How to Get Into Blacksmithing or Bladesmithing

Introduction

• Presenter: Todd Koch, a 17-year-old blacksmith
• Experience: 3 years working in garage/shed shops
• Key Message: Starting blacksmithing isn't as hard as it seems

Setting Up Your Blacksmithing Space

• Space Requirements:
  • A safe place to hit metal and store tools
  • Doesn't need to be large (e.g., Todd uses a 4x10 ft plastic shed)
  • Ideal starting spaces: shed or garage

Essential Tools

1. Hammers: Necessary for forging
   • Can be made by hand to save money
   • Todd provides tutorial links for making beginner tools
2. Anvil:
   • Todd uses a $120 Amazon anvil
   • Recommend 15-pound anvil from Harbor Freight (~$20-30) for beginners
3. Grinder:
   • Angle grinder recommended for beginners
   • Alternative: 1x30 belt grinder from Harbor Freight for better results
   • Safety: Always wear a respirator during grinding
4. Forge:
   • Gas forges preferred by Todd
   • Options include homemade coffee can forge or Mr. Volcano Forge (~$80 on Amazon)

Learning Blacksmithing

• Options:
  • Local blacksmithing classes (can be costly and hard to find)
  • Self-learning through YouTube tutorials and hands-on practice
• Todd's Recommendation: Learn by doing and from online resources

Improving Blacksmithing Skills

• Practice: Essential for improvement
• Techniques to Focus On:
  • Forging to shape, especially for knives
  • Hand sanding for quality finishes (can be time-consuming)
• Mindset: Be patient; skill develops over time

Shop Tour Overview

• Key Areas:
  • Grinding and finishing equipment: bench grinder, belt sander, angle grinder
  • Tools and materials: hammers, tongs, sandpaper, drill bits, finishing materials
  • Forge setup: vital for heating metal
  • Finishing space: vise, blowtorch, epoxy, vinegar, soaking oil, wood hardener
  • Storage: for tools, anvils, materials, and safety equipment

Final Thoughts

• Encouragement: Anyone can start blacksmithing; it's therapeutic and rewarding
• Call to Action: Like, subscribe, comment, and share
• Filming Setup: Simple dash mat, fire bricks, and cinder blocks

Additional Resources

• Links provided in the original presentation for further learning and tool acquisition