Traditional Japanese swordsmithing forges are purpose-built with certain design elements specific to the tasks involved in tanren and hizukuri. This article will discuss several of the features that are common to this type of construction and follow the process of crafting a… Continue reading
Building the fuigo floor at Pierre Nadeau’s workshop. Read more about the project, or watch the whole soulsmithing series. The three major projects during this visit were focused on getting the forge itself ready for use. In this episode, creating a steel… Continue reading
Laying bricks for the swordsmithing forge at Pierre Nadeau’s workshop. Read more about the project, or watch the whole soulsmithing series. The three major projects during this visit were focused on getting the forge itself ready for use. In this episode, insulating… Continue reading
Fabricating a combined fuigo/blower manifold at Pierre Nadeau’s workshop. Read more about the project, or watch the whole soulsmithing series. The three major projects during this visit were focused on getting the forge itself ready for use. In this episode, fabricating a… Continue reading
I had the honour of being able to observe and assist as Pierre Nadeau of soulsmithing.com works on setting up his new smithy in Canada. The last time I saw Pierre and his wife was when they (and we) were packing to… Continue reading
Forging with a thin film of water on the anvil and hammer prevents forge scale or oxide from being hammered into the surface of the steel. The hot steel instantly vaporizes the water and the resulting steam explosion blows the scale off… Continue reading
Japanese style box bellows (fukisashi/吹差鞴) reached their current and finalized form by about the sixth century. They are constructed almost entirely of wood and allow a smith to supply a highly controlled air blast to the forge by pulling and pushing the… Continue reading
Another piece of Canadian history is restored to working order and finds its place in the Island Blacksmith workflow. I have had an old hand powered post drill for about twenty years now, but have never made a hole with it. My… Continue reading
Made from reclaimed parts and hand forged iron, a simple hanging lamp that effortlessly swivels 180 degrees and adjusts vertically. The light is made from a vintage enameled shade, a discarded socket, and a piece of extension cord wire, and wrought iron.… Continue reading
A simple hook and eye system serves double duty to hold the doors to each other when closed or held open against the wind. A hook and retaining eye is pounded through the door, and two separate eyes, one for open and… Continue reading
Simple, traditional strap and butterfly hinge combination from heavy stock to support the solid wood blacksmith shop doors. The island workshop doors are built of reclaimed ship lap and other scrap wood, nailed together, and braced with a hand chiseled mortise. The… Continue reading