How it all started

It all started when I got a YouTube account and I was able to access all sorts of interesting and informative craft videos. I stumbled across Alec Steele’s YouTube channel which showed me the possibilities of what can be done with a hammer and anvil. The more I looked the more I found - hundreds of videos showing different techniques, ideas and designs for all kinds of projects.

After a few weeks of watching these videos, I showed a couple to my dad. He already had some experiences in engineering but not much of forging, and he was really interested to give it a go as well. As a surprise, my dad got us some lessons from a local blacksmith, Master Blacksmith Bill Smith of Alcumlow Forge. Bill was great and taught me all the basic foundation skills needed to start creating my own forged pieces.

After the lesson, I was sure I wanted to do this, and do it properly. So, we began to build a shed in the back garden - which was no easy task! The foundations had to be deep, but luckily (or unluckily) I broke my shoulder while out mountain biking and was unable to dig. There was a lot of digging to be done and I ended up doing none of it - thanks, Dad! :)