And Hershel House also has 3(?) Basic Blacksmithing videos out - through American Pioneer Video, the same people who put out Mark Baker's series. They are a good introduction, showing you all the steps to do a number of projects - hook, fork, spatula, grease lamp, flint striker, lead ladle, even a backwoods knife.
But the video I always go back to watch is from Colonial Willaimsburg called Hammerman at Williamsburg. Sort of a Day-in-the-life type introduction to blacksmithing. Not a "how to" video, but some good stuff in it. Even the Gunsmith at Williams burg has some good blacksmithing in it - by Wallace Gussler. These were originally filmed in 1969 or 1970.
Tucker's book Practical Projects for Blacksmiths is a good book to start with. Also the New Edge of the Anvil, and The Village Blacksmith.
There are a couple fairly new blacksmithing books out there that I have heard good reports on. Backyard Blacksmithing is one - if I remembered the name right.
Also check out the web site for Centaur Forge. They are the largest horse shoeing supply company in the US. But they also carry lots and lots of tools. Their catalog is free. And about 1/3 of it is BOOKS and VIDEOS. It's like putting a kid in a candy store! Their web site is
www.centaurforge.com
But you can't beat just showing up at a blacksmith's hammer-in. You get to see and talk to lots of other blacksmith's - some full-time professionals, and many hobby smiths. And most are more than happy to help a beginner out. Plus they often have "tailgate" sales, and are a great network for tools/supplies. So check in on the ABANA site for groups near you. Or check out the BAM web site - Blacksmith Association of Missouri. And the Alabama Forge Council is also great for info.
But don't go around to visit other blacksmith's and expect to ... mooch ... off of them and get free instruction. There have been a number of people who "imposed" on the good nature of fellow blacksmiths and caused a number of problems in the past. Most will pretty freely share. But some people pushed it waaaaay too far. A few years ago, one guy hit all the professional knife makers up here. He would just ... show up ... at their shops one day, and hung around asking lots of questions until he basicly got private one-on-one instruction in knife making. He, and his girlfriend, even "expected" to be invited in to "share" meals. And they hung around until ... kicked out. Professional Leeches.
So be respectful, and ask. Help will be freely given - if you don't abuse it.
Mikey - that grumpy ol' Blacksmith out in the Hinterlands
