I would also take those questions in the perspective of where you are demonstrating. My main shop is in Union Mills, Maryland. This is a little unincorporated town (no mayor or council or town govt), of probably 200 -500 people.
In a small village/town like that your general blacksmith would cover all the blacksmithing bases. He was your blacksmith, farrier, probably did a little bit of wheelwrighting. In the winter his forge would be lit 24/7. It wouldn't be uncommon for a resident of that town to go to the blacksmith shop in the middle of the night and get a small shovel of hot coal to restart a fire that went out, they would of course rebank the fire.
It isn't until you get into the larger towns/cities where you find the trade begomming more speciallized into "blacksmith"; "Farrier"; "wheelwright"; etc.
I also find that everybodies grampa was a blacksmith. Usually from the seniors, and it is very possible that they did some form of smithing. You need to remember that you may be doing a demo in farm country and the seniors remember grampas anvil and forge. Most old farms had them. Does it make grampa an avid smith, no, but he probably used it to make his own repairs.
As far beginner smiths. I love 'em. I will do what every I can to grow the interest in the hobby. They may become a full time smith in the end. If they live close, invite them forge with you if you are able. If they is a local guild or blacksmithing association around, get them plugged in. You just might make some new friends that way.
Handouts are always good to have on hand. Especially if you have handouts from a local blacksmithing organization. You can pass out this information, but it doesn't take the place of face to face, I care and am willing to take the time, communication with the interested party.
Many women are interested in blacksmithing which tends to be thought of as a man's type of work. I had a 19 yr old stand there and stare at the smithing that i was doing, totallt enthrawled. He parents were with and noticed the interest she showed. I explained that anyone can do this, that my daughter was smithing at the age of 13, and also told her of alot of the well known lady smiths. Also that our guild has many women that smith. Hopefully she will join.
Very cute too.
I've rattled enough.
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