jimbob Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 The Skills of a Blacksmith, Vol 1, Mastering the Fundamentals of Blacksmithing this appears to be a self published book as there is no printing information. you can order it from Mark Asperys web site at Book I have a number of Blacksmithing books this is the best that I have found He shows how to make a number of projects but before doing so he shows step by step how to make the tools needed to make it. I highly recommend this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtforge Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 I picked mine up from Blacksmith's Journal at a conference in Illinois. I highly recommend this book. It shows very clear high quality step by step pictures of techniques and projects. I have a lot of blacksmithing books already so it takes something special to get me to buy another one. The series of photographs on hammer swing was great to show my daughter what I was talking about instead of getting the blank stare trying to describe it. I'm waiting on the next book The Skills of a Blacksmith Volume 2 - Joinery and Leafwork. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leah Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 Looks good, Jimbob, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcraigl Posted September 13, 2007 Share Posted September 13, 2007 I get to take his Leafwork class in Nov. down in Pasadena. I'm really looking forward to that. I took a pattern welding class from him last year that was quite good. I've been around Mark at several hammer-in's and he's a great guy. I'll have to forward a link to this thread so he can see that folks are enjoying the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbob Posted September 14, 2007 Author Share Posted September 14, 2007 I'd love to take one of his classes ...I got my copy of the book from a guy in my guild that had taken one. he bought several books from him for resale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug C Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Of all the books I have on smithing this is my favorite. What is good about it? - Clear step by step intructions - Discussion of the 'why' not just the 'how to' - Discussion of pitfalls and how to correct some mistakes - An easy to read style of writing - Photos, photos, photos - Did I mention Photos? They are clear with good contrast and relevant - Material lists for each project - I good set of tools when I am done with the book - A sense of excitement waiting for the next book Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divermike Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Dang, you guys got me hooked, now I gotta go but this one, I was jonesing last night and got out my original copy of "edge of the anvil" and was browsing the Yellin photos at the rear, thanks for the reviews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted T Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 (edited) The Skills of A Blacksmith ~ by Mark Aspery I am definitely going to buy Mark’s book. The only reason I have not done so to date is due to procrastination on my part. I have had the privilege of seeing Mark at work. If he is ever in your area, please do yourself a favor and try not to miss a chance to learn from him. When Mark works, it is with steadfastness, purpose, and his energy is applied with skills groomed from his strict apprenticeship training and years of application. I firmly believe that Mark has the ability to view the craft of blacksmithing from many different angles. I found that he not only had a superior technical knowledge of blacksmithing skills, but also a broad understanding of the peripheral sub topics of the craft such as the business, people, and circumstance. As he teaches, he not only teaches the applied skills of blacksmithing, but he also includes design considerations, cost benefit considerations, and some marketing approaches. In my opinion, weather you are a full time professional, part time business/hobbyist, or hobbyist, you cannot go wrong with what Mark teaches. Ted Throckmorton Edited January 2, 2009 by Ted T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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