Blacksmithing

[Gyakuto]

I’m excited to be attending a blacksmithing course on Friday. I’ve watched many smithing videos on Youtube (not bloody Forged in Fire; that’s the X-Factor/The Voice of smithing) favouring knife making clips, so I expect I’ll find it very easy and plan to make a gold layered Damascus katana on the first morning.

Anybody else tried blacksmithing?

 

[Monkey Turned Wolf]

Last day of the year I've got my first blacksmithing lesson scheduled. Going to be starting the new year learning a new skill.

 

[Gyakuto]

Last day of the year I've got my first blacksmithing lesson scheduled. Going to be starting the new year learning a new skill.

Watch many youtube clips and you’ll find it easy, like I’m certain i will. No burns either.

Seriously though, I’m really looking forward to it but I suspect it’s very difficult.

 

[jks9199]

I've done a bit, and will be doing some on Saturday.

All the clips you've seen are no substitute for feeling metal move under your hammer.

 

[Gyakuto]

I've done a bit, and will be doing some on Saturday.

All the clips you've seen are no substitute for feeling metal move under your hammer.

Ooo I feel slightly turned on!

 

[Gyakuto]

My feeling is the steel isn’t quite as plastic as one might be led to believe; it doesn’t move easily. Is that right?

 

[jks9199]

My feeling is the steel isn’t quite as plastic as one might be led to believe; it doesn’t move easily. Is that right?

It depends on the steel, how hot it is, the hammer and your technique... There's a lot more to it than "heat the metal and pound on it..."

 

[Gyakuto]

It depends on the steel, how hot it is, the hammer and your technique... There's a lot more to it than "heat the metal and pound on it..."

Ohhhh…maybe I should cancel my class.

 

[jks9199]

Ohhhh…maybe I should cancel my class.

Nah, I don't even know where it is so I can't steal your spot... Go have fun.

 

[Gyakuto]

There’s actually a demonstration forge just behind my house in Cockington Country Park, but I find the teacher a bit arrogant, so I’m going to one about 20 minutes drive away and £100 cheaper!

 

[HighKick]

I’m excited to be attending a blacksmithing course on Friday. I’ve watched many smithing videos on Youtube (not bloody Forged in Fire; that’s the X-Factor/The Voice of smithing) favouring knife making clips, so I expect I’ll find it very easy and plan to make a gold layered Damascus katana on the first morning.

Anybody else tried blacksmithing?

I have 'smithed' a few horseshoes and repaired some forged tillage parts, more out of necessity, but I am far from a blacksmith.

 

[Steve]

I’m excited to be attending a blacksmithing course on Friday. I’ve watched many smithing videos on Youtube (not bloody Forged in Fire; that’s the X-Factor/The Voice of smithing) favouring knife making clips, so I expect I’ll find it very easy and plan to make a gold layered Damascus katana on the first morning.

Anybody else tried blacksmithing?

I don’t think you’re going to get much attention, but they may just keep taking your money. Is it even worth doing? I mean, is it even fair for you to distract the instructor from students who have actual potential?

 

[Gyakuto]

I have 'smithed' a few horseshoes and repaired some forged tillage parts, more out of necessity, but I am far from a blacksmith.

Those sound like not-insubstantial skills!

 

[Gyakuto]

I learned the anatomy of the modern anvil last night and the major types of tool such as tongs, hammers etc. I now know my Hardie hole from a Pritchel hole

 

[BrendanF]

That's a great start - will you be learning on coal or gas?

 

[Gyakuto]

I think it’s charcoal. I’m so excited, but I’m convinced I will be rubbish at it!

 

[Badhabits]

My buddy took up blacksmithing as a hobby a few years ago. At this point he's converted one of his sheds into a smithing shop and started selling stuff he makes in a consignment shop. It's been kinda surprising where he's able to apply those skills. Parts for his truck, boat etc. He's made custom hardware for doors and cabinets in his house, custom hinges and latches for his window shutters, gates around his house all kinds of stuff. We had an old historic railroad track nearby which was removed a couple of years ago. Christmas that year, he gave out oyster knives he made from the spikes taken from the ties. Those were really cool. There's something primal about smithing for sure.

 

[Gyakuto]

There’s a member of the British Kendo Association who describes himself as a blacksmith. When pressed, he admits he makes parts for spacecraft and satellites!

 

[Gyakuto]

There's something primal about smithing for sure.

Yes but I hope my hands don’t get too grubby

 

[Badhabits]

Yes but I hope my hands don’t get too grubby

You can pass it off as hand toughening and post pics on one those other threads