JPolfer

Hey, I just signed up for a weekend intro course in Virginia, and am really excited! I have a few question though: (Here is the class btw; http://vablacksmithing.org/classes#intro_week) I am doing the hook/wall class on the 14-15.) I know he talks about basics/smith shop practice etc. but is there anything I should expect outside of the description? I can't seem to find anything about supplies. If I can't find anything online should I assume supplies/tools will be provided? If not, what should I bring? If I do need to bring my own supplies, what type do you guys recommend as cheap/beginner tools and gloves, etc.? Are classes like this generally pretty big? Are the instructors generally pretty helpful? Is this a decent course/school? Thanks for all the help! I really appreciate it.

Thanks Ted, I appreciate it.

Cool, I may check it out!

Yah, I should mention, as this would be instead of, or with college, I am free to move around the country/Canada. Thanks so much for all the assistance! I appreciate it.

Cool! nice to meat you

Cool, thanks for all the help so far.

Cool, are there any reasons to spend the extra money on college as opposed to trade school? (Any extra benefits) Thanks!

Hi, I am Jacob and am very interested in smithing/metal working/machining for a career. I am a senior in Highschool and am trying to figure out the next step in the process. My main love is history and would love to be able to incorporate that into my career, whether it is through metal restoration/historical weaponry restoration or recreation/ etc. I would like to go to college, but that is not a requirement. So, my question is, "what should I look for in a school/trade school/apprenticeship? Where should I look for a good one (of the above)? Is there anything you guys suggest I do in preparation? While I really like swords/weapons/knives (Blind Horse Knives rocks, Arms of Valor/Gen 2 swords rocks) it seems like a trickier career path, and more of a hobby. My dad believes that getting a certification in Machining would be a great way to get a consistent job if other pursuits don't work. His idea is that I would get trained in Machining, and do smithing more as a hobby/side note. Is this a good idea? Or is knife/weapon smithing generally pretty safe job-wise? Also, so far I have found two schools that seem to work: NAIT, Colorado School of Mines. Are these pretty decent schools? Thanks for the help! And if anyone wants to add anything feel free! Thanks!

Hey! I am Jacob Polfer, a high school senior in Florida. I have loved history all my life, especially late dark ages-early medieval. (Fall of Rome-3rd Crusade) My dream is to work with metal hopefully in the historical restoration/re-creation aspect of it. I love Tolkien, and have read every book published by him or Christopher (not joking) and love other fantasy. I enjoy working with my hands on cars, and have spent a lot of time in my mother's glass blowing studio. Any questions feel free to ask!