Back in 2001, before Blacksmithng and Bladesmithing was considered cool, my wife signed me up for a Blacksmith class at the Forge & Anvil in St. Jacobs, Canada. From the first hammer strike I was hooked, and I bought my first anvil on the spot, (which was interesting to explain at the border).
For about 16 years now, smithing on the side (I have a day job), I have worked to develop my skills, taken classes, read books, watched videos, and made up the rest as I went along. I have done some good work, and some not so good! Along the way, I have assembled a smithy that is fairly well equipped for my needs.
In 2016, when my longtime friend Pat Cornwell took an interest in the craft, it really lit a fire under me! (Yeah, I know . . . ) As a result of sharing my experience, I have forged more in the last year than in the past five! Pat's fearless attitude, desire to learn and collaboration have helped me focus my efforts to take my work to the next level. I owe a debt of gratitude to Pat for his help and enthusiasm.
As any Smith will tell you, "Ya' never stop learning." I feel that I am just at the start of the journey, and will continue to forge my path in this awesome craft.
