40 years ago I forged a set of tongs on a forge I built and a bowl adze.using a chunk of spring I found. I moved and lost the forge. Im 70 now. I just built a forge out of a 50's vintage bar-b-q,"real steel." Bought a small anvil and am starting again. Am I a black smith? U dogone right I am. Your an even better blacksmith than I. So sticks.n stones. Im a Christian too so thank ypu for standing up and bein both. Sincerely Greg

Two rocks and a hot Bloom of metal = the first blacksmith end of Gold is for the mistress -- silver for the maid -- Copper for the craftsman cunning at his trade. "Good!" said the Baron, sitting in his hall, "But Iron -- Cold Iron -- is master of them all." Rudyard Kipling

Interesting video, I usually stay away from people like that. Well if in doubt ask a dictionary :) Here it is - blacksmith a person who makes and repairs things in iron by hand.

This was an awesome video! Makes me feel much better about my small propane forge, 1.5 pound hammer, anvil on a stump, angle grinder, 13 inch tongs and Chanel locks that make up my shop. God bless

This is my take on the subject, and i may be wrong but here it goes. The first ever blacksmith had to call himself a blacksmith despite having more primitive ways of doing things, and having less useful equipment. so it is not the matter of equipment, nor style of forge because the oldest blacksmiths had less than we do, and we consider them blacksmiths. however, to me the term simply stands for an occupation back in the day, and meant that a man would work metal into functional shapes and tools. do we do this? yes. does this make us blacksmiths? yes, maybe not in the eyes of some, or maybe not professionally but let us remember, blacksmith is only a word, and we should not let mere words describe what we are. if we truly are not blacksmiths, but instead just hack hobbyists, then so be it, it makes us no less of a man than anyone else.

Interesting vid, I've been a hobbyist smith for about 18 years now, basically I demonstrate for the public at Burton Century Village in Burton, Ohio as a member of the Western Reserve Artist Blacksmiths. Am I a blacksmith? yes. what gets me is people come up to me and ask would blacksmiths have used that? referring to some of the modern things that smiths use today. they seem to think that we only use the fire, anvil tongs and a hammer and nothing else. My definition of a blacksmith is that we are all magicians, even you Roy. For we command the 4 elements earth wind fire and water and with a little luck and some skill us smiths truly make something magical.

I have 2 bench grinders and 2 belt sander in my garage. And a small milling machine. My forge is in my backyard. 1906 coal fired. I have been making knives since 90. I am a blacksmith and so are you

Thank you for your videos. Thank you especially for this one. 2 year's ago I built my own coal Forge and began to play around with railroad spikes and made a few knives. I thought they were pretty decent. I was very pleased with myself and took pride in them. So I posted my work on Facebook. That was my mistake. To make a long story short I am friends with a blacksmith who was very rude about my work. He took a look at my work and told me we needed to talk. He never followed up. Which shattered my thoughts of the Integrity of my work. I stopped forging for a year. This is something that I've always wanted to do so I picked it back up and started making my own propane Forge. It's now complete them works wonderfully. I posted some more of my work that I was working on and the same thing happened. The same person did the exact same thing. This time I didn't let it bother me. You are an inspiration to people just starting out in this field. Thank you for all the instructional videos you give. I have two forges now. I'm not very good at tooling, but I'm going to continue to practice and try, and hopefully with the guidance of your videos and other instructional videos that I've been watching I will improve and I have been improving. I don't comment a lot. And I'm sorry about that. But I did want to take this opportunity to thank you in particular for this video and it's words of encouragement they mean a lot. Thank you.

A black Smith works any iron based metal . White Smith is silver gold ect. Some things are made to work but are ugly, some made to be pretty, some are both beautiful and functional. It's all about the journey

Thx Roy for standing up for the small shop or no shop smiths! I am just starting out and your video's have been a great help to me. Thx, Have a blessed day in Jesus name !

I'm a retired farmer I used Blacksmithing on a weekly basis. On a farm it's necessary skill put I love it so much I watch your video now . I have COPD I'm on oxygen now ( to must coal smoke) so I love all my KZfaq smiths,I watch ten channel of smithing. Remember safety is number one in your shop.

It is comforting to see and hear that you are going through the same things we have. We are not alone and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Oh yeah I am 74.

I agree with many of the comments but mostly with Roy's comment in the video. "Be proud of who and where you are!" All I would add to that is to have gratitude for what you have, be it skills, talent, tools, whatever. Gratefulness will bring you happiness and with that, it really won't matter what anyone else thinks. Roy, Just do you! You're an awesome guy don't let them get to you.

Roy you are spot on in your definition. Thanks for all you do for us and as an ambassador for the craft. From a 20 yr smith....thanks!

roy you have been such a great help to me! thanks!

Roy, my definition is this’ do you enjoy what you make, whether it be for profit or pleasure, r u happy with the quality of the peice? Is the customer happy with the quality of the peice? Everyone has limitations whether that be tooling, workspace or experience, if u enjoy ur craft then my definition is yes ur a blacksmith 👍🇬🇧

I was a printer for many years and so business cards are easy for me. They have a picture of of the very small space I have to work in and under my name the words 'amateur blacksmith'. I completely agree with your comments and those of the others, hit hot metal and you're a blacksmith. Am I a good smith, not at all but thanks to people like yourself who share their knowledge and talents I and others will continue to improve our skills. Thank you Roy for all you are doing to help people like me follow a dream they have had for years. May God continue to bless you and please keep up the good work.

I have never witnessed any other profession with knowledge so freely shared and accepted. I've been a martial artist since 1982. You find some who will share openly but moreover you find a lot of egos who demand recognition and tribute. My son and I just bought our first forge together and are curing the rigidizer as I type this. I want to thank you for your channel and the example you set as true fellow Christians. Good bless you and your family with good health, good friends and good fortune. My wife and I, and our grown children, are so excited to join this community.

2021. Starting blacksmithing at 45. This is a truthful video, that was much needed for my spirit in following the trade. Thank you, and may God Bless you and keep you.

I loved watching this video, and seeing your old shop that is 4 feet larger than mine by the way lol. I’m so happy to see you in your new shop now, and see you achieving all the goals you we’re talking about in this video.

Simply Put If you pick up a hammer and forge Hot steel and iron. If you can make attractive and or useful items out of it you are a blacksmith. If the items aren't useable then you are an apprentice. But if your soul rings with the metal you will be a smith and have the heart of the smith. That's my opinion. As far as tools,type of forge size of anvil that's preference. If everyone liked the same things everyone would only have Harley's And chevy trucks there would be no other brands :).

I just want to say thank you. I am new at blacksmithing and have faced a lot of discouragement out there in the community. I found your videos and it really inspired me to keep pushing through on the craft.

I personally really appreciate your perspective. I am in a position where I don't have a shop per se; I smith off the back of my jeep in a farrier's gas forge, and I only have like four hours a week. I have about five years experience with coal and all the tooling I made in that time got stolen when the owner of that forge moved away. Point is that I often doubt my own skill level and whether or not I'm a " real" blacksmith so, thanks for speaking your mind. It truly is a real comfort

Thanks for sharing! I really appreciate this as I have just started this year and have very limited tooling but I know it's a process to collect and work towards a bigger goal.

I really appreciate this video...i forge under a tree in my front yard...i was a welder for 36 years...all i know is that i can't keep a blade..i make every one for my self but i really appreciate the fact that they buy everything i make..i don't know if that makes me a "blacksmith" but i do know that i love what I'm doing now..

I glad you made this video. I'm an ironworker and I've been playing with blacksmithing for some years now, and I've often asked if I could consider myself to be a blacksmith. Blacksmithing has lead me to become an ironworker because i love working with metal.

I want to thank you for posting this. Thank you for helping me stay motivated. Right now I'm working out of my shoeing trailer and I have very limited space. I try to encourage some of the other smaller guys ( like myself ) to keep pressing toward.

Black, from the color of the metal.......Smith from the word smite, which means to hit. If you hit a black metal (Iron, Steel etc.) to work it, you are a blacksmith.!

I'm a new blacksmith and hoping to do the same kind of work. Your videos have been an inspiration and I hope you keep smithing for the world to see cause your work inspires people like myself.

Thank you Roy for your videos...I learn so much from you sir. My shop is coming along, springtime is my target (date) for going operational. Stay strong, stay blessed my brother...I'm with you all the way! You blacksmith you...

Thank you for this video! I forge on my back patio, which is even smaller than yours. I'm not as experienced but working on it. Still a form of Blacksmith. Thanks again!

Well said! Your videos are encouraging and very instructive. I have learned a lot for you and I am grateful! No question in my mind - you are the real deal. :D

You are a real blacksmith, for all the reasons you listed and more. In fact, you are quite a positive role model to many blacksmiths. The people who work hard hammering out steel honestly putting in the effort to create something out of a simple piece of metal, are certainly blacksmiths as well. Thanks man

I really appreciate this video, I'm 19 and I've been trying to get into smithing for about 2 years now and I've only recently gotten a forge built and so now I'm able to do more of what I've been aspiring to. It's hard to try and better yourself at something with people regularly saying you won't be able. progress is progress and at first no one understands or recognizes the progress that you actually make unless they've been there every step of the way.

Some people like to turn any subject into a pissing contest. Your point is valid and anybody who criticized the validity of your craft know didly squat about any subject!

I got a single burner devil's forge 5 months ago. I have a 30lb cast steel anvil, a 2lb lump hammer and a pair of vice grips for tongs. Some days get me down but the advice I take from your video's make me keep pushing myself. Better tools will come. Thank you so much.

Thanks, the down to earth perspective helps out. Appreciate the time and content of your videos.

When i started blacksmithing 4 years ago, i liked to use the term hobbyist blacksmith, to describe what i was doing. But now i have been devoted to the craft for several years and have learned quite alot, so now i call myself a "real" Blacksmith. What i am trying to say is, that you should deside for yourself what you are, but be realistic.

Don't listen to trolls! Whether you make a chandalier or a hook with a butterbean on it; if you forge, you are a smith. i have been smithing since 1980 and was lucky enough to work as an industrial smith for 20 years. I watch yer vids and like 'em. Keep your fire hot and your head cool.......Ross

Great video, Roy. And I win: my shop is 8x8 outside dimensions, with no power anything! But I'm not doing it professionally. I do consider myself a blacksmith, having done it for a little over a year now, but I only do smaller work and I give almost everything away to my friends and family. Someday I wouldn't mind doing a little craft fair, but it's not that important to me. I'm learning all the time, and I don't expect that ever to stop.

I'm just starting blacksmithing with a homemade coal forge and a piece of railroad as my anvil, i hope to have a shop that big someday.

Man you are definitely an inspiration for me I've progressed so much since I found you guys and yes harbor freight tools I love them they are not top of the line but they work Amen to that and just love your videos very helpful I haven't forged in a month because I've had a void of knowledge well you have filled that void and helped me to forge on thanks for that you don't have to do what you do ... Thats just awsome

After all these years, the new shop, and. All the success you have enjoyed building equipment that most can afford and do themselves, yes Roy, you are a blacksmith, and a darn good one. The teachings are great to. GOD BLESS YOU !

Thank You for that video. I can feel Your emotions in that. A lot of times I hear the same things from ppl: "You are a blacksmith ?! where is your fence ? where you have the axes, swords, hammers?". But these ppl don't know that i collecting tools since 5 years to get started, since 1,5 - 2 years I am doing work as a blacksmith. But for now its just an additional hobby cuz I work in corp, I have two sons (they works also with me in my workshop :P 4 yrs and 1,5yrs). I have done several bottle openers, candle holders, leaves, two knifes, some tongs. Most of my tools i have done by myself. It hurts hearing "You are not a real blacksmith" from ppl who don't know how much effort you have to do to be in this place where You are in this moment. Thank You once again! I feel that You give me a windblows to my wings ! :)

I am just getting into it and when I looked the thumbnail that made me kinda sad, but I am glad I watched the video, great encouragement brother!

great topic ive wondered this myself i have been forging for 2 years and love it it is my passion i make and sell small and large items all the time i agree who cares what others think just have a go and dont give up and dont be put down those who put people down are often just jealous of the other persons skills keep up the good work mate i can only dream of becoming a smith with your skills one day cheers from aus

I wanted to thank you for the rant video. I am new to blacksmithing... so far i have made a pair of tongs, and a railroad spike knife. i have told some people i am a beginner blacksmith, but have wondered if i have enough knowledge to even call myself that. this video was encouraging to watch.

Thanks Roy i have just started blacksmithing have only made a rake for my coal forge so far and now working on a pair of box end tongs, will finish them when i can get my lawn mower fixed and out of the way lol. Don't have many tools as of yet but God has always been good to me and has helped me. Please keep making your videos because they help this old man enjoy the life of being a Christian and blacksmith.

Love your video thank you I've only done one for my wife and was a lawn mower blade now it's a big kitchen knife

Thanx Roy. Just what I needed. Just getting going and lost my space to work. I'm sure something better is on the way, but this is a test to my resolve. I AM A REAL BLACKSMITH. Would like to add don't listen to yourself if doubt creeps in as well. Keep up the great work Roy! You are certainly helping me.

Forget who I heard this from, maybe from Roy, even: "A Blacksmith makes the tools, not the other way around". It became my manta during learning the art and craft. When you get to a point where you're using half a dozen sets of tongs you made, chisels and punches you made, hooks you made, hammers you made, a forge you made, anvil stand, bending forks, twisting wrenches... You would never be phased by someone doubting you're the real deal. Great video and philosophy!

Great video man , very envious of your shop !

I think you are a real inspiration and I'm learning so much. I started 6 months ago... Brothers

LOVE your mindset and spirit! This planet is ruled (unfortunately) by ego and the need to feel important. I am new to blacksmithing and asked myself the same question, "when do I get to call myself a blacksmith?" Seconds later I asked, why do I care? Ego is the only reason. I am having so much fun with this, what difference does it make? I am going to move forward enjoying myself and attempt to remain humble about it. I am doing this for me, not for others, don't need to care what they think. Okay maybe Roy, I secretly want him to be proud of me lol...

Interesting that this popped up on my feed. As someone just starting out professionally with not a whole lot of space or tooling it really helps to hear things like this. Although, with all the copper work you've been doing lately perhaps we'll have to stop calling you a blacksmith! :D

New subscriber here. I came across your channel through it being mentioned by black bear forge. I've noticed you have very wise words. Often people are quick to judge by the size of a hammer.

I have a hammer, I have a forge and anvil; therefore I am. Thank you for clarifying. I was beginning to doubt. I am a fair fabricator, trying to take a step backwards and learn some of the old ways while mixing it with the fabricating skills I already possess. I have learned so much from Utube, as there was no mentor to learn from nearby, 40 years ago when I was your age. I have a forge and some tools, I got 30 years ago from the estate of a local guy I personally knew whose father homesteaded in the area, so there is some history and sentimental value. One of my anvils is so old it possibly came over to the new world on the Ark. Possibly it could be argued that I am a blacksmith tool collector, as I am certainly guilty of that. But putting them back in use is certainly the end goal. Keep on teaching and sharing your knowledge young man.

Love the video. Aspiring smith myself. I also spent a decade learning the craft of carpentry. Personally I think anyone who undertakes a trade and has the passion and drive to make themselves better everyday and care about what they do and stick with it, then you are a Smith, Carpenter, Mason, Sculpter, Painter, whatever the choice. Also I personally believe most tradesmen/craftsmen start small, small shops, small tool collections, small material supplies, and build there way up with sweat and knowledge that make you much more of a craftsmen than the other choice. The other choice being you have 150K to dump into a shop and all the coolest equipment from day one but have zero experience in any techniques of how to actually make what is needed, that does not make you a better craftsman that just mean you were successful at what you did before smithing or have been handed something you didn't earn (which is totally fine but that doesn't mean you get to sit in an ivory tower and look down at the less fortunate). It seems that a lot of the people who would look down on me and mine or you and yours or the 13 year old kid making stuff in the back yard fire pit from garbage he found and say "they aren't real blacksmiths" are the same people who had all their fabulous tools and supplies given to them or have an endless supply of money to buy things and are not concerned about making ends meet and the end of the month or growing something from nothing out of shear passion and will. Thank you for your videos and bright and objective outlooks. God Bless.

I absolutely agree. my shop is smaller than yours with no power. I heat metal and transform it into what i vision. I do not need the title of "Blacksmith", I am passionate about what i do and absolutely love it. Great thoughts man, love your craftsmanship.

this- says Donna, but its not.I am her husband, Brian. Thanks for your "rant". I get it. I'm 69 years old,Vietnam combat vet on disibility, and have wanted to pound on hot metal ever sence high school shop. I am making a sort of hokey outdoor charcoal forge and have a crude r r rail in a big old vice from many years ago. Made my first little hook with a twist i it and had a ball

I don’t know if I’m a blacksmith or not but I’ve got a few tools,anvil my own home made treadle hammer lol but I do enjoy coal forge and hammering on metal and I enjoy watching you and a few other Blacksmiths on KZfaq THNKS and keep it up

I agree 100%! I think the real question is: What level of blacksmith are you? I personally consider myself to be an amateur/hobbiest blacksmith. I am currently happy with my level and have lots of room to learn and grow. Thanks for the video..

First of all I really appreciate your videos on the business of blacksmithing and your positivity towards the beginner smith. My opinion is if are trying to make money from hammering hot metal you are a blacksmith yes there are specialized smiths and hobbyists "usually" don't do it for the money but good or bad, newbie or expert if you put blood, sweat, and soul in swinging that hammer that makes you a blacksmith to me and no one should have the right to talk down to you for that.

Great vid! Hammer + anvil + heat + sweat = blacksmith. Nowhere in there does outside opinions come into play. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Roy, that video really encouraged me!

Great stuff. Thank you. Production observation: consider making a cheap steady cam for your camera. There's various DIYs, but it can be as simple as an extended handle with a weight at the bottom. Would add a lot in steadiness and production value. : ) Thank you for what you do, this channel and your business are very good things.

I myself am not yet a blacksmith. I am learning toward it, but I don't even have basics down such as annealing, quenching etc. That said, there's nothing wrong with that!

Hi brother, I think having a passion for it to make it a learning and working adventure and having or borrowing the resources to heat, texturise or shape or repair metal parts. And especially thinking in your minds you know the basic tools and techniques to be able to teach us You tubers or real life classes inspiring other peoples hearts like mine, makes you a modern day master to be proud of. I'm proud to have you as one of my teachers bro :-) ... God bless.

hey Roy.i really like your channel!!! you do a great thing on here. to he'll with those other guys who think theyre better than you are.i do machine work and taking a peice of raw metal and making something useful is the most satisfying thing I've ever done so if you're satisfied that's what matters.

Thanks for clearing that up. I have been told not I am not a blacksmith because I don't have large tools. I don't build knives. And told I am not a Smith. I have built or made do with I have. Love the craft

I have been blacksmithing for most of my and I am still learning. I started when I was about 12 years old and I am almost 50 years old now. So I will say this if you put in time in the shop doing the work on what ever tools you have no matter if they were bought in a store, off the internet, handed down from family and friends or if you built it yourself to work hot or cold metal on then you are a blacksmith. If you just want to put in your opinion about something just because you watched a video, read an article or even just read a book on blacksmithing while setting on your backside and have never touched a hammer then you are not a blacksmith. Knowledge is great to have but if it is only used to bring somebody else down because they can do what you can not, then you need to keep your opinion to yourself and go read another book and leave people alone that doing the best they with what they have.

My grandfather would go down to the river bank, drill into the bank plant TNT to harvest his own coal. I always considered him a real Blacksmith, mostly because it was some 50-60 odd years ago. His shop also being on the original homestead. I dabble when I can. I would like to consider myself a blacksmith and when i can dedicate some time to it I will. You bring up a very good point your personality,spirit and talent is why I subscribe to your channel. There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence and I have no room for arrogance. God bless.

I've been Working from a 6x8 shop ( coal forge ) for 5 yes now. Prior to that it was outside make shift do what I could type of set up ..Been smithing for about 9yrs total . I am Mostly self taught. I will be building a 24'x24' shop this summer. all because I I never listened to the naysayers and have dedicated time learning this craft and becoming good at the things I do .though I still have alot to learn... and yes I still hear and get asked all the time who taught you what guild are you affiliated with xcetera and so on. Roy I completely agree with you and this video!

I have over ten years being a metal worker I have been an armourer the holl time. I bilt my forge three years ago and I use it every day to help make my living there is no good way to define being a blacksmith. A hot peas of metal or cold work. Thedevotion to the old crafts in new or traditional manner that have to do with the creation of some thing old to some thing new. Some thing flat to some thing formed makes you an artist. What ever title you want just live up to it. There are definition to what level of the craft you can do. Black Smith armourer artisan those are a personal choice. Peas love and iron working. Have a grate day.

Thanks for sharing. I live in the Xenia area. I just built a workshop and am thinking of doing a little black iron work. I’m a sheet metal fabricator by trade.

I think, ranting is like letting the old stinky air out to make room for some fresh and clean air. Nobody could make good work without breathing fresh air now and then. I like your videos (ranting or not). Btw I AM A BLACKSMITH. 💪 Greetings from germany.

You nailed it! Thanks for what you do.

Good on you mate. You are quite right. It's the same with anything really. Shallow egos will always draw cheap comparisons. I'm a real blacksmith because I love the trade, I love the creativity it represents and I appreciate the opportunity that blacksmithing gives me to blend strength and beauty. It's a positive and noble trade.

Roy this i one of the best videos i have watched since i started in this journey thanks for sharing this

I enjoy your rants,keep up the good work

I love this. I think it can apply to a lot of areas in life even beyond blacksmithing.

You are doing good mate, don't worry about the knockers/critics.

You are a blessing to those who want to learn

Never thought of it that way. Always told people "I'm not a blacksmith yet". Only made a set of tongs, a hardy and some coat hooks (that shockingly turned out nice). I feel like a blacksmith when I'm smiling over a newly forged tool or item I've made though! 8)

one day my wife and was shopping and browsing through stores that did a lot of crafts. i stopped by one shop were the owner was engraving a terracotta pot. he was putting an awesome design flowers and vines ect. the pot was upside down so he could easily reach the surface better. when he get to where he started. it was plane to see nothing would blend in, he stopped, said some things under his breath. then noticed i was watching. he turned to me and asked, do you know the difference between a craftsman, and an artiest? I hadn't thought of it that way. he said a Craftsman can repeatably do the same thing over and over without any mistakes. but an Artiest can gracefully cover his mistakes. and within less than a minute you could not tell where he started and stopped. Blacksmith or not blacksmith? YES YOU ARE! for me, i am new at black smithing and I know there is much I can learn, but given even my skills I am a black smith.. hope this helps. oh thank you for sharing your BLACK SMITHING Skills!

Well said mate from down under - Aussie. Good to see a Christian bro on the anvil. Good size shed compared to mine. I'm a novice and don't care what I'm called. Just enjoying the learning process. I'm sure you'll be granted the desires of your heart. You have a gift so thanks for sharing it.

1. That is a beast of an anvil you have. 2. I'm a guy with a stone forge that I built in my back yard. My pride and joy is my anvil and my Champion 400 blower. I have no power equipment and I'm ok with that. I am a blacksmith.

I'd just like to say... Fair bloody play mate. I have a similar tin shop to yours bud, but it's only 10' x 13'. But it's blacksmiths like us that been forging for 1000's of years. No fancy power hammers then lol 👍

red hot steel and lots and lots of passion and more passion it's that simple in my book at least, thank you and the value is way more than worth it.God bless you both✝

If yer thinking that way then same here :) I love the hotness of old way coal forge and that sweating and banging the s**** out of metal(sometimes at least) its stress release for me :P I have about the same space as you do and got no forge yet will change this year also almost none of tooling either(will build with different name though) but all in all your video is spot on :) Loved the rant(or well you think its ranting for me its more like a crash course of things :P) and Keep the good work going

I enjoyed this video. Its my dream to live on a small 8-10 acre farm living off-the-grid and self sufficient. I want to live very much like they lived in the late 1800s. I am currently learning to do Blacksmithing, Glassblowing, Pottery, Welding, and more. I want to do things for the most part as traditional as possible with as few exceptions as possible. I'm also a minimalist meaning that I only have watch I use. I just want to say that I love your video and I am sure when I get my farm I will not be a true... (anything)

My opinion is the exact same as yours, anyone that takes a glowing hot piece of metal and forged it out into a desired shape can call themselves a blacksmith. About a year ago, I built a small forge by myself in the ground kinda like a small trench, and forged my first knife with that forge, the knife sure wasnt pretty at all but it was a knife, and over that year I have made my own forge and bought a proper anvil and I can make fairly decent knives, but I've only had one year of experience and it has truly been a great year, I love smithing and for anyone that reads this, that wants to do blacksmithing but is debating, just go do it! You dont need a propane forge or a power hammer, you just need materials and some ingenuity, I highly recommend that you do so because if you dont you will regret it.

Roy, I consider myself to an Amateur Blacksmith. I have a brake rotor coal forge, I welded up my own anvil from a forklift fork. I've been working off and on for a couple of years now trying to build myself a propane forge. My drill press is one I paid $15 for at a yard sale and it has no brand name on it. I work on weekends only, in a 20x10 lean to carport that had been turned into a storage building (which I still don't have completely cleaned out). I make knives and a few small things. But I'm still trying to build 95% of my equipment. Unfinished items include a 2x72 belt grinder, power hammer, and gas forge. Now I consider anyone a blacksmith as long as they don't just give up after getting started. I try to tell anyone who is starting out to not get discouraged by their results at first. Sorry I'm rambling on.

I feel your tension mate I'm happy to see you working to build us up. note sounds like tom lattenay is a locksmith but all old school locksmiths and farriers and even blade smiths all studied as a blacksmith first

I'm still listening to you as I right this comment. Troy, some people in this world are all messed up. They get jealous of others and put them down to make themselves feel better in some way. You definitely are a Blacksmith, and a very good one at that. I've learned an awful lot from watching your videos. I will continue to watch your videos. Keep your head up and don't let this old world get to you.

This is like the runner community. There are some that say if you dont always run / never walk, or if you are slower than then you arent a real runner. But most people say if you run at all, you are a runner.. I think the same goes with blacksmithing.. Like you said, if you manipulate hot metal, you are a blacksmith.

Blacksmithing is defined by process alone not by design or motif. Meaning if it's forged it's blacksmithing. If the same design is plasma cut and welded together it is not blacksmithing. Which isn't meant to imply that you can't be both a blacksmith and a welder only that they are different crafts.

Cheers brother.well done. Blessings to you and your family.

Hello Roy. If the work you do makes you happy and pays the bills. Well the nasty things people say,does not matter, this world is full of odd people. Please keep your videos coming, as I do like to see what you make. Best wishes Geoff Lewis Wales UK.

You just popped up in my suggested videos, as I've begun watching some smithing videos lately. I can tell you two things from a lifetime of experience in many unrelated fields. 1) In the world of the internet, where "experts" abound and attitudes far outweigh realities, almost no one qualifies to hold the title of blacksmith, ballet dancer, welder, sculptor, auto mechanic, composer, or anything else in the minds of the anonymous arrogant. 2) What qualifies as a blacksmith to many people today is certainly far different than it was 130 years ago when the smith performed an essential service for the community. Those guys weren't building ornamental gates for the wealthy. Seems to me, if you're smithing iron, you're a smith. Good enough. One of the best things about getting older is that you no longer care what all the knowitalls think. Work, learn, grow, improve, and live to your own standards. The peace of Christ be with you.