Salutations, new found family. My name is Rohn, I am 26, and I've recently become obsessed with the idea of becoming a blacksmith. I've always been an artist, mostly contained within two dimension, however, I have had some experience with similar crafts. Just over a decade ago, I was semi-apprenticed to a neighbor that repaired, built, and altered swords, axes, and other historical weaponry. He also knew how to use these weapons and passed some of that onto me. I never forged blades or anything for that matter, I would only replace and mix and match hilts, pommels, and crossbars. If I ever did any blade work, it was simply cut from sheet steel with an angle grinder. I know now that this was no way to be bladesmithing. My new endeavors are quite a bit more practical. While I would someday like to forge a blade the proper way, I think I'd like to start out actually learning and perfecting all of the techniques of metal manipulation that I can. That is what has brought me here, to a community of people all over the world that share the same passion that I am so eager to delve into. I reside in Upstate New York and as far as I know, I am the only person in my small town who's got any interest in this. I bring this up because with some of my aspirations in a craft, when like minded people are within close quarters, they conflict with each other instead of collaborating, in fear of the other person stepping on their toes or driving them out of work. (I have aspired to be a tattoo artist and most don't like to share their knowledge or offer apprenticeship) So that is why I am grateful to have a place to come to collaborate with all of you on ideas, techniques, critiquing, resourcing, and just all around enjoyment of the craft. I believe I'm rambling now. Very excited to be starting this venture and I look forward to talking to you all. ~Rohn