Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

I Forge Iron

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Book suggestions

Featured Replies

My wife just told me she wanted to buy me a new book for my library! I already have,
1.The Blacksmiths Craft
2.Backyard Blacksmith
3.The Complete Modern Blacksmith
4.Blacksmith Basics for the Homestead
5.Blacksmith Projects
6.Basic Blacksmithing An Introduction To Toolmaking
Any suggestions for #7?

I really like my "Blacksmith's Manual Illustrated" by J. W. Lillico. Not much of a pleasure read but I refer to it often when planning projects or ordering steel. Lots of illustrations and some good reference tables. Though I have never actually read it I use it more than any of my other blacksmith books. I refer to it for inspiration and for planning exact steps for more complex projects.

So far your list seems to focus on introductory material. Now you might wish to start acquiring books on specialty areas, such as "Early American Wrought Iron" by Sonn, or a book on heat treating, or a book on one of the areas of historical information. If you give us an idea of what direction you feel your interests are leading you, then recommendations could be tailored to your interests.

I second Francis for now, later stewartsmiths list would be good. Aspery's books will get you away from the completely basic background you have now and prepare you for whats in stewart's list.

Well I will Third Francis on Mark's 2 books !! I have them & waiting for his third when its done. If you haven't meet Mark @ a hammer in then his 2 books are the next best thing :) there very well done !

A Blacksmithing Primer by, Randy McDaniel. When I first started I learned more from this book and dvds than any other.

"The Knight and the Blast Furnace" Williams
"The Celtic Sword" Pleiner
"The Metallography of Early Ferrous Edge Tools and Edged Weapons" Tylecote and Gilmour
"Sources for the History of the Science of Steel" Smith
"The Mastery and Uses of Fire in Antiquity" Rehder
"De Re Metallica" Agricola
"Southwestern Colonial Ironwork: The Spanish Blacksmithing Tradition" Simmons & Turley

Cause you must be interested in the history stuff as I am right?

Now if you have a yen for blademaking I would suggest "The Complete Bladesmith", "The Master Bladesmith" and "The Pattern Welded Blade" Hrisoulas

I have not seen " New Edge of the anvil " by Jack Andrews listed as one to have.

early american wrought iron by sonn. great book for project inspirations. pricy at about $125 but should be in the collection.

'The Artist Blacksmith' and 'Forged Architectural Metalwork' by Peter Parkinson, the first gives a very good intro. to the craft.

If you want stuff to make look at 'Iron and Brass Implemements of the English House' (has a colonial American section too) by John Seymour Lindsay, a classic book.

'Colonial Wrought Iron: The Sorber Collection' by Don Plummer is worth a look to, lots of things to make.

"Another question. Why would I pay $59 for Marks book new when I can get a used copy on Amazon for ONLY $212 ;-)"

I'm sure that if you contacted Mark you could talk him into matching that price---and signing the books too!

I bought one of Mark's book from him, signed through Amazon, and the other book from him, signed, through EBay. Each time Mark kindly contacted me to find out how I wanted each book signed. Apparently he sold/sells books through both web sites, which came in handy in allowing me to spend my Christmas gift-cards on his books. ;-)

Oh I almost forgot in the historical smithing line: "Civil War Blacksmithing" by David Einhorn

"Practical Projects for the Blacksmith" by Ted Tucker. "Hooks Rings and other Things" by Frank T. Barnes.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.