1. Brandon Houck but prefer my writing/smithing name which is Grey Fox.
2. Ardmore Ok 35 min north of Red River on I-35.
3. Not really making much at the moment new to the craft. Will be making knives, axes, maybe a straight razor or 2. If it has a blade and can be forged that's what I'm in to.
4. This one is interesting. While doing some research for ancestry, current novel, and belief system (I am a Heathen). Learned of some of the old ways of making and forging steel and it really peeked my interest. Started watching YouTube videos on blacksmithing (mainly Chandler Dickenson huge fan of his work). Retired from work early (I'm 42 and retired medically) and looking for a hobby not a business granted extra income would be welcomed.) So basically poor on a fixed budget but piecing things together a little at a time. Been doing this for about a year but currently unable to (due too cost of operating and health issues.)
5. Went to a farming supply company and bought a 60lb. anvil.
6. First forge was a brake drum. (Moved up to an actual small coal burning forge.)
7. Assisted by fellow Heathens (in my Kindred) and YouTube. Encouraged by self.
8. The research I had done and I guess a mid-life crisis (that's what we called it before I left work.)
9. The better forge.
10. Find someone with a passion for the trade and ask questions till they can't answer any more.
11. Patience is a gift we all could use more of. Live your dream.
12. The first time that I really realized that I was bending and shaping the steel too my will.
