My grandfather was a blacksmith in Australia in the 1900s, we still had some of his tools up till a few years back.
I had a 5th-great-grandfather who worked as a blacksmith in a whaling town in Massachusetts. After his wife died he moved his family westwards to Wisconsin.
I've made this comment many times on your channel, but the fact remains. You are interesting and a wealth of knowledge. Your videos could easily be a half hour long, and at least once a week. I know, I know. you have a job. Thanks for the video.
Hello from England. That's an interesting contrast with how things were here. Blacksmiths back in the day were general iron/steel workers that made all sorts of things such as fencing and gates and other general ironmongery. Anyone that specialised in horse or horse and cart related steel work such as shoes, leaf springs and wheel tyres was referred to as a Farrier.
I love all kinds of history and always look forward to an episode from you. Thank you for what you do. "See you down the trail" in British English is something like 'See you up the road'. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Having been either a mechanic, welder, machinist, or fabricator most of my life, I always appreciate watching, and hearing about blacksmithing, the guys that started it all. Thank you.
WOW, that guy knows his info. It makes sense what he said. Yeah, many Westerns probably simplified the info. That ending was adorable, Santee. 🤠🤗👏🏻👏🏻
Thank You! I've been trying to get a blacksmith on for awhile. Some don't have a setup, and others are too far away, etc.
I like how you hammered out this episode. I'm glad you still have some irons in the fire.
You always see the blacksmith sign, but you never really knew what the profession consisted of! This one was really interesting, Santee! Fantastic job!
Thanks again Santee & Co. My mom's maiden family name is Gowan , which is Scottish Gaelic foe Blacksmith . Gobhain . Happy Easter coming up soon .
Santee, Absolutely Awesome. Thank you very much. You and Mrs. Pew Pew have a beautiful and blessed weekend.
Particularly good episode, Santee.
In the very early years, they made basically everything that was metal out West. Even door-handles. Once saw a blacksmith shape one. Complete with kidney shaped horizontal anchor points, top and bottom. Also, 6.... 10.... Little girls grew up fast in the Old West. They had to. Every member of the family had a job to do. 😉
Thank You! Yes, it was a time where everyone had to do their part.
We had a very old blacksmith in the town near our farm when I was growing up but, even in the early sixties (the Canadian Prairies), he was making most of his living with his new trade as a welder as there weren't even horses left to be shod. His old shop was still there but most of the tools were just gathering dust. He did start up the forge one time for a tour by us school kids and knocked together a hinge to show how it worked.
thanks, iv'e been waiting to see a post on blacksmiths for a long time. you hit the nail in the head. great job!
Trouble was finding an accessible blacksmith who was very knowledgeable. I decided to forge ahead.
This brought back memories. My wife’s grandfather was a blacksmith in Burlington WI. His shop was attached to the house which was later upgraded to a garage but nothing was moved and left as he last used it. It was an amazing set up.
Not only did blacksmiths make their own tools, they made tools for every other trade in town.
Right...well those they didn't buy. By the Old West, a lot of factory produced tools were available
Great Video and Outstanding Information Thank You for sharing. My Step-dad gave me his Great, great uncle Blacksmithing tools and helmet from late 1800s and his helmet from when he was in WWI . Thank You for all you do.
Great video my friend! Brought back a wonderful memory of meeting up with you and our great conversation in that spot! Made my afternoon!
My dad was a Ferrier for most of his life. Made his own horse shoes in our garage with an anvil and everything. I remember trying to sword fight my brother with the hoof files and tongs so seeing this was a nice reminder. Take care yall!
One of my ancestor was an hererro (blacksmith) out on the coast during the early 1800’s.
Awesome video, thanks Santee.
I've recently picked up blacksmithing as a hobby. Good timing for me on this video.
Let's hammer it !! Great trade! Blacksmiths the backbone of all society's in the world!! So important!
Who knew the Skipper was also a Blacksmith?!?!? Some of those folks made some amazing things when you think about the tools they had available. Very cool episode Santee!
If he had stuck to blacksmithing instead of vigilante justice, he might still be at it.
You should listen to Weird "Al"'s song, Isle Thing! Lol.@@ArizonaGhostriders
Catching up on the channel today! Love this as always! Keep up the amazing work my friend!!! ❤
Great video!
My favorite blacksmith in cinematic history as Dan Blocker in The Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico County!
-Desert Rat Rick
Very informative. It would be good to see how Blacksmithing has changed or stayed the same over the years
Great topic! Some really hot stuff and molded our minds. Always thought blacksmithing was interesting and creative.
Good morning Santee. Great video, never thought the blacksmith were not treated well back then. Simple because the horse was the only way to get around. And making horseshoes would be important and the rim around wheels for all kinds of wagons and coaches. Thanks again for all your hard work and time Sir. Santee you are appreciated!🤠
Another good one, Santee. Very interesting. I have a reenactor friend who has done some blacksmithing. Hope he sees this. He'll like it.
Thanks Santee for this video paying attention to blacksmiths work of art. Wasn’t blacksmith in towns didn’t have gunsmiths, did blacksmiths repair guns?-Kid Yuma
@@ArizonaGhostriders thanks that is what I thought. Not every town had gunsmith, but every town had blacksmiths.-Kid Yuma
My great-grandfather and grandfather were blacksmiths and owned a shop in Dillon, Montana
Finally, it's Saturday. Do you know what that means? Another amazing video from Arizona Ghostriders. I've been looking forward to the blacksmith video. Thanks Santee.
A good blacksmith is worth his weight in gold. Thanks for a fine video on a fascinating craft!👍
Though I was a professional gunsmith, I learned blacksmithing as a side trade primarily for building gun parts for long out of production weapons. Oddly enough, my primary source of metal came from worn-out lawnmower blades.😉
Sadly, some years back, my forge, behind my house in the woods was burglarized and everything was stolen. Even my 1878 U.S. Army anvil. I never replaced anything as I sorta lost heart.
@@elultimo102 Yes, I've grown old now, and loosing all my gear just took the wind outta my sails, so to speak.
@@anangryranger At least you can hope they got a good hernia from carrying that anvil. The medical bills would cost far more than the value of what they stole.
very interresting I like that kind of stuff another awesome job thank you
Every time I use my bellows I also think of the Dr. Glad I'm not the only one.
Great video on a fascinating occupation! I never pass up a chance to see a good blacksmith at work.
When my dad had his Grocery Store he or I would take a metal grocery cart or hand truck or anything that could be repaired by a blacksmith we took to our towns local blacksmith brothers. Sometimes they would fix it while we wait or if they were busy we would leave it. If some part couldn't be repaired they would make a new one.
Excellent episode Santee. That is something I plan on learning in retirement. I have picked up many books over the years on the subject. Just need an anvil and forge. Have a great weekend! Cheers!
A blacksmith named Willard even went along with Lewis and Clark back in 1802. He used to do repairs for the tribes for trade.
Always loved watching a good blacksmith. I carry a smith made knife on one of my concealed carry rigs. 👍 good video. You could also “borrow” from the RR too.
Yeah, I remember Dad making horseshoes, when we couldn’t afford to buy them. When work was done for the season, shoes were pulled and stored. We also made charcoal because it was cheap, burned well, and did not kill the blacksmith. He loved the work and made us all knives, made Japanese swords to sell, and anything that would bring a dollar.
Coal carries a lot of toxins like methane and the smoke is dirty. Black lung was once more common in foundries than in coalmines. I was raised in anthracite country; both mines and foundries were common. In the old days, who could afford bar iron for shoes? For the farrier to shoe in the late 1800s, cost, I think, a dime a hoof. Forty cents for a set. A ‘hand’s pay was under a dollar a day. Working cattle means five or more horses in a string. That comes to a lot of money. Even today, who’s going to hire a farrier when they can shoe their own nags? A great place to see smithing is rendezvous.
@@ArizonaGhostriders Raised by survivors of FDR's depression, you grow up a penny pincher. We had electric and running water in the kitchen, and that only because we had to have electric by law, so Dad bought an old well pump and rebuilt it, a present to Mom. We had to put in a septic system, but continued to use the outhouse for years. Dad burrowed into the hill, and Mom planted those fountain roses (like the Lady Banks in Tombstone) for cover. He cut a small door in the outhouse wall. It was clean, loaded with earthworms and smelled like good soil. He buried it in the manure pile, anyway. :) Cousins told me that about 20 years ago, the state passed a law you had to show proof the septic was pumped every few years. Most companies give a receipt claiming they pumped for you if you let them spray other folks' mess on a field.
Thanks for a blacksmith video. As a blacksmith myself, I think they make have burned corn when they couldn't get coal.
I knew Alan Hale from Hang’em High would be featured. Blacksmiths have kept towns and villages running for centuries. Eventually they morphed into mechanics as automobiles replaced the horse and wagon.
A great video my Great Great Great Grandpa was a Blacksmith so I found this very interesting.
Great video Santee! Can you do a video in March about the Irish immigrants and what role they played in the creation of the West? Thanks! Ye ha!
Good day Arizona Ghost Riders. Sorry it's so late of response. I did watch your episode here last week and forgot to respond. Those guys blacksmith could do really cool things with their talent your friend Ted from Texas
Been waiting for this one, being a blacksmith myself and all, even if it's still just only as a hobby even after close to 10 years now. Actually got a couple Old West projects coming up soon, planning on trying to make a Confederate style "D-guard Bowie" and potentially a tomahawk.
Some of the historical events I have been to have had blacksmiths who offer to give lessons, it's part of their presentation. It's quite entertaining for all and a great chance to smack red-hot metal with a hammer. They can be found everywhere from Civil War reenactments to renaissance fairs (Faires?) and almost anywhere an event dates back to the Victorian era. Or similar. Everyone should try it once. Best of Days to All the Ghostriders.
They say at Old Cowtown Museum that during the summer, the blacksmith would do his work at night because the smithy would get unbearable hot if he worked by day. By the way, the "duck" at the end was too adorable.
A blacksmith is stressed
So he goes into his shop and starts holding a sword straight against the grindstone. His apprentice comes in and asks
"What are you doing?"
"Oh, just taking the edge off"
I like the interview process! Great video, Santee!
@@ArizonaGhostriders You’re welcome, this one was really cool! I honestly did wonder how the smithy got his steel. It didn’t just come out of nowhere.
Twice a year at our NORTH SOUTH SKIRMISH ASSOCIATION events we have a blacksmith
Still a craft that is practiced and the show, Forged in Fire has sure kept it going.
Thanks for the video. I have an interest in blacksmithing and thought about building my own forge.
Thanks for the "coffee visit" and a great episode! See you next week Santee!
Yep, Alan Hale Jr was doing some blacksmithing while doing guest star gigs in several TV westerns before he landed the "Skipper" role on Gilligan's Island. Then there's Burt Reynolds cast as Quint Asper on Gunsmoke. Most all have on a sleeveless shirt - it's a thing.
I think about my great grandfather and his brother having their blacksmith shop. The brother did veterinary and dentistry on the side. I used to have his pliers for pulling teeth. My great grandfather had hands that looked like clown hands from all the work they did.
@@ArizonaGhostriders He was a short, balding, mild mannered looking fellow with hands that looked like oven mitts.
I was a tin bender (aviation metalsmith) in the Air Force. I mostly worked cold metals but welding shop had to forge a chisel as part of their tech school. Also they had to anneal metal for me to work it then retemper the finished parts.
I do know my Great Great Grandfather, was a blacksmith by hobby and brewer. He was from Norway, he usually only made horse shoes, he had to stop, because he got old. He liked brewing his own beer, but he wasn't that good. He only did brewing during prohibition.
Plus he only knew how to make horseshoes and nails. He learned it from his father, and his father learned it from his father. Of course most of us took up woodworking. Which he took up when he was older.
How about the old west potter? With pickling being one of the most common ways to preserve food, ceramic pots were a must.
Most people don't realize blacksmiths are still needed today. In my shop we made tools for the gold and silver refining industry along with tools used down at the space center in Florida. We forged railings for the interiors of 10 - 20 million dollar houses. Many of the techniques we used hadn't changed for hundreds of years. My biggest problem wasn't getting work, it was finding people willing to hot and dirty and understood math.
ANOTHER GOOD ONE SANTEE .. you should have taken a turn at it .. Maybe a POKER .. Have a GOOD WEEKEND and Have FUN !! ADIOS SANTEE
My dad was a blacksmith back in the late 40's after WW2.
He told a story, he was working on a horse shoe (it was hot). A guy came in and picked it up, then quickly put it down. Dad ask "was it hot?" Guy said "na just don't take me long to look at a horse shoe."
Under a spreading chestnut tree, the village smithee stands
The smith, a mighty man is he.
And children coming home from school look in at the open door;
They love to see the flaming forge, and hear the bellows roar.
Something something something... forged a good episode... something something something. 🤗🤪
Very good Santi, very interesting. I never thought about. Where did they get their iron and steel but he had some very good answers
I enjoyed about the history of the blacksmith Unfortunately, a Lost art.
Not at a lost art at all. It's alive and well. Many folks still do it. Look at the show Forged in Fire.
My gr-gr-grandfather was in the Union Cavalry; he had a brother who was in the Confederate Infantry, as records say, he was a blacksmith. When I found that out I wondered; I could see a blacksmith in the cavalry, but what would he be doing in the Infantry??? I grew up in a little Po-dunk town in the 50's and some farms still had a forge. I have fooled around with them a couple of times, but never made anything, just flattened the end of round rod, I was too young. Later on at a Heritage Days event I did have a blacksmith make me a striker so I could try to start a fire. Got sparks sometimes, but yet to get a fire going.
I always found blacksmithing to be fascnating. When I was at boy scout camp one summer they hired a blacksmith to work there for the summer. I went and made a crowbar. I gave it to my dad and he had it in his tools till he died. One day I will liberate it from my brother who has all of dads tools.
Here is the message on a sign that was posted on the door of a blacksmith shop in 1803: Cash preferred, but the Blacksmith will accept the following goods as payment: "corn, wheat, country-made linen, linsey, sugar, whiskey, tobacco and cured bacon". (Rusty - Village blacksmith in Ohio)
Cool. That verifies what Smitty said; they would often barter for their services.
Recently made a new acquaintance with a local business owner, "The Drunken Smithy". Looking forward to trade a little leatherwork for the opportunity to forge myself a rail road spike knife!
My husband's fifth removed grandfather was a blacksmith. I don't know if he was an apprentice before he enlisted to serve under General Stand Waite's command.
A Cherokee-Choctaw Blacksmith in the years after the War.
I think by that point in time, the apprentice thing was looser. As long as they knew enough they could be useful.
Hey Santee, can you do a video on farming and waste disposal on the old west? I'm curious as to how they use unwanted food, or used up coffee grinds.
When did the time old Dan Tucker come out I heard the 2nd South Carolina string band play it to thought it was a civil war song
It has been sung since the 1840s, so it was around duing the Civil War.
Great episode Santee. I shared it with a Blacksmith friend of mine.
My grandfather was a blacksmith in New Mexico during the Great Depression. He also drilled water wells. Barter payed him for a lot of his work.
Very cool history there.
Must be a common occurrence because the shop that My little brother Caleb works at does the same thing. It's a water Well drilling/blacksmith/machine shop