I have been hammering on steel since a more experienced smith (J.B. Bobet) helped me build a brake drum forge in 2006.
Since then I have had the good fortune to learn from several accomplished smiths. Some of the things that I have learned were handed down in formal lessons, some came from books or videos.
Frank Turley in Sante Fe, NM was the first to give me a formal introduction to the many wonders of forming iron. His 1 week course is a great place for any aspiring blacksmith to learn how to work steel (without the bad habits that we learned watching Conan movies) and become familiar with the tools of the trade. He has a 3 week course that will allow new smith's to get started with a better level of self confidence and proficiency.
I have learned a lot from Don Hansen in Colorado Springs. He helped me make the cat tails and taught me how to make roses, calla lillies , and candle cups.
Andy Morris at Rock Ledge Ranch has also taught me how to create many things during my time as a docent at the museum.
Joseph Gordon has also helped me immensely, some times by teaching me, sometimes by letting me teach him, and sometimes by charging blindly along with me while we set ourselves up for restarting projects...
Everyone at the Jim Seery Memorial Hammer'in has been helpful and supportive with each visit.
If you are ever in Colorado on the first weekend of June, you should stop by. It's a great chance to learn if blacksmithing is something that you would enjoy!
The Hammer-In is going to be the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday that includes the first Saturday of June (when ever that is this year). On the HWY 34 and the Big Thompson River. Follow this link (or cut and paste) to learn more!
http://www.hammerin.info/
Ed Fowler's knife making class is a no nonsense class on making pure functional knives using 52100. His knives are art, but they are not display knives. They exist to cut, skin, work and rely on.
Steve Rollert at Dove Knives in Keenesburg Colorado is an expert in a truckload of bladesmithing and blacksmithing techniques and is a great teacher with regards to anything from building a forge to grinding and finishing a blade and any steps in between. He also sells parts for many grinding machines.
There are also many wonderful books on blacksmithing available.
The Backyard Blacksmith, by Lorelei Sims is one of the best introductions to black smithing available.
The Skills of a Blacksmith Vol 1, by Mark Aspery is an essential piece starting with lesson plans to get a shop set up and teaching the reasons behind the methods.
The Art of Blacksmithing, by Alex Bealer is one of the most in depth books on blacksmithing techniques and history.
Blacksmithing Basics for the Homestead, by Joe DeLaRonde is a book that I have been using lately for new lessons and projects.
Blacksmithing Projects, by Percy Blandford, has projects from beginner to expert.
The Complete Bladesmith and The Pattern Welded Blade by Jim Hrisoulas give wonderful explanations and projects.
The $50 Knife shop and The Wonder of Knifemaking by Wayne Goddard are collections of articles to help bladesmiths get past the numerous tight spots in knife making.
Knife Talk and Knife Talk II, by Ed Fowler are collections of articles about making the most effective and durable knives available.
You can also learn from local smiths, Youtube videos and DVD's available through Blacksmith Depot, Kaine & Sons, Pieh Tools, and Artisan ideas.
The Youtube channels that I am currently following are:
Aaron Gough at Gough Custom Knives has several videos on his methods and tips on how to get started as well as information on tools to start out with
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2YzIih9K5363N4n3ERmhMA
Simple Little Life aka Homestead Knives has a large number of videos ranging from cool knives to techniques to tools to reviews of tools.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSzVcnVuH0lVzyZh7HPsTA
Lewis Razors. Charly Lewis has many videos showing how he creates his razors and is unafraid to leave in the parts that others leave out.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcGjvWlWPtxoN9k-lGsQqpg
Walter Sorrells also has a number of videos about how he made knives and swords. He also has several videos addressing problems that new smiths encounter, as well as offering DVD's for sale.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkLxJCuQZ4hStBfs8TCnT9Q
And don't forget your Smithing Organizations. Abana, Rocky Mountain Smiths, IForgeIron.com, Anvilfire.com, KnifeTalkOnline.com.
And any time you have a question, Ask a smith! We love to talk about what we know and even show off! Just remember that asking 3 smiths will get you 10 opinions at minimum!
