A Rule of Thumb:

Each Smith or metal worker does things his or her own way.

 

It is impossible to define accurately the techniques used by one particular smith in making an item.

Years ago metal working was more defined by personality, training, and experience then text books as there were none to speak of. However today of what I've seen the text books are winning over the old ways.

It's sad.

 

Each metal worker is of different muscular or mental characteristics.

Each has different back ground training, tools and a distinct way of looking at the metal.

Each one had a different way to even start his fire for the days work which varied for what jobs he had when.

His apprentice usually was taught the smiths way first and foremost as that produced closely the same results time after time.

If the teacher was like mine the student was allowed to branch off to experiment on his own.

 

 

One of the main factors of metal working has been a nuisance if not a plague since the beginning and is still a problem today no matter how modern the techniques used to make it.

The steel it self.

Iron or steel is, well, for lack of better ways of stating it, stubborn, exasperating, reluctant, and upper most... willful!

IT will do what it darn well wants to and its up to the worker to convince it other wise.

 

Archeology has proved ancient peoples as far back as 3,000 years before Christ used blast furnaces to make quality iron, steel and even stainless steels.

One foundry in the UK before the AD mark was known to make enough per year to satisfy the worlds demand and they were not the only county to be producing this commodity.

As in all history of this world, civilizations, climate changes and a load of other factors changes what man has accomplished leaving only the burnt offerings in the fires of time.

On Recreating Historic Iron Work.

 

I have found a very simple formula for the recreation period metal work. And while it works for me, it may not work for others. But it may provide a suitable experiment for the academic community (something which I see very little of, but then I try to apply the scientific method to history, perform experiments to test theories).

 

To me it seems likely that if you use tools with the same form and weight as in period. And you use material with the same characteristics as period material, then you will most likely find your self duplicating techniques that were used in the period in question.

 

And within the world of blacksmithing this is even more true. Because even if I use a propane forge as my heat source, I'm still using a hammer and anvil, that have not change their basic form in centuries. So it is perhaps in the forge shop that we are closer to our ancestors, then ever before.

 

 

Scott drinks moat*#@er B. Jaqua

On Recreating Historic Iron Work.

 

I have found a very simple formula for the recreation period metal work. And while it works for me, it may not work for others. But it may provide a suitable experiment for the academic community (something which I see very little of, but then I try to apply the scientific method to history, perform experiments to test theories).

 

To me it seems likely that if you use tools with the same form and weight as in period. And you use material with the same characteristics as period material, then you will most likely find your self duplicating techniques that were used in the period in question.

 

And within the world of blacksmithing this is even more true. Because even if I use a propane forge as my heat source, I'm still using a hammer and anvil, that have not change their basic form in centuries. So it is perhaps in the forge shop that we are closer to our ancestors, then ever before.

 

I couldn't agree with you more!! :thumbs-up:  

That's exactly what I have found in my work. When I make a replacement part or something new, knowing how it was made, what fuel, and even the metal types available to the maker in that area or century is invaluable.

 

What kind of blades have you made?

 

Never used Propane but have heard good things about it.

My forge is fueled either with coal or wood and I use a compressed air system instead of a hand driven air pump.

To me it seems likely that if you use tools with the same form and weight as in period. And you use material with the same characteristics as period material, then you will most likely find your self duplicating techniques that were used in the period in question.

 

This is the same theory I utilize in historical combat re-enactment (Sword and Shield Combat thread, for example). Currently we (another insane friend of mine) are in the process of testing some things out from horseback... its slow going because I’m still in the process of learning to ride, let alone handling a shield and weapon from horse back. (My friend is also finding out that the horses need to be trained as much as me.) You can join SCA or any other group for that matter, but nothing works like using the actual tools from the period in question and a little common sense.

 

I look forward to reading about your experiments in the future. While I don’t melt medal (at least not on purpose), I’m always looking for more information regarding medieval metal craft. Welcome to the forum!

 

-David :sheildsmile:

Some time ago, in fact a few centuries ago,  :wink2:   I was allowed to ride and learn a few combat skills from horse back.

The horse was much more knowledge then me  :laughlong: and I only wish he could be here now.  

As a hint, use your knees more then the reins.

more soon

use your knees more than the reins.

 

Whoa... slow down. I'm still learning to use the reins :biggrin2: .

 

Is this an official thread drift?  :Eyecrazy:

hmmmmm your right, let's take this to the horse and chariot forum.

 

Our first official thread drift,   :laughlong: