New Edge of the Anvil: A Resource Book for the Blacksmith

Book Description

The tenet of this book is provide a tool for artists/blacksmiths and metalworkers. It tells how to work metal: heating it, cutting it, upsetting it, drawing it out, twisting it, forge welding it and shaping and assembling it. It tells about metallurgy and tool making, metal finishes and corrosion, sources of information and supplies, charts and guidelines for many tasks. It explains the process of design, how to use the computer in metal design, how to set up a business and how to manage it. Providing an inspiration for all blacksmiths are portfolios of the wrought iron work of Martin Rose and Samuel Yellin, two of America's premier metalworkers of the past. To further inspire and to show the new focus of blacksmithing in the metal arts, six contemporary metalworkers show a series of demonstration pieces of their iron work. This 256 page book is bound with an improved binding system (Otabind) that allows the pages to lay flat.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant.......2006-12-27

This is a great book to learn beginning blackmisthing.. I've bought or found a dozen or so books and this is the best.

Good for Beginners.......2006-08-08

This is my 1st year to pursue blacksmithing. I have read a number of books on the subject, but I am not a seasoned smith.

I have seen recommendations for this book several places on-line, so I had high hopes. The book starts by identifying the tools, then covers a few basic projects, adds some metallurgy information, then we get a portfolio of beautiful works by Master Craftsmen. The section on performing a spark test using a grinder could have used some color photos. I would have liked a few more projects, and maybe a few more drawings.

The book was good as far as it went, although the edition that I received in 2006 had several awkwardly phrased sentences. It was almost as if the writer was interrupted in mid sentence, or went back to edit a sentence and left extra words in.

For my own library, I will keep this book, but I am still looking ...

Great book for the self-starter.......2005-12-06

Jack Andrews' "New Edge of the Anvil" is a great book for getting started in blacksmithing. It has clear text, detailed pictures, and inspiring blacksmith's profiles. I find myself referencing it often. Highly recommended.

One of the best for beginning blacksmithing.......2005-08-06

I am a beginning blacksmither and have been getting books from our library. This is one that is so good, I wanted to own a copy.

Very clear and good descriptions of technique, tests for tempering, pros and cons of various forge designs and some gorgeous examples of the blacksmiths art to drool over.

This is an excellent book.......2005-05-01

I got this book in a box of foundry, and forging manuals. I started reading it, and it reaaly breaks down how to do the projects in it. I will, and have recomended this book for any new smith, or student of metal works. As well as any kid wet behind the ears who wants to learn the ways of the smith.

Average customer rating:

Well Done!!

The Contemporary Blacksmith
Dona Z. Meilach
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0764311069

Book Description

This important new book tackles the burgeoning revival of the blacksmith's art. Author Dona Meilach has brought together over 500 works by nearly 200 artist-craftsmen from sixteen countries to illustrate the unprecedented activity in modern ironwork that has led to its blossoming into a serious art form. You'll learn several techniques using hot and cold forming with the results clearly shown. You'll be able to recognize how a fence, railing, grille, table, chair, knife, and other items evolve, and better appreciate their design and workmanship. Each chapter provides background for the type of objects shown-- architectural ironwork, sculpture, furniture, containers and vessels, lighting fixtures and candleholders, fireplace accessories, wind vanes, household and liturgical items, and the incredible knives made of Damascus steel. You'll find ample information for how and where to begin your own study in this extensive resource list of organizations, Internet sources, publications, museums, and educational opportunities. The Contemporary Blacksmith** undoubtedly should be found in the libraries of every metalworker, art educator, architect, interior designer, ironwares collector, and crafts person.

Customer Reviews:

Well Done!!.......2000-09-26

I preordered this book, not really knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. This book is a wonderful collection of photographs of modern blacksmiths works. It has a lot of those smiths who have become known as masters within the community. It was well worth it, just to see what other smiths were doing.

- Ex Blacksmith ~ Colvin Run Mill

Average customer rating:

Great book

truly excellent beginner's over-view

Excellent Book

Clear step-by-step instructions with photos

great primer

The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith (Back Yard)
Lorelei Sims
Manufacturer: Quarry Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

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The Complete Modern Blacksmith

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

Blacksmithing Primer: A Course in Basic and Intermediate Blacksmithing

Metal: Forming, Forging, and Soldering Techniques

Blacksmithing Projects

ASIN: 1592532519

Book Description

The Backyard Blacksmith takes the mystery out of blacksmithing, but not the magic...

There is an increasing interest and revival in the art of blacksmithing as a hobby and art, and both men and women are becoming at-home blacksmiths. Blacksmithing is a simple, rewarding craft anyone can enjoy in their backyard or home workshop -- even beginners can produce useful and beautiful projects on their first try.

The Backyard Blacksmith shows you how blacksmithing can be easy to learn, and a rewarding hobby, with some patience and a working knowledge of metals, basic tools, and techniques. Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges, and handles, and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2007-09-07

The author clearly put a lot of time into this book, and it shows. Clearly explains the basics of blacksmithing without jargon and with useful illustrations. It is entirely on the level about the pros and cons of blacksmithing, the dangers, the rewards, and it is written with engaging humor at times. Great job. I recommend this highly for the beginner!

truly excellent beginner's over-view.......2007-09-01

I attended a full-day blacksmithing class a couple of years ago, and have since bought an anvil, propane forge, and assorted tools. While there is no substitute for actually attending a blacksmithing class, this book gives a truly excellent over-view of the craft for beginners. Ms. Sims provides the basic information on a workshop's contents and layout, has very good pictures showing basic techniques, and provides step-by-step instruction for a few projects. The layout of the book is superb, effectively bridging the gap between the craft and the reader. Ms. Sims also has practice pointers interspersed throughout the book, to relate her own experience in achieving certain results or avoiding injury. I highly recommend this book for anyone considering giving blacksmithing a try.

Excellent Book.......2007-03-22

This book is an exceptionally clear and concise introduction to Blacksmithing. She begins with the basics and gradually takes you through to advanced subjects. The color pictures and illustrations are particularly helpful. Practically every subject covered has a color picture that assists in understanding the material.
This is truly a invaluable book book for the beginner and helpful reference guide for advanced blacksmiths.

Clear step-by-step instructions with photos.......2007-02-01

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

With use of modern equipment and traditional blacksmithing techniques you too can create works of art. Heat and hammer work together along with controlled movement to produce works of art. Lorelei Sims finds the "repetitive motions such as tapering, flattening, scrolling and texturing have actually become meditative." "My goal is to provide knowledge, insight, and inspiration to enthusiasts interested in implementing their own backyard smithy."

Chapter one discusses appropriate site, setting up your workspace and safety. Ms Sims goes in great detail concerning safety. Burns, even minor should be held under cold water for several minutes but do not apply ice to the burn. You'll need a first aid kit, hose and fire extinguisher. You should never "allow others inside your work triangle. All visitors should wear safety glasses. Good lighting is must." Most of the precautions were common sense but today not everyone has common sense.

Chapter two begins the discussion of equipment. The book continues with the discussion of iron, coal and tending the fire. She discusses how to use the tools. Each chapter has inserts of "Tricks of the Trade" and "safety Tips." Techniques are offered for assembling several pieces of forged iron.

"This book is for the person who has always wanted to try blacksmithing, but has never had the opportunity. It is my desire to present the basic tool usage and forging techniques in the simplest manner possible. As you become more knowledgeable of the terminology, tools, and procedures, there will be more resource material for you to grow with."

"The Backyard Blacksmith" by Lorelei Sims is a must for anyone interested in blacksmithing. While the information contained with in the covers is invaluable to the blacksmith, my favorite part was the photos of her creations. She offers instructions for a door pull that is beautiful, as was the candleholder. There's a doorknocker and gate pull as well as other projects. Ms Sims is a very gifted person. I highly recommend this book to those interested in blacksmithing.

great primer.......2007-01-09

This has got to be one of the best beginner blacksmithing books ever written. It's very clear and concise with easy to understand explanations aswell as good illustrations.

Average customer rating:

good read - techniques and tooling
Adequate overview
My Second Favorite
Not for the visual learner
My two cents

The Art of Blacksmithing
Alex W. Bealer
Manufacturer: Book Sales
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0785803955

Customer Reviews:

good read - techniques and tooling.......2007-10-01

I'm still reading this book. The first few chapters are a bit dry, but do set the scene for the rest of the book. I had to laugh when the author said blacksmithing is on the rise.. around here any blacksmithing gear is bought up by yuppies who hang the tools on their wall and call it period art... it means the demand is high, but it doesn't mean the yuppies know which end of the hammer to hold, just that it suits the dining room better than the kitchen decor.
The book... once in the real meat of the book (chapter 4 on) there is good instructional material, and more than adequate diagrams (single line and monochrome sketches) to assist the reader in learning the techniques and methods. There is a strong focus on the older techniques, but some mention of the newer technologies being used by modern hobbiests and adherents. There is enough diversity in the content to appeal to bladesmiths, farriers, armourers (SCA), and wrought iron workers, although the focus is definitely on wrought work, and general techniques.

Adequate overview.......2007-01-17

This text is an excellent OVERVIEW of the history, context, and general techniques of blacksmithing. If you are looking for a general understanding of the art, this is the perfect text, and on that basis I recommend it very highly.

I do NOT recommend this text for the serious student of the subject. The discussion is generally shallow and has a tendency toward casual errors. It also presents blacksmithing traditions as fact despite modern dispute (E.g., Edge packing, pp 168-169, is now generally considered nonsense by reputable blacksmiths). If you want to learn about practical blacksmithing techniques, Jack Andrew's "New Edge of the Anvil" is much, much better. If you want to learn to make weapons, Dr. Jim Hrisoulas' several books ("The Complete Bladesmith," "Master Bladesmith," etc.) are much better, but very specialized.

Summary: highly recommended as a general overview. Insufficient depth for specialized study.

My Second Favorite.......2006-12-27

This is a very good book, it's my second favorite to learn from.

This is my favorite:Blacksmithing Primer: A Course in Basic and Intermediate Blacksmithing (Paperback) by Randy McDaniel.

If you are learning by yourself it's a much more complete set of lessons, including exactly how to position teh hammer to get each set of results. No other books teaches this.

The DVD set is excellent too, but expensive.
(Note, I know the guy who publishes the videos, but I didn't know he did until after I'd bought them, watched them, and recommended them to somone else...)

Not for the visual learner.......2006-06-07

This is not so much a "how to" Book, but it would be great for anyone simply researching the subject.

My two cents.......2005-03-16

Alex Bealer's text on the subject of blacksmithing is not only of experience, but also the experience of others. In his book he talks quite a bit about the late Sam Yellin. About smith's that he knows, and about his own smithing experience. It may be long winded to some, or may be pompous. Yet Mr. Bealer is sharing not only knowledge with you. But opening doors to the same past we came from. I have been a hobby smith for 16 years, and this book is one of the finest books on the subject out there. Let the sparks fly, and the anvil ring.

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

Average customer rating:

A 'must' for any rural resident or student craftsman thinking of taking up the art of blacksmithing for fun or profit
Best Way to Start?

The Blacksmith's Craft: A Primer of Tools & Methods
Charles McRaven
Manufacturer: Storey Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1580175937

Book Description

Blacksmithing is one of the traditional “lost arts” deserving re-discovery by anyone interested in do-it-yourself building and crafting.

Charles McRaven discovered blacksmithing when he moved “back to the land” in the 1970s and shares his knowledge in The Blacksmith’s Craft. Creating one’s own tools and instruments from metal enhances woodworking, stonework, building, and restoration work. In his readable and humorous style, McRaven tells readers all they need to know to begin blacksmithing.

Simple and clear instructions, supplemented by step-by-step photography, show how to build a forge, how to make and/or acquire tools, and how to use those tools to create items of lasting beauty and durability.

This book belongs in the reference library of everyone interested in traditional American building crafts and culture, as well as those practical folks who want to make and repair their own metal tools, household items, hardware, or farm equipment.

Customer Reviews:

A 'must' for any rural resident or student craftsman thinking of taking up the art of blacksmithing for fun or profit.......2006-01-03

Very few titles go into much depth on the vanishing art of blacksmithing as does Charles McRaven's The Blacksmith's Craft: A Primer Of Tools And Methods - which is why any would-be blacksmith will want to see this on a reference shelf and even in a home collection. From setting up your own forge and making common items to using recycled materials, learning and acquiring the basic tools, and using blacksmithing skills to restore homes, The Blacksmith's Craft is a 'must' for any rural resident or student craftsman thinking of taking up the art of blacksmithing for fun or profit.

Best Way to Start?.......2005-12-13

If you are interested in blacksmithing,
have no metal working experience and
are short on funds, I cannot recommend
this book enough.

Originally entitled "Country Blacksmithing",
when it was first published in the early 80's
Charles McRaven:

http://www.charlesmcraven.com/index.html

has revised (slightly) and reissued this
book as "The Blacksmith's Craft A Primer
of Tools and Methods." The author is an
expert in building with stone and timber
framing. Finding himself in need of tools,
he decided to make his own and so learned
blacksmithing in a way which combines
19th techniques with 20th century
materials "recycling".

I discovered the first edition
and immediately coveted it because McRaven
writes WELL! He is lucid and the photographs
are plentiful. Reading this is almost like
having a conversation with an experienced
"Country" or farm yard blacksmith as it is
clear and concise and colorful.

It's not what you would call comprehensive,
with respect to the subject, but there
is more than enough here to get a backyard
toolsmith started making his own tools.
If you are serious about banging on iron,
this should not be your only metal working
tome, but it is an excellent start
IMHO and in fact might be about the only
book you need.

Practical Blacksmithing, Part One (Volumes 1 and 2)

Average customer rating:

Great window of blacksmith history
M.T. Richardson's Practical Blacksmithing is a must-have for both hobbyists and professional balcksmiths.

Practical Blacksmithing, Part One (Volumes 1 and 2)

Manufacturer: Astragal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1879335816

Book Description

M.T. Richardson's four classic books on blacksmithing are back in print in two, easy to handle volumes. Together, these books provide an invaluable basic resource for the modern day practitioner of this ancient craft. The carriage owner or restorer can, with Richardson's help, understand how pieces were originally made and fitted together, and how they can be replicated today. The tool user and collector will relish the discovery of old tools and equipment, some no longer available commercially or even in current use. Historians and Americana enthusiasts will be able to glimpse the past with a better understanding of the mindset and aesthetics of an earlier time. And the blacksmith, through Richardson's emphasis on technique and craftsmanship, and his straightforward prose and illustrations, will be better able to understand smithing's central processes.

Part One (Volumes I and II) begins with an account of the tools and equipment of blacksmithing and continues with shop plans, diagrams demonstrating various smithing techniques, and discussions of iron and steel. Finally, there are the detailed, yet simple, practical descriptions of smithing's central processes, including drilling, fullering and swaging. 528 pages. Fully illustrated. 6" x 9". Soft cover.

Customer Reviews:

Great window of blacksmith history.......2003-08-22

Great view of blacksmithing of the 1880's. Lots of good suggestions for today. I bought the hardback with all 4 volumes in one. Great deal for the combined volume.

M.T. Richardson's Practical Blacksmithing is a must-have for both hobbyists and professional balcksmiths........1998-05-21

I first came across this book in a used book store in virginia over ten years ago. I lent it to a friend, and promptly forgot who had it. When you get your copy, chain it to your forge.

This book is a comprehensive treatise on the art of blacksmithing, as it was practiced at the turn of the century. It covers the basics of working with iron, detailing how to determine temperature by color, how to build your forge fire, how to use the basic tools and so forth, but it goes far beyond that.

In this book, you can find descriptions of such nearly forgotten subjects as how to weld wagon tires, how to make hoops for your local cooper's use, and even how to repair a broken anvil!

Book Description

Looking for instructions in bladesmithing that'll put you on the cutting edge of the custom blade market? Then this definitive guide to forging world-class blades is for you. Written by a master bladesmith, this book tells you how to set up your forge, select your materials, fashion grips and hilts, grind edges and much more!

Customer Reviews:

A good read.......2007-09-05

So far I have found this book to be very straightforward, easy to understand, and quite helpful. Not only do I find it informative, but I enjoy reading it too.

Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way To Perfection.......2007-03-09

This book is about how to make knives by different materials, for example 1050 steel. It's a quite good book, especially for beginners with reasonable price. Highly recommended to all!

Good but dated information........2006-11-10

A great book for the beginner, but not to be taken as a metallurgical point of reference. Antiquated theories such as 'edge-packing' and other misconceptions are taught in this text. This is not a problem, assuming the reader does enough research - either before or after reading this book. It offers great explanations of techniques, complete with well-explained drawings, diagrams and pictures, as well as plenty of good information on intelligent shop layout, tool selection, etc.

Certainly worth owning, just BEWARE the dated information!

Helpfull and perfect !.......2006-10-25

When i received this book i see much more detais, and contents that i have expected. Details about the forge to the finishing of a sword. I'm a new blacksmith in pratice but i recomend this book to anyone who want to progress in the art of bladesmith !

Great instruction manual.......2006-02-27

This book is great for anyone interested in makeing small blades. It gives a complete run down of all the required gear you will need, how to set up a workshop, where to source your materials from, how to make a forge and most importantly of all, how to actually make a blade out of a lump of steel. Very interesting, even if you have no intention of actually making knives.

Decorative and Sculptural Ironwork: Tools, Techniques, Inspiration (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Average customer rating:

Excellent example of high-end decorative iron and plenty of how-to's
A great book, an instant classic!

Decorative and Sculptural Ironwork: Tools, Techniques, Inspiration (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Dona Z. Meilach
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0764307908

Book Description

With the help of this unique book, all the fascinating properties of iron and other metals can be creatively explored. 52 color plates and 717 b/w photos and drawings present the ideas and examples visually. After a short history of ironwork, the author discusses the ironworking shop, forge and tools, including anvils, vises, hammers, tongs, punches, centrifugal blowers and machine tools. She presents information on building, lighting, and maintaining a fire. Forging procedures are explicitly shown: drawing out, flattening, bending, upsetting, twisting, splitting, punching and drifting, hot cutting on a hardy, and joining and finishing techniques.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent example of high-end decorative iron and plenty of how-to's.......2006-11-05

I saw a recommendation for this book [..] and it sounded like just what I was looking for. My background in decorative iron has been limited to a cut-off saw, wire-feed welder, torch and grinder using cast decorations like finials and rosettes. This book was well worth the money and I not only learned a lot about methods that were shrouded in mystery to me, but also I got lots of great ideas about potential products I could make.

This book starts with an introduction to metal working and the retro movement for blacksmithing. It talks about all the common equipment you'd find in a blacksmith shop and what each piece does. Then it goes into different steels and the useful temperature ranges to work metals. It proceeds with how to make common bends and twists, animal heads and all sorts of other techniques. There is even a section on Damascus metal and how to make it.

The pictures in the book are fantastic and really help drive home some of the howt-to's sections as well as illustrate some very ornate artwork. There are many photographs both in color and black & white.

The only complaint I can think of is that even though it's a revision, some parts seem a bit dated. I would have liked to seen a comparison to help me choose between a gas and coal furnace for instance. But I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in decorative iron from the admirer to experienced builder.

A great book, an instant classic!.......1999-05-02

The first edition of this book was an instant classic. This, the second edition is a long awaited update and still a classic. A "must have" book for artists, sculptors and metalworkers. It is among a very short list of books I recommend to new artist metalworkers.

The word "inspiration" in the sub-title is an understatement. The contents of this lavishly illustrated book include works by the finest metalworkers past and present. Techniques of metalworking rarely seen are discussed and illustrated step by step. The updated version includes over 50 new color photos, updated suppliers list and Internet information sources.

The book starts with basic tools and techniques. Then discusses the basics of metallurgy and moves on to step by step demonstrations by some of the worlds most renowned metalworkers such as Albert Paley, Daryl Meier and Christopher Ray among others. Each section is illustrated with examples produced using the techniques discussed. There is also a "Gallery of Details" taken from the work of the late Samuel Yellin.

Book Description

Starting with only an anvil and a few basic tools, almost all the tools needed by a blacksmith can be made from commonly found materials. With clear instructions this book gives step by step instructions on basic blacksmithing.

Customer Reviews:

The title says it all..........2001-12-08

As sais in the title this book provides some basic blacksmithing techniques. You'll find a lot of drawings showing the way to make the tools needed in your shop by using "scrap" metal.

Book Description

Pattern-welded blades are among the most beautiful and durable creations to emerge from the bladesmith's forge. Now, Jim Hrisoulas, author of The Complete Bladesmith, reveals the secrets of this ancient craft, from the welding of the starting billet to final assembly of the completed blade. Learn basic patterns and stunning, complex designs.

Customer Reviews:

Great source of information.......2007-07-18

the book gives concise information on all aspects of the pattern welded blade. A great how to on billet building, forging the pattern, and completing to finished blade.

Hrisoulas's penultimate work!.......2005-12-09

If you've read the author's previous books you will find some repetition (e.g., workshop, materials, weights, measures, compounds) yet this book really delves in-depth into the art of pattern-welding like no other I've read. It's his shortest book too, for that matter, but it really delivers on topic. You will learn everything you need to know to begin making stunning, functional Damascus creations. Well written, well illustrated, and very well done!

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

A superb book covering everything a blademaker needs to know.......1998-09-24

This book is not intended for a novice at forge work. But if you have already hammered hot steel, and want to try something more challenging this book gives you all the information you will ever need about making forge welded blades. This book is an absolute must have for anyone who wants to start making pattered blades. The third of Dr. Hrisoulas' books, buy the other two as well (although if you're experienced enough to want this book, you've probably already got the others) and you won't need to ever buy another book on blade forging again. Buy this book. Buy it right now.

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