why’d you start forging?

[Kelvena_Element]

Everybody's got that one story about how they wound up hammering hot steel instead of doing something easier. For me, it wasn't romantic... I just wanted a decent knife, couldn't afford the boutique stuff, and figured I'd make one myself. One sketchy propane forge later, I was stuck in the rabbit hole. That was years ago, and I still haven't "saved money" on knives because I keep buying tools and stock. I know some of you came in through welding, machining, SCA, or just lucking into an anvil at a garage sale. Let's hear it! what was the spark that pushed you into blacksmithing?

 

[Jo Melon]

Everybody's got that one story about how they wound up hammering hot steel instead of doing something easier. For me, it wasn't romantic... I just wanted a decent knife, couldn't afford the boutique stuff, and figured I'd make one myself. One sketchy propane forge later, I was stuck in the rabbit hole. That was years ago, and I still haven't "saved money" on knives because I keep buying tools and stock. I know some of you came in through welding, machining, SCA, or just lucking into an anvil at a garage sale. Let's hear it! what was the spark that pushed you into blacksmithing?

I got started back in the late '70s after helping a neighbor repair a gate hinge. He had an old coal forge and let me swing the hammer while he talked me through it. I was hooked before the hinge cooled. Over time I built up a small shop behind the barn and started teaching kids from the local 4-H. What kind of steel are you using for your knives these days and do you still run the same propane setup or upgrade along the way?

 

[Ohio Rusty]

I got into living history back in the early 80's. I loved all the iron goods. I bought 'stuff' initially so I had ironware for my camp. I had friends that were blacksmiths and paired up with them to learn the smithing trade and so I could make my own goods. That blossomed into making lots of stuff for the re-enactor hobby. I have been really fortunate to have been mentored by some of the best smiths and knife makers, some now are gone. I am happy to keep their teachings alive and hammer out really nice stuff that works well, well made and is pleasing to the eye.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[Scott M]

A lift arm on my tractor broke. Not very romantic or long winded.

 

[t_bone]

@Kelvena_Element not an interesting story for me either. I just needed a new axe head. The old one broke on me, and I was looking at replacement prices and just went, 'Nah, I can do better.' It was a steep learning curve, but there's nothing quite like using a tool you made yourself

 

[Billinthedesert]

The seed was planted long, long ago at a cable ferry across the Willamette River at Independence, Oregon, for many the terminus of the Oregon Trail. The year was 1959 and the state of Oregon was celebrating its 100th birthday. In addition to a gathering of covered wagons, horses, mules and oxen, a blacksmith had set up a small forge and he was making rings out of horseshoe nails for five cents. He made one to fit my six-year-old's finger, cooled and buffed it and Dad paid him his nickel. I never forgot this, and chancing many decades later upon Tim Lively's neo-tribal washtub forge video and an old Champion blower, I decided to give it a try. Never much good at it but it is good for my soul. Hope to get back in action this fall. My Champion #140 blower just arrived from eBay.

 

[Mike the Blacksmith]

My story is a little different. At the age of 5 I started to spend weekends going with my Grandfather to his Ornamental Metal shop. Forging & fabricating architectural items to church furnishings in Iron, brass,bronze,copper, stainless & aluminum. I have been at it professionally for over 55 years, still love it.