Hello- Phil - Burlington nj

[Tatt2ed13]

Hey gang-
For years ive wanted go get involved with black and or blade smithing .. Both have my interest n have done alot of reading on both aspects .. I really wish I knew places around here that I could maybe visit , watch , n learn .. An apprenticeship is something im starting to put more thought into but unsure again of any places that will be interested in having me get involved ..

But now thanks to this site I think its going to open me up to what is local and if not local maybe someone or some place thats a must see or must go type of recommendation .. Ive workes with sheet metal , welding , and even ran cnc lathes and mills .. But theres just something that pulls my interest more with blacksmithing and forging something from nothing.. Its an amazing thing lol .

Ill stop rambling . Ment to keep it short for the first post haha .. Thanks in advance for the info I have already recieved via this forum and the knowledge to come .

Names phil , and yes .. Im addicted to molten metal and hitting stuff lol..

[DSW]

Hey Phil, welcome to the forum. There are a number of guys in our area here as well as several blacksmithing organizations you can join. Pa Artist Blacksmith Assn ( PABA), and NJ Blacksmith Assn, as others.  Bryn Athyn College in Bucks Co Pa does 4 day basic blacksmithing classes in the summer. They aren't really geared towards knives, but do cover the basics of drawing out and shaping well. Peters Valley in the Delaware Water Gap is another place semi local that does classes. I believe they do have knife classes.

 

PABA does get togethers every other month. Dec one is sort of a show your work and dinner thing, but the Aug and Oct ones let you get dirty. I haven't had the time to do any of the ones in NJ yet, though I have made it to one of the Phila Blacksmith groups meets that Stuart here runs. Work just hasn't let me make any others.

 

 

Take a minute and add your location so we always know where you are at. It makes it easier for guys to answer questions when looking for things like supplies of coal.