Brian923

So I was able to pick up my first forge today. It's a little rough but I think I got a good deal on it. I am brand new to blacksmithing but can't wait to start heating some things up and making stuff. I picked up this forge with an electric drive blower, (needs a new motor) a bucket of hammers and tongs, 30 farriers rasp, some swages and hardy tools and about 2000 pounds of miscellaneous steel (anywhere from angle iron to 40 pounds pieces) for $240. The hood is handmade from the previous owner but the whole forge tub/body is solid cast iron. 

I will try and search more on this topic sorry about that. I live in norther Illinois so no oil fields near me, but I Am going to try and find a steel recycling place around here. Biggest thing with that is knowing exactly what your getting

Hi all, just starting out. Got myself a really nice used anvil and am currently building a natural gas forge. Was going to attempt to make some tongs as a starting project and was just curious as to what steel is used for blacksmithing tools? How about for hammers or handy hole tools? Thanks!