ianmack1984 Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 Evening ladies and gents, As the topic suggests, I'm not only new to the site but also new to the hobby of blacksmithing. At present, i havent got a forge or anything yet until I get permission from the mrs to play with fire (or until she trusts me not to burn everything down including myself?). Looking for advice on where to start - probably looking more at a coal forge as opposed to propane/gas purely for safety reasons. Smithing is something I have always been into ever since I made a forged screwdriver back in high school with a knurled handle and should of made that my trade. What would your recommendations for a total beginner be? Aiming more towards making knives and kitchen knives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the iron dwarf Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 welcome Ian im from northants, a few miles south east of you if you ever find yourself in my area call in for a chat I make forges and tools and at my place we also teach learn basic blacksmithing first before you go on to blades Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 Find a fuel near you that is cheap and build a forge to use that fuel. Get something to hit on, something to hit with, and start practicing. A collection of improvised anvils and TPAAAT Are a good place to start. Learn hammer control and now to move metal then you can do what ever you want from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Hammer Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 Welcome to the wonderful world of blacksmithing! Start by reading everything you can on the subject of blacksmithing. Here are some books I found helpful when I started: The Art of Blacksmithing by Alex W. Bealer A Blacksmithing Primer by Randy McDaniel The Backyard Balcksmith by Lorelei Sims Blacksmithing, Basics for the Homestead by Joe DeLaRonde The Blacksmith by Aldren A. Watson Also read the many threads on this forum. There's so much valuable information here. Next thing will be finding tools, anvil, and forge. Take your time and save a lot of money so that you can get a good start. Lastly, smile and get forging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc1 Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 Welcome Ian, may your journey be full of happiness. Just an observation. Blacksmithing is not a hobby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 Welcome aboard Ian, glad to have you. Hey, I made a screw driver in jr. high school metal shop class, it was the only time the instructor lit the forge without loud pestering by the students. The intent of shop classes when I was in school was to teach a useful trade and blacksmithing wasn't considered a trade at the time. Do some reading on the forum for sure, largely to help you develop a handle on the craft's jargon so you can ask good questions and understand the answers. IFI is organized by subject in sections and sub sections. Having a handle on the jargon will make finding subjects of interest to you easier. There are I don't know how many posts in the getting started and beginner's projects sections. I recommend you skim first the subjects, then thread titles, then posts before you start reading in earnest, it'll save you hours even days of sifting posts. If you have any questions give us a shout, it's an addictive craft and we'll help. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted October 14, 2018 Share Posted October 14, 2018 Welcome to the insanity... If you haven't read this yet, I highly suggest it to help with navigating the forum & it's minor idiosyncrasies. If you have read it, let the journey begin. https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/48833-read-this-first/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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