Hello hello hello everyone,

Well I went and got myself an apprenticeship of sorts. (Of sorts being that it was never officially stated to be an apprenticeship, but that is basically what it is.) Met a local blacksmith who lives close to me named Lester Beckman, don't know if anyone knows him here or not. Went out to his shop yesterday and worked with him half the day, LOVED IT! Things were so much easier with all the right tools and such. Anyways, he agreed to teach me things, and I am going to help him out whenever he needs it. : )

Lucky devil.
Normally some people will be shy to share knowledge in fear of losing business to possible competition in future,

That's not an apprenticeship, it's a lot better, it's a partnership. You aren't signing your life away as an indentured servant for X number of years as an apprentice does. Instead you found a friend who is willing to trade instruction for help. This is how friends do things, help me move and I weld up a trailer hitch for you or whatever.

What you've found is how I've worked with my students in the past I show them the craft and Deb lines out the exchange work. She's much batter at that than I am, I usually end up talking about smithing instead of getting any work done.

So, congratulations.

Frosty

I've taught freely for the last 25+ years; *never* had problems with someone doing me out of business. I have had folks send business my way and have sent business their way when they would be better suited for it.

I agree Thomas - what goes around comes around - life is too short to be suspicious of everyone - share it around! Well done Drako sounds fantastic!! i had a similar situation for a while and it was like GOLD DUST!! these people are out there:)

Congratulations, Drako. Remember, pay it forward.

Bill

yes, good on you, learn what you can.

Good on the gent above for offering the same thing too.

And congratulations on your good fortune Drako, I hope it all goes well for you.

Drako,

You have found a real treasure so treat it as such and value it. Most of us will NEVER have the opportunity you have so learn hard for yourself and work hard for your mentor.

Lucky bu**er :)