Hand forged blacksmith knife. 01/50. There are times in my life where the actions of others filled me with awe and humility. I have mentioned in passing my interest in (amongst many things), knife making as a retirement activity and how I was currently a spectator of this craft. Recently, because of this throw-off comment, a friend sent me a message to check my mailbox. Inside was a card wishing me well on fulfilling my future dreams and a date to attend a blacksmith, knife making course with Cracked Anvil Forge in Ipswich along with the generous insistence of driving me there. “What did I want from the day?” asked Wayne Schmidt. I wanted technical skills. I had a couple of days blacksmithing through TAFE 20something years ago and I thought additional skills particularly with bladesmithing, heat treatment and speciality grinders would be helpful. I know there is only a limited amount you can learn on a single day hobby course. All achieved as you can see due to Wayne’s guidance and support. Despite my trade skills I would recommend this to everyone (Yes, including you!). He teaches all types and if you want to feel a sense of real achievement and creation in a single day, including under 10 year old children, don’t be shy. It was a very pleasurable day of smashing red hot steel and grinding it into razor sharp, anvil and hammer beaten, slashing steel, all mixed with storytelling amongst the smoking coke forges. But most importantly it’s the thoughtfulness and the act of this gift, because of a friendship, which most touches me. When we care for each other and act, a friendship can fill others with the genuine knowledge we have a place in their life. Is there anything better than knowing we have meaning to others? Thank-you. #CrackedAnvilForge #KnifeMaking #Blacksmith #Ipswich #Bladesmith #Course (at Ipswich Historical Society Inc.) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cprbf5rvmse/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=