A little bit of history right here in the present
I've always been drawn by the idea of a simpler life. I understand that using the term "simpler life" may sound naive considering the amazing benefits of the technology and medicine that we enjoy today. Rather, I am speaking more about the idea that a man might walk out to his smithy during the day with the only thought weighing on his mind being the item that he is about to create for his family or a local town friend. This smith would spend the day surrounded not by the busy sounds of machines and computers we are distracted with today, but by the simple sounds and smells of the blacksmith's environment. The sound of the coal fire whooshing as the air blows across the glowing firepot, the sound of the hammer and anvil as it forms the raw steel into its final shape with each ping. Then, the short respite of quiet and nature as he leans back for a moment to take a breath and plan the next swing of his hammer.
That is what the allure of blacksmithing is to me. When I step out from my back door into my smithy, it's like taking a step back to a time when things were much less complicated. I work hard, and I feel a sense of accomplishment when I draw the steel from the quench, finally holding in my tongs a piece of art formed by my hand.
Every item you find here in my shop is a truly unique piece, hand forged in the traditions of blacksmiths throughout history. Working with a coal burning fire, I shape and form the steel on my old English anvil. I use *recycled steel as often as possible, which I obtain from a local steel recycle yard where the friendly folks know my name and smile and wave when they see me walking in.
This, to me, is what the life of a blacksmith is all about.
Thank you for sharing in a small part of it by enjoying the fruits of the fire here at Grapevine Forge!
Your Blacksmith,
Jeremy
*I use only new steel when making items that are to be used with food
