Ted T

Rich has the credentials to accurately say what he has said. 

I would pay attention to his comments.

 

Wisdom will tell you that when someone does something that

is done near the edge of the cliff, many fall over. What a surpise!

 

Life can be very fragial, why take the chance? 

I would stay with proven methods of safe operating habits. 

Younger; or inexperenced people who may read this thread who may

think it is OK to take a chance. 

 

I have also seen the results of bad judgement many, many times. 

Please be safe!

 

 

Very well done.  

Very well thought out! 

Thank YOU!

Greetings  Kendall

Welcome to I Forge Iron!

Where do you live in Utah?

I live in Duchesne Utah, and know of several blacksmiths from all around the state.

Have you joined the “Bonneville Forge Council” yet?

If not; then here are a couple of phone numbers to call for information.

125 South 500 East Salem, Utah 84653 801-400-4990

3991 2nd Street Ogden, UT 80144 801-393-4164

 

I wish you the very best as you pursue the process of obtaining skill in this fine craft.

Ted Throckmorton

 

 

Old Rascal
Welcome to the world of the serene and fulfilling craft of blacksmithing.
Where it is up you to purposefully position yourself to be prepared with the skills to be able to direct your efforts to be in harmony with natural elements of this earth.
 
You said: “I'm a newbie too Well, maybe I shouldn't say that as I'm 78 years old, but I'm new to smithing. I was able to buy some equipment some years back because I've always been interested in it, but didn't have a place to pursue it. Now I do and am rarin' to go.”
 
The Good News Is: You may be new at blacksmithing, but you are not new to living life and have gained the experience of solving problems of life that will support your progress as a blacksmith in a way that will surprise you.
 
I have assisted several men who are over 80 years old get started as a blacksmith. I have hacked away at this craft for over 60 years.
They questioned their ability, I did not.
I believe it is about attitude and interest that is backed by life experience.
I have seen many older people who had a genuine interest in blacksmithing excel because their life experience has taught them how to take one step at a time and to reason out how to solve problems.
 
My very best to you.
Ted Throckmorton
 
PS.
Everything that you ask about is contained somewhere in this site.
I feel it would be wisdom to plan on taking some time to start with (with a refreshing drink in hand) and study the content of this site.
 
You will become more independent with knowledge if you mine out the information for yourself for a while, then; discuss it in the chat room or in the forums for reasons of socializing, conformation, and tweaking.

What type and size of horseshoe nail should you use for your projects?

 

As I write this, I am not trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill, but it may sound like it.

It is not big deal to make one or two items for a hobby project. 

And it would most likely not be important to be knowledgeable about the background of the material you are using.

 

So I am writing this more directed for someone who is serious about cost/benefit issues for making a profit; where in the long run, knowledge counts.

I have had people will say: “A horseshoe nail is a horseshoe nail, what’s the big deal?”

When you are creating small products, small details mean a lot and are a big deal when purchasing expensive nails.   

 

When using Horseshoe Nails as your base material, the length and thickness of the shank coupled with the mass and pattern of the head all has to be considered for each project.

 

As an example of what I mean about choosing the correct type of nail to use for different projects, it would be important to know that the range of nails from which to choose from is vast.

Just one brand of horseshoe nails; Mustad, the world’s largest Farrier manufacturer and supplier, produces just over 320 different types of nails!

 

Horseshoe Nails are of all different sizes and designs to accommodate a large range of horses; from very large draft horses, down to very small pones.

Also the design of the nail has to take in account how the horse is used and what surface type they will be on mostly!

The horseshoe nail has these parts: beveled point, blade or shank, neck, head, and the crown or top.

So; to choose wisely which size and type of nails to use for different projects you need to do your homework about horseshoe nails if you are serious about using them for you base material.

 

For example “Only”; if you want more Mass in the head of the nail to make small spoons, then you may want to consider buying the European-style of nail that has a wider square head, offering more contact than the standard rectangular American head.

Each head style comes in an array of blade and head shapes and sizes.

Example: A Regular Head is a little larger than city head.

 

Another consideration is the thickness and length of the blade, especially if you are making rings.

Horseshoe Nail Rings.  It is important to learn what type of horseshoe nails to use so they will fit different sizes of fingers and have a fitting design on the head.  Always clip and “dull” the point!

 

Safety Issue: When making Horseshoe Nails Rings, make sure you blunt the point end so it will be safe for use.

 

Tip: I have made a few of these items in my life time, so I use simple jigs, and do some preliminary bending based on the type and thickness of nail that I use.

I know you will figure it out!

My best to you!

 

John; thank you!

 

Well! It doesn’t get much better than this.

I got up this morning; fixed coffee and found this post on I Forge Iron.

I set back, drank my coffee and watched John forge an axe.

Yup! It doesn’t get much better than that! :)

 

W E L C O M E   T O  “I   F O R G E   I R O N”

Thanks for Posting.

 

Ted Throckmorton

I am grateful that your re-start button worked.  :)

My best to you and your good wife!

Wesley; I enjoy watching you work.

It saves me a lot of energy!  :)   Please keep making video’s. 

 

Because of your video’s, there is a profitable balance of information exchanged between

blacksmiths and yourself that benefits all of us.

 

Your willingness to put your words into action says a lot about how serious you are about

this remarkable craft. 

Not everyone has the confidence to have their forging methods and work products closely scrutinized.

 

I know from talking to you that you are unstoppable and love the craft.

It shows!

My best to you!

Ted Throckmorton

Forging small Parts

I apologize; I can see that my explanation has a lot to be desired. :blink:

There are too many assumptions left to the imagination.  

I will attempt to stumble over it again!  

 

Please keep in mind; that it is a very simple concept that I did not explain well,

and it should not be given to “Over Thinking” about its use.

 

It is indeed as simple as a cookie sheet with sides on it

so the small objects will not fall off and be lost in the coal or coke.

 

Control, Heat, and Manage Small Items.

A hot box gives you a means of controlling the heat (for many parts at the same time) just

by simply placing the hot box sensibly with-in your coke/coal forge, or in your gas forge just

by pulling it to the front and then pushing it back under the burner.

 

There are a few more subtle, but simple aspects of this process that I will not attempt to

confuse anyone or myself with such as having to do with thickness of the box,  combining, pre-heating, and walk through.

 

When I used a hot box in a gas forge, I used my single burner forge. The goal was to save on gas!

Although; when I was a government blacksmith I just set the hot box in the coke!

 

The objective is to be cost efficient when forging small items as well as if you were forging large items.

But; early on I found that forging a lot of small parts at one time can

be akin to a “skill with-in a skill” to forge efficiently.

 

To be successful at forging many small parts at the same time,

a number of factors line up that need to be considered, prepared for, and simultaneously combined.

 

Note: I just backed up to this point and cut off  some of the “Over Thinking” part of my post!  It was boring. <_< 

My mind rushes back over a 60 year period to too many situations similar to what we are talking about.

So as not to digress, I will say: The End! -_- 

 

My best to you as you enjoy the greatest craft to the ones that it is.

Ted Throckmorton  

Kathy

Thank You for keeping us posted.

 

I am slow at responding sometime, but not slow to care.

It is quite obvious that many people found here at I Forge Iron support Eric, yourself,

and also the people who “know and love Eric” with sincere support that is nurtured

with prayer and their best wishes.

 

At a time like this their prayers are indispensable.

 

I have experienced that “Prayer and Positive Support given from the Heart” is priceless;

and is more powerful than anything that I have the vocabulary to express.  

I believe the prayers of support were actually triggered when Eric signed onto I Forge Iron.

 

My experience is that it would be no accident that Eric would be directly and indirectly

associated with people who have a common interest in Forging Steel;

but in addition, that the same people would also have hearts that have already been formed

with Love for their neighbor.

 

I say all of that, to say this:

Even though you may get tired or concerned at times,

something greater is at work in your lives.

 

Hang onto that thought.

 

My very best for you and yours!

Ted Throckmorton

Frank

Congratulations.

I agree totally with what SmoothBore stated: “That's quite a milestone”.

 

As I have gotten older, I also find that it has become more important to highlight notable events in my life.

At this time; I have done more in my past than I will ever do in the amount

of time that is left in my future.

 

So I hold tightly to my memories that are filled with the times I spent

standing in my favorite place; and that was to stand at the forge and anvil.  

 

I knew that when I was forging, I lost track of all of the problems of the world and other things that was fighting for voice in my mind.

And that was because I was so busy trying to outsmart a piece of steel that need my full attention (and learned skills) to manipulate hot steel as I had intended without getting burned!

 

I hope for another productive 50 years for you Frank!

 

Just a note: I too am celebrating a 50 year anniversary.

I was discharged from the US Army 50 years ago today (March 22, 2013)!

I am thankful for every day (18,250 days) of it. 

Some I knew had (0) days.

 

My Best to you Frank.

You have made a positive and everlasting impression in the footprint of the blacksmithing world.

If you just think about what you have accomplished; it is amazing how it works.

Just add the numerous amounts of people that you have responded to here at I Forge Iron with your knowledge and experience; coupled with all of the students that you have taught in your Blacksmithing School, it adds up to a whole heap of teaching!

 

No doubt they will “in-turn” pass along what you have taught them, and it goes on and on from there.

 

Ted Throckmorton

Danny; Hello

I am a little slow as you know.

Just think about how long it took me to send back

the rest of the materials that you sent me.

 

And; “I was moving at my fastest speed”. :)

 

I know that I am slow at getting this to ya;

but you, your wife, and your family have been

on my(our) mind from the get-go!

 

This is a fine kettle of fish!

But I won’t give up on ya!

I expect to see you healed and enjoying life again.

 

I would suppose and expect that you would know

 that “you and yours” are being remembered vigilantly

as we pray.

 

My best to you Sir and your family!

Ted Throckmorton

 

Mark  – GOOD  ON YOU! :)

I used to get a huge satisfaction when I happen to drive by homes that I had constructed railing for many years ago,

although I could not see them from the street.

Sometime (40 years later) I would even recall the extra work it took to get a challenging stair railing to fit perfect.

My identity was always on the line.

No one knew or cared about who built them except me.

But my good memories are still paying off.

 

That is why I get excited when I hear other people do well.

The pay check of knowing what you have accomplished will be gaining interest for the rest of your life.

So I can just imagine how your new experience would add validation to who you are as a craftsman!

Congratulations.

When you win! We all win!

My best to you

Ted Throckmorton

Deliberate and Perfect Practice

A person needs to make his self available to a competent source of training in order to learn

“Deliberate and Perfect Practice” right at the start,

so they are not trying to unlearn bad habits at the same time.  

You must put yourself in a position to receive instructions that will teach you

how to perform “Deliberate & Perfect Practice”.

How to do “Deliberate & Perfect Practice” most likely needs to be taught by a qualified blacksmith

who understands the elements required to master each skill of operation.

A qualified instructor will quickly guide you into using the correct method of handling tools,

keeping your tools dressed correctly, anvil etiquette, attributes of steel coupled with heat treatment,

safety in all of its forums, and how to determine the order of operations based on,

but not limited to elements of (shape, size, thickness, type of steel and end product),

and hammer control.

There is much more. 

The process of leaning may be taught differently by different instructors,

but yet there is a predictable outcome.

The advantage of having an instructor is that corrections are made on the spot.

They will not allow you to start to practice bad or unsafe habits right from the get go!

If corrections are not made in a timely manner, a person can get real good at doing something

that is real bad; real fast.

Then your bad or un-safe habit becomes etched into your cellular and muscle memory,

resulting in a bad habit being formed, that needs to be reversed.

It takes a great deal of effort to change a habit good or bad.

And it is not worth rushing into a bad training situation just because

a person is in a hurry to get started.

If money is an issue, then it is a separate issue that needs to be figured out so

you can afford to pay for the proper training required.

Most of people (us) have had to work for whatever they have.

So waiting while you save up money is not wasted time if you will study.

If a person has to work for what they have: they are more likely to value

what they have worked for and will use it.

The order of how things seem to work: Work, save money, = Pay for training.

My first choice of training (above and beyond studying, and video’s) that

I would suggest is that your training would be in the form of a qualified instructor

(one on one, or in a school setting).

Although no matter how you are trained, what you learn and

what you are willing to do with it; is all up to you.

Studying good books about blacksmithing skills and watching good blacksmithing videos

should always be considered as a natural and constant activity in your learning curve.

It all comes at a cost. 

The acceptation is when you find someone who is qualified to teach you for free.  

First thought: A personal instructor such as “Brian Brazeal Blacksmith” will fill your plate

of knowledge quickly and in the long run it will be most likely be a cost saving to you if you

are serious about becoming a blacksmith of note!

 

Second thought: Attend a blacksmithing school.

Third thought: Most Blacksmith organizations have people who may be willing to

coach a person who is just beginning.

Sometime a blacksmith organization will sponsor a “Hammer-in” that would be a

good place to learn.

They will most likely put on a demonstration that is usually valuable.

People who join a blacksmithing group are most likely going to meet people

who will assist them.  Plus training materials are usually available.

Note: This all cost money where I live. And sometime a lot of money!

 

Forth thought: Study reading materials such as books, internet information,

and videos.

Sometime (most of the time) several levels of consideration is simultaneously

taking place while forging.

Safety and safe operations must always encompass the whole process.  

The proper tools needs to be selected, dressed if necessary, and the tongs

need to be properly adjusted to fit the material used.  

I have observed many hobby type blacksmiths disregard adjusting their tongs

to fit the material used.

 

Or do a preliminary walk through to make sure all tools are set out and

are available when they start to forge.

 

Or check the area around the forge for clutter to make sure it is clear

so you do not trip before starting to forge.

If they were trained properly this would not be the case.

Proper fitting of tongs to the material that are to be used needs to

be addressed as you are taught.  

I have seen many hobby type blacksmiths who are not concerned

about the properly fitting and adjustment tongs to fit the material.

A competent instructor understands all of this and will assist you by filling in the gaps

until you are fully aware of the process and decisions that need to be made in a timely manner.

To learn blacksmithing is no different than any other situation in life.

Life comes at a cost. There is a price to pay for everything in one form or another. 

There is also a price to pay to learn any trade including blacksmithing.  

It may be in the form of time, energy, trade, or money; but for sure it takes an effort

and there will be a cost to pay.

If you are in a position to learn from someone that that is qualified

and will teach you for free, that would be a bonus  

There are as many blacksmithing levels of skill as there are blacksmiths.

Each person has a level and a standard of his own. No two are exactly the same. 

So what may seem competent and acceptable to one person is not acceptable to the other.

I would suggest that you take whatever effort it takes to find and pay for an instructor

who will teach you how to do each step of the operational skills properly.

 

It seems as though some people do not recognize that everything worth learning

will cost in some way and the price must be paid.

But the learning curve is quickly shortened when a person receives competent instructions.  

There is a book called "Wayne Goddar's.$50 Knife Shop (Revised)"

I would spend money on that .

Then wait until you have enough money to buy each tool or material. 

I cereainly understand about not haveing money to do something.

So it sounds like you would just have to go at it at a slow pace until you can buy or TRADE

for what you need.

 

Trading is an option. If not, then waiting and taking a longer time to assemble your tools

and material sounds like another option.  

Only you can manage your priority of how your money is spent.

 

I wish you the best!

Ted T.

 

Danny

"Thank You" Danny for posting. You are speaking about a topic that is constantly and caringly close to my heart.

Thank You SSgt Brian Arnold for your service and associated sacrifice.

Danny you have just helped put a name of a soldier and a situation into our awareness that needs to never be forgotten.

Thank God it is one we celebrate with a smile and not tears.

 

The price of our freedom to be able to choose a life that we desire to live comes at a great price.

Having seen all too many times when flags were presented, headstones placed,

and I have experienced the very thunderous voice of silence because no words

could rightfully express the experience.

 

                                                      To Those Who Know, “Know”.

                                               To those who don’t know,

                                                   no words can explain,

                                             Remember, and Never Forget!

I also know all too well about the unseen scars that trouble many of our military service men and women.

I am speaking about scars that do not always show on the outside, but fester on the inside.

 

Some wounds and scares are quite visible, and others are masked by our human desire to be healthy and normal.

But time and experience has shown that the invisible scars will eventually surface and also needs the

same proper attention and care that would be given to that of a visibly injured soldier.

What our service men and women do for us each day, all day, is un-payable by us “up-front”.

But we can ease the severity of their situation with showing kindness, Love, and opportunity.

Although I sit each day in a comfortable chair watching TV and eating Twinkie’s and Bonbons,

I have the subconscious awareness that men and women are sacrificing their safety

and comfort 24/7 for me and mine.

So for those who are finally at peace, “Thank You” to them and their families!

And for those who live among us who bear visible and invisible scares for our sake;

Thank You! and God be with you!

Respectfully Ted Throckmorton

Mark; I have tried to get a hold of you. But I did have a nice chat with the lady who now has your old phone number!

 

Although I have not posted sooner, Patty, yourself and your family has been constantly in our thoughts of hope,

and in our prayers.

I know that you know that you are in good hands, hands that heal and give life! That gives me some peace, thank you!

Reflections of our own experiences have been tempered with the knowledge of Romans 8:28 that supported our peace.

 

With the prayers of all of these blacksmith brothers, added to the prayers of your family and friends, WOW, powerful!

Our continued best to You and Yours!

Ted Throckmorton <><

 

Here in Utah, to say that “you have attended Frank’s school “is like having a badge that quickly speaks well about the quality your training background.

And it is all good.

I have never heard anything negative said about Franks School!

 

Frank always brings interesting points of view and supports I Forge Iron with his experience!

Welcome New Blacksmiths Here Are A Few Suggestions

This note is meant only for new blacksmiths if they happen to have some spare time to read it.

 

I have assembled a few suggestions here in hopes of leading you into a more direct and successful path of learning the skills of becoming a blacksmith.

I understand that there is a lot of reading here, but there is no short cut to skill!

Here are a few concepts that you may want to keep in the eye of your mind.

I suggest the following as a means to help to you set your goals high. 

And, is also meant to help you aim and adjust your campus correctly in the right direction to become a proficient Blacksmith.

 

Never forget;

Deliberate Practice is the Key. 

Excellence is not a mistake. 

The enemy of excellence is average.

1. Start where you are.

2. Use what you have.

3. Do as much as you can.

4. Strike through until you get through. Otherwise do not give up!

 

The difference between Average and Excellence is when we practice each skill with deliberate and measured (perfect) strikes until it is perfect.

We do it Over and Over and Over again. And then Again and again and again with deliberate and measured strikes.  

 

As Rich Hale would say; “Perfect Practice”.  

 

Why would you be willing to accept the habit of practicing bad habits and dangerous practices? 

Some do, and that is just because they do not know better, lazy, or was not trained properly to begin with!

 

The repetition of using Deliberate Perfect Practice over and over again until you have improved your performance to a higher level of competence of perfect repetition is always the goal.

 

• If you want results like a champion, you must pay the price of a champion!
• Consistency is crucial! 
• Every day strike it and master what you are striving for.
• Your talent is forged by perfect practice.
• Learn to strike hard at times and then soft at other times.
• Learn to strike faster at times and slower at other times.
• Learn to pace yourself and be steady!

- - - - - - -  - -

Blacksmithing, like all other skills were birthed by the Mother of Necessity.

The “Trial and err” method was the formula used over the many years to develop the basics of forging as we know if it now.

We are the recipients of all of the preceding years of development of the basic skills used in forging today.

We are fortunate that the many years of refining the techniques of forging have left us with a very basic, but functional set of operational forging skills that are now easily available for us to pattern our efforts after. 

 

The research and development work is essentially done. Now all we have to do is learn what has already been established. 

 

That foundation of that knowledge seems to be missed by many people who start blacksmithing or making knives. 

 

Many seem to want to skip over or around the process of learning the basics of forging, and then when they fail, they wonder why?  

 

 

OOOPs!

More than I would like to admit, I have done the same thing that I just

spoke about.

I write this openly with the intent of hoping to encourage you to step up your game, and for you to know that some of us have also struggled in the process to learn about the blacksmithing craft.

 

Many time’s in my life (well more than many times) “I have put the cart before the horse”.   

And just as many times I found out that it will not work well by trying to get ahead by skipping foundational principals!

 

Here was my issue and I think it is the same with many others:

It became apparent that I would become interested and excited about doing something that was new to me, and then, only because of enthusiasm, I would subsequently have a tendency to proceed too quickly and get ahead of myself.

That is really the reason I write this long drawn out note.

 

My hope is that you will learn from my shortcoming about trying to get ahead of the game and consequently out smart yourself like I have done in my life.

I would like to encourage you to take the best route possible to learn how to forge.

If you will learn and practice correctly (each step and at the right time), you will save yourself time, money, injury’s, and gain the experience of success instead of failure.

 

Speed and shortcuts are not always the fastest way to proceed.

For Example: When you speed while driving, there is a good chance that you will see red flashing lights, flashing in your rear view mirror.

Many times you will lose much more time and money than you gained. 

 

I am suggesting that there is a pace of learning and working that is different for each of us.  You need to discover what pace (speed) works best for you.

 

Speed; when using the term “speed” as it is related with skill, it would be to work at your pace and still produce quality work without error. 

Working fast, but without excellence is not acceptable when you are trying to make a living with your craft.  You will not last!

 

As you learn your skill, speed and accuracy will be integrated into your ability to produce work, and is only limited or affected by the process you are using at the time.    

The process used is influence by the attributes of materials used, your skill level and the tools you have available.

 

By traveling on the existing roads that have already been paved for us, they will guide us into becoming skilled and successful at the craft of forging.

 

Here is just one approach to learn to forge.

I found the quickest way to learn about blacksmithing is to travel on the road “most traveled” by other well groomed and experienced blacksmiths.

Find a skilled Blacksmith, a good school, or a blacksmithing organization, as quickly as you can.

 

I want to impress on you of how important it is to learn the process correctly the “FIRST TIME” around.

It takes much more effort, money and time to “unlearn a process”, then to

have to learn it correctly the first time.

You build muscle memory, cell memory, and habit during the learning process.  Make sure you learn correctly the first time around.  

 

Depending how serious you are about learning the trade of blacksmithing now or later, I would suggest that you be prepared to organize and discipline yourself in order to follow the road of “tried and true methods of forging”. 

 

Here is something else to consider as a tool to lead you to success:

Mapping: (or Goal Setting):

 

Mapping is just a strategy tool to be used to assist you in order to outline the most effective and direct route for you to follow in order to successfully arrive at your destination.

The skill of mapping includes having to learn how to take un-expected detours that are not marked well, and then purposefully finding your way back on course.

 

Another name for “MAP”, or Mapping in this format is called “GOALS”, or Goal Setting.

If you take the time to learn the skills of managing goals, it will serve you well and save you time and money at almost anything you attempt.

 

Here is an example of why you should map, and the value of mapping:

If you were required to drive to a destination that was 1,500 miles across the country, what would be a wise thing for you to do to prepare for the trip? 

I would suggest that you should obtain a map.

And then chart your course (Route).

If you do not use a map there is no question in my mind that you would miss important turn-off’s, spend more money on gas than would be necessary, get lost several times, drive in circles, and you most likely may never arrive at you chosen destination. It happens!

 

The same concept is true about blacksmithing or any other endeavor you become involved in.

I suggest that you should start by making a Map leading to your Destiny

I also suggest that you make your map accurate, and that it would show

where you are at this time, and the route you must take to arrive at your destination.

 

As an example: A good place to start may be to figure out how to obtain the training required, money to pay for the training, identify the equipment you will need, how to obtain the money for purchasing the equipment and tool that are required, and on and on!

The list will be simple at first.  But as time and experience speaks out, the list may become extensive, yet manageable if you learn how to tend your goals (mapping). 

 

The best and quickest way is to chart a route on a blacksmith map is to ask other people who have already and successfully made the trip.

 

And I mean from skilled blacksmiths, who like all of us who had their own starting point and then followed existing roads successfully to their destination of operating skillfully with Blacksmithing/Forging Skills.

 

Note that earlier I used the term “existing roads”.

Again I want to place an emphasis about the value of the Blacksmithing Forging Skills as we understand them today, and that they are in place only because of the efforts of many highly intelligent and very skilled people who paved the way before us.

These great people paved the roads of forging skills for us to travel on. 

Those existing roads of skill will serve us also; that is, if we will only follow them!

 

The existing roads of forging knowledge have been traveled over many times by clever and gifted people. 

The resultant operational skills have been honed down to what they are at this time because they have passed the test of time, and have survived the refining fires of trial and error.

 

So, I suggest that the existing basic skills cannot be replaced easily, and they are what they are; and they are sufficient and worth learning correctly.  

- - -

We know that all of the research and development work has been done for us and it works.  But it will work only if we take the time and effort to value and learn the basics of the existing fundamentals of forging.

 

When you have mastered the basic skills of forging, then; if you have something new to contribute, please do it.

 

We all have to start somewhere, where is your starting point?

So from your starting point you must take into consideration all factors of what, where and how you are positioned in life so you will know how to chart your path to reaching your destination of becoming a blacksmith.

 

Only you know your situation whether it be age, health, location, financial restrictions, or ability and many other factors that you must take into consideration and actively solve for; and that would be from your existing position, the “starting point”.

 

I wish you the very best as you travel down the road of knowledge of

becoming a proficient and “KIND” blacksmith!

Ted Throckmorton

Trade Secrets

This is long! I respond because you all are valuable to me. 

Short version:  Happy New Year!

Long version: read only if you need something to do!

 

Trade Secrets? Or, is it “Basic Skills Reconfigured” to meet the need of the project?

I believe that I have never figured out anything that someone else has not done first.

All I have ever done is so ordered the basics in such a way to get the result that I needed.

That is not a trade secret; I consider it to be the challenge and the enjoyment of forging to have

an opportunity to figure out the order of operations as to obtain the results I needed.

 

I have done some things that I have never seen anyone else do in the way I do it.  But that is not a trade secret because when a person who has become proficient with the basics and has the same need arise, he may do the same thing I have done and even better!  No surprise!

 

The basics of forging are a secret to people who do not possess the skills. That is because they have not yet paid the price to unlock the knowledge to learn the basics yet.  But that is true with any trade!

 

People, Skills, Desire, Attitudes’, Time, Our Time’s, Locations, Financial, Interests, Sacrifice, Patience, Understanding, and Life Situations! I figure all of this has something that goes back to someone asking about trade secrets.

There are BLACKSMITH’S who have paid the high price to obtain their skill level of excellence in the craft of forging (blacksmithing), and then there are people who are at  a zero point (just starting) and anywhere in-between who are trying to aim their compass correctly at becoming proficient in the craft of Blacksmithing.

 

I have read through this thread realizing that “Honest Perspective Based Experience” is being expressed by each contributor.  I could not argue against any one of them.

If everyone’s view was exactly the same, I would have to deeply question any accuracy of my lifetime of observing people and life situations and how they seem to unfold.

Over the past 60 years of being in the craft I have met or observed many blacksmiths. 

Their backgrounds are as varied and different as there are fingerprints.

We are all different, but have a common bond of interest!

 

Just the factor of the person’s age of when they entered the craft, and then the time period in history that they entered the craft plays a great significance of their perspective about the craft and life in general

How, and who, was a mentor to that person when they first got started in the craft plays a large role in a person’s perception and prospective of how the person values the price paid for the knowledge of the craft.

 

I don’t have trade secrets, although I have had 60 wonderful years exposure to the craft of blacksmithing.  There were tons of sweaty long hour days, the sacrifice of no insurance for my family, a few burns, and I have met many wonderful and some not so wonderful people. 

 

Nothing that I have ever experienced in life could fill that need to have the continuous tranquility and fulfillment of creating something from a blob of steel into something that was useful or beautiful for the interested eye to view!

 

My time at the forge was always spent focused on the work I was doing. I learned early that if my mind was somewhere else, that I would get burned or mess something up.  It is the greatest mental therapy I could have subjected myself to.   

 

60 years of exposure to the craft does not qualify me to be a highly skilled blacksmith. It only means that I have made observations (correctly and incorrectly) over the years.

 

I have made a living at the trade of blacksmithing / welding that supported my family in the early days.  I have been employed by a government agency as a blacksmith and also opened three different shops over the years.  It took me three times to get it right! I was no business man.

 

I say all of that to say this:  I have seen in person and over the internet (I Forge Iron) many,

blacksmiths and blade smiths that in a relatively short time grew past my skill level very quickly.  And that was because (everything being equal such as desire and potential ability) the information is now made available in abundance and they took advantage if it! 

I say good for them!

 

I have picked up on the idea that many times people who are asking questions here at I Forge Iron have never been mentored in any positive fashion and do not understand the values involved.

That does not make them bad people, but people that need to be informed.

Many times the ONLY MENTOR they have found to start with to become a blacksmith, bladesmith, or a sword smith, is right here at “I Forge Iron”.

Their personal life situations are reflected back through the nature of questions and attitudes of how and what they ask.

 

I suggest that they have no idea of the actual cost in time, money sweat, burns, time away from family they missed, vacations that could never be taken, and sweating out the lean times of the business that is involved, and many more costs of learning the craft.

And then when they (new people/blacksmiths) ask questions that could rightfully up-set people who have paid the due’s to learn the trade, it could easily up set most of us unless we consider Who, What , Why, and also that this is the internet.

 

I believe I Forge Iron was established with the spirit of teaching, learning, and relationships.

And I agree that sometime it is easy to forget the above foundational principal due to the repetition of the disproportional information exchange between the volume of beginners and proven craftsman.   

 

Here for an example of a “drop in the bucket” expense to learn how to do a process differently than I was originally taught.

Example; of my cost to go to just one mid-winter three day Hammer-in (Sub zero temps). 

The main attraction was a paid instructor.   

Here is a quick summary of my base costs not counting Dues and Iron in the Hat.

Gas: $88.00 dollars.  Motel: $270.00.   Admission: $300.00.  Total = $658.00 dollars.

I counted the costs as a bargain because I learned one new way to combine the basic foundational skills of forging.  

 

I know of well groomed blacksmiths found here at I Forge Iron who trained themselves and are successful.

I consider that to be awesome, but not all people are capable of doing that.

 

There was nothing like blacksmith groups, written material, video’s to learn from, or what we have here at I Forge Iron that was affordable or available when I started, except blacksmiths that were short on temper and believed that a boy should be seen and not heard.  

I paid a price!

I have been a cop, a prison guard, bounty hunter, and an investigator.  I have seen many young people thrown away by our society. Young people who brought tears to my eyes at the time, and even now when I think of them.  Young people who had no one to ask questions too.  Young people who have never had a kind word said to them much less a mentor in their life, who are now serving life sentences in prison. 

 

I truly believe that young people are in a different boat than what I ever knew off.

They have a demand put on them to learn a large amount of information in a very short time.

And that is the new name of life’s game.   Yes we had pressure when I was young.  They do also, but it is different.  Everything they do now has to be learned quickly, or go to the back of the line.

It seems only natural that they want to speed learn something that takes whatever time it takes depending on their ability and ability to make training available to them.  But they just don’t all seem to pick up on that right away!

 

And for some people: Only the members found here at I Forge Iron can assist to help fill that “knowledge of blacksmithing” gap with the milk of human kindness and patents.

 

We now enjoy the opportunity to have full access and availability to an enormity of information that is easily obtainable. It is amazing to me.

Just look at our “YOUNG SMITH’S”.  They all got off of the couch and got busy.

Many people do not have a couch to get off of much less someone to encourage them.

I suggest that we consider being as patent as possible and be blacksmith mentors.

We may be just typing to a New YOUNG BLACKSMITH that needs a friendly boost and understanding.  

Yes! - And I adjusted my operation so it did not bother him. It is a matter of respect!

I suggest that we always put yourself in their shoes. 

It is up to you to so order your operation so it will not disrespect your neighbor's lives.

Just as it would be if it was your neighbor disturbing your peace!

 

I had a very sick neighbor at one time, and took no chance of disrupting his needed rest!

I feel it is important to be a good neighbor.

 

I believe that sometimes, your situation may demand that you find another location to do

your forging.  Or that YOU take measures to soundproof your forge area and deaden the sound of

your anvil if that is an issue.

A person can choose to be a part of the problem, or choose to be a part of the cure.

 

I also suggest that you get your neighbor involved and invite your neighbor over and let him do some forging. 

That approach has worked wonders many times to change attitudes!

With his input, try different things out to reduce the sound and ask your neighbor if it is working OK?

 

Best of Forging to you!

 

 

Dale;

I could not express adequately the appreciation I have for all that Mr. Richard Thibeau (Richard) has done for me personally.

 

When I was having computer problems he stepped up and assisted me in solving my problems. 

He has given such good advice about many things also.

 

And then one day; out of the blue I received a package from Richard.

It was a beautifully crafted “Diagonal Peen” Hammer!

 

I kept it in a location where I could see it each day. It reminded me of what we are all supposed to end up doing for each other.

 

I could not have been more pleased.  When someone makes something for me as Richard did,

I treat it as though it is a treasure. And that is because the seed of giving is a treasure.

 

I am also aware of many other things that Richard has done such as donating time and money, assisting, and encouraging other people.

Note: “Other people”, also includes young people.

 

 

I cannot help but to believe that people like Richard who has served our country so honorably in the military by giving unselfishly and freely of themselves (but not cheaply), afterward seem to continue serving and keep on giving to the people that they (Richard) put their life on the line for.  They seem to have hearts designed for service.   

 

 

So it is no surprise to me to hear what you said about Richard Dale.  We are fortunate to associate with men and women such as Richard. 

http://www.dancingfrogforge.com/furnishings01.htm

 

 

I am pleased that the goal was reached. If the world would send leaves that were forged with love to each other, I doubt that there would be more war.

My Best Wishes to the Project!

Ted Throckmorton

It would not let me see the other photos unless I signed in.  I am not a member of facebook

I find the photo very interesting.

Stewart, I wish I had said that!!!  A good, short, to the point summary!

 

"Safety is a situational issue, and should always be at the forefront of a blacksmith's thinking"

Gaylan, I think you put the cream on the pie with your imput.
You all have contributed to a topic that I think needed more attention .
Good on all of you!. I feel that I am better informed