You can also make a pretty simple forge out of an old brake drum and some (I used 3) 1/2″ black iron gas pipe for legs. Perfect for small projects. Look into the old book “Back to Basics” by Readers digest for a better description.

Eric, I will probably do an article a month, but it depends on what Brett and Kate want from me. I have a full-time and then some job running my business and freelancing, so creating time to do these is challenging. But that’s my problem. :-)

As far as cost to set up: I sorta went all-out when I started equiping my own shop. BUT you can get started easily with a small propane forge, a few pair of tongs and a small anvil. You just need to be patient to find an anvil at a good price, As far as space goes, my shop is 8 x 11. Bigger is not necessarily better. In the summer, roll your stuff out into the yard. Plenty of room there.

Ron, when people ask me if it’s hard, the best analogy I can come up with is that it’s like playing chess. You can learn the rules in fifteen minutes, but after that, it’s up to you. The more time with a hammer in your hand, the better you get.

I really like making things like drawer pulls, pot hangers, coat racks, candelabras, flowers, fireplace tools and screens, etc. The biggest thing I made is a coffee table base that was 2 x 4 with a 3 x 5 glass top. 5/8 and 3/4 stocked with a lot of wrapping and twisting. No power hammer, My arm still hurts.

Tom, Shane and Chris — spot on. Blacksmiths are always more than willing to share and teach.,,it’s not like a lot of people are really dedicated to it as a hobby, so when someone shows interest they are super helpful. And I agree — all those organizations are wonderful and supportive groups. In fact — I pulled out a tote bag today and it was my 2002 Abana Tote from La Crosse, Wisconsin, Wonderful three days. I was down at JC Campbell last Spring…WELL worth the trip.

John, the spiritual aspect of smithing is not lost on a lot of people. One of my favorite teachers is Don Fogg of Don Fogg Knives. His philosophy matches mine quite well. http://www.dfoggknives.com/wayof.htm

As far as building a forge — there are many articles on the web that are far more intensive and documented than I could do in a reasonable amount of time. Ron Reil has a great page on the Abana site. http://ronreil.abana.org/

You can also purchase a decent forge for less than you can build one if you could your time. :-) http://www.blacksmithsupply.com/ I used a 1 burner Whisper Baby for five years before I moved into a two burner. You may also find a used one (I have my old Whisper Baby still).

As far as how to make a knife article…I could do that, but it’ll probably be a two parter. After forging everything, I hand-file all the knives I make, so it’s a laborious process. That said, it’s been a while since I made a knife. I’ll document it well in case a need arises.

Thanks for the comments.

May your boogers be grey,

Darren