Hi Everyone;

My name is Michael Richards, I live in a little town near Athens Ohio (Ohio Unv.).When I was about 12 years old we had a class called Metal working.We got to use a forge steel to bend to make a candle holder.Back then I was told you need to learn by a blacksmith in order to learn.That being early 60"s.Through lifes daily struggles wasn't able to find a away to get involved in blacksmithing/bladesmithing.There was one Job I did work at most guys made stock removal knives but to me wasn't way to make a knife so I didn't try.

Forge In Fire rekindled that moment when I was young. So I decided to watch some videos on You-Tube.Ran across Allen Newberry videos he talked about how he joined ABS and JS test.So that brought me here.

I joined back in Jan. 2019 since finally I have the time and place to do this.Since I took my retirement in Jan. 2019 I have more time from my nursing profession now only work one day of the week.I was reluctant to post due to not having a place start working yet.Soon as weather brakes I can build a place to work.So I have never forge a blade or anything.I think having to wait for 3 months or so before jumping right in is a good thing.I can research what tools needed and what can wait for a while. Not only watch videos J.S. and M.S. making knives but to just the basics of blacksmithing ( the correct way). think will help in long run and also save some cash.Since not many bladesmith close by or I can't contact thats close by. I decided to take Bladesmithing class this fall.Looking forward to the class.

Well I have/hope to learn/ed alot from everyone so far.