Cold Steel Striking Hot Iron

Thanks kalaryder :-)

Thanks cooljusher. It’s a fine and noble craft, happily finding a lot of work nowadays in iron artwork for well-to-do customers!

Many thanks LouJay (Sorry for late reply. I’ve been away for a while.)
And thanks for your suggestion. I think this chap will be well at home in that group :-)

Thanks for your thoughts Karen. Much appreciated.

Thank you Janine! I’m honoured to join your group and I’ve submitted this one. I have another picture in mind (a local boatman), and I’ll offer him to the group soon too.
Best regards, Colin

Many thanks Wayne. This chap Nathan is a pleasure top work with too!

Hi Janine, yes, this same question occurred to me too and I’ll paraphrase Nathan’s informal reply, which (he would no doubt acknowledge) is of course not the official advice given to anyone doing similar work, but (again, to paraphrase) ... very few traditional blacksmiths wear eye protection. Nathan DOES of course wear the right gear depending on the task. You’ll note the really careful alignment of the hot metal, his hammer and his eyes. All the swarf and debris from the hammer-strikes is scattered sideways, and the (carefully aligned) hammer is a logical barrier against any swarf being projected directly towards his head. And not least, the deliberately clear working space ensures that sparks etc. aren’t bounced back off nearby obstacles in his direction. And please folks (a plea to all RB readers of this note), I am NOT inviting a dialogue or discussion on health & safety issues for blacksmiths :-) Nathan is a fully qualified and experienced blacksmith and he’s a member of an appropriate Blacksmith’s Guild too. I fully respect and accept his professionalism. Thanks, Colin

Thank you HUGELY Janine and George for this feature :-)

Thanks George. This same photo was also voted ‘First’ in a challenge among Martin Bailey Photography members in early 2008 :-)