Dom

Here ya go...

Yes, Mathieu's hammer in the video is a huge MOB 5 pounders which he swings as easily as if it was a 2 pounds hammer. He told me that the main advantage of that kind of pein is that it is longer while keeping roughly the same mass on either side of the handle.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Still pondering what to do. There are gonna be other sales, I could wait for another opportunity. I'm slowly starting to purchase tool and I wanted to get something with which I could do some work while away from the forge.

OK, it is a 4.5" angle grinder not one of the bigger ones but I get what you mean. This is a bit discouraging but I understand that this might might not be the answer I'd wanted but the one I needed. So, until I get more experience, I guess I should save up for a bench or belt grinder?

There's currently a good sale on a nice angle grinder from a reputable company and I'm wondering how often this is used in blacksmithing. I don't have one and I'm slowly starting to accumulate some tools of my own. Should I go for it on keep the money for something more useful? Thanks!

Possible he could use the tube as a sort of barrier to prevent passerby from just entering and possibly creating a dangerous situation?

I've used a 3lbs cross pein which I'm learning with and tried a bit his monster 5lbs French pattern hammer.

There is no blacksmithing conference close to where I'm living that I know off. My mentor has a lot of different hammers but all made by himself except for one MOB.

I want to purchase a nice hammer for myself. I am a beginner and I fully understand that it is the smith and not the hammer that makes good result and not the other way around. That said, let's just say I want one for personal enjoyment of a well crafted object. I'm hesitating between a 2.5 lbs Czech Style Nathan Robertson from Old World Anvils and a 2.4 lbs (or maybe 3.5) Cross Peen from Big Blu Hammer. Those are the two that I found that ship to Canada for a not so horrible fee. Do you guys have preference/recommendation/advice regarding any or both brands?

Holy moly!

Incredible that such an old blade could be recovered in such pristine condition.

I do not know if this was posted before (but my limited research seemed to point out to the contrary), but there's this interesting video about the forging of a Biscayne Trade Axe on vimeo. Here's the accompanying article which explains the goal of rediscovering the historical method of forging this important tool to the colonization of North America. http://www.lesforgesdemontreal.org/regaining-lost-knowledge-biscayne-axe-head/

According to this Ontario blacksmith shop, you can also get good quality blacksmithing coal through Home Hardware, if the individual store is willing to order from him. http://www.thak.ca/supply/blacksmithing-coal/

Sorry I have no business advice but I just wanted to compliment you on your work. I really like the look of your Cross Peen Hammer. Might have to order one if I'm ever looking for a gift for myself

Using my Google-fu it seems that there is still a "H Riendeau" company selling charcoal. I'll ask my mentor where he's getting his supplies. Good luck with the grinding politics this coming Fall Dom

Thanks guys for the warm welcome. I'll definitely be making something for the lady.

Hi everyone, new enthusiast here from Montreal. My lovely wife decided to offer me a introductory blacksmithing course for father's day which I will be starting next week. I'm really excited and I've started reading New Edge of the Anvil. Hope it'll be the start of a great new hobby.