The Blacksmith's Craft: A Primer of Tools & Methods

I took up interest in smithing a couple months ago. I searched and searched for a book that is for the beginner, for someone who has never picked up a hammer before like myself, and I still haven’t been able to pick up a hammer. I have read part way into this book and everything makes sense. I’ve had the book for a month and a half. This book isn’t only easy to understand, but easy to put everything together and know what you’ll need to start smithing. Especially if you’re on a tight budget! For anyone looking into smithing as a beginner, I recommend giving this book a chance…and I hate books.

If you are interested in blacksmithing,have no metal working experience andare short on funds, I cannot recommendthis book enough.Originally entitled "Country Blacksmithing",when it was first published in the early 80'sCharles McRaven:[...]has revised (slightly) and reissued thisbook as "The Blacksmith's Craft A Primerof Tools and Methods." The author is anexpert in building with stone and timberframing. Finding himself in need of tools,he decided to make his own and so learnedblacksmithing in a way which combines19th techniques with 20th centurymaterials "recycling".I discovered the first editionand immediately coveted it because McRavenwrites WELL! He is lucid and the photographsare plentiful. Reading this is almost likehaving a conversation with an experienced"Country" or farm yard blacksmith as it isclear and concise and colorful.It's not what you would call comprehensive,with respect to the subject, but thereis more than enough here to get a backyardtoolsmith started making his own tools.If you are serious about banging on iron,this should not be your only metal workingtome, but it is an excellent startIMHO and in fact might be about the onlybook you need.

Quite a few how to’s. Kind of general so you can use your imagination. Lots of great stories from the trade. I had a great time reading it!

My Step-Dad really enjoyed this book!

There is lots of interesting and worthwhile information in this book. It is primarily focused on the beginner to intermediate blacksmithing enthusiast, however more advanced levels would also benefit from this book, as I have found it to be an excellent reference source and definitely a worthwhile inclusion on my bookshelf.

I have already made several of the projects described in this book since starting it. It's a valuable resource to have for anyone who is interested in the blacksmithing trade as a hobby or for supplement income.

A very informative and exciting read. Finished it in no time flat. An emphasis more on practical forge work than anything else, which is probably the best place for beginners to start. Will look for a hard copy to put on the shelf.

I really liked the home-spun humor and stories of the Ozarks, involving history and an interesting twist in how blacksmiths were involved in many if not all aspects of a pioneer community, many still applicable today.

Very informative

Excellent product in every way. No complaints or negative feedback at all... I would buy again.

アメリカの鍛冶屋のすべてが書き尽くされている面白い本でした。ただ、英語ですのでその点は、クリアーしなければなりませんが、豊富なイラストで紹介されておりますので、日本には無い『鍛冶屋スタイル』の勉強には面白い本だと思います。

un livre qui n est pas au gout du jour pas d illustration potable je m attendais a autre chose !!! c est un livre que je vais vendre dans une vente de garage 1 a 2 $ . c est un livre pour quel qu un qui n a jamais pris un marteau dans ces mains .

Packed with informations. Really helpful. a great book