Talking about learning, I thought I’d post up an image of the Level 1 test piece that is used by the California Blacksmith Association. What really stands out to me is how the blueprint makes you stop and think about things, forcing you to do some math. I won’t give away the secret because I think they did it intentionally.
If you want to call yourself a blacksmith, challenges like this are a good first step in that direction. Anyone can bang on hot iron, but someone who takes their learning seriously and appreciates the work of those who came before them.... that’s a horse of a different color.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to see if I have some 5/16″ bar in the rack!
If you’d like to support the work hear at Three Rivers Forge, grab a wonderful t-shirt or hoodie at https://www.storefrontier.com/three-rivers-forge
