Har Fisher

That is a nightmare! Hope it's not of the reoccuring type. I have one a few times a year where I'm back in the classroom and I've been retired from teaching six years . Maybe a form of PTSD ?

Sam, really like your "mushroomed" finial. I have trouble with ball or facetted endings so I am impressed (but not giving up ;-) ) Har.

Really like your roses! I use laser cut, blank kits and they look just like a "kit" rose. Sounds like you demo for student groups. I require that the teachers or chaperones stay with the kiddies otherwise they just turn the group over to you while they stand off talking among other teachers or worse on the cell phone. Also, tell the students to hold their questions until your presentation is over or you just get "questions" telling about their own experiences. Just my 2 pennies worth, Har in Ft Myers

Look up FABA on the internet. The Florida Artist Blacksmith Association lists where meetings will be located. Don't miss going to the annual Oct conference in Barberville. Har in Ft. Myers

I used to be a "Yooper" but moved to Fl 41 years ago and still get up there once a year to recharge/regain my roots. There is an annual gathering of smiths in Escanaba my hometown. It is at the UP Fairgrounds and held in September. You might check with George Potvin as he is in charge of the shop located there. The Michigan Artist Blacksmith Association puts out an excellent newsletter and you might want to connect with them. I often think of the free air-conditioning in the UP as I sweat it out in my Fl. shop. Forge On, Har. ol retired, usedtobeayooper

Question for Alaska Guys, Anything that I should not miss of blacksmithing interest? I will be taking a cruise / tour in June 2012 with stops in coastal cities. As with any trip I take, seeking out blacksmithing realia is a goal. I know a cruise is not optimal but seemed the best way to see the place long on my "bucket list" Thanks, Har. a retired ol guy in Ft. Myers :)

Rob, You will love the John C. Campbell Folk School. Work there whenever the shop is open to students meaning into the evening hours. Some instructors are not willing to be there late, so check with them before registering. The week goes by fast. Get your fire started early and be ready to go right after instructional demo. I am the "village smith" at the Georgia Mtn. Fair in Hiawassee. Stop by during July or Oct. events and I'll share any of my limited - beginner skills with you. Forge on, Har Fisher Ft Myers Fl and Hayesville NC

Do you have more success with decoys that are natural looking or the ones that are "artistic" and brightly colored? By success, I mean catching or spearing the game fish. All your decoys look great but I especially like the realistic ones such as the perch. Thanks for all your posted pictures.

Anyone know when Brian B. will be teaching at JCCFS or return to Fl. for a workshop? Love his work! You would definitely get your tuition"s worth in his class.

That is a fine looking knife. The guard looks interestingly different. Can you post a closeup of the guard area?

I agree Don and thanks for your numerous posts with good advice. It's like making tongs. I'd rather make things using purchased tongs and spend the time forging product. But, I do know there is much satisfaction in making and using your own tools. Depends on where you want to spend your time.

Something about using the tools you have made -- what satisfaction that must be. Love your decoys! Do you pour lead for weighting down in water? I have a few antique fish decoys and a few made by a fellow near Manistique but I always wanted to make some of my own. Thanks for including the pictures of tools and results. Used to be a "Yooper"

A friend of mine is making some pretty nice knives forged to shape and then sanded with a random orbit hand held sander. A place to start, and beats hand sanding ;-)

yes, but does anyone know what exactly will be demonstrated? The flyer only gives very impressive bios of each of the main two demonstrators.

Just found this interesting site. I can see where I could spend a lot of time here except during "Jeopardy" or "Prison Break". I have been a hobby blacksmith for 20 years, doing historic reenactmens and preparing my wares for sales at these events. Smithing is expensive so must support this costly diversion. Bye, From a Fl. retired science teacher :D