I want to learn to be a blacksmith

[bbinacan]

Mostly as a hobby, but the way the world is going, it may become a useful trade. I'd like to make swords and knives. There are Japanese swords that have not been duplicated to this day.

How do I get started?

[u4ic]

1. Blacksmiths shoe horses

A metalsmith or silversmith, perhaps?

[bbinacan]

3. metalsmith is more accurate n/t

[BrotherBuzz]

8. Farriers shoe horses

Blacksmith work with iron.

[bicentennial_baby]

11. Bingo

:)

[u4ic]

22. Yes, I know about farriers

I just thought he was using an antiquated term (though having said that, I've known a couple over the years who preferred 'blacksmith', but they were older traditionalists). :hi:

[lost-in-nj]

2. I would google Blacksmith schools

I am amazed at the blacksmith at our barn.
I could watch him all say

lost

[bbinacan]

6. Thanks

I know I can Google, but was hoping for a more direct reference. May be some one you might know.

[bettyellen]

4. i'd like to do some tree surgery myself.

just thought i'd throw that out there.

[bridgit]

5. you need to get with Ptah, he does some really fine smithing...

:thumbsup: aren't japanese swords in particular, folded/hammered back into themselves multiple times in the process...you'll need a place to lay it all out but it sounds interesting no doubt

[bbinacan]

7. Who is Ptah? and

you're right about the Japanese swords.

[bridgit]

10. here'ya go = Ptah, he's a really great guy...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=5608504 couldn't find pics of his work but they're around somewhere (knew i should have booked them dang it x(), but he's a master metal worker & blacksmith :hi:

[Ptah]

18. I am Ptah God of Sunflower.

Oops, wrong superhero.


Here are three books I strongly recommend:

The Art of Blacksmithing (Hardcover)
by Alex W. Bealer
"Blacksmithing is hardly a subject one expects to discuss at social gatherings..."


New Edge of the Anvil: A Resource Book for the Blacksmith (Paperback)
by Jack Andrews
"My grandfather, like many blacksmiths of yesterday, brings to mind an image
of robust and independent craftsmen who were a main force in the early..."

The Complete Modern Blacksmith (Paperback)
by Alexander G. Weygers
"This book teaches the artist and craftsman how to make
his own tools: how to design, sharpen, and temper them..."

A piece I made several years ago:








Good luck on your new addiction

Mwahahahah!

[bbinacan]

23. Nice to meet you. n/t

[Ptah]

19. Thank you brigit.

:blush:

[BrotherBuzz]

9. Read any of Alexander Weygers' books

'The making of tools' might just be the book you need. His books and Alex Bealer's book "The Art of Blacksmithing" got me started. Ted Tucker's book 'Pratical Project for the Blacksmith' and Percy Blandford's book 'Pratical Blacksmithing and Metalworkin' are really good. too.

It's debatable, but the Toledo (Spain) sword makers might have rivaled the Japanese sword makers at one time. ;)

[bbinacan]

12. Thank you so much

I'll check out the books you mentioned. I'be heard of the Toledo sword. Wouldn't be fun to recreate them?

[BrotherBuzz]

16. I've been smithing for over fifteen years...

and I'll admit I still don't have the skill to make a sword. I'll stick with paring and kitchen knives the wife adores, hand tools I use in woodworking, and gate hardware I can make in three days to save twenty-five bucks, or so. I enjoy bashing the crap out of a piece of iron.

My advice - first learn the fire and master the basic exercises. Once you do that, the rest will fall into place.

[The Straight Story]

13. First, you have to be a white smith....

Then, if you get sponsored, by a moose member, you can be a black one :)

[bbinacan]

14. ?

[The Straight Story]

15. I have no idea...

Your avatar was clouding my judgement :)

[driver8]

17. I would like to be a carpenter...

and eventually build furniture. How does one go about learning that??

[Tyler Durden]

20. Lots of schools in Canada. Mainly for horse type activities, though.

Ontario.

Metalsmithing is more what you're talking about I think.

[Courtesy Flush]

21. Here's a very useful link for all hobbyists

I rent videos from these guys all the time, but mostly art DVDs. I've had nothing but positive experiences with the service.

http://technicalvideorental.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9