Hey, my name is Troy and I was referred here by a guy named Steve. Sent him an email asking some general bladesmith questions because I found his website and was very impressed with the quality of work he has done.
I live in the Phoenix east valley right now. As of right now, I am solely interested in knifemaking. First knife was finished today, stock removal method (waiting on my anvil) and I was very impressed. Took a lot of advice off the forum, finally registered today to be one of those "here's my first knife" guys.
Got a brakedrum forge in my backyard. My motivation to begin this craft was to be more self reliant, would be a nice skill to have if the SHTF.
Thing that made my blacksmithing hobbe easier was that I got a cordless drill today, other than that NO power tools, borrowed my neighbors to drill holes in the handle before I hardened the blade of my first knife.
Thing I want to learn most is how to make damascus knives, seen some crazy patterns, have no idea where to start.