Blacksmithing: A Guide to Practical Metalworking, Tools, and Techniques

 

Blacksmithing: A Guide to Practical Metalworking, Tools, and Techniques is a well written and accessible tutorial guide to smithy by Daniel Johnson. Due out 10th Oct 2023 from Amber Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a solid reference and tutorial guide for beginning and intermediate smiths & crafters which does a good job of covering the tools, supplies, workshop setup, safety, and other features necessary for safe and successful blacksmithing. The author is clearly experienced at his craft and does a good job of making that info accessible to others.

In fact, the book is arranged in a course format. Safety, equipment, basic info, technique and background are covered in the first half of the book, with 7 complete tutorial projects each in their own chapter after. The book is very well photographed throughout, in colour, and arranged well enough that "action" shots aren't obstructed by tools or hands. 

The tutorials are written simply and clearly. Tools and supplies are listed in a bullet list sidebar, followed by step-by-step instructions. Measurements are provided in both metric and imperial (American) units. All the tutorials are accompanied by numerous colour photos. It -would- be possible for a keen beginner to use this book as a primary resource to gather the necessary tools and supplies and learn the basics of blacksmithy from the tutorials it contains. It's always easier (and less costly) to learn from someone who knows what they're doing, but this is a valuable resource and could serve as primary instruction, if necessary. There is no index or resources/vendors list included in the text. The photos do have an attributions credit index.

Five stars. Highly recommended to home hobbyists, crafters, recreationists/SCAdians, self-sufficiency folks, library acquisitions, etc. Makers groups will also find this a valuable addition. There's an honesty and directness in the non-stock photos; the hands and arms of the author/instructor bear the scars of his experience. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.