This book is a great reference for an aspiring blacksmith. It contains information on the layout of the forge shop, tool descriptions, smithing basics and explanations of different metal types, and projects for a beginner smith. A great reference guide for anyone interested in blacksmithing. ( )

I received this book as a free copy through the Early Reviewers program.
I have never been a smith, nor do I have any plans to become one. But at any historical site (Mt Vernon, Williamsburg) I always tend to gravitate to the smithy. I could watch this sort of thing for a couple of hours.
That said, I enjoyed reading this book. I will share it with friends and family who have no interest in this sort of thing. And it will remain on my bookshelf. ( )

Good book, nice binding, goes into far more detail than I learned in metal shop when I was young and was first introduced to using a forge and anvil, something I haven't done in probably 35 years now, but would like to get back into at some point. Overall, good educational material, would definitely recommend to those interested in the subject, and a nice accompaniment to a broader education on the subject of metalworking. ( )

An excellent introduction to Blacksmithing; both myself and my older child enjoyed this book immensely. As best, with any hands-on-activity, getting practice with a blacksmith in person is advised, but with can be readily learned by reading is available in this book. It starts with a grammar section in covering the tools and layout of your typical shop; this is followed by basic techniques, and most importantly - safety. Finally, one is given simply projects - progression from simple applied techniques to more complex items. The Appendix - given the hands-on nature of this craft - is very helpful listing various In-Person resources for learning more about Blacksmithing. I would classify this book as a good overall reference - especially as an introduction to the art of Blacksmithing. Even if you aren't planning on being a blacksmith - this book might be helpful as an appendix to history lessons that deal with this craft - i.e. frontier or colonial time periods. ( )

What a great book for the budding blacksmith / metal worker. All of the content necessary to go from 'What's a blacksmith?' to being able to speak with knowledge about the materials, tools, techniques of blacksmithing. There are no fancy color photos or elaborate tables and graphs, just black and white line drawings, but that's part of its simplicity and charm. Too many current books just want to 'wow' the reader with graphics and imagery. This book is to the point and communicates meaningful information. Mr. McDaniel has written a valuable text (revised in this Second Edition) and one who is interested in the fundamentals, and even some advanced techniques, would benefit from owning it. ( )