cafyrman

Great... now I have a few more ideas for procrastination.... like I needed any.

Almost looks like snake skin legs.

I'm a big fan of Rogue tools.  I carry one as my fireline tool.

One thing to think about with wildland fire tools is the fuel type and terrain.  A McLeod will work well in grassier fuels or after something heavier has cleared the thicker stuff.  A Pulaski can grub out deeper roots and cut thicker brush.  Etc.

Also, for wildland firefighting in Europe look up a guy named Mausi in Germany. He and a few others have a hand crew that fights fire in Spain (I think) every summer.  His full name is Detlef.

In my real job there's a saying, "200 years of tradition unimpeded by progress."  I've modified that for my purposes to "200 years of tradition enhanced by progress."  I'm as new as new can be to smithing, but it seems that the same could apply here.

Great advice above, Frosty. Many thanks!

That anvil is as near perfect as it needs to be, great size, very good condition. Welcome to the craft. 

Thanks!

Who said perfect?  ;)  It's not brand new, but then neither am I. :D (Except to blacksmithing...)

So, after watching this on Craigslist for a while I finally went and bought it.  1939 Fisher 150#  Not the best shape, but certainly usable.

Hoping to as soon as I find a free 3-4 hours.  Kitchen has been under remodel.  Plus it's priced a little high.  Nonetheless, Probably just going to do it.

Where on the west coast?  I'm down in San Diego and have been watching CL and others for a while now.  There's a decent looking Fisher 100 miles north of me, but nothing down here.  Odd given the shipyards.  Have a couple of feelers out to various folks.