Stefflus Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 First, I'd like to mention that I've not read this english translation, only the original Norwegian edition. if "The Complete Bladesmith" by James Hrisoulas is mandatory for you english speaking lot, then this book by Håvard Bergland is ours. I'm told it's on the reading list of our smithing school at Hjerleid. The book covers most aspects of smithing. It begins with basics on firemanagement and tools, then goes through some tutorials of increasing difficulty. There are chapters on knives, axes and other woodworking tools. There's power hammer theory and tutorials, restoration work, hinges and fittings, locksmithing, wheelwright, and artist smithing. All richly illustrated with pictures and very good drawings over almost 400 pages (in the Norwegian edition). This book, along with the two swedish books by Norèn and Enander, is the sort of book that I can be found perusing through with a glass of wine, even though I've read them thoroughly several times. The only negative thing I have to say is that Håvard Bergland is a firm believer in edge packing. Please chime in if you've read the english translation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judson Yaggy Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 I have a copy of the English translation, it's one of the best beginner/intermediate books to be published in years. Well translated. Great photos and drawings, many well written chapters on diverse smithing topics and aspects, and even some pages devoted to letting people know how great blacksmithing conventions can be (with more great photos). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teenylittlemetalguy Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 I have the translation as well and agree it is an excellent beginners book. I found the advance portions short on the kind of details that really matter.that may be a translation issue though. I did enjoy the portion on gimlets though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dontpaymenomind Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 This book is as good as any of the books I have read for a beginner. It is a bit more detailed with history and function of any given tool and covers a broader range of the blacksmith experience. Really similar to a school textbook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stefflus Posted January 16, 2015 Author Share Posted January 16, 2015 Forgot to mention there's a video of the author in action on youtube, they're forging an axe in some central european (Czech? German? Polish?) smithing fair/competition. Almost looks like they are fooling around with both sledge work and machine hammer, also testing the axe by cutting a piece of mild steel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btc7ERuWx7Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLWNLQ4vRM8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 I received my copy yesterday. I've only scanned it so far, but it looks good. I especially liked all the drawings, diagrams, and photos, some of the latter in color. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rashelle Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 It's been on my to get list for awhile. Oops already been answered. Looks like I'll be ordering it soon then, heehee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 For Christmas, my shop helper, Taylor, gave me a Mark Aspery book on leaf work. Yesterday, I ordered my second Art of Traditional Blacksmithing book to give to him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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