Mastering Traditional 19th Century Blacksmithing Techniques

National Park Service · Music: juskiddink (CC BY)

The rule of action and counteraction in blacksmithing

Blacksmith Pete Bethke demonstrates how to taper a steel rod by squaring and beveling edges against the anvil before rounding it back out.

How Blacksmiths Draw Down Hot Steel

How blacksmiths protect thin scrolls in the forge fire

Pete Bethke shows why dipping a thin scroll into water before returning it to the forge protects it from burning while heating thicker sections.

Smart Forge Trick to Protect Thin Metal

Pete Bethke heats the flattened center of the hook and twists the glowing iron in a bench vise to create a classic auger pattern.

Adding a Decorative Auger Twist to Hot Steel

Traditional beeswax and linseed oil finish

Pete Bethke applies a traditional 50/50 mixture of beeswax and raw linseed oil to hot iron, creating a dark, protective historic seal.

Historic Beeswax Finish on Hand-Forged Iron

[01:55] How Blacksmiths Draw Down Hot Steel
[03:37] Smart Forge Trick to Protect Thin Metal
[07:53] Adding a Decorative Auger Twist to Hot Steel
[08:21] Historic Beeswax Finish on Hand-Forged Iron

Mastering Traditional 19th Century Blacksmithing Techniques

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