Rattlecat

Should give us an picture of that incident, Rob! I can imagine it was a 'fun' experience.

I wouldn't be too sure Beth! I've been attacked by three dogs myself! (Not that I'm a black smith yet, but it's there.)

Last time I had one was about 5 years back. Not sure if they repeated the process in the military two years ago (they gave us 6 in each arm at the same time. Kinda hard to just assume one is one). Any particular reason the question was brought up though?

Alright, I'll definitely have to put that down.

It wouldn't have been me, unfortunately. I actually contacted the guy five minutes too late! x_@

Man, the guy does sound like he deprives the craft of its necessities. I'm a collector of many things, but even if I collected anvils, they'd most likely be anvils I spent my hard time working on myself, and even then, to deprive any blacksmith looking for such an essential tool for their craft is a selfish endeavor.

Thanks for the welcome Ten. I'm actually probably going to need two anvils, or at least two different types of stands. Since my fiance is joining me on this 'expedition', and he's two feet taller than I am, we're both going to have to put together our own personal sides of the workshop. I'm a tad worried for him, since he was medically separated from the military for scoliosis (it's not 'terrible', but he is 7 degrees off), that he may have trouble leaning over the anvil as I've seen the positioning working. He says if he can find a comfortable routine, it will be fine, but I am worried it may do more damage.

I appreciate the welcomes. They just don't seem to stop, nor does the information, and I adore it. I've dug through Borders and am beginning to order some books both original copies and collective archives so I can sit down and read them, next to the information on this site. I do have a question regarding the anvils though, that I just haven't checked out yet. People state that the heavier the anvil, the better. Is there a particular reason for this?

I've always been slow at reading, mostly because I take the time to digest what's being said, rereading to understand. I like to ensure I get the instructions right before I start hacking away at something (made that mistake when working with swords). I don't think I'll be a record setter. As some have suggested, and as I've personally noted, I like to work on the same process again and again until I -know- I feel comfortable and I know I've gotten the steps correct. If it takes me two days, three days, even a month to learn a certain thing, I'll do it till it's done.

You'd probably laugh if I told you I actually was a part of Amtgard for a couple years. Most people do since for some reason, they seem to believe there's a giant rivalry between Amtgard and SCA. Personally? Never been to an SCA event, never met an SCA person. I'd like to since one of my close friends is doing so. He actually found a blacksmith who wants to interview me for an apprenticeship. Been in the business for 35 years, right in Texas. Kinda hoping it works out, really. While from all the information you've given me, I can get right into it myself, it's still nice to live as an apprentice. But hey, we'll see. Jebus. I never thought I'd walk into a forum and get more then a few replies saying Welcome and enjoy the craft. Been to a couple like that. I really appreciate all the feedback. It's helping immensely.

XD Honestly, I never thought anyone would reply to this. It's one of those things I don't feel needed to be replied to. *pats your shoulders* >3 Trust me, I got your hints in Asking The Experts. This was just a bit of a writing piece I needed to get out before I got started. I got everything written down, the places, the tools, even printed out IForgeIron's every page there, Glenn. Nearly ran out of ink too. It's all bound and ready to be carried wherever I go over the next few weeks, possibly months, possibly years. Yehaw.

You're definitely right. Experience does get you farther. Guess I'll learn as I go. I'll start planning to attend all the places you guys are suggesting. I think I'd feel better putting all my time and effort into going to such places rather then sitting in one spot wondering what tools to mess around with. Like I've said tons of times before, I appreciate the welcome, and I definitely appreciate the assistance and the feedback you guys have given me quickly. Honestly, I'm probably going to have to print out the lessons and all of the replies you guys have given me to get started. Long road ahead, but hey, who's never up for adventure?

Mm, you're right. But it would help to get the tools to begin with. I have no idea of the craft yet aside from what I've read on IForgeIron.com's inventory, so attempting to make a hammer might not be the greatest idea for me just yet. I've got a list of places to visit this weekend, so I'll have to definitely check it out. Our shed has yet to be cleaned out as well. It use to be an automotive shop from what I can tell. It may have some items I can start with.

You don't have to worry, Unicorn. My birthday's coming up in a month though. I'm a bit of a childish adult, if such a thing exists anymore. It's been well known my mother has separation problems, but she thinks of it more as a motherly thing, versus an actual problem. Due to medication her mother took to abort her, she became chemically imbalanced by genes and just outright organs. Migraines every time there's a rainstorm, throws up when they start at the back of her neck, that sort of thing. Three strokes and counting. She'd have to be mentally insane before she checks in, or gets checked into a hospital willing to 'solve the problem'. I've got the same issues genetically as well, but...don't worry. I can definitely handle my stress issues far better then she can. I'm most definitely interested in going where I need to to learn about the craft. Honestly, I'd rather be anywhere then here. My doctor's stated it's actually -added- to my 'depression', the lack of things to do here, or at least things to get into. Like I said, not many are so willing to help guide you into starting a craft of any sort from what I've experienced. :/ But as long as I've got assistance, and a place to go, then yes. I'm most definitely willing to go where necessary, even if it means right down the road or across the nation. Thomas: I just checked out dogbreathsoup's page. Definitely watching him now. My page is rattlekitten. You'll mostly find writings, some drawings, and other random objects that have amused me as of late. It's upsetting to know that because of the attitude towards 'good-looking' art, and the lack of a good definition, people like Dog don't get to the front page. It shouldn't matter what medium you work with, if you're a master at the craft, you deserve to be on that front page. Instead, all we get are nothing but fangirls favoring the most popular mainstream media of the week. Everything's popularity, popularity, popularity. If not that, then money. There's rarely people into it for the challenge, let alone the art anymore.

*points accusingly at Unicorn* You were the first one to visit my page when I arrived on this forum. I have trouble talking to people though. I tend to get nervous when I get into something new, because for some reason, everyone expects you to already have studied and know a good load of things before you even step into their territory. Too use to college entries, I guess. That and my mother's bad habit of finding it highly amusing if I take on something that seems 'way out of my league'. I feel more comfortable when someone's guiding me or helping me out in choosing what would work best, and then I go from there. I also lack a car. My fiance and I are so close to everything that we just walk. It's good exercise, and it helps stress relief when we're stuck in the house for too long. My mother has a seperation anxiety issue, so she has this really big thing about me, her youngest, going off without her exact knowledge of who I'm with, and where. Pretty pitiful for a 20 year old with a fiance, huh? :/ I can definitely try to make it. The only thing preventing us would be my mother's sicknesses which can leave her bedridden. Aside from that, any advice on a budget of cash to bring to such events? I know blacksmithing can be ferociously expensive regarding proper equipment once you know what's needed. Don't have many blacksmithing friends nor family members, so the only thing I'm riding along with is me, my fiance, and this forum's assistance so far. Maybe it's better just to attend, watch, and learn before I decide to start investing. I'm already sure this is what I want to do, but I should still take it a step at a time. Thanks for the welcome Avadon, I already love the cohesiveness the members have here. I've been in the artist community for so long, it's pretty hard to adjust to the fact everyone accepts everyone's skill level. If you've ever traveled to Deviantart, you'll know the higher talent gets all the respect. If you can't match them, you aren't going to get noticed, let alone supported. This place has already become my homepage, so let's see what just happens! (Forgive me for my extremely long and overly sentimental posts. If you can't tell from these and the other post I made in this section, I'm -very- big on writing. Everything inspires me, and I never can seem to say enough to make up for the feelings. XD)