Complete Beginner

Hi all! I'm new to the forum and a complete beginner to blacksmithing in general! Please give me the benefit of doubt where possible and feel free to talk to me like I'm an idiot. I decided to create an account and a thread here in the hopes I can learn from the wisdom of all the experienced blacksmiths here. My story so far: I recently attended a half-day blacksmithing course at the Oldfield Forge in Hereford. We had a fantastic time and "forged" our own wedding rings from sta

Hi all- little update on my progress.... I havent had much time for forging in the lead up to Christmas so I was glad to have this weekend free for some practice! My best friend saw a video online of someone upcycling an old spanner into a hatchet. He asked me to have a go with one he’d found lying around. I had a chap I work with remove the chrome plating with some kind of chemical process before I started, for safety. This particular spanner didn’t have that much meat for t