Swordsmithing/Blacksmith

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[DavidM]

So I'm looking for a job, and tryin' to find an apprenticeship under a swordsmith or a blacksmith, but today it seems that EVERYTHING is done by machines....isn't there anyone who is willing to teach and pass on this AGE OLD tradition?

[Bronson]

I have two friends who are sword/knife/armor smiths. I believe that they are self taught. I know that doesn't sound good but their work is of incredible quality. If you'd like to pm me your address I can pass it along to them with a note. I can't promise they'll respond but they might. They are usually pretty open to questions from sincere beginners.

Bronson

[rachmass]

Having been a horseperson for many years of my life, I know that blacksmiths still forge their own shoes for horses, although the base shoe comes ready made (they need to fit it to the horse). Have you tried these folks?

[DaveO]

I had some farrier friends who moved from Ireland (County Court). Nice people, and played the most interesting game of horseshoes I've ever seen - they started with a race making the shoes 1st.

I love blacksmithing; I've never had the opportunity to do it; but I go to Black Creek all the time to watch - the smells, the sound, the idea - using fire to make metal into useful shapes; what a skill! Magic, in a way.

That it's a hard, sweaty, dirty job only adds to its appeal to me. Dave, I hope you find what you're looking for.

[akiy]

If you're ever in the Pittsburg (Pennsylvania) area, stop by Aikido Seishinkan (http://www.musubiweb.com/aikido) and talk to David Goldberg there. He's a swordmaker and I've personally seen some of the work he's done -- very creative and well done (in my not-so-trained eyes).

You might also want to try contacting Bob Elder at East Coast Martial Art Supplies (http://www.ecmas.com/). Although I don't think he's involved in making swords himself, he does have a lot of connections in the iaido/kenjutsu world and might be able to help you out.

Hope that helps!

-- Jun