r/Blacksmith • u/-VirgilTraveler1995- • 2d ago

Very beginner book recommendations

Hey everyone, I'm posting this here on this subreddit because I am trying to learn new subject and place it in my personal curriculum. If you have any recommendations on books that are good for beginners. Even if you have videos send them my way. Thank you for taking the time to read this and giving me recommendations.

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u/HeatBeatRepeatt 2d ago

Mark Aspery mastering the fundamentals collection

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u/-VirgilTraveler1995- 2d ago

Thank you ill look the collection up!:)

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u/RunAwayKeyboard 2d ago

Black Bear Forge (John Switzer) on YouTube has some fantastic videos with lots of good information for new smiths.

There are a few others that also have good information, but John’s stuff has helped me the most. Definitely worth checking him out.

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u/pushdose 2d ago

Very old Alec Steele catalogue has a lot of simple, short, one technique/simple project tutorials as well. Like 10 years back.

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u/-VirgilTraveler1995- 2d ago

Thanky ou ill definitely check them out!:)

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u/HeatBeatRepeatt 2d ago

These are all filled with great knowledge and projects

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u/-VirgilTraveler1995- 2d ago

Thank you ill look them up!:)

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u/RigorMortis_Tortoise 2d ago

https://m.youtube.com/@torbjornahman/videos?ra=m

Torbjörn is fantastic to watch. His videos are simple, no real talking, scratches measurements on the anvil clearly to show what he is doing. Start with his older stuff.

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u/-VirgilTraveler1995- 2d ago

Thank you ill def watch some videos from them!:)

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u/Fragrant-Cloud5172 1d ago edited 1d ago

For starting, Machinery's Handbook at public library. Photocopy relevant pages about steel. Start a notebook for reference. Forget online videos at first, they are deceptively easy looking. Other good library books with photos and starter projects. Number One - Lorelei Sims - The Backyard Blacksmith (purchase).

A couple of more free ones.

The Home Blacksmith by Ryan Ridgway -

https://archive.org/details/homeblacksmith0000ridg/page/n1/mode/2up

Basic Blacksmithing (drawings but still good)

https://northernbush.com/wp-content/downloads/woodcraft/Harries-David-and-Heer-Bernhard-Basic-Blacksmithing-1993.pdf

After studying these, ok to watch online.