I was raised in Sheffield when it was at the height of its prosperity. The sight of hot iron being worked has always fascinated me and I can still remember the awe and terror I felt when I visited a steel works for the first time. The huge crucibles full of liquid steel left an impression that has lasted to this day.
I know I did my first piece of hot forge work when I was seven and have been doing it ever since.
Fire welding.
Every new job is a challenge because hot iron has a will of its own as does the blacksmith’s fire. You treat both with respect because if you don’t they burn you as a reminder that they let you use them as a privilege not a right.
I use the skills I have learned to make every thing from fire dogs to sculpture.
I now use those skills to make copies of ancient artefacts.
It appears you don’t sell your work. However, I wondered if you would reproduce a 1st c. Roman army hammer or suggest someone who might. Thanks much. Jon
Hello Jon,
I do sell my work so I could give you a quote for a hammer, if you send me a design. My email is drdavidsim@gmail.com
David
Your photo of the scale-coat (v. beautiful it is too) makes it look like it is made from leather, not scale plate metal. How have you coloured the metal?
Its iron quenched in oil.
David