It isnt just the hot metal, sparks and fire that brought 250k + people to your channel... but your friendliness and great love of the craft :D

Watching this 2 years later and he has over 2 million now I wonder how he feels

Forged in Fire isnt a change of job, its a contest, only temporary.. so go for it and get that 10,000$!

When your trying to get your Skyrim smithing level to 100

None of us would begrudge you if you took 2-3 weeks off to go on a tv show. In my opinion you should have your own show anyway. Young, well spoken, enthusiastic, with a crazy effing work ethic and an interesting story quitting school to follow your passions etc. Perfect reality tv material. That being said. I think you have the opportunity to achieve the same thing but with you having full control of the content, projects, editing, etc, here on youtube.

It's not just the blacksmithing that brings people here. There are many people who do blacksmithing videos. Yours, however, is different. The quality of your videos is amazing. Your friendliness draws me in. The 250k+ people who watch your videos isn't just a testimest to blacksmithing, it is a testiment to you. Not just to your craft, but to your attitude and the quality of the videos.

2 years later - 2+ Million subs. He deserves every one of them.

Forged in fire could be a stepping stone to boost your channel even further! But regardless great work, keep it up!

Alec. It's not just about the forging of metal into an object. It's you bud. You make it so enjoyable to watch. This is why so many people subscribe to you and watch this. Keep up with the great work and keep your passion burning 👍

Son! How'd you get all that equipment at such a young age!?!?! I'm not easily envious but you my friend have made me so..... My poor little Louisiana forge shop starts weeping every time I put on your videos. It wants to be just like yours when it grows up!!....LOL

AWESOME!!! Congratulations, Alec! 250K!!! That is absolutely fantastic. Your channel has come so far since I first started watching. You noted in your comments about the increased interest in blacksmithing these days... well, step up and take some credit, pal, because YOU (and a few others like you who are not nearly as social-media-savvy, but ARE trying) have been largely responsible for that. You inspire many of us who for years hemmed and hawed about actually taking the steps to get started to get off our butts and move some steel! I just finished off my third and fourth forging projects today, and I can honestly say that the inspiration I got from you (and to a lesser degree a few other KZfaq smiths) was what got me going! Keep up the great work... but for heaven's sake, don't neglect taking a bit of time for yourself now and again. A LOT of us older fans are watching and are afraid you're going to burn yourself out. We've seen it before. Even doing something you really love, there is such a thing as TOO MUCH. All work and no play makes Alec a basket case, so go spend some time sailing! (And if you choose to video that too, that's okay!)

When I firsts started watching I had no idea how young you were. In fact, I had no idea you were in England. I also thought you were by far talented enough to go onto forged in fire. Then I watched this video and my love for you has grown exponentially; I'll tell you why. You have eight years of experience that makes you a fantastic blacksmith always willing to learn and try new things. It is with that experience that you understand your limitations and what your heart wants. I can't tell you what a massive roll model you are for that decision. As an avid "FIF" watcher I have seen seasoned and novice blacksmiths alike succeed and fail. It's not just experience that makes a great tradesman but knowing what you don't know. Keep up the great work and following your dreams. You are a massive positive for all who view you, even if they don't want to work metal. You are a great showman along with your side kicks/partners. P.S. I was born in Staffordshire and moved to the US At the same age you started your blacksmithing. I remember the county fair blacksmiths and like you had a great interest. I should probably stop gushing and sign off. You have my sincerest and deepest gratitude and thanks for the joy you bring to my KZfaq feed.

I love your videos Alec, thank you.

Alec we all love having you here, and just know that if you ever decide to go onto Forged in Fire you have our support 100 percent.

"Forged in fire", that sounds like an awesome motto for the Salamanders

You HAVE TO go on forged on fire! You could beat 90% of the people on that show easily!

Love your stuff man. I'm from Texas thanks for the representation

Alec, you are amazing, but can you make a Sherlock Holmes-style Damascus tobacco pipe? that would be totally tubular, and very much appreciated. Keep the great content and hammers coming!

It’s been amazing watching you grow in you’re craft, and learn new things.

Congrats on 250k man!!!!!! It's so cool to see you having this great success!👍🏻

Blacksmithing interest might have brought people to your channel but it is you and your energy which keeps people watching.

Gotta say, it's a fifty-fifty between personality and your interesting passion. This channel would be nothing without a good, charismatic smile. Similarly, it wouldn't be popular if you weren't good at blacksmithing. Keep up the good work!

Alec... Its not Blacksmithing, its you!!! You are young, energetic, and you are one of the rare people in this world that has found something that you love and made it your life's work. You make this world a better place. I let my 8 year old son watch your video's so that he can see what it is to create and love an honest days work. You amaze me young man, thank you so very much,

Crazy in a year you're at 1 million subs now. Love the content man

I would love to see you on the show but seeing you almost every day on KZfaq is better. Keep it up love the videos.

I respect your decision, but I am sad. you would have won. :'(

I want to see Alec Steele and Walter Sorrels collaborate on a project... I just think it would be great to see Walter's reaction to Alec's energy level.

pleeeease go on Forged in Fire!!!! I love that show, I binge EVERY Tuesday when it's on. your work is awesome and u deff deserve to be on!!!!

It's a goal in my life to come to the UK and take one of your classes.

Sure, I subbed because what you do is interesting, but also keep in mind that you MAKE it even more interesting in the way you explain what you're doing, and your cinematography is fantastic.

As a competitor in the competition, there's a few things you should know. 1, you forge for 3 hours and get barely 5 minutes if air time. 2, bring your own hammer, tongs, and whatever. Their tools suck. Their presses are underpowered and 4 people trying to share 1 big blue is obnoxious. 3, you will be reimbursed for food n such. Meaning the complimentary hotel breakfast and the free lunch are all the food available. Be prepared. 4, if you happen to get cut right off the bat, you get a free day in New York. I spent my time at the Metropolitan museum playing tour guide in the medieval section. My groups dwarfed the real tour guides. Good luck buddy. Strange forge, strange tools, strange blades, strange competition. Just have fun and make friends.

I've been here since he's at 40k subs, still loving the videos and the way he makes them so simple

That is a lot of hammers, and I'm sure there has always been mean out here that are interested in blacksmithing. Some of the problem is where does one go to learn and is it somewhere they can get it

you diserved the 250k even more keep up the good work !

I miss blacksmithing so much. If I had the time, I'd be going outside everyday to learn and make new things. That is my dream, and watching you live it is undescribably pleasant.

Dec. 2020, 2.28 million subscribers. Not bad for 3.5 years later, my man!

Please go on the show !!! I have been really wanting to see you hurt some feelings with your talent on Forged in Fire. Besides it would been a quick 10g's for you. Please GO!

Could you reforge narsil though ?

congratulations on passing 250,000 subscribers what a mile stone brother keep up the fantastic work God Bless You

For me, it was the great editting done on the videos, and taking so much time in setting the camera for each takes! Truly great work Alec!

Nice haircut! Looking dapper!

one year later, closing in on 800k. well done.

"I'm a novice knife-maker"-One of the 1,000 best knife makers in the world. Don't ever doubt yourself Alec!!!

It is not the blacksmithing that keeps people watching, it is your upbeat attitude!

Just a random thought while watching you work: What about making a foot actuated opening/closing gate for your forge?

It is unusual to see someone with that many passion and positive energy to work. Big like and sub :D

Thank you Alec for your long days of forging and video editing. Your channel will easily inspire thousands to explore this amazing craft.

Congrats on the 250k Alec. Loved watching your channel over the past few months. Great presenter and teacher. Keep up the good work!! Adam from Australia

there's a moto-vlogger called royal jordanian, he's also got quite a few subs, something he does at the end of most of his vids is a sort of preview vid (just a couple of minutes) to other, less known moto-vloggers in order to give them their "5 minutes of fame" if you will... have you ever considered doing something like that? there's a guy in south africa called neels van den berg (youtube channel name BLACK DRAGON FORGE) and he's got amazing talent, maybe you could start with him and have people recommend other channels for future vids? just a suggestion...

I've never wanted you to go on the show, but make your own mini forged in fire to see what you can make under a time constraint out of random materials for fun :)

The amount of excitement while you STARTED the Viking sword kept me watching. As each piece fell into place, with each scratch I flinched with easy inlay I cheered. Not a blacksmith by any means just watching you work was so fun

As much as I would like watching you in a competition setting, I respect your decision to keep doing what you love. Hammer on young man!

You should do a "a day in the life of"

Is there a reason the other videos don't show when he says they will?

awesome as usual! love that we can support you in pursuing your passion and perfecting your incredible craft!

It's not just the blacksmithing Alec, it has a lot to do with you, your infectious personality & your passion for what you do

I subbed because you seem to love America more than 90% of the twits who live here in California that I have to deal with. You support cops. The quality of your videos is superb. And even though I have no interest in blacksmithing myself, the way you do these videos keeps it interesting to watch. And you produce some gorgeous blades. Keep up the good work

Forged in Fire has done alot to attract new people to blacksmithing, but more into knife making. Go to any Hammer In event and you will see young guys bothering the old guys on how to make knives, while the old guys are showing the young guys how to make a leaf or nail. Gotta walk before you can run, and the market is FLOODED with hand forged knives made by backyard hobby smiths trying to start their own thing. Blacksmithing is much much more than knife making. Good call Alec on deciding not going on that show.

So refreshing to see something that ISN'T made out of pattern welded steel.

Grats on 250k Alec, good to see hard work and dedication paying off!

do it!!

60secclub

I love how you actually take the time to make note of everybody requesting hammers. By far my favorite channel on youtube and congrats on 250k subscribers. you are truly an inspiration.

Your enthusiasm is contagious! Thanks so much for your efforts. Steve

2:17 well that "blue lives matter" sticker hasn't aged well.

Early squad

I've been interested in blacksmithing for a few years now, and for that reason I find your videos really interesting. However, the thing that keeps me coming back is you're a wholesome, charismatic host who explains everything he does well, especially for novices such as myself, as well as making the videos accessible to people who just think it's cool. My only quarrel is that you never seem to take any time off, and I hope you do, perhaps for forged in fire, perhaps not, but it would really suck if you got burned out on making videos, no pun intended. Keep up the amazing work, Alec.

Thank you for your time, integrity and persistence. I enjoy watching you work. Very inspiring.

Came for the blacksmithing, stayed for your personality and charm, keep it up!

Dibs on spare hammer + sledge 10lbs when you make one Cheers and congrats on the 250k !!

Congrats on 250k!!! Your passion shines through your videos.

Gratz with the 250K+ subs Alec. You deserve it! Keep up the good work.

love to seen someone your age, who is all in on such an old craft. Its Hammer Time!

So many others have said it, your videos are a true pleasure to watch . You have most certainly grabbed my interest, currently sourcing what I need to get a small backyard forge together. Have picked up so many hints and tips, truly talented.

Congratulations on 253K Subscribers!

Its not just the blacksmithing... Its your editing that is amazing and most importantly its your energetic vibe that lifts me up and makes me forget my daily problems for the length if the video

For a one man show at the moment the video quality is really good. Keep up the work Alec!

Its always nice to see someone so passionate about there work

You certainly are skilled as a black smith, but the main ingredients to your success are your enthusiasm and the fact that you are well spoken and very spontanious. That is a rare combination at your age.

Ahh the good old days in the old workshop. How times have changed. Well done Alec.

Alec, it still amazes me the amount of enthusiasm you have after you have finished working your butt off on all those hammers. Young man, you are going to have an awesome future. May God continue to bless you. Have a great day.

you are welcome Alec. those 2 seconds subbing were among the most labor intensive seconds of my life. the effort was worth it.

You have great videos, thank you for making them for us to watch! 😎👍🏻

Who else finds the sound of a forge relaxing

I know others have said this, but Alec, it's you they come to watch. The forging may have attracted forks but your presents and integrity to the craft.

Love your vids man! Watching your videos really makes me want to try blacksmithing. Keep up the good work.

I subscribed not just because of the "hot" metal but your enthusiasm and willingness to show the workings of the craft.

It is not as much the blacksmithing as it is you young Alec that makes you so popular. You make the blacksmithing a joy to watch.

I love to watch you blacksmith but you are really the reason I subscribed. You have such a happiness about you and you are so uplifting to watch because it's evident you love what you do. Keep making the videos!!

Blacksmithing is makeing a huge comeback

Let's help you crush that sub count! ONE MILLION, BUDDY!!!

I just love seeing people who have found passion and have a drive to take that passion to successful end. Much admiration for being such a great influence on us all.

Congrats on the 250K milestone. You doing your thing is what brings people​ to your channel. Showing your talent and your dedication and passion for your craft is what makes your channel special. I may never swing a hammer in my lifetime, but watching a master at work is almost ad satisfying as doing it myself. Thank you for sharing your work!

absolutely love your videos. I literally look forward and get excited when I see you post new things!!

Your passion is honestly contagious! Keep up the good work!

Congrats on the success of the channel. There are very few channels here on KZfaq that I can watch day after day. Keep up the good work!

I really appreciate your videos. These truly show the satisfaction of hard work and a job well done. You do a great job showcasing the joy and value that handicrafts can bring into your life. Thanks for that. By the way, your editor and music director are killing it.

So nice to find a channel that my son can watch as well. No bad language, positive attitude, work ethic. Just an all around positive channel where young ones can learn the craft and have a completely positive influence on them. Hats off to you for being a leader and not a follower.

It's a brave decision indeed you took. I LOVE your work and enthusiasm. You are by far my fav knifemaker on youtube. Keep up the amazing work mate. Cheers.

Alec your personality and passion are the major reasons people love your channel