In this article, we'll dive into the Top 10 Blacksmithing YouTubers, showcasing the best creators in the craft. Expect to see highlights of talented artisans like Alec Steele, Black Bear Forge, Torbjörn Åhman, John Switzer, and Christ Centered Ironworks. Stay tuned as we explore their unique styles and contributions to the blacksmithing community.
1. Alec Steele
Who is Alec Steele?
Alec Steele, whose real name is Alec Steele, is a renowned blacksmith and YouTube content creator. He joined YouTube on February 13, 2011, and has since amassed a significant following by documenting his blacksmithing projects and creative processes. With over 2.6 million subscribers, Alec inspires others to engage in metalworking and craftsmanship through his engaging and educational videos.
Check out his channel here.
Alec Steele is based in the United Kingdom but has also lived in Montana.
Audience
Alec Steele's audience is predominantly male, ranging from teenagers to middle-aged adults who are passionate about DIY projects, metalworking, and craftsmanship. For instance, his video "Making an Engagement Ring for my Fiancée" has garnered 14 million views, indicating a strong interest in intricate metalworking projects among his viewers.
Key Metrics
Here are some key statistics for Alec Steele's YouTube channel:
- Engagement Rate: 4.45%
- Subscribers: 2.6M
- Average Video Length: 20.78 minutes
- Video Views: 518.47M
Content Focus
- Alec Steele documents the process of building projects in his shop, primarily focusing on blacksmithing and metalworking.
- He transforms raw materials like steel and alloys into blades, sculptures, art, and tools, showcasing the entire creative process.
- His content includes detailed tutorials on forging, machining, and grinding, aimed at inspiring viewers to engage in their own creative projects.
2. Black Bear Forge
Who is Black Bear Forge?
Black Bear Forge, a YouTube channel dedicated to the art of blacksmithing, joined the platform on December 25, 2012. The channel, run by an individual whose real name is not explicitly mentioned, shares a passion for creating metalwork through detailed tutorials and project showcases. With a substantial following, Black Bear Forge continues to inspire and educate aspiring blacksmiths around the world.
Check out the channel here.
Black Bear Forge is based in the United States, specifically in Beulah, Colorado.
Audience
Black Bear Forge's audience is a diverse group of individuals passionate about blacksmithing and metalworking. For example, videos like "A little Extra Effort makes a big difference in this Forged Hook" with 31K views in 10 days, and "The High Cost of Cheap Tools" with 81K views in a month, indicate a strong interest in practical and educational content among both hobbyists and professionals.
Key Metrics
Here are some key statistics for Black Bear Forge's YouTube channel:
- Engagement Rate: 6.13%
- Subscribers: 341K
- Average Video Length: 20.05 minutes
- Video Views: 35.42M
Content Focus
- Black Bear Forge creates detailed tutorials on various blacksmithing techniques, helping viewers learn the craft step-by-step.
- The channel features project showcases, where completed works are displayed, often including the entire process from start to finish.
- Discussions about blacksmithing tools and techniques are a staple, providing insights into the best practices and equipment for aspiring blacksmiths.
3. Torbjörn Åhman
Who is Torbjörn Åhman?
Torbjörn Åhman, known by his real name Torbjörn Åhman, is a prominent YouTube content creator specializing in blacksmithing and DIY projects. He joined YouTube on November 5, 2013, and has since garnered a substantial following with 736K subscribers and 167.19 million total video views. For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
Torbjörn Åhman is based in Sweden.
Audience
Torbjörn Åhman's audience primarily consists of adults who are passionate about blacksmithing, DIY projects, and traditional craftsmanship. For instance, his video "Blacksmithing - Forging a bearded axe" has garnered over 11.5 million views, while his short "Blacksmithing - Punching a Hole in a Hammer Blank" has attracted 245K views, indicating a strong interest in both detailed tutorials and quick, engaging content among his viewers.
Key Metrics
Here are some key statistics for Torbjörn Åhman's YouTube channel:
- Engagement Rate: 4.55%
- Subscribers: 736K
- Average Video Length: 19.32 minutes
- Video Views: 167.19M
Content Focus
- Torbjörn Åhman creates detailed step-by-step demonstrations of blacksmithing techniques, such as forging bearded axes, hammers, and knives.
- His content includes both functional and decorative blacksmithing projects, like candle holders and decorative leaves, aimed at inspiring and educating viewers.
- He also delves into DIY and craftsmanship projects, including rebuilding a deck and experimenting with forging techniques.
4. John Switzer - Black Bear Forge
Who is John Switzer - Black Bear Forge?
John Switzer, the creator behind Black Bear Forge, joined YouTube on December 25, 2012. His channel, dedicated to the art of blacksmithing, has amassed a substantial following with 342K subscribers and 945 videos. For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
Black Bear Forge is based in the United States, specifically in Beulah, Colorado.
Audience
John Switzer's audience at Black Bear Forge is a diverse group of individuals passionate about blacksmithing, metalworking, and DIY crafts. For instance, his video "A little Extra Effort makes a big difference in this Forged Hook" has garnered 31K views, while "The High Cost of Cheap Tools" has attracted 81K views, indicating a strong interest in practical and educational content among both hobbyists and professionals.
Key Metrics
Using the YouTube platform, here are the key metrics for Black Bear Forge:
- Subscribers: 342K
- Average Video Length: 19.73 minutes
- Video Views: 35.42M
Content Focus
- John Switzer creates detailed tutorials on various blacksmithing techniques, such as forging hooks, making coffee scoops, and starting blacksmithing without a shop.
- His content often includes discussions on the practical aspects of blacksmithing, like the high cost of cheap tools and forging tenons on the Yellin Gate.
- He regularly engages with his audience through the "Community" tab on YouTube, providing updates and exclusive content for channel members.
5. Christ Centered Ironworks
Who is Christ Centered Ironworks?
Christ Centered Ironworks, run by Roy Adams, is a YouTube channel dedicated to blacksmithing and DIY projects. Roy, who has been a blacksmith since 2008, started the channel on September 10, 2015, to share his expertise and passion for the craft. For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
Christ Centered Ironworks is based in the United States, specifically in Ohio.
Audience
Christ Centered Ironworks attracts a diverse audience of blacksmithing enthusiasts, ranging from hobbyists to professional craftsmen. For instance, videos like "Harbor Freight 55lb Anvil: How Much Does it Suck?" with 1.1 million views and "Hardening and Tempering a Chisel" with 702K views indicate a strong interest in both tool reviews and technical tutorials among viewers.
Key Metrics
Using the YouTube platform, here are the key metrics for Christ Centered Ironworks:
- Subscribers: 645K
- Video Views: 1,126,747
Content Focus
- Christ Centered Ironworks creates blacksmithing tutorials that cover various techniques and projects, helping viewers learn the craft step-by-step.
- The channel features product reviews of blacksmithing tools and equipment, such as anvils and guillotine tools, providing insights and recommendations.
- Roy Adams also shares business tips for blacksmiths, including advice on making money at arts and craft shows and promoting products online.
6. Essential Craftsman
Who is Essential Craftsman?
Essential Craftsman, whose real name is Scott Wadsworth, is a YouTube content creator who joined the platform on January 3, 2016. With over 40 years of building experience, Scott shares his expertise in house-building, carpentry, construction, blacksmithing, and various trades. His channel aims to showcase the knowledge gained through experience and encourage respect for craftsmen, their tools, and history. For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
Essential Craftsman is based in the United States.
Audience
Essential Craftsman's audience primarily consists of individuals passionate about construction, carpentry, and blacksmithing, ranging from professional tradespeople to DIY enthusiasts. For instance, videos like "Skil Saw Pro Tips" with 7.8 million views and "Using String Like A Pro" with 5.6 million views indicate a strong interest in practical, hands-on advice and tool usage among viewers.
Key Metrics
Using the Essential Craftsman YouTube channel, here are some key metrics:
- Subscribers: 1.42M
- Average Video Length: 15 minutes
- Video Views: 7.8M
Content Focus
- Essential Craftsman creates detailed instructional videos on house-building, carpentry, and construction, sharing knowledge gained through years of experience.
- The channel features blacksmithing tutorials and safety tips, promoting respect for craftsmen and their tools.
- Content also includes personal development and productivity tips, as well as reviews of tools and equipment.
7. Simple Little Life
Who is Simple Little Life?
Simple Little Life, a YouTube channel focused on making various items, particularly knives, joined the platform on March 25, 2015. The channel, run by an individual whose real name is not explicitly mentioned, offers a blend of DIY projects, tool reviews, and lifestyle content. For more about their work, visit their YouTube channel.
Simple Little Life is based in Strathmore, Alberta, Canada.
Audience
Simple Little Life's audience primarily consists of adults who are passionate about DIY projects, knife making, and homesteading. For instance, the video "How to make a Knife - A Kitchen Cleaver" has garnered significant attention, while the "Chiappa Little Badger - Survival Gun Review" has amassed 6.4 million views, indicating a strong interest in detailed tutorials and survival gear among viewers.
Key Metrics
Using the Simple Little Life YouTube channel, here are some key metrics:
- Subscribers: 301K
- Average Video Length: 17:57 minutes
- Video Views: 6.4M
Content Focus
- Simple Little Life creates detailed knife-making tutorials, showcasing the process of crafting various types of knives, including kitchen knives and neck knives.
- The channel features DIY projects such as building rocket stoves, offset smokers, and garden tractors, providing step-by-step guides for viewers.
- Tool reviews are a staple, with evaluations of tools like rotary tools, surface plates, and deburring tools, helping viewers make informed purchasing decisions.
8. Alex Steele
Who is Alex Steele?
Alex Steele, whose real name is not explicitly mentioned, is a YouTube content creator known for his engaging videos on music and interviews. He joined the platform on March 25, 2015, and has since built a diverse collection of content, including personal adventures and in-depth interviews. For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
Alex Steele is based in Toronto, Canada.
Audience
Alex Steele's audience primarily consists of individuals passionate about jazz music, in-depth interviews, and travel adventures. For instance, his video "A journey inside the jazz brain of Greg Abate!" has garnered 180 views, while "Alex Steele's adventures in La Guajira, Colombia: Part 1" has attracted 158 views, indicating a strong interest in both musical insights and cultural explorations among viewers.
Key Metrics
Using YouTube, here are the key metrics for Alex Steele:
- Subscribers: 7
- Average Video Length: 19 minutes and 30 seconds
- Video Views: 601
Content Focus
- Alex Steele creates in-depth interviews with musicians, offering insights into their creative processes and experiences.
- His channel features travel adventures, documenting his explorations and cultural experiences in various locations.
- Alex also produces music-related content, including performances and discussions about jazz music.
9. Man At Arms
Who is Man At Arms?
Man At Arms, whose real name is Nathan Houghton, is a YouTube content creator known for his engaging videos on blacksmithing and weapon crafting. He joined the platform on March 25, 2015, and has since built a diverse collection of content, including personal adventures and in-depth interviews. For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
Man At Arms is based in the United States.
Audience
Man At Arms' audience primarily consists of individuals passionate about blacksmithing and weapon crafting, ranging from hobbyists to enthusiasts of historical weaponry. For instance, videos like "Forging a Viking Sword" with 1.2 million views and "Crafting a Samurai Katana" with 900K views indicate a strong interest in detailed weapon-making tutorials and historical craftsmanship among viewers.
Key Metrics
Using the YouTube platform, here are the key metrics for Nathan Houghton:
- Subscribers: 48
- Average Video Length: 2 minutes 44 seconds
- Video Views: 5701
Content Focus
- Man At Arms creates detailed weapon-making tutorials, showcasing the process of crafting historical and fantasy weapons such as Viking swords and Samurai katanas.
- The channel features blacksmithing techniques, providing step-by-step guides on forging and metalworking, aimed at both hobbyists and enthusiasts of historical craftsmanship.
- Man At Arms also includes personal adventures and interviews, offering insights into the creator's experiences and interactions within the blacksmithing community.
10. That Works
Who is That Works?
John Switzer, the creator behind Black Bear Forge, joined YouTube on December 25, 2012. His channel is dedicated to the art of blacksmithing, offering detailed tutorials and project showcases that inspire and educate aspiring blacksmiths. For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
That Works is based in the United States.
Audience
That Works' audience primarily consists of individuals passionate about blacksmithing, bladesmithing, and crafting, with a strong interest in pop culture references from video games and anime. For instance, videos like "Making Tanjiro's Katana from Demon Slayer" and "Forging Asta's Demon Dweller Sword - Black Clover" have garnered significant attention, indicating a younger demographic ranging from teenagers to adults in their 30s and 40s.
Key Metrics
That Works is a YouTube channel dedicated to blacksmithing, bladesmithing, tool restoration, and crafting.
- Subscribers: 818K
- Average Video Length: 30 minutes
- Video Views: 18M
Content Focus
- That Works creates detailed blacksmithing and bladesmithing tutorials, showcasing the process of crafting various types of swords and tools inspired by video games, anime, and historical items.
- The channel features tool restoration projects, where old or damaged tools are brought back to life, demonstrating the techniques and skills involved in the restoration process.
- Content also includes crafting and maker-related activities, such as creating original art pieces and practical items, providing a comprehensive look at the craftsmanship involved.
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