The blacksmith very obviously feels for his craft. That was a really very good interview. I'd also like to pass my compliments on to the camera crew and whoever planned the shots. That first shot of the ladle and spatula sitting on the anvil is stunning, and the rest of the video lives up to that opening shot.
Not from my heart, can't miss the satanic cult tattoo either. Though he may not know what the Masonic (read demonic) lodge is into, he should now go and look into the oaths and rites that they practice a bit deeper.
Incredible to see this guy really appreciate the work he's doing in something so many people would look over. Everyone can learn something from this man's conviction to his trade.
Ben House, you speak foolishness! Perhaps YOU need to look into Masonry a bit deeper, you will find that what you have spoken is the furthest thing from the truth.
@@rebeccag8697 I don't think it's really much of an "industry" so much as a rare career path unfortunately. Most blacksmiths are just hobbyists in their garage or shop and the closest industry is more that of machinists, welders, and other technical jobs like that. That being said, I'd guess at this point it's closer to, or at least approaching a 50/50 split in terms of men/women I'd hope.
Rebecca Gines I’ve met a woman professional blacksmith who specializes in making hardware for ships, especially historical vessels. There are Medieval images of women blacksmithing (usually believed to be the wives of blacksmiths). They are usually portrayed as rather ugly demonized women because of a myth of the time that claimed when a blacksmith refused to forge nails to crucify Christ, his wife agreed to do it. No proof, of course, but does indicate that it was not surprising a woman could do smithing. If you Google these images they are easy to find.
Rebecca G . The blacksmith community has really grown over the past few years with more moving into being full time smiths. I know of several ladies who smith and are very talented and artistic. There's a Facebook group called WOMEN DO IRON check them out.
That's a cool bloke. He fully appreciates the past, and the future. Blacksmiths have always been looked upon as having supernatural abilities - as Jamie said, to be able to bend such tough materials to your will is a kind of superpower. It's why horseshoes have always been a symbol of good luck - and protection - Iron, along with water, were both effective weapons against malignant entities in the far distant past. Great video, beautifully shot. Nice one. 👍👍👍
I really enjoyed this interview. I'm an optical lab technician who makes and repairs spectacles all day long and I see and feel a lot of what he sees and feels about his work, it is very satisfying to be a master of your craft, to teach others your skills but also to be taught new ways to do your job better by someone who has been in the profession longer and is greater skilled.
On fait le même métier, les mêmes objets du quotidien, les mêmes gestes et tout ça ades milliers de km… Et oui en France. Bravo pour cette prestation et bon courage pour la suite.
RyanKC I had worked at a historic site as a blacksmith for 25+ years. I found only one Summer student through that whole time period that actually carried on and did Blacksmithing to higher levels. It seems like the youth nowadays has no interest whatsoever with any hands on skills. Give them an electronic gizmo and they are entranced for hours playing fantasy games! It's sad, very very sad.
Although it's easy to put it on the youth, it's distracted parents that enable them to spend those hours on video games. If more people would take an interest in their children and do more than sit down at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TH-cam maybe the children would take an interest in something besides electronics too.
That is true is some cases. There is a progression that a person wanting to learn the trade goes through: 1.Fire management 2.Tool making 3. Use of all tools, whether it be parts of the anvil or punches, chisels, tongs, leg vise, various work specific hardy tools 4. Thinking what process has to be done, in what sequence. Plus creating a tool that may be only used a few times to achieve that process. 6. Once the person learns all this he/she can create their own shop that has a flow to it. So when creating or reproducing something; there's no gaps in the production and everything goes very smoothly.
@@randolphchappel6098 I am one of these rare kids then. For half my life (now 32) I try to go into the art but nobody wants to take me in. Even worse, In my country (germany) you need an apprenticeship before youre allowed to touch anything but blacksmith apprenticeships dont exist in germany any more. only mashinists etc. but I want to learn more than just a few things. The US still has a great smithing community but I cant get a green card...
I’m a modern day gunsmith. While I was in school in Colorado before we touched the machines we went the task of making guns by hand. We made a series of tools and parts with blacksmithing. This was not a short process. A modern rifle or pistol could be made on machines in fairly short order. The old school stuff? Took sometimes over a month.
Thanks for sharing your story. I have been working as a welder and also used lathes etc. I also have a military background and have tried both modern and old weapons. Although I have never tried blacksmithing myself I can certainly understand where you are coming from.
TheCimbrianBull It is fascinating. We sorta went through the centuries of firearms leading up to the modern iterations of firearms. I to this day am glad we did this, this way. It still remains relevant to even modern firearms.
Sometimes with an individual gun maker; he would "Rough Out" a part for a lock; say a tumbler. He would make several pretty close , not exact. Heat up a block of metal to yellow hot and place one of those pieces on the block and quickly and I mean quickly hammer it into the block. It may take several tries with the extra blanks he made up to get it fully sunk into the yellow hot block. Once it was complete; all he'd have to do is take raw piece of steel, heat it up and hammer it into the cavity of the cold block! Knock it out when it cooled slightly; quench the mold block and hammer another hot piece of metal into it! Then filing and drilling and tapping to get the final tumbler. I was lucky enough to find a whole drawer of these roughed out, mass produced lock parts ready to be filed and fitted. Now that's production eh?
Aww, man! Heir to Roma, it sounds like you would have had such an interesting series of videos on creating old timey guns. I'd watch it in a heartbeat!
Thank you for this my grandfather was one and I worked with him quite often in his shop and he is so right about the magic of working with metal as such.
Working hot iron, as this fella knows, is atavistic and takes us back to our roots. I’m nudging 70 now and have been working with metal for 55 years and still love it. Wood you can shape and fit and glue, but metal can be fused together and there is the magic. 😁 Great interview! 👏
I'm the 325th 👍 and someone gave a 👎 for some unknown reason... I'm a Blacksmith and I specialize in portraying a Smith of the early 17th through the early 19th Centuries at Living History events dressed in the proper Attire and using the Equipment of the period being portraid at the events, be it at Jamestown or Colonial Williamsburg. As far as this Tennessee Smith is concerned, I personally know what he meant about the Smith from Centuries in the past talking to him!
What a treasure this smith is. Great Find, Great Video. " Our work is not just for us, its for the future generation to appreciate and use also" So True Sir !!
Please bear with me, I am not saying this to be rude. The person is a "smith," and that person works in a "smithy." I usually compare it to calling a baker "bakery." It is somewhat of a pet peeve among many blacksmiths, and we have Longfellow to blame, for the most part. The first line of his poem, "Under a spreading chestnut-tree the village smithy stands," is all most people remember. The second line, "the *smith*, a mighty man is he, with large and sinewy hands," tells the difference.
I was full time blacksmith for many years, made mostly 18th century knives and axes Did everything by hand, didn’t have a power hammer or welder and used an antique hand crank forge. I was always on the look out for good wrought iron, cut up lots of old strap hinges and buggy tires Most of my small belt axes made out of 3 pieces of iron and a steel cutting bit forge welded together. I was lucky when I started blacksmith tools, anvils , forges etc. wasn’t that hard to find and not to expensive at least compared to today. I also sold antique tools though I kept lots of the blacksmith stuff back because I figured it would go up in value. Probably have over 30 anvils Would like to make myself an axe and a knife to be buried with, strange with all the ones I made I never made myself one!
You would really like my uncle's wood working. He uses period tools that he has collected over the years and is well known woodworker. His name is Craig Farrow from VT and he makes furniture in the style of 17th and 18th century furniture from the Connecticut River Valley. He also did a bit of period metal work and decorative metal work. You can find his work online. I used to do the French Polish technique as a younger man and that style of finish is pretty much extinct now. I worked on 17th to 19th century furniture for the most part and some Shaker style furniture.
Was just reminiscing about all these highly skilled jobs that have been lost over time or became obsolete due to technology. I am happy to see a few still cling and try to hold onto these skills. I myself still hold some of those obsolete skills even though mine were more 19th century. I was a old school cable tool driller and timber cutter. Drilling has all went to rotary rigs and timber cutters now days ride in a cab using hydraulics to cut trees.
I know so well what your saying about feeling the original craftsman, learning from the old piece and even knowing what they were thinking! As a cabinetmaker and restorer of period antique furniture, this connection from the past is felt. You feel a kinship with that creator from centuries passed. Kind Thanks and Many Blessings! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
Smithing has always been an interest of mine. I can clearly see the passion and care that this man has for his craft. Man what I'd give to be his apprentice and learn from someone that genuinely cares for their craft. Great video, thanks!
I was deeply moved to listen to this blacksmiths perception of previous work made and used. Being married to a Smith whose people were gypsy blacksmiths....& healers till this day, I felt very emotional to hear someone else's appreciation. Thank you, for sharing your feelings. ❤️
Forty odd years back I used to live just down the road from Mr. Tyree's home ! I know of a treasure of wrought iron nearby me, but don't know how he could obtain it ! Its in the form of early twisted rebar and a lot of it is still in the ( rapidly decaying ) cement structures . Great video addition Jon !
Hello Jeff! Where did you live next to my homeplace and are you out of my Joe Howser clan? Also, where is the rebar you are speaking of? I honestly didn't think any was left around home. Thank you for your kind words, Jon is a good fella(all of them at Jas. Townsend are!). Jamie
jaimie, I used to live in and around Greeneville in mid to late Sixties . New a lot of folks around including the Esteps, a hound breeder named Tighe, a dairy farmer named Massengill among them. That rebar is in New Jersey on the old Edison Cement Co. property ( don't know who has it now ) but sadly isn't economically recoverable . Nice to know theree's someone keeping the old skills alive though !!
Totally agreed. Being a blacksmith myself (among other things), working on historical reproductions 90% of the time, I would have told you pretty much the same things he did. It's nice to see other people feeling the same. The connecton with all the generations of blacksmiths back to the discovery of iron is something you have to experience, it can't be properly described.
Good Stuff! Work smarter not harder! I have an old old hammer I use on special pieces....everytime I pick it up.....I feel the power of our forefathers and continue their legacy by using it!
The way that objects speak to you about the way and means of how someone did something is really quite fascinating, I have personally looked at projects people have done in college and before I even ask a question I already know much about what they did and then the questions can start flowing.
Another blacksmith who is a wizard is Tai Goo. he does primitive blacksmithing. No grinders, or belts. It's heart wrenching when you search and find a blacksmith and he just shapes the crude blade and then belt sands and grinds it down. just rips your heart out. thanks for the video.
Its called technology. A bladesmith today can produce dozens of blades in a day whereas back the day it took several days for one blade. I was on forged in fire with my apprentice, Leon. In the episode you can see his confusion with power tools. I trained him the old way, even making his own blade steel from dirt. In today's market, he would never see profit doing that. It takes days and days to file and polish by hand. He can pump out a whole kitchen set in a day now thanks to a new belt grinder and buffing wheel. Time is money. Quality is a non-issue with modern steels and heat treating techniques. Most amateurs can produce blades that would eat the old blades for breakfast. Go to Walmart and price a good 8" bowie. Probably hits around 40-60 bucks. A smelted iron blade made the old way would probably hit around a grand. Its not about nostalgia anymore. Its about making a living wage, just as our ancestors. Now if you have the money, either Leon or I can make you whatever you want. But it will cost you as we have bills too.
You need to go watch Tai Goo's video then. He does a blade from start to finish without grinders or sanders in less than 8 hours. and I have been around a lot of bladesmiths and while pricey they aren't asking a grand for their blades. More like 200-300 dollar range. seriously to see Tai Goo or his apprentice Jeff working is pure primitive magic.
@@GarouLady They start with barstock. That is why their blades are 200 to 300. That covers the 15 an hour labor cost, shop overhead (rent, utilities, fuel, tool wear, etc), and materials (which are dirt cheap these days). My blades are smelted from ore. That is why mine cost thousands. A day alone for the smelt. 2 to 3 days for the refinement. And another day or two for the actual blade. Not including exotic fittings or anything. Most people dont understand why handmade blades cost 10 times as much as the stuff at wally world or amazon.
I can hear his heart speaking here. My paternal grandfather was a blacksmith and well driller in New Mexico during the 30’s and40’s. My father’s formative years were The Great Depression in the very heart of the dust bowl around Logan, NM. Dad learned quite a bit but went to live with his mom after my grandparents divorced in his teen years during WWII. I wasn’t taught much by either my grandfather or father but I did inherit my Granddads anvil and small portable forge. I can’t claim real proficiency at metalsmithing but I do enjoy working with metals from steel to copper and brass to bronze and sterling silver. He speaks well about studying the handiwork of the old timers and even other metal workers in order to understand their process and techniques. I’m actually working on getting my workbench set back up after several years in storage. One of my favorite Winter hobbies is firing up my small forge or torches and making art, jewelry or miniature mechanical devices, or just fixing something broken. I really appreciate your speaker’s take on his passion. Thanks for sharing him with us! Blessings sirs!
My grandfather was a blacksmith/welder/fabricator and plumber. He got his start in the 30s or early 40's. He and his father installed windmills in their heyday and he could fabricate all sorts of things. He had an 8 th grade education and was never even well off but he was intelligent in his ways.
jeanette dow Grandad always said that a full junk pile would make you just as rich as a full wallet because paper doesn’t hold up in the weather like steel will. I must have inherited the tendency to fix stuff because I never met a piece of steel that I didn’t like, lol!
Wonderful interview. This is the essence of every craftsman's efforts: speak to the generations that follow with the work they've done. Thank you for posting this. This is how legacies happen, with the passing on of knowledge and passion for the work done. You're doing archival things here, Jon. Merci beaucoup.
Wow. Simply wow. In one video, his experience and depth seems to shine through - casting shadows on the plethora of blacksmiths who have their own TH-cam channels.
Sixth generation blacksmith, career ended early due to wrist injury. Watching this with my four year old to help explain where “all that stuff” came from. Decades after my apprenticeship we are still using a bucket of S hooks I made when I was 12. Maybe some day he will be the 7th generation. Thank you for posting such a sincere and genuine interview.
When I finally got into a trade, it was welding..... and fell in love with being able to work metal. Just starting smithing now with my own anvil and forge, and lotsa salvage steel. I am glad I was in a job where I would sometimes have to forge some custom shapes, fell in love.
This is fantastic to watch! My 4th Great Grandfather was a blacksmith in Bath County, Kentucky in the early 1800s, and it is so fascinating to see what he may have been doing as a blacksmith back then. Thank you for this!
its amazing how this wonderful element is forged into something so useful and essential for the mankind over the centuries. blacksmiths are indeed great craftsmen.
This is a true Blaksmith, knows his craft has his heart and soul in it and as well is a good man.! Excellent interview, look forward to more videos. Thank you for sharing with us all great inspiration have a beautiful day. Jim
This guy is wonderful! As someone who has bent iron from time to time, I can say, he has a great way of expressing the joy of making. And to do that with an emphasis on restoring/recreating historical articles ... and the WHY of historical articles is exactly the kind of thing that's greatly appreciated in this community. I'd love to see him move through an entire project. Well done, Townsends!
I am a college student that just moved to southern Tennessee. Back home I was beginning to get into blacksmithing, but here I don’t have the same resources. I doubt the TH-cam comment section will be the most helpful, but if anyone near Sewanee, Tn or up to an hour or so away knows of any resources that would be possible for me to use I would greatly appreciate it. I don’t want to stop one of my favorite hobbies as I’m studying.
Despite being nowhere even remotely near you, I can make one suggestion; Even if you can not practice forging yourself, get in touch with the American Guild of (artist) backsmiths, to gather more in-depth information on the topic. They may also be more helpful in locating a blacksmith near-ish to you.
What era of smithing? Join a re enactment group. My husband tried smithing for the SCA. Everyone was very helpful to pass on material. When he discovered it was not as enjoyable asnhe thought, he passed his tools on to a smith in Murphysboro.
I went with a friend to a historical site in Alberta Canada, a few months ago. They had a blacksmith there. It was interesting to see this process. This is a great video. Thanks for sharing this.
There's a group that meet over at Ft. Edmonton. They have varying skill levels. Also there's a group that meets over at Leduc West blacksmith shop. Just this past weekend I was at Lloydminster with a group called Border Blacksmiths. They were having a hammer-in/meeting at the shop in behind Barr Colony Museum/Historic Site.
What an absolute treasure. I can't even put into words what joy it brings me to see someone who loves what he does and has spent years honing his craft. It is inspiring and humbling at the same time. Thank you for this video, I'm going to check out his shop on Etsy! Top notch work, as always, Townsends!
I do a little blacksmithing too but no where near this guys level but when he was speaking of how it makes you feel when you make something I can relate to that, great video.
I could relate to his thing in the past I am a Shoemaker and a broom maker I'm a historical shoe maker and broom making is one of my hobbies thank you for this video keep the good work
Well growing up in a family of Blacksmiths, I ironically recognized some of the smiths he mentioned... Not too surprising because I see Jamie has Off-Center Tongs which my family builds...
Dude I’m not a blacksmith, but this man makes me wish I was. He’s someone who thinks and is deep with his thoughts. That’s what I got from this anyway.
Great, great, great video. Having been a member of a blacksmithing guild and done a bit of forge work myself, this man said everything better than I could have. Get it hot. Hit it hard.
Thank you so much, this really speaks to me as a beginner smith..... learnin by mistakes..... this was perfect, Thanks for showing your love for the trade.
Awesome! I have a gridiron that he made for me about 2 years ago from salvaged iron. One of my favorite tools for cooking over coals to make a steak in the manner of George Washington. BTW, goes great with some Martha Washington "dressed mushrumps". ;)
I don't know that I can adequately express the level of respect I have for this man, his talent, and the reverence he has for the history of his craft. Simply exceptional.
hidden secrets from smith to smith in the simplest pieces of metal is so freakin cool! This channel is amazing! Please keep the videos coming til the bitter end
LOVE IT! found it really inspirational. Not just to pick up my hammer and work at my anvil, but to just use my hands. To make something that inspires and teaches.
That's how I think about older objects too... the wonder of all its uses and those who may have lived out their lives using that item. Furniture speaks the loudest to me though. Good vid. I enjoyed it.
The blacksmith very obviously feels for his craft. That was a really very good interview. I'd also like to pass my compliments on to the camera crew and whoever planned the shots. That first shot of the ladle and spatula sitting on the anvil is stunning, and the rest of the video lives up to that opening shot.
James Halls Agreed. Top notch camerawork. Editing is on point, too. 👍🏼
This man speaks from the heart of the blacksmith community as a whole! Great interview and loved the sofa (southern Ohio forge and anvil) hat :-)
I was wondering if anybody would catch the hat!
@@jamietyree8439 yep can't miss it lol been a member for 11yrs :-) maybe I'll see you at Quadstate some day soon.. Great work by the way
Not from my heart, can't miss the satanic cult tattoo either. Though he may not know what the Masonic (read demonic) lodge is into, he should now go and look into the oaths and rites that they practice a bit deeper.
Incredible to see this guy really appreciate the work he's doing in something so many people would look over. Everyone can learn something from this man's conviction to his trade.
Ben House, you speak foolishness! Perhaps YOU need to look into Masonry a bit deeper, you will find that what you have spoken is the furthest thing from the truth.
I'm a forty year professional blacksmith and this guy nailed it
I have a question for you, Joe elliott. Are there many women in the blacksmith industry?
@@rebeccag8697
I don't think it's really much of an "industry" so much as a rare career path unfortunately. Most blacksmiths are just hobbyists in their garage or shop and the closest industry is more that of machinists, welders, and other technical jobs like that. That being said, I'd guess at this point it's closer to, or at least approaching a 50/50 split in terms of men/women I'd hope.
Rebecca Gines I’ve met a woman professional blacksmith who specializes in making hardware for ships, especially historical vessels. There are Medieval images of women blacksmithing (usually believed to be the wives of blacksmiths). They are usually portrayed as rather ugly demonized women because of a myth of the time that claimed when a blacksmith refused to forge nails to crucify Christ, his wife agreed to do it. No proof, of course, but does indicate that it was not surprising a woman could do smithing. If you Google these images they are easy to find.
Rebecca G . The blacksmith community has really grown over the past few years with more moving into being full time smiths. I know of several ladies who smith and are very talented and artistic. There's a Facebook group called WOMEN DO IRON check them out.
As a smith who started at the same age as this guy Ive spent most of my life forging steel, and hes spot on.
Another fine example as to why this is such a wonderful and informative channel. I absolutely love this episode. Thanks, Jon & Co
I started when I was 12 as well, but I'm only now 16. Forging is truly magical.
Find you a master to train under!!! Don't argue or disobey him, hang on to his every word and you will greatly benefit.
I fallow around a couple of guys to shows to help demonstrate and be taught by them. Thanks for the advice!
@@johnstewart9237 I hope you're still working at it.
@@jamietyree8439 The best way to learn is be wrong, to have your beliefs challenged
That's a cool bloke. He fully appreciates the past, and the future. Blacksmiths have always been looked upon as having supernatural abilities - as Jamie said, to be able to bend such tough materials to your will is a kind of superpower. It's why horseshoes have always been a symbol of good luck - and protection - Iron, along with water, were both effective weapons against malignant entities in the far distant past.
Great video, beautifully shot.
Nice one. 👍👍👍
I really enjoyed this interview. I'm an optical lab technician who makes and repairs spectacles all day long and I see and feel a lot of what he sees and feels about his work, it is very satisfying to be a master of your craft, to teach others your skills but also to be taught new ways to do your job better by someone who has been in the profession longer and is greater skilled.
Great video! A craftsman with a true sense of history in relation to his art.
On fait le même métier, les mêmes objets du quotidien, les mêmes gestes et tout ça ades milliers de km… Et oui en France.
Bravo pour cette prestation et bon courage pour la suite.
I hope somewhere there is a young man who wants to learn from this man.
RyanKC I had worked at a historic site as a blacksmith for 25+ years. I found only one Summer student through that whole time period that actually carried on and did Blacksmithing to higher levels. It seems like the youth nowadays has no interest whatsoever with any hands on skills. Give them an electronic gizmo and they are entranced for hours playing fantasy games! It's sad, very very sad.
Although it's easy to put it on the youth, it's distracted parents that enable them to spend those hours on video games. If more people would take an interest in their children and do more than sit down at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TH-cam maybe the children would take an interest in something besides electronics too.
Very well put.
That is true is some cases. There is a progression that a person wanting to learn the trade goes through: 1.Fire management 2.Tool making 3. Use of all tools, whether it be parts of the anvil or punches, chisels, tongs, leg vise, various work specific hardy tools 4. Thinking what process has to be done, in what sequence. Plus creating a tool that may be only used a few times to achieve that process. 6. Once the person learns all this he/she can create their own shop that has a flow to it. So when creating or reproducing something; there's no gaps in the production and everything goes very smoothly.
@@randolphchappel6098 I am one of these rare kids then. For half my life (now 32) I try to go into the art but nobody wants to take me in. Even worse, In my country (germany) you need an apprenticeship before youre allowed to touch anything but blacksmith apprenticeships dont exist in germany any more. only mashinists etc. but I want to learn more than just a few things.
The US still has a great smithing community but I cant get a green card...
I’m a modern day gunsmith. While I was in school in Colorado before we touched the machines we went the task of making guns by hand. We made a series of tools and parts with blacksmithing. This was not a short process. A modern rifle or pistol could be made on machines in fairly short order.
The old school stuff? Took sometimes over a month.
Thanks for sharing your story. I have been working as a welder and also used lathes etc. I also have a military background and have tried both modern and old weapons. Although I have never tried blacksmithing myself I can certainly understand where you are coming from.
TheCimbrianBull It is fascinating. We sorta went through the centuries of firearms leading up to the modern iterations of firearms. I to this day am glad we did this, this way. It still remains relevant to even modern firearms.
Sometimes with an individual gun maker; he would "Rough Out" a part for a lock; say a tumbler. He would make several pretty close , not exact. Heat up a block of metal to yellow hot and place one of those pieces on the block and quickly and I mean quickly hammer it into the block. It may take several tries with the extra blanks he made up to get it fully sunk into the yellow hot block. Once it was complete; all he'd have to do is take raw piece of steel, heat it up and hammer it into the cavity of the cold block! Knock it out when it cooled slightly; quench the mold block and hammer another hot piece of metal into it! Then filing and drilling and tapping to get the final tumbler. I was lucky enough to find a whole drawer of these roughed out, mass produced lock parts ready to be filed and fitted. Now that's production eh?
Aww, man! Heir to Roma, it sounds like you would have had such an interesting series of videos on creating old timey guns. I'd watch it in a heartbeat!
A very good description of an honorable trade, my Brother.
You guys are doing god’s work, documenting this man like this, preserving vital histories
Thank you for this my grandfather was one and I worked with him quite often in his shop and he is so right about the magic of working with metal as such.
Another great craftsman and fellow traveling man.
Working hot iron, as this fella knows, is atavistic and takes us back to our roots. I’m nudging 70 now and have been working with metal for 55 years and still love it. Wood you can shape and fit and glue, but metal can be fused together and there is the magic. 😁 Great interview! 👏
I'm the 325th 👍 and someone gave a 👎 for some unknown reason...
I'm a Blacksmith and I specialize in portraying a Smith of the early 17th through the early 19th Centuries at Living History events dressed in the proper Attire and using the Equipment of the period being portraid at the events, be it at Jamestown or Colonial Williamsburg. As far as this Tennessee Smith is concerned, I personally know what he meant about the Smith from Centuries in the past talking to him!
What a treasure this smith is. Great Find, Great Video. " Our work is not just for us, its for the future generation to appreciate and use also" So True Sir !!
Please bear with me, I am not saying this to be rude. The person is a "smith," and that person works in a "smithy." I usually compare it to calling a baker "bakery." It is somewhat of a pet peeve among many blacksmiths, and we have Longfellow to blame, for the most part. The first line of his poem, "Under a spreading chestnut-tree the village smithy stands," is all most people remember. The second line, "the *smith*, a mighty man is he, with large and sinewy hands," tells the difference.
Thanks for catching that, it was a stupid mistake on my part, it's been corrected
Different people have different interests and this is one of my favorite videos yet. Thank you Townsends and Thank you Mr. Tyree.
I was full time blacksmith for many years, made mostly 18th century knives and axes
Did everything by hand, didn’t have a power hammer or welder and used an antique hand crank forge.
I was always on the look out for good wrought iron, cut up lots of old strap hinges and buggy tires
Most of my small belt axes made out of 3 pieces of iron and a steel cutting bit forge welded together.
I was lucky when I started blacksmith tools, anvils , forges etc. wasn’t that hard to find and not to expensive at least compared to today.
I also sold antique tools though I kept lots of the blacksmith stuff back because I figured it would go up in value. Probably have over 30 anvils
Would like to make myself an axe and a knife to be buried with, strange with all the ones I made I never made myself one!
A fascinating look at one's passion.
You would really like my uncle's wood working. He uses period tools that he has collected over the years and is well known woodworker. His name is Craig Farrow from VT and he makes furniture in the style of 17th and 18th century furniture from the Connecticut River Valley. He also did a bit of period metal work and decorative metal work. You can find his work online. I used to do the French Polish technique as a younger man and that style of finish is pretty much extinct now. I worked on 17th to 19th century furniture for the most part and some Shaker style furniture.
Was just reminiscing about all these highly skilled jobs that have been lost over time or became obsolete due to technology. I am happy to see a few still cling and try to hold onto these skills. I myself still hold some of those obsolete skills even though mine were more 19th century. I was a old school cable tool driller and timber cutter. Drilling has all went to rotary rigs and timber cutters now days ride in a cab using hydraulics to cut trees.
I know so well what your saying about feeling the original craftsman, learning from the old piece and even knowing what they were thinking! As a cabinetmaker and restorer of period antique furniture, this connection from the past is felt. You feel a kinship with that creator from centuries passed. Kind Thanks and Many Blessings! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
Smithing has always been an interest of mine. I can clearly see the passion and care that this man has for his craft. Man what I'd give to be his apprentice and learn from someone that genuinely cares for their craft. Great video, thanks!
I was deeply moved to listen to this blacksmiths perception of previous work made and used. Being married to a Smith whose people were gypsy blacksmiths....& healers till this day, I felt very emotional to hear someone else's appreciation. Thank you, for sharing your feelings. ❤️
Forty odd years back I used to live just down the road from Mr. Tyree's home ! I know of a treasure of wrought iron nearby me, but don't know how he could obtain it ! Its in the form of early twisted rebar and a lot of it is still in the ( rapidly decaying ) cement structures . Great video addition Jon !
Hello Jeff! Where did you live next to my homeplace and are you out of my Joe Howser clan? Also, where is the rebar you are speaking of? I honestly didn't think any was left around home. Thank you for your kind words, Jon is a good fella(all of them at Jas. Townsend are!). Jamie
jaimie, I used to live in and around Greeneville in mid to late Sixties . New a lot of folks around including the Esteps, a hound breeder named Tighe, a dairy farmer named Massengill among them. That rebar is in New Jersey on the old Edison Cement Co. property ( don't know who has it now ) but sadly isn't economically recoverable . Nice to know theree's someone keeping the old skills alive though !!
Thank you!
Shout out to the producers and editors of this fine channel!
Totally agreed. Being a blacksmith myself (among other things), working on historical reproductions 90% of the time, I would have told you pretty much the same things he did. It's nice to see other people feeling the same. The connecton with all the generations of blacksmiths back to the discovery of iron is something you have to experience, it can't be properly described.
This should be shared with many on PRIDE of one's work. This video speaks volumes.
Good Stuff! Work smarter not harder! I have an old old hammer I use on special pieces....everytime I pick it up.....I feel the power of our forefathers and continue their legacy by using it!
The way that objects speak to you about the way and means of how someone did something is really quite fascinating, I have personally looked at projects people have done in college and before I even ask a question I already know much about what they did and then the questions can start flowing.
Another blacksmith who is a wizard is Tai Goo. he does primitive blacksmithing. No grinders, or belts. It's heart wrenching when you search and find a blacksmith and he just shapes the crude blade and then belt sands and grinds it down. just rips your heart out. thanks for the video.
Its called technology. A bladesmith today can produce dozens of blades in a day whereas back the day it took several days for one blade. I was on forged in fire with my apprentice, Leon. In the episode you can see his confusion with power tools. I trained him the old way, even making his own blade steel from dirt. In today's market, he would never see profit doing that. It takes days and days to file and polish by hand. He can pump out a whole kitchen set in a day now thanks to a new belt grinder and buffing wheel.
Time is money. Quality is a non-issue with modern steels and heat treating techniques. Most amateurs can produce blades that would eat the old blades for breakfast.
Go to Walmart and price a good 8" bowie. Probably hits around 40-60 bucks. A smelted iron blade made the old way would probably hit around a grand. Its not about nostalgia anymore. Its about making a living wage, just as our ancestors.
Now if you have the money, either Leon or I can make you whatever you want. But it will cost you as we have bills too.
You need to go watch Tai Goo's video then. He does a blade from start to finish without grinders or sanders in less than 8 hours. and I have been around a lot of bladesmiths and while pricey they aren't asking a grand for their blades. More like 200-300 dollar range. seriously to see Tai Goo or his apprentice Jeff working is pure primitive magic.
@@GarouLady They start with barstock. That is why their blades are 200 to 300. That covers the 15 an hour labor cost, shop overhead (rent, utilities, fuel, tool wear, etc), and materials (which are dirt cheap these days). My blades are smelted from ore. That is why mine cost thousands. A day alone for the smelt. 2 to 3 days for the refinement. And another day or two for the actual blade. Not including exotic fittings or anything. Most people dont understand why handmade blades cost 10 times as much as the stuff at wally world or amazon.
I can hear his heart speaking here. My paternal grandfather was a blacksmith and well driller in New Mexico during the 30’s and40’s. My father’s formative years were The Great Depression in the very heart of the dust bowl around Logan, NM. Dad learned quite a bit but went to live with his mom after my grandparents divorced in his teen years during WWII. I wasn’t taught much by either my grandfather or father but I did inherit my Granddads anvil and small portable forge. I can’t claim real proficiency at metalsmithing but I do enjoy working with metals from steel to copper and brass to bronze and sterling silver. He speaks well about studying the handiwork of the old timers and even other metal workers in order to understand their process and techniques. I’m actually working on getting my workbench set back up after several years in storage. One of my favorite Winter hobbies is firing up my small forge or torches and making art, jewelry or miniature mechanical devices, or just fixing something broken. I really appreciate your speaker’s take on his passion. Thanks for sharing him with us! Blessings sirs!
My grandfather was a blacksmith/welder/fabricator and plumber. He got his start in the 30s or early 40's. He and his father installed windmills in their heyday and he could fabricate all sorts of things. He had an 8 th grade education and was never even well off but he was intelligent in his ways.
jeanette dow Grandad always said that a full junk pile would make you just as rich as a full wallet because paper doesn’t hold up in the weather like steel will. I must have inherited the tendency to fix stuff because I never met a piece of steel that I didn’t like, lol!
@@dr.froghopper6711 lol, Grandpa had a plenty big junk pile 😂
With blacksmiths civilization began. May we never lose them.
Wonderful interview. This is the essence of every craftsman's efforts: speak to the generations that follow with the work they've done. Thank you for posting this. This is how legacies happen, with the passing on of knowledge and passion for the work done. You're doing archival things here, Jon. Merci beaucoup.
Wow. Simply wow. In one video, his experience and depth seems to shine through - casting shadows on the plethora of blacksmiths who have their own TH-cam channels.
_You Sir are a still hidden gem on TH-cam. The Bob Ross of reenactment._
Thanks for featuring my old friend Jamie. You should see some of his door hardware. He’s a true artist.
Sixth generation blacksmith, career ended early due to wrist injury. Watching this with my four year old to help explain where “all that stuff” came from. Decades after my apprenticeship we are still using a bucket of S hooks I made when I was 12. Maybe some day he will be the 7th generation. Thank you for posting such a sincere and genuine interview.
Looks great! The quality is stupendous as usual guys. Keep up the good work, I'll be buying a coat and hat soon!
When I finally got into a trade, it was welding..... and fell in love with being able to work metal. Just starting smithing now with my own anvil and forge, and lotsa salvage steel. I am glad I was in a job where I would sometimes have to forge some custom shapes, fell in love.
Jamie is a great person and great Blacksmith. He is a true historian and craftsman. So glad you got him on video. Very informative.
This is fantastic to watch! My 4th Great Grandfather was a blacksmith in Bath County, Kentucky in the early 1800s, and it is so fascinating to see what he may have been doing as a blacksmith back then. Thank you for this!
I grew up down the street from the blacksmith shop in Comanche Texas . He always had my attention when I visited with him.he was a true craftsman.
its amazing how this wonderful element is forged into something so useful and essential for the mankind over the centuries.
blacksmiths are indeed great craftsmen.
This is a true Blaksmith, knows his craft has his heart and soul in it and as well is a good man.! Excellent interview, look forward to more videos. Thank you for sharing with us all great inspiration have a beautiful day. Jim
It is so wonderful to see someone with such a passion for his craft. The hands of a blacksmith with the soul of an artist.
This guy is wonderful! As someone who has bent iron from time to time, I can say, he has a great way of expressing the joy of making. And to do that with an emphasis on restoring/recreating historical articles ... and the WHY of historical articles is exactly the kind of thing that's greatly appreciated in this community. I'd love to see him move through an entire project. Well done, Townsends!
A blacksmith is a very ancient profession.It takes a lot of dedication and love for the craft. Thank you for a peek at this awesome work.
I am a college student that just moved to southern Tennessee. Back home I was beginning to get into blacksmithing, but here I don’t have the same resources. I doubt the TH-cam comment section will be the most helpful, but if anyone near Sewanee, Tn or up to an hour or so away knows of any resources that would be possible for me to use I would greatly appreciate it. I don’t want to stop one of my favorite hobbies as I’m studying.
Despite being nowhere even remotely near you, I can make one suggestion; Even if you can not practice forging yourself, get in touch with the American Guild of (artist) backsmiths, to gather more in-depth information on the topic. They may also be more helpful in locating a blacksmith near-ish to you.
What era of smithing? Join a re enactment group. My husband tried smithing for the SCA. Everyone was very helpful to pass on material. When he discovered it was not as enjoyable asnhe thought, he passed his tools on to a smith in Murphysboro.
I went with a friend to a historical site in Alberta Canada, a few months ago. They had a blacksmith there. It was interesting to see this process. This is a great video. Thanks for sharing this.
There's a group that meet over at Ft. Edmonton. They have varying skill levels. Also there's a group that meets over at Leduc West blacksmith shop. Just this past weekend I was at Lloydminster with a group called Border Blacksmiths. They were having a hammer-in/meeting at the shop in behind Barr Colony Museum/Historic Site.
@@randolphchappel6098 Cool.
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What an absolute treasure. I can't even put into words what joy it brings me to see someone who loves what he does and has spent years honing his craft. It is inspiring and humbling at the same time. Thank you for this video, I'm going to check out his shop on Etsy! Top notch work, as always, Townsends!
I do a little blacksmithing too but no where near this guys level but when he was speaking of how it makes you feel when you make something I can relate to that, great video.
He’s so gentle with his hammering. No wasted effort. I need to work on that.
He is admirably and engagingly articulate about his craft and about those who came before him who possessed the same skills.
A down-to earth-person who is a wonderful crafter. His narrative is well told and his passion comes through. Excellent!
I could relate to his thing in the past I am a Shoemaker and a broom maker I'm a historical shoe maker and broom making is one of my hobbies thank you for this video keep the good work
As a blacksmith who does everything by hand I can understand what he has said.
Fantastic video! 😄 it is just wonderful to see a real skill in use and hear a master craftsman talk with such passion. Thank you
What a rare opportunity to hear an intelligent craftsman's perspective on old and new. I hope to meet this dude someday.
Much respect Jamie - love your philosophy of work and craftsmanship.
Great video and information. That guy really seems passionate about his profession. Thanks!
Well growing up in a family of Blacksmiths, I ironically recognized some of the smiths he mentioned...
Not too surprising because I see Jamie has Off-Center Tongs which my family builds...
This is absolutely fascinating and fun to hear a man talking about a thing he's clearly passionate about. Very well done!
This was a nice video about the man’s philosophy. How about another video of him describing and demonstrating some of his techniques?
I have always been fascinated with blacksmithing. This guy is great!
Dude I’m not a blacksmith, but this man makes me wish I was. He’s someone who thinks and is deep with his thoughts. That’s what I got from this anyway.
Great, great, great video. Having been a member of a blacksmithing guild and done a bit of forge work myself, this man said everything better than I could have. Get it hot. Hit it hard.
People who are enthused about what they are doing are an absolute joy!
This is world-class documentary material. Phenomenal.
Thank you so much, this really speaks to me as a beginner smith..... learnin by mistakes..... this was perfect, Thanks for showing your love for the trade.
I understand imagining who/what/when/where touched an old tool, wall or walk an old path. I just love history and old things.
Wow, great interview. Jamie spoke beautifully!
What a humble and accomplished craftsman.
Awesome! I have a gridiron that he made for me about 2 years ago from salvaged iron. One of my favorite tools for cooking over coals to make a steak in the manner of George Washington. BTW, goes great with some Martha Washington "dressed mushrumps". ;)
Fascinating and dokumenting the love for the work, for the result, and the satisfaction about a work you have done with all your ability
Huge respect for this man. I like his mindset about what he does.
Your passion for your work is an inspiration!
Thank you. From the people of the future who are inspired by your work.
I love this guy's attitude and outlook.
You are doing such a great job I'm only 9 and I have started and I hope I can get as good
Phenomenal interview. One of your best.
I don't know that I can adequately express the level of respect I have for this man, his talent, and the reverence he has for the history of his craft. Simply exceptional.
Awesome video. This man knows what this craft is about. I always feel the amazement and respect as he describes it when i forge something.
Really enjoy listening to a true craftsman.
hidden secrets from smith to smith in the simplest pieces of metal is so freakin cool! This channel is amazing! Please keep the videos coming til the bitter end
I met Jaimie last year at Crockett's Birthday celebration in Limestone. He's a good guy who is humble yet very skilled in the smithing profession.
Don't sell yourself short! You are a "real" blacksmith! It's a great skill to have in these days... who knows what the future holds.
Pride of craftsmanship, it can be found in all work if you look!
Hi lads wrought iron is still been made there's a company in the uk called chirs top iron works hope thats a help
His passion is incredible!
As a part- time blacksmith myself, I’ve got to say this man speaks the absolute truth!!
Hi Tom I'm just setting out, just restored an artlery forge, today,
What an awesome guy and interview. Loved seeing this point of view!
Great video. He seems like lovely guy committed to his craft.
LOVE IT! found it really inspirational. Not just to pick up my hammer and work at my anvil, but to just use my hands. To make something that inspires and teaches.
Great job on the interview and demo video Jamie.
Great insights. Blacksmiths were indeed magicians in the past, he has it down pat.
That's how I think about older objects too... the wonder of all its uses and those who may have lived out their lives using that item. Furniture speaks the loudest to me though. Good vid. I enjoyed it.