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)

That sounds fantastic Jymm. I'd love to get some lessons from you, even just to watch. I know it's going to be a long-xxx road to getting into any finished products, but I'm honestly not interested in stopping. Blacksmithing has always fascinated me, and I'm just not interested in ignoring something that aggravates me day in and day out XD. It's moreso southern/western PA, but yeah, we're about 2 hours from Gettysburg. Moved up from Clear Spring, MD. It's pretty xxxxxx boring out here, and honestly, we've got three sheds and two backyards I know I could fill with something far more interesting then grass.

I am indeed a lady. Well, a female at least. I can't say I'm a lady. I've got the attributes of males thanks to the Air Force, if not for my brother. One of the biggest problems with people thinking I could be a blacksmith is my body entirely, not just being female. For one, I'm a bit chest heavy, and two, (don't laugh), I'm 4'10". No joke. Anvils have to be on the -floor- for me at this rate. XD. I don't want people to assume I adhere to a particular gender, such as an all-female group or an all-male group, but it is a bit awkward to see someone like me even thinking of entering a forge. Aside from that, I probably wouldn't have any trouble learning the gist of blacksmithing. I'll definitely have to check out Lorelei's page, though!

*waves* Welcome to IFI! Already loving the gorgeous ironworks your site has to show. Hope you enjoy this place as much as I am :3

Long hours in the shop, sweating to the bone, dozens of empty water bottles by the door, or maybe even dozens of water buckets. Filth and grime layered enough to make even the finest jacuzzi scream in terror, and possibly make your own spouse leave you with your precious endeavors. You blacksmiths truly have it hard. Hard enough that even modern day blacksmiths, such as the ones who use machines to calculate and carve out a sword pattern; make you look useless, and possibly even angry at the simplicity they've gained through less work and more machine. For the past few hours, just like the past few weeks, I've wondered if it was possible to become an apprentice, to find a school, to find books, or to find the money and time to start as a blacksmith, stay a blacksmith, succeed a blacksmith. The most labor I've done in my life is 6 grueling weeks of Basic Training in the Air Force, and working with my father in construction and repair. Even with all this experience, I don't think I've come across another group, artisan or otherwise, that has the work you fellas do. When people say you need to practice to become good at it, Blacksmithing has to be the primitive subject those people must think about, when it comes to the time and dedication one needs to like it, love it, and practice it until perfect. Today's society is overwhelmingly easy, both in mind, and in education. Every now and then you find a very good person, or a very good school, that teaches what should be taught, that listens to what should be listened to. I know how it must feel for the blacksmiths who take on apprentices, only to find their interests in the making of a sword make them angry at the blacksmith for 'not teaching them anything'. I know how it must feel for the blacksmiths who overhear that some kid playing Fable wanted to learn blacksmithing, then turns about and sneers at the profession for being nothing like in the game. The future has truly dumbed down everything. I most definitely feel for you. I've pursued the dream of being a good artist for years, on and off, practice when I feel it necessary, and I know how difficult it is to start something, and how much more difficult it is to continue with it until finished. To achieve the status of a blacksmith is possibly overwhelming. And for that, I have to say, I can't back down. I started a search two weeks ago to find a blacksmith to take me as an apprentice, to find someone who could point me in the right direction, and even a place to start. To find a forum like this, with people like this, who understand their craft to the core is not only overwhelming compared to other artisan craft forums, it's bloody inspiring. It's also a goal. For that, I can't back down. Out of all the challenges my simple life has seen, blacksmithing may be the one I like the best. If anything, the constant chatter and posts about how difficult and frustrating it is to be a blacksmith, just to start and pursue and continue over the years the refinement of the craft--has become a chip on my shoulder. Something that I haven't had in a long while. If one asked what more there is to just following a dream, I would probably add that you don't just follow your dream, but you follow the others who share your dream. Most like to wish they're the only ones to pursue a specific goal, but I think I like the idea of every single person on this forum in the same craft, the same line of work, the same desire, is far more fulfilling then doing it on your own. I came here because like most fantasy-loving kids, I wanted to make swords and shields and daggers and weapons crafted just like in the old days. I still plan to, I can tell you that. I already have my 'ultimate goal' in mind regarding the results of physical labor and year-filled learning. But, I've decided, I'm not just here for the swords. My little childhood fantasies can wait. Clearly you've all had your own share of people with the same swordsmithing dream who quit when they couldn't handle the labor. I don't want to be another 'bad student'. So they all can wait. What I'm interested in doing is blacksmithing. Learning how to approach it, how to do it, how to expand my abilities in it, and how to create everything possible with it. The swords can wait. I want to be a blacksmith, just like the rest of you. And if that means I have to visit this forum every blasted minute my eyes are open, and even sleep with hammer hits ringing in my ears...well then. I'll get it hot, hit it hard, and I'll quit when I'm xxxxxx finished. Mm. Thank you. :3

Mm. Would have been more of a service if one of my wingmen hadn't sent me to the hospital -.-. I was getting shipped to California too. Alas. So. I may still come to Texas. But in the meantime, this is something that's been the "humor" of my pals lately ever since I started my search. They just can't seem to imagine any chicks in the blacksmithing business. Should I prove them wrong? :D

Thanks for the quick replies and the sound advice. I'll continue my search tonight. :3

Thank you all for the generous replies, I honestly appreciate them. I do understand that when I state I want to make swords and shields, I -will- be laughed at. After all, blacksmiths were more then just creators of war weapons. Blacksmithing is an art in itself, and being an artistic sort of person, I respect them greatly. I can tell you I am willing to do this, whatever time it takes, whatever hard work must be endured. I'm willing to toss everything I have (minus the computer, clearly.) in order to move wherever necessary to get an apprenticeship, or any form of studying done regarding traditional blacksmithing. I've done many things in my life, and nothing has constantly held my attention like blacksmithing. I live in Pennyslvania, currently with my parents after being medically separated from the USAF. (My hip decided to dislocate itself temporarily). Fayetteville, PA specifically. My current friend helping me on my blacksmithing search lives in Texas, and having been there for Basic, it's the least of my worries to prevent me from learning. I am willing to move anywhere in the US to find this profession, and learn it. Regarding traditional blacksmithing, I'm trying to lean away from the use of modern machinery to do the work for me. -I- want to do the work. I want it to be my sweat and blood that goes into every piece of work. I've attended a welding class in my old high school business academy, and watching a machine do everything while you ensure it does everything is nice, but it takes away from the true craftsmanship. You can teach your hands to do everything, but it takes skill in other crafts to teach a machine to do it. From what I can tell, the majority of you welcoming me happen to live in Texas with your craft, and if I have to go there to learn it, then by all means. I will!

As you probably can guess, I'm new here, and completely new to blacksmithing. If I told you what got me into wishing I was, you'd laugh at me, or at least roll your eyes and ask me to spend my time elsewhere. But honestly, I'm a bit of a stubborn fool. I've always been a fan of the crafts. Art, woodworking, jewelcrafting, welding; the problem is the assumptions. The assumptions from those very skilled in the trade thinking newbies are just looking for instant gratification, and the assumptions from the newbies thinking they'll -get- their reward the first day. I can't be like that, I've realized every craft takes skill and some talent to excel. It's no fast food restaurant. I come here, because for two weeks now I've been searching through websites over many hours, looking for a traditional and modern blacksmith. Being a fan of the old, yes, I want to make swords and shields and weapons. I am your 'It looks cool in Fable and Warcraft, why not try it?" type of person. But I want to make something out of it. I want to be able to excel in craftsmanship regarding those weapons. Not just show I can make your typical blade, but give it improvements and personal touches. I realize the work is hard, and I realize that many people, especially with inspirations like mine, go into it thinking they'll be the greatest and no one's opinion or advice is good enough for them. On both sides, they go home disappointed, irritated, or aggravated. I want to be practical. I'm looking for someone in my area, that has the traditional blacksmith in them, the one seeking an apprentice to pass skills onto, the one who doesn't laugh when you walk in saying you want to create horseshoes and swords, and the one who wants to make something out of someone using their knowledge. I truly want to get into this craft, whatever the reason I choose to do it for. I just need someone as willing as I am to help lead me in the right direction.