Hello, I am just starting out as a bladesmith and am in need of a steady supply of coal. So far I have only been able to find coal at about $1 per lb with shipping. I am located in the mobile area and am looking to get about three months worth of coal at a time. I have seen that tractor supply sells anthracite coal at about $6 per 50 lb bag but I have mixed feelings on anthracite coal because from everything I have read some people love it and others hate it. any information would be helpful thank you for your help and time 

I happen to like the anthracite for some things.  You might put on your schedual to come to the Alabama Forge Councilmeeting this fall.  Not 100% sure, but there will be tailgating going on and more than likely there will be some coal available.  I do know a guy north of B'ham that sells it too.  I believe in your neck of the woods the Wiregrass chapter meets.   Good luck.

Is it going to hurt much to give a bag of the TS coal a try?  At the very worst you are out 6 bucks and the trip to get some.  At best you might find it serviceable for your needs.

If you ever find and share the magic it takes to get good smithin' coal to oddball areas at realistic(cheap) prices, I'd buy you a steak dinner.  

I'll keep that in mind. Bham is a ways farther than I'd like to go, but if the TS coal doesn't work out you just work with what you've got I guess. AS far as the anthracite coal is, I've heard it is hard to get going, and stay going, also that it doesn't coke well and is terrible for smithing. Thankyou for the information though

Anthracite is not terrible. for smithing. I use it regularly. (also coke). Search this site for anthracite. There are numerous threads, on this web site that discuss anthracite and its use. Keep the blower on during your smith session. The fire will go out if you turn the air off.

SLAG.

Thank you for the information