Description
REVIEW:
Secrets of the Forge
"This book is one of the most amazing blacksmithing books I have ever seen. I would say that this is a ‘must have’ book for any blacksmith. It is not a basic “how to" book. There are many of those available already.
The book starts with some basic decorations on square bars. Spear points, Twists, and some scroll work. After each technique is shown, the element is shown in a finished work. A gate or other artwork is shown.
A very nice section on making Damascus steel is included with some very nice examples of blades and artwork made of
The last section gives step-by-step photos of a Blacksmiths lock. This by itself would make the book worth having.
Throughout the book the photos are the best I have ever seen of ironwork in progress". – Nicholas Marcelja, Red Troll Forge
In this fascinating book, imported from Italy but written in English, twenty-four master Italian blacksmiths share their techniques with you on a great variety of jobs, ranging from the basic and simple to the complex and artistic.
This 228 page hardcover book measures 9 3/4" x 11" and contains 48 individual blacksmithing projects. The individual steps of each job are clearly explained with high quality close-up color photos and detailed text.
The photos are so good that reading the text for some of the projects is almost unnecessary. ‘Secrets’ begins with basic smithing jobs such as twisting bars, and making spearhead shapes and scrolls.
The projects quickly become more difficult and complex and involve making truly artistic iron sculptures such as a duck in flight, a snail, and a nude. The book concludes with two highly specialized projects: making a Damascus blade, and the construction of a fully functional hand forged lock.
There is a wealth of knowledge in this book. Experienced professional smiths will get as much from it as novices.
