SmithingEverything Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 I am looking at the book and dvd call A primer in Blacksmithing by Randy McDaniel. The book is $17.83 and the 6 hour dvd set is $139.95. Anyone used these, are they worth it? Should I get both or just the book or just the dvd? Or there is the Artist Blacksmithing: Techniques in action dvd from Peter Parkinson that is $34.78 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LastRonin Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 I haven't seen or used either. But in the nature of human learning, it usually helps to have both written and visual demonstrative information when learning something new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chinobi Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 id start with the book IMO, there are plenty of credible videos on youtube from guys like Aspery, Brazeal and many of the members here that have been quite valuable learning tools for me, and you can watch them on your phone at the forge :) if you find that you need a more indepth explanation or demonstration of the stuff being discussed in the book after having read it two or three times then definitely pick up the DVD's. If you have not already I would also recommend directing your efforts to getting some actual time with other smiths, be it a classroom or even just linking up with another member here that is nearby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSW Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 I've got the book. Not a bad intro to smithing. I haven't yet seen the video. Supposedly I believe our group has a copy in the library members can borrow. I'll have to try and check it out at some time. You can also rent the video from Smartflix for $25 or so. They also have other videos on blacksmithing you can rent. https://smartflix.com/store/category/34/Blacksmithing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtforge Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 I've got both. I would suggest the book first but the video set is very well made, shows a lot and has a better view than at a hammer in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 I have the book. Randy was a short-course student of mine when he was getting started, in the 1970's. I now acknowledge him as an accomplished smith. He has done small work and monumental work of high quality. We had a nice reunion about three years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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