Welcome JustinJ, You could not be more fortunate, to be so close to Thomas Dean in Hallsville. Most of the blacksmithing community is a very sharing bunch, but Thomas is over the top. Go take a beginners class from him. He will put you on the true path and save you time and money. Then begin to take every opportunity to hang out with like minded people. The East Texas Group is fairly defunct now, so go meet the guys at ntxba.org and habairon.org(Houston). The ntxba.org event, labor day wknd, will be a great event to start. I will be there Sat. and Sun. For you, go see Gordon Williams, he will light a fire under you. HABA has an event Oct 5-7 that would be excellent for you. Come to the Combo-Demo Feb 16,2013 at Steephollow Forgeworks in Bryan, it's free. Alan Lee