lock notches ... take it off on the top. Hex Rolled Diagonals taken off at lower temperatures, with mild steel. thanks
I would love some more shots of that anvil, maybe with different angles. Just curious to see the whole thing. Did you make it custom? I like the ergonomics of it...if that's the right word. thanks for another great video.
Hi Brian, how would you go about a cutting the keychain off from the parent stock? Would you chisel it, or maybe do the run and scroll technique? Thanks!
Mike Warner this is the the way I would start someone out their first time with a hand hammer if they are 12 or older. I don't have them make anything until they get comfortable with the techniques of forging on the near and far edges of the anvil. You want to discover for yourself how and why the metal moves. There are quite a few people forging and showing others to forge like this now. The leaf is one of the simplest compositions to make but tongs and knives are not much different using the same techniques. Most people came to me to learn how to make tools with a striking hammer, but this is what they really needed to learn since they will mostly be forging with a hand hammer.
Brian, I cherish these productions. You wouldn't ever show how you forge 4140, aye. I have so much of it now because I heard you make 4140 tools, I started to buy all sized round and gather scrap pieces of various shapes I got a Fly press to slit holes through it. I make chasing tools from O1, and cold chisels and repousse hammers, stakes. Those anvils are home made right? Learned a lot even though Ive seen your videos a dozen times a piece. I got Alec steele's online course of you also well worth time and money to see you work.
Hey Brian, While forging the tip of the leaf I noticed that you start to stick the workpiece slightly off the edge and sort of bend over the end, before straightening it again. Are you doing this in order to elongate the taper, as you felt it was too short? You first start doing this at the 1:51 mark. There is another big one at 1:54, then 1:56. For a lesser smith I would have thought it was a mistake, or an attempt to fix a mistake, but these look intentional. I know Alex Steele forges based on your methods, and in his taper videos that I've seen he never puts the piece off the edge. I've noticed that over time the angle of the work piece starts to increase, as does the angle of your hammer face, what are you trying to achieve by varying the angle like that?
It would be good to get a camera guy to explain those points you bring up. That was a quick video. You can see the hollow when I go from square to octagonal. I mentioned the cold shut. It would be good if a videoagrapher had more time to do a study on how forging works.
netoortega we are going to try and film everything here in Kenya, but everything I've already put on is good for any experience level. It just takes understanding and practice. Understanding how and why is the most important thing.
+Vitaliy Shyshuk If it's the same anvil as described by Alec Steele then the anvil is made of mild steel welded onto a steel tripod, which would mean here is very little ring if any
Outdoor effect is huge. Not only for the lack of walls to echo etc, but the anvil sitting on the dirt ground rather than on a concrete floor helps too.
Steven Short I was just showing some stuff to some people with a camera. I did not name this video nor put it on you tube. I don't think I had round stock at the moment.
The smith I was under always had us forge round items from square stock and vice versa. He taught us that it was much easier to see that you skipped a step and took away from the craftsmanship of the item.
It would take me like 2 hours to get what he got done in a minute with my forge... I can't get the damn thing hot enough. I just barely get to an orange heat and it cools back to black in like 10 seconds..
@@mc0224us Do you mean open the forge up more or increase propane pressure? I leave a pretty decent hole open in the back and front. I am only using mild steel, and I have trouble getting anything into the yellow temp. I can get a bright orange, but it fades to a dull red within the first couple hammer blows.
It sounds like you're not getting enough oxygen into the mix. If your burner has a choke, open it up more. If not, consider making the port wider. I assume you're using a venturi burner.
captain chaos I can't speak for everyone, but I do it alot because I use heavier hammers as a blacksmith compared to turning shoes as a farrier with a smaller hammer. I am just dropping my hammer most of the time as opposed to swinging it. When I need a longer throw I will let my hand extend to the end of the handle.
Brian Brazeal Thanks for replying, I find the whole process interesting. I would perhaps like to start as a hobby someday. I have some engineering experience and think the skills from fabricating steel with tools and welding might be transferable. Maybe some day I will get the chance to try it.
captain chaos most people today do it for enjoyment compared to employment. It is a very fulfilling experience. I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing. I've been involved in it since I was 20, first as a farrier and then as a blacksmith. Now I just help others learn how. I'm 58 now.
Im sorry but i got to tell you that leaf looks awful, my goal isnt to offend you justvto tell my honest opinion, ive seen much prettier leaves it would have been much prettier if you thined it and used much sharper chisel for the engraving
I've been in Brian's presence a few times. He is a humble teacher who is very clear and entertaining. His ability to help you notice the subtle intricacies in all aspects of smithing is astounding. He can do more things in one heat than most people can in 5 heats. He has a very deep and thorough knowledge of his craft yet carrys himself like just a regular guy. A true master in "economy of motion" A true national treasure in the making.
Brian is an innovator and a hell of a good guy. He is, in my opinion a huge part of why the craft is back in the lexicon and still growing. So many established smiths can trace their knowledge and skills back to him.
I've watched this video a number of times, and now that I've had the opportunity to take a class from Brian it's amazing how much more sense the video makes! Thanks.
always wanted to learn blacksmithing. reminds me of how i visualise clay when im sculpting. i started when i was around 5 i think, i loved seeing the reactions of the clay in my hands, how compression would squish material up and out, how rolling would thin the edges but leave material in the center. stretch out the clay from the ends and the middle will be thinner. watching blacksmiths work, seeing how you all work that metal and know how itll react when you hit it at a certain angle, idk i feel something there. no smiths in my area to learn from though, its a shame,
You have the magic of you tube!!! Black bear forge, Joey van der steeg, Alec steel, Mark aspery, Christ centered ironworks, purgatory ironworks, Brent Bailey and so many other channels including this one have great videos!!!
Excellent hammer control. Beginners, at the start of the video note how the smith effectively uses the edge of the anvil to fuller and draw out his stock. Very well done.
You're a true master of your craft. Thanks for the instruction.
Really great to see the man himself at work.
This guy knows his shit.
Впервые такую наковальню вижу💪
I like the frogs/wildlife in the background haha
these outdoor videos are great.
Very pretty leaf
I think so too!
the Master at work.you make it look so easy!always impressive.
Love the new videos, you guys do great work.
Hey, I hope you’re feeling better, I was supposed to be at the class at Mesa community college this last week. Sorry to hear you weren’t feeling well.
With how much Alex promotes you I am so surprised you aren't more well followed!
I do not know much about the internet. I am 61 years old. I am not the one that put these videos on. I am just the guy with the hammer in his hand.
@@BrianBrazealBlacksmith well darn, I just built my first little forge a couple weeks, and been trying to learn from anything I can on RUclips for now. Alec makes it clear you are a legend. Thanks for the reply, it's much appreciated
@@bochapman1058 I'm going to pickup some steel today to build my prototype forge for the school here in Louisiana at Chappapeela Crafts. We already have the four forges on one table with one chimney and one blower. We are building 6 fully equipped stations like we built in 2016 that are now in Africa.
@@BrianBrazealBlacksmith Do you have a forge making video? I'm out in AZ and I have space to work but I am working with a coffee can forge. It works for now I just made my first ugly leaf haha
@@bochapman1058 I do not. I will put some pictures on my Facebook page when I make them. We are building everything here. I'm working on power hammer dies at the moment.
Always enjoy your videos Brian.
Amazing accuracy Brian!
A legend
"Fuller leaf" Hahahaha
Beautiful work.
Here it is again...1:04 'the hex coming around and the lock notches ... take it off on the top. Hex Rolled
Diagonals taken off at lower temperatures, with mild steel. thanks
I would love some more shots of that anvil, maybe with different angles. Just curious to see the whole thing. Did you make it custom? I like the ergonomics of it...if that's the right word. thanks for another great video.
It is on my profile picture on Facebook.
Yes it was custom made.
Exelente work, Keep it up. Greetings from Sweden
Hi Brian, how would you go about a cutting the keychain off from the parent stock? Would you chisel it, or maybe do the run and scroll technique? Thanks!
It's like watching an improved version of Alec Steele work. It's almost eerie seeing 2 different people work the same way.
Mike Warner this is the the way I would start someone out their first time with a hand hammer if they are 12 or older. I don't have them make anything until they get comfortable with the techniques of forging on the near and far edges of the anvil. You want to discover for yourself how and why the metal moves. There are quite a few people forging and showing others to forge like this now. The leaf is one of the simplest compositions to make but tongs and knives are not much different using the same techniques. Most people came to me to learn how to make tools with a striking hammer, but this is what they really needed to learn since they will mostly be forging with a hand hammer.
Ibeleive that Brian was one of Alex's best teachers
He kinda reminds me of Bob Ross
Brian, I cherish these productions.
You wouldn't ever show how you forge 4140, aye. I have so much of it now because I heard you make 4140 tools, I started to buy all sized round and gather scrap pieces of various shapes I got a Fly press to slit holes through it. I make chasing tools from O1, and cold chisels and repousse hammers, stakes. Those anvils are home made right? Learned a lot even though Ive seen your videos a dozen times a piece. I got Alec steele's online course of you also well worth time and money to see you work.
James Groomes I'm not the one that takes these videos. I'm the guy with the hammer in his hand.
Hey Brian,
While forging the tip of the leaf I noticed that you start to stick the workpiece slightly off the edge and sort of bend over the end, before straightening it again. Are you doing this in order to elongate the taper, as you felt it was too short? You first start doing this at the 1:51 mark. There is another big one at 1:54, then 1:56. For a lesser smith I would have thought it was a mistake, or an attempt to fix a mistake, but these look intentional. I know Alex Steele forges based on your methods, and in his taper videos that I've seen he never puts the piece off the edge.
I've noticed that over time the angle of the work piece starts to increase, as does the angle of your hammer face, what are you trying to achieve by varying the angle like that?
It would be good to get a camera guy to explain those points you bring up. That was a quick video. You can see the hollow when I go from square to octagonal. I mentioned the cold shut. It would be good if a videoagrapher had more time to do a study on how forging works.
What kind of anvil is that?
It was made to explain forging surfaces. It is my favorite anvil.
+tim Rayner i was wondering the same thing
Brian, I have to ask, who was your teacher?
Paying close attention to the way metal moves.
Anyone else here from Alec Steele? This is his teacher!
Yes, Alec started when he was 11 down in Mississippi
Love the video, any way you could edit in the dialogue? I’d love to hear what you’re saying
I just know about the forging part. Those videos were taken while I was in Georgia for a few days.
Nice work Matt McGee. From a man named Rollins.
Can you please do a beginners series?
netoortega we are going to try and film everything here in Kenya, but everything I've already put on is good for any experience level. It just takes understanding and practice. Understanding how and why is the most important thing.
High, Brian! Sorry for my bad English. I have a question. How are you fixed your anvil that it would not ringing.
+Vitaliy Shyshuk If it's the same anvil as described by Alec Steele then the anvil is made of mild steel welded onto a steel tripod, which would mean here is very little ring if any
Outdoor effect is huge. Not only for the lack of walls to echo etc, but the anvil sitting on the dirt ground rather than on a concrete floor helps too.
He uses sand and oil in the legs
What type of hammer is that?
5lbs rounding hammer
How is he holding the stock while fullering?
I hold it between my legs.
Would love if you found a way to provide these anvils for sale... really a fantastic piece of kit
why not use round bar stock? would that allow you to skip a step
Steven Short I was just showing some stuff to some people with a camera. I did not name this video nor put it on you tube. I don't think I had round stock at the moment.
Brian Brazeal I only ask because I have round stock and I didn't know if it affected anything but thank you sir
Steven Short I mostly buy round stock for most everything I forge.
The smith I was under always had us forge round items from square stock and vice versa. He taught us that it was much easier to see that you skipped a step and took away from the craftsmanship of the item.
Big hammer, big anvil, big steel stock😂
What is that, a 5 lb hammer? 😳
It's a big one, just let the hammer do the work.
It would take me like 2 hours to get what he got done in a minute with my forge... I can't get the damn thing hot enough. I just barely get to an orange heat and it cools back to black in like 10 seconds..
Incense your air flow. Think volume, not pressure. And leave the stock in a little longer..
@@mc0224us Do you mean open the forge up more or increase propane pressure? I leave a pretty decent hole open in the back and front. I am only using mild steel, and I have trouble getting anything into the yellow temp. I can get a bright orange, but it fades to a dull red within the first couple hammer blows.
It sounds like you're not getting enough oxygen into the mix. If your burner has a choke, open it up more. If not, consider making the port wider. I assume you're using a venturi burner.
Search "tuning a forge burner" for troubleshooting tips
Mr Brazil miss you all sir
That's Mr. BRAZEAL to you Mr. Louise.;)
Why does every smith I see on RUclips choke their hammers?
captain chaos I can't speak for everyone, but I do it alot because I use heavier hammers as a blacksmith compared to turning shoes as a farrier with a smaller hammer. I am just dropping my hammer most of the time as opposed to swinging it. When I need a longer throw I will let my hand extend to the end of the handle.
Brian Brazeal Thanks for replying, I find the whole process interesting. I would perhaps like to start as a hobby someday. I have some engineering experience and think the skills from fabricating steel with tools and welding might be transferable. Maybe some day I will get the chance to try it.
captain chaos most people today do it for enjoyment compared to employment. It is a very fulfilling experience. I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing. I've been involved in it since I was 20, first as a farrier and then as a blacksmith. Now I just help others learn how. I'm 58 now.
Brian Brazeal great to watch you work and nice to see people handing down know lage.
masters don't choke the hammer, my teacher would have something to say if i held my hammers like that.
You may want to try it out. Don't limit yourself by what you have been taught. Test the teachings.
@@BrianBrazealBlacksmith nothing to do with that, simple law of levers, try it out i have for the last 35 years,
@@nigelsamways2169 I've been at it for a bit longer than that and have done it the other ways too.
Im sorry but i got to tell you that leaf looks awful, my goal isnt to offend you justvto tell my honest opinion, ive seen much prettier leaves it would have been much prettier if you thined it and used much sharper chisel for the engraving
Veins are making a come back