I was perusing a Facebook group for Blacksmith Shops around the world, and just like any trade/hobby, you have purists, the in-between's, and the moderns.

This fellow is a purist where the only electricity used in the shop is for his ceiling lamp.

 

What I found fascinating about this mans blacksmith shop, is he talks about the reason he chose a dirt floor for his shop.

And it makes sense, man was made to walk on dirt, and he states that this floor is much easier on his feet and body. And there are other benefits as well, like a dropped piece of sandwich, just crush it into the dirt!

One of the drawbacks is, he may sometimes drop wax coated iron on the floor, and the wax has to be removed and reapplied.

I love a purist in hand work.

 

 

 

 

Cool pictures and story John. I love those two anvils he has. Big $$$$'s around here. Surprised he doesn't have them mounted to a chunk of log though. Thanks 

3 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Cool pictures and story John. I love those two anvils he has. Big $$$$'s around here. Surprised he doesn't have them mounted to a chunk of log though. Thanks 

Speaking on the Anvil, look at the square nut he forged securing the anvil, it has a little rat tail on the nut.

His Mrs. must be really understanding- tracking all the dirt in through the back door 

I remember , in my younger years , the local blacksmith in town. He lived nearby and was building a new home. He hired me to help. I was in my early teens and he paid me $1.00 for every 3 hours I worked.

I got to know Mr. Sands pretty well and got to visit his shop occasionally. I remember once, he got a call to shaw a horse and asked if I wanted to go with him. I watched while he cleaned and filed the horses hoofs, fitted the horseshoes and nailed them to the hoofs. He real.ly had a way to keep the horse calm. I remember the tools, anvils and fire pit in his shop and got to watch him while heating metals and shaping them. Really learned a lot from Mr.Sands. . Unfortunately, it all ended when I left home. Those of you who remember my story some time back might recall the story.

Edited February 24, 20242 yr by Al B

I noticed he also has my drill press. 

 

Quincy,OH used to have a Village Blacksmith's shop.   There is still a Blacksmith in the village, working out of a small one car garage/shed,  making Custom Knives and other Cutlery Items.