I'm far from being a blacksmith. :-)
But I'm learning to do a little forging, I've found practicing snails a good way to hon my skills. I've still got lots to learn, but I really enjoy the feeling of the metal as I work with it.
If anyone is at all interested in trying or taking a lesson, I highly recommend it. It doesn't take a lot of strength. Forging has great primal connection. Nothing like bending a 3/4" iron rod with your hands. Forge also sounds a bit like a jet.
