I am going to UCSC and want to continue learning blacksmithing but the forge at the college is limited to art majors only. Are there any places within Santa Cruz that do classes? I can’t travel too far from campus as I can only bike or take an Uber.

Does anyone know which metal would be most suited for a sword that doesn't really bend like a katana? Is T10 the best option? I heard titanium is very resistant, but doesn't absord the shock also it's too soft. Tungsten is too heavy and brittle. So which do you think is the best option?

I’ve had a barbershop for two years with a buddy. This is almost every razor blade we have used in that that time. I have no idea if it’s even possible but could these razors be melted down and reused? I was initially thinking a couple little knives but would really be cool to create any commemorative pieces made out them. Thanks in advance, always cool to see the stuff y’all can make the your hands.

My anvil stand had been rednecked together, and recently exploded into kindling and nails. Whats a good priced option that will last a long time?

I came across this fire steel at a yard sale, how can I restore it?

So a week ago I made a post about a potential deal for an 90 kg anvil and a bunch of tools for 800$. The anvil is a bit rusty, but nothing a little grinding won't fix, I'm sure. I told the guy I probably I wanted to buy it but wanted to wait *just* in case I would find a better deal. Well I found an 69 kg anvil for 400$ with less tools but it's cheaper (everything in the picture is included btw).

I'm a beginner so I will start with smaller stuff like jewelry, useful stuff like hooks, chains and such and some artsy stuff too, but I do plan doing swords and other larger things later. So I wonder which anvil would be best for these purposes? Would a 69kg anvil work or should I invest in the more heavier but more expensive one with more tools. If I choose the 69kg one I can obviously buy tools that are missing on my own (like tongs) but it would be nice to have a full kit with everything a beginner would need from the get-go.

Freedom units for the americans: 69kg=152.119lbs 90kg=198.416lbs

My dream job is being a toolsmith, and even though fulltime is a bit unrealistic for me, maybe I can at least turn it into a side hustle in the future. I just need to get better at it first. And figure out what to make.

As one person I can't possibly make every single tool there is, so which ones are worth making the most?

Scam? This is the only picture.

Not sure how thick. Probably around 6mm or so

What's everyone making for selling at fairs/shows this season? Not looking for pieces I need to charge hundreds for, more like the $10-100 range. Thanks

Lately I've been designing my own armor and sword in my spare time. It's fantastical, but grounded by actual historical armors. While designing the sword, a thought hit me; could a European style longsword be made using Japanese forging techniques? Im not talking about steel quality or effectiveness, just cosmetically. For example could you use clay to create the hamon on a longsword or could you forge a rondle like crossguard inspired by a katana's tsuba?

Kind of random i know but just genuinely curious if the inspirations and intertwining of ideas would be felt. Figured i would ask actual smiths. Thanks for any info!

When setting it up how far into the forge should the burner be and roughly how long should a 20lb tank last assuming proper mixture of gases

I dont have a shed or shop to forge in so ill need to be able to move my forge in a d out if storage when I want to use it or put it away. Going to build a pole barn shop eventually but for now I think I’m going to use this and put a trash can over my anvil and keep it oiled.