Don A

Look like they will do the job. Just be very careful with those rubber grips around the fire. Everything I own has been on fire at one time or another, and I'd sure hate to grab a hand full burning rubber. Also, I'm sure you know about dressing a new store-bought hammer. The faces always need to be rounded up and smoothed out. Let us know how they work. Don

Wow. I've always been a fool for a trapper pattern knife. That's a nice 'un. Great work. Don

I've always been told that the Lord gave me one mouth and two ears. This means that I should listen twice as much as I talk. This is a hard thing for me to do, but I have learned that it is good practice when we have an opportunity to learn from our elders. You'll benefit more in the long run if you make this gentleman your friend instead of just an interview. I grew up surrounded by retired railroad and lumber company men, and I wouldn't take anything for the things I learned by just listening. My $.02 Don

* I think I've seen something similar in the Blueprint section, but I always keep a spool of thick lead solder wire laying around. I use it to trace an existing piece or bend it to make a model of new piece. Then I can straighten it out and have a good idea of how much stock I need to start with. * A quick shot of Glenn's wasp killer (WD-40) on the face and horn of the anvil will keep it from getting surface rust after not being used for several days. * A small pile of hardwood charcoal in the fire-pot is a sure-fire way to get your coal going quickly when starting a fire from scratch. Don

Some guys used to advocate working blades on a wet anvil face to keep the scale blown loose. My nerves can't take it. Don

Jim, This is probably the wrong end of the state, but there is an event coming up soon down toward Bristol that will have some of the best bladesmiths in the country: Holston Mtn. Hammerin 2007 This is short notice, and they may already be full, but it would be worth the effort. I can't make it, but I really wish I could. Don

Marc... how 'bout a Blueprint on the railroses? Don

Good deal, Ron. I work for a city electric utility. Municipal government seems to be some of the more stable work you will find. We're always complaining about it, but it is a good place to work. Don

I do love it there, but we try to stay true to the period, so... no electricity, no chop saw, no angle grinder, no welder... ... and no running water. The latrine in August is an adventure in itself. And that's where they store my steel and charcoal! We have a mighty good time, but it does make you appreciate the home shop. It also teaches you a lot of lessons in "make-do" and problem solving. Don

Yeah, I don't care much for a big knob style screw-on pommel, but I do like the nut & ring style like Raymond Richard does. If I could ever score a tap & die set, I'd like to try something like that. Don

From the "New Colonial Anvil" thread... I had taken several more pictures around the shop, so I figured I'd go ahead and post 'em: We generally garrison once a month, except Jan., Feb., and July. You can find the schedule here: Fort Loudoun Stop by if your ever in the area. Not nearly as nerve-racking as Dollywood! Don

Once a month, I have the opportunity to work in the blacksmith shop at Fort Loudoun in Vonore, TN. It's a British fort from the F&I War, garrisoned from 1756-60. Since a major reconstruction in the late 70's, one of Vance Baker's old Peter Wright anvils has been the shop workhorse. After seeing the pictures and hearing a few reviews on Jymm Hoffman's new colonial anvils, we decided to get one. The staff at Loudoun is devoted to representing the period as accurately as possible. I think you'll agree that the new anvil really helps round out the whole picture: The day we were first setting it up, Vance came down to finally take his old PW back home. To my suprise, he had already forged us a new hot-cut for the new anvil. I've already done a day's work on it, and I really like it. Jymm offers a good anvil at a good price and he gets it there when he says he will. Thanks, Jymm. Don