1. Try it in a kilt - nothing manlier than blacksmithing in a kilt!
2. After #1, the second part of #2 is no longer an issue.
3. Nope, but's that's half the fun.
4. Ditto Smoggy
5. They turn up, keep your eyes open and be ready to buy when you find one.
6. Absolutely!
7. Nor the smell of hot iron and coal, nor the sooty footprints/handprints!