blacksmith's horseshoes joke

[t_bone]

My high school buddy and I have been a blacksmith for like 20 years, has this running joke that's getting less funny by the day.

He's really creative, he makes all this amazing stuff, like dragons, hardware, flowers, you name it. but every single time, people ask him if he makes horseshoes.

I mean, yh I got these kinds of comments several times, but didn't really think about it.
Idk if they meant it as a joke, just that my buddy's really fed up lol.
He's got a ton of respect for farriers, but that's just not his thing.
Then, there's the railroad spike thing. He says he's sick of people asking if he works with them.

He just doesn't get the big deal. It's metal, he can get new metal exactly the way he wants it. Anyone else dealt with this?
What kind of projects are you guys making that do get the respect you deserve?

and has anyone found a clever way to change the subject or a good comeback when people ask about horseshoes?

 

[Larylambo]

I haven't been doing this for too long, but I can understand the frustration. People who aren't in this industry associate it with these kinds of common things and it's sometimes difficult to explain. Sorry I can't help you out with the horseshoe question. Maybe mention something about horsing around?

 

[gl0vetr0tt3r]

My high school buddy and I have been a blacksmith for like 20 years, has this running joke that's getting less funny by the day.

He's really creative, he makes all this amazing stuff, like dragons, hardware, flowers, you name it. but every single time, people ask him if he makes horseshoes.

I mean, yh I got these kinds of comments several times, but didn't really think about it.
Idk if they meant it as a joke, just that my buddy's really fed up lol.
He's got a ton of respect for farriers, but that's just not his thing.
Then, there's the railroad spike thing. He says he's sick of people asking if he works with them.

He just doesn't get the big deal. It's metal, he can get new metal exactly the way he wants it. Anyone else dealt with this?
What kind of projects are you guys making that do get the respect you deserve?

and has anyone found a clever way to change the subject or a good comeback when people ask about horseshoes?

The horseshoe and railroad spike questions is honestly a tale as old as time! Tell your buddy he's not alone. It's just what the general public associates with the craft, the most basic, recognizable things they can name. Maybe for a good comeback, he could try a clever twist like, "Nope, no horseshoes, but if you have a dragon that needs new scales, I'm your guy." It's a fun way to acknowledge their question while showing them what you actually do. Also when people see the level of detail, they stop thinking about horseshoes and start seeing the craft for what it is. Just keep doing the awesome work you're doing, and the questions will eventually shift!

 

[wella102]

Showing your work at galleries, craft fairs, or online can shift how people see blacksmithing, more art, less horseshoes. What does he make? A fresh angle can really click with people.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

I made a tiny horseshoe for those questions. I tell folks it is for a baby unicorn as don't like getting stepped on. I also get the question alot ... "Have you seen Forged in Fire? "
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[FPDoc]

Ive kept the first pair of horseshoes that I made, under the harsh eye of a master farrier and from scratch.. 3/8" x 3/4" stock.. creased, forepunched and pritchel punched.. 50yrs ago.. it is more difficult and complex than you might think *especially if you get into corrective shoes..but worth learning a little about.. nothing you learn is ever wasted.. I still make little "horseshoes" at public shows sometimes.. for groups of children visiting usually... easy bend and turned cleats at heels as something to demonstrate forging and why it was so important in the past. I saved working on more complex or envolved projects unless the people watching were interested in all the sweating before the "magic" part happens and the item comes to life also children's eyes are anvil height so I never weld with children standing close-by (on parents shoulder is ok). I sold them for 1$ each and the kid gets the one he/she watched me make for them.. gave me a chance to talk about the history and importance of blacksmithing in the past.. from tools to armor and weapons to spoons and skillets, plows and locks and hinges.. We were the 3D printers of the past.. the absolute pinnacle of engineering accomplishment of the time.. people don't understand or have never thought about the role that the "village" blacksmith played in the lives of those around them.. First powered equipment (horse powered treadmills or hit-and-miss engines for line shafts and electricity in a community for example.. fascinating things to share with others as we mess around with our coal fires and noisy toys.

 

[FPDoc]

Ive kept the first pair of horseshoes that I ever made, under the harsh eye of a master farrier and from scratch.. 3/8" x 3/4" stock.. creased, forepunched and pritchel punched.. 50yrs ago.. it is more difficult and complex than you might think *especially if you get into corrective shoes..but worth learning a little about.. nothing you learn is ever wasted.. I still make little "horseshoes" at public shows sometimes.. for groups of children visiting usually... easy bend and turned cleats at heels as something to demonstrate forging and why it was so important in the past. I saved working on more complex or envolved projects unless the people watching were interested in all the sweating before the "magic" part happens and the item comes to life also children's eyes are anvil height so I never weld with children standing close-by (on parents shoulder is ok). I sold them for 1$ each and the kid gets the one he/she watched me make for them.. gave me a chance to talk about the history and importance of blacksmithing in the past.. from tools to armor and weapons to spoons and skillets, plows and locks and hinges.. We were the 3D printers of the past.. the absolute pinnacle of engineering accomplishment of the time.. people don't understand or have never thought about the role that the "village" blacksmith played in the lives of those around them.. First powered equipment (horse powered treadmills or hit-and-miss engines for line shafts and electricity in a community for example.. fascinating things to share with others as we mess around with our coal fires and noisy toys.