hi all
I'm the blacksmith that Richard met at TRF that made the flint striker
I
am indeed a full time blacksmith and custom knife maker although to be
honest since 2008 I've relied heavily on knives to make a living. Home
decor took a real hard hit in the housing bubble burst.
I work 3 major renaissance faires NYRF, Georgia, and sherwood. TRF has let go of all three smiths this year, *shrugs*
I have a building at NYRF and this year am adding another hearth to it as well as a bloomery pen.
I have a stone platform and hearth at Georgia and money willing will be building a structure over it soon (
trenton's old gig. and by the way Mr Tye has done amazing installation
pieces in L.A., has trained people, run 3 shops, built equipment and
pays the bills with his work, in my book that makes him a master. using
yellin, simmons, or hofi as the standard as to wether your a master is
like telling the head violinist of the boston philharmonic since he cant
play like issac perlman hes not a virtuoso, bars a tad high there bub)
I do not consider myself a master smith but Id confidently call myself a journeyman smith
as
far as demonstrating, I look at it as an opportunity to educate and
amuse, I LIKE demonstrating, I can make just as much money selling at
gun and knife shows as at renn faires but demonstrating smithing and
seeing peoples eyes light up makes the extra work of demonstrating worth
every hammer blow. aching elbows and shoulders and all.
Ive
been at this now for about 12 years and been full time since 2005 and
wouldn't trade it for the world I want to thank Richard for his kind
words and hope this finds you all well and hammering :)
Regards
Shane Stainton
Red Dog Forge