Hello from Shropshire.
I have lurked for a number of years and it's time to introduce myself.
OK, former British soldier, now in the defence industry and travelling the world selling stuff for the last 20-odd years.
I am a very fortunate individual in that I married my soulmate more than 30 years ago. My wife tolerates my shooting, reloading, welding, fishing, golf, etc. We have grandchildren and it is my delight in life to introduce them to unsafe, unhealthy, positively dangerous practices involving anvils, forges, tools, guns, explosives and open water.
My blacksmithing training began when, as a small child, I watched the local blacksmith/farrier shoeing Clydesdales on my walk to school in the early 50's. The smell of coke smoke mingled with scorched hoof is probably the most evocative early memory for me. I have, to this day, the horseshoe nail he gave me for boring laceholes in conkers.
Part of my technical training was a few weeks "on the anvil", back in the seventies. When I looked back a few years ago, I realised;
a) I loved it. I picked up the skills reasonably well.
So, a couple of years ago, an anvil followed me home.
Would you believe it. So did a forge, a few hammers & tongs and other stuff.
I may have a retirement business - anyway, I can hope!
All I aspire to is Mr Fixit status. I will leave the beautiful iron to others.
Pictures to follow,
All the best,
Charles