Holdfasts, my biggest seller this Christmas @BlackBearForge

Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

Holdfasts are one of my best selling projects from the blacksmith shop. This is a discussion on how I approach a production run.
Join the FlexiSpot Christmas Day Sale and enjoy the biggest discounts of the year! You also have the chance to win free orders. Use my code “YTE7P50” to get EXTRA $50 off on the E7 Plus and E7L standing desk.
FlexiSpot E7 Plus standing desk: USA: bit.ly/3Y5oawB - CAN: bit.ly/44ERj5w

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Shop - blackbearforge.etsy.com
Web site - blackbearforge.com
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John Switzer channel - youtube.com/johnswitzer

00:00 - Intro
01:04 - The right materials
05:45 - Get a grip
06:25 - Sponsored by FlexiSpot
09:09 - The working end
12:11 - Bending
14:18 - Care and use
17:48 - Final thoughts

Resources for blacksmiths: *
To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit. abana.org
Blacksmith Supply: blacksmithsupply.com Use discount code "bear5"
Blacksmiths Depot - blacksmithsdepot.com
Everlast Welder - bit.ly/4hP495z
Atlas Knife and Tool anvils and forges - atlasknife.com
Fireball tool vise - fireballtool.com/products/fireball-hardtail-vise?variant=40514426732588
Markal Silver Streak welders pencil - amzn.to/3FsoXl8
Combat Abrasives - bit.ly/3r73P8d Use discount code "Blackbear10"
Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil stevefontaniniblacksmith.com
My blacksmiths apron Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF
Music sourced through Epidemic sound epidemicsound.com/referral/vbrpvf
Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera – adorama.rfvk.net/N902O2
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Lens - adorama.rfvk.net/6bb7y
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L Lens - adorama.rfvk.net
*Links include affiliate links. Using these links does not add to your cost but they do pay a small commission to help support the videos here at Black Bear Forge.
Mailing address:
Black Bear Forge
P.O. Box 4
Beulah, CO 81023

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.

Holdfasts, my biggest seller this Christmas

Forging a Coat Hook from the ashes of the Aspen Acres Fire

$Can a budget MAG DRILL get the job done Are budget friendly tools any good? As prices go up it is sometimes tough for the small professional shop or hobbyist blacksmith to afford the tools they need or want in their shop. That makes the cheap import tools a tempting option. But can a budget mag drill really preform well enough to get the job done? VEVOR Magnetic Drill: https://s.vevor.com/bfQmWy Coupon code: VVPRO to save 5% off Blacksmith Supply: https://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ Use discount code bear5 Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil http://www.stevefontaniniblacksmith.com Precut blanks for forging available from: https://www.blacksmithingblanks.com use coupon code John at checkout. My blacksmiths apron http://www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF Music sourced through Epidemic sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/vbrpvf Become a Patron - https://www.patreon.com/BlackBearForge Donate - https://www.paypal.me/BlackBearForge Shop - http://www.blackbearforge.etsy.com Web site - http://www.blackbearforge.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackbearfo... FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/John.BlackBe... John Switzer channel - https://www.youtube.com/johnswitzer Some of my most used gear* Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/b3yZ7v Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/J50gq Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Lens - https://adorama.rfvk.net/6bb7yV Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L Lens - https://adorama.rfvk.net/rneRoG Sony ZV1 point and shoot camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/BXKMkJ Rode Wireless Go microphone - https://adorama.rfvk.net/YggLRm Deity V Mic D3 pro - https://adorama.rfvk.net/mxO51 Insta360 One X2 - https://www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i... Insta360 Go2 - https://www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?ins... Autel Evo II pro drone - https://auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11... Autel Evo Nano+ drone - https://auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11... *Links include affiliate links Mailing address: Black Bear Forge P.O. Box 4 Beulah, CO 81023 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. https://www.abana.org/ Blacksmithing tools and supplies Self contained air hammers - http://www.saymakhammers.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - https://www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.piehtoolco.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.centaurforge.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - https://www.blacksmithsdepot.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ Square head bolts and lags - http://www.blacksmithbolt.com/ New anvils - https://www.oldworldanvils.com/ New anvils - http://www.nimbaanvils.com/ New anvils - http://fontaninianvilandtool.com/ Industrial supplier - http://www.mcmaster.com Tong blanks and tools - https://kensironstore.com/ Fire brick and refractory - http://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. #vevor #metalworking #blacksmithing @vevor.official$ $Your first TOOLS - Affordable Blacksmithing part 2 Setting up your first blacksmith shop doesnt have to break the bank. last week we looked at some budget friendly tool including a single burner propane forge and small anvil from Vevor. In todays part 2 video, I want to look at a few more tools you might want to get started as a blacksmith and then make your first tools, a punch, chisel and bolster. 00:00 - Intro 00:29 - Cheap hacksaw blades 01:13 - Wolf jaw tongs 02:45 - Safety concerns 05:09 - Making your first tools 14:07 - Bolster 18:03 - Additional thoughts Basic blacksmithing Tool list: From Vevor use code: VVPRO Propane Forge, Single Burner: https://s.vevor.com/bfQevk Propane Forge, Double Burne: https://s.vevor.com/bfQevr 30kg Acciaio anvil: https://s.vevor.com/bfQaz1 4 1/2 vise: https://s.vevor.com/bfQh8D From Blacksmith Supply use code: bear5 Hammer: https://www.blacksmithsupply.com/Forging-Hammers_c_64.html Tongs: https://www.blacksmithsupply.com/Wolf-Jaw-Tongs_c_62.html Other supplies found online or locally Hacksaw frame Hacksaw blades 18tpi 8 - 10 half round file with handle Propane cylinder 20lb or larger with propane 3/8 hot rolled mild steel 40 feet (usually sold in 20 foot lengths) Blacksmith Supply: https://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ Use discount code bear5 Combat Abrasives - http://bit.ly/3r73P8d Use code Blackbear10 for a discount on your next order Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil http://www.stevefontaniniblacksmith.com Precut blanks for forging available from: https://www.blacksmithingblanks.com use coupon code John at checkout. My blacksmiths apron http://www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF Music sourced through Epidemic sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/vbrpvf Become a Patron - https://www.patreon.com/BlackBearForge Donate - https://www.paypal.me/BlackBearForge Shop - http://www.blackbearforge.etsy.com Web site - http://www.blackbearforge.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackbearfo... FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/John.BlackBe... John Switzer channel - https://www.youtube.com/johnswitzer Some of my most used gear* Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/b3yZ7v Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/J50gq Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Lens - https://adorama.rfvk.net/6bb7yV Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L Lens - https://adorama.rfvk.net/rneRoG Sony ZV1 point and shoot camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/BXKMkJ Rode Wireless Go microphone - https://adorama.rfvk.net/YggLRm Deity V Mic D3 pro - https://adorama.rfvk.net/mxO51 Insta360 One X2 - https://www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i... Insta360 Go2 - https://www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?ins... Autel Evo II pro drone - https://auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11... Autel Evo Nano+ drone - https://auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11... *Links include affiliate links Mailing address: Black Bear Forge P.O. Box 4 Beulah, CO 81023 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. https://www.abana.org/ Blacksmithing tools and supplies Self contained air hammers - http://www.saymakhammers.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - https://www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.piehtoolco.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.centaurforge.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - https://www.blacksmithsdepot.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ Square head bolts and lags - http://www.blacksmithbolt.com/ New anvils - https://www.oldworldanvils.com/ New anvils - http://www.nimbaanvils.com/ New anvils - http://fontaninianvilandtool.com/ Industrial supplier - http://www.mcmaster.com Tong blanks and tools - https://kensironstore.com/ Fire brick and refractory - http://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.$

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The Fundamentals of Blacksmithing - Upsetting

$Making the Sale with power from the Jackery Explorer 300 Jackery Explorer 300 on official website: https://bit.ly/3QECIRe and on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44dBM9N - Use Code: BLACKE300($64 OFF) Meet Jackery Plus Series new members Jackery 1000 Plus and Jackery 300 Plus NOW with 15% OFF Special Coupon available. Check out Jackery Sustainable Next-Gen Generator 300 Plus on official website: https://bit.ly/3PcJvPG and on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EwVRNM Handworks is a hand tool woodworking show located in Amana Iowa. Its been 6 years since the last one. So after months of preparation it is time to head out with the car heavily loaded with tools and hardware for sale. Jackery, the sponsor for this video, provided a small battery power supply that will prove indispensable for helping to process payments during the event. @Jackeryusa #Jackery #SolarGenerator #JackeryE300 #portablepowerstation #backuppower #GreenEnergy Blacksmith Supply: https://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ Use discount code bear5 Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil http://www.stevefontaniniblacksmith.com Precut blanks for forging available from: https://www.blacksmithingblanks.com use coupon code John at checkout. My blacksmiths apron http://www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF Music sourced through Epidemic sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/vbrpvf Become a Patron - https://www.patreon.com/BlackBearForge Donate - https://www.paypal.me/BlackBearForge Shop - http://www.blackbearforge.etsy.com Web site - http://www.blackbearforge.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackbearfo... FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/John.BlackBe... John Switzer channel - https://www.youtube.com/johnswitzer Some of my most used gear* Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/b3yZ7v Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/J50gq Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Lens - https://adorama.rfvk.net/6bb7yV Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L Lens - https://adorama.rfvk.net/rneRoG Sony ZV1 point and shoot camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/BXKMkJ Rode Wireless Go microphone - https://adorama.rfvk.net/YggLRm Deity V Mic D3 pro - https://adorama.rfvk.net/mxO51 Insta360 One X2 - https://www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i... Insta360 Go2 - https://www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?ins... Autel Evo II pro drone - https://auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11... Autel Evo Nano+ drone - https://auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11... *Links include affiliate links Mailing address: Black Bear Forge P.O. Box 4 Beulah, CO 81023 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. https://www.abana.org/ Blacksmithing tools and supplies Self contained air hammers - http://www.saymakhammers.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - https://www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.piehtoolco.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.centaurforge.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - https://www.blacksmithsdepot.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ Square head bolts and lags - http://www.blacksmithbolt.com/ New anvils - https://www.oldworldanvils.com/ New anvils - http://www.nimbaanvils.com/ New anvils - http://fontaninianvilandtool.com/ Industrial supplier - http://www.mcmaster.com Tong blanks and tools - https://kensironstore.com/ Fire brick and refractory - http://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.$ $Work Holding at the ANVIL Holding work at the anvil can be a challenge for every blacksmith. Working with hammer and tongs is great but as soon as you need to add a punch, chisel or other hand held forging tool to the equation, thing can get more complicated. Lets look at some work holding solutions for use at the anvil in the blacksmith shop. Blacksmith Supply: https://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ Use discount code bear5 Combat Abrasives - http://bit.ly/3r73P8d Use code Blackbear10 for a discount on your next order Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil http://www.stevefontaniniblacksmith.com Precut blanks for forging available from: https://www.blacksmithingblanks.com use coupon code John at checkout. My blacksmiths apron http://www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF Music sourced through Epidemic sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/vbrpvf Become a Patron - https://www.patreon.com/BlackBearForge Donate - https://www.paypal.me/BlackBearForge Shop - http://www.blackbearforge.etsy.com Web site - http://www.blackbearforge.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackbearfo... FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/John.BlackBe... John Switzer channel - https://www.youtube.com/johnswitzer Some of my most used gear* Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/b3yZ7v Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/J50gq Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Lens - https://adorama.rfvk.net/6bb7yV Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L Lens - https://adorama.rfvk.net/rneRoG Sony ZV1 point and shoot camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/BXKMkJ Rode Wireless Go microphone - https://adorama.rfvk.net/YggLRm Deity V Mic D3 pro - https://adorama.rfvk.net/mxO51 Insta360 One X2 - https://www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i... Insta360 Go2 - https://www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?ins... Autel Evo II pro drone - https://auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11... Autel Evo Nano+ drone - https://auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11... *Links include affiliate links Mailing address: Black Bear Forge P.O. Box 4 Beulah, CO 81023 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. https://www.abana.org/ Blacksmithing tools and supplies Self contained air hammers - http://www.saymakhammers.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - https://www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.piehtoolco.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.centaurforge.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - https://www.blacksmithsdepot.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ Square head bolts and lags - http://www.blacksmithbolt.com/ New anvils - https://www.oldworldanvils.com/ New anvils - http://www.nimbaanvils.com/ New anvils - http://fontaninianvilandtool.com/ Industrial supplier - http://www.mcmaster.com Tong blanks and tools - https://kensironstore.com/ Fire brick and refractory - http://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.$

Building an Anvil Stand for the Big Blu Anvil

$Improved Railroad Spike Axe Knives and axes made from railroad spikes are a fun novelty item for blacksmiths to make. But can they be improved to be better than just a novelty item? Sponsored by: Combat Abrasives - http://bit.ly/3r73P8d Use code Blackbear10 for a discount on your next order Blacksmith Supply: https://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ Use discount code bear5 Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil http://www.stevefontaniniblacksmith.com Precut blanks for forging available from: https://www.blacksmithingblanks.com use coupon code John at checkout. My blacksmiths apron http://www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF Music sourced through Epidemic sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/vbrpvf Become a Patron - https://www.patreon.com/BlackBearForge Donate - https://www.paypal.me/BlackBearForge Shop - http://www.blackbearforge.etsy.com Web site - http://www.blackbearforge.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackbearfo... FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/John.BlackBe... John Switzer channel - https://www.youtube.com/johnswitzer Some of my most used gear* Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/b3yZ7v Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/J50gq Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Lens - https://adorama.rfvk.net/6bb7yV Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L Lens - https://adorama.rfvk.net/rneRoG Sony ZV1 point and shoot camera - https://adorama.rfvk.net/BXKMkJ Rode Wireless Go microphone - https://adorama.rfvk.net/YggLRm Deity V Mic D3 pro - https://adorama.rfvk.net/mxO51 Insta360 One X2 - https://www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i... Insta360 Go2 - https://www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?ins... Autel Evo II pro drone - https://auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11... Autel Evo Nano+ drone - https://auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11... *Links include affiliate links Mailing address: Black Bear Forge P.O. Box 4 Beulah, CO 81023 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. https://www.abana.org/ Blacksmithing tools and supplies Self contained air hammers - http://www.saymakhammers.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - https://www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.piehtoolco.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.centaurforge.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - https://www.blacksmithsdepot.com/ General blacksmithing supplies - http://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ Square head bolts and lags - http://www.blacksmithbolt.com/ New anvils - https://www.oldworldanvils.com/ New anvils - http://www.nimbaanvils.com/ New anvils - http://fontaninianvilandtool.com/ Industrial supplier - http://www.mcmaster.com Tong blanks and tools - https://kensironstore.com/ Fire brick and refractory - http://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.$

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