BlackBearForge
Buyers are raving!
This shop got multiple 5-star reviews in the past 7 days.
Items
All Items
Reviews
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Richard on Jul 23, 2021
5 out of 5 starsExcellent quality forging and finishing. Will add a touch of class for hanging extension cords.
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pdmerrell on Jul 23, 2021
5 out of 5 starsI ordered the 1" and they are amazing. Works perfect in the 1" hole on my 5" bench. John was very helpful to work with and this is a quality product. Highly recommend!
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Walter on Jul 17, 2021
5 out of 5 starsI own a number holdfasts by the companies. They work fine. You just have to hit them a little harder than the black bear forged holdfast and sometime you have to hit those other ones twice. Bottom line: these are the top-of-the-line. They are fantastic and better than any other holdfast I have used and it is an additional bonus that they look great. They are a little more expensive but it is definitely true that you get what you pay for. If you can afford these, you'll be more than satisfied - they may even become your favorite tool in your shop.
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Matt Bowen on Jul 2, 2021
5 out of 5 starsCouldn’t recommend these more. Absolute beauties and they work amazing!
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Kevin on Jul 1, 2021
5 out of 5 starsVery fast shipping and everything was exactly as described. Will be adding Black Bear Forge to my favorites.
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Tim on Jun 30, 2021
5 out of 5 starsThe item is made very well and has a bit more heft to it then I expected which is good 😎
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Walter on Jun 20, 2021
5 out of 5 starsWith only using this holdfast for several days, I went ahead and ordered a second one - mine are with the leaf finial. I have four Gramercy holdfasts - two of which I've had for several years. The Gramercy holdfasts are much, much cheaper than the Black Bear Forge holdfast. The Gramercy works really well. I have no complaints. It's hard to believe that the Black Bear Forge holdfast could be better than the Gramercy but in truth, the Black Bear Forge holdfast is several steps above the Gramercy. The Black Bear Forge holdfast is more springy - you do not have to hit it as hard to set it. So, if you're on a budget, you will be fine going with Gramercy. But if you want the best of the very best, a Black Bear Forge holdfast is for you.
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Nick on Jun 13, 2021
5 out of 5 starsA nice handy guide for making an old style miners candlestick.
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eric on May 26, 2021
5 out of 5 starssuper high quality, works so much better than other holdfasts I've tried on my southern yellow pine English joiners bench. thanks for the handmade item!
About BlackBearForge
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the coal forge
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300 pound anvil
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The current temporary shop in winter
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Inside the old shop
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a forged iron rose
We are a small family run blacksmith shop in Beulah, Colorado
When I started blacksmithing in 1987 it was with the idea of making my own traditional woodworking tools. Since then I have found that most of my work has been for the mountain man rendezvous crowd. My true love in the shop is still the creation of unique, high quality one of a kind tools and custom hardware items.
Besides blacksmithing my wife, Janet and I are involved in a long term log home building project. The new shop will be just a short walk from the house. This is all in addition to my full time job as a firefighter for the city of Aurora, Colorado.
Shop members
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John Switzer
Owner, Maker, Blacksmith
I started blacksmithing in 1984 with the goal of making my own woodworking tools. Since then I have been specializing in items for reenactors and small hardware items. My goal is still the making of quality one of a kind tools
Production partners
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CampRobber
Beulah, CO
Designed by my Wife Janet, her work is available her on Etsy under the name CampRobber
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Sticker Mule
New York, NY
Sticker Mule is the fastest and easiest way to buy custom stickers. We offer free online proofs, free worldwide shipping and 4 day turnaround. With print runs starting at $49, we aim to be the Internet's favorite sticker printing service.
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Zamar screen printing
Hudson, CO
Screen printing for tee shirts and other promotional products
Shop policies
Accepted payment methods
Returns and exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
- Items on sale
Returns and exchange details
You must request a return with 14 day of receiving your order and ship the item back withing 30 days
Payment
For custom orders we require a minimum of 1/3 down with the balance due prior to shipping. Depending on the size of the order an intermeadiate payment may also be required as the work progresses.
Shipping
Shipping is generally through USPS for smaller items and UPS for larger items.