Blacksmithing Books
That I own and recommend
Roughly in order of preference
1) The Blacksmith’s Craft: A Primer of Tools & Methods by Charles McRaven.
ISBN-10: 1-58017-593-7
This is a very well written and educational book. If I only had two blacksmithing books to start out with, I would want this one and my #2. While I believe they are both equal in their educational value, I rank this #1 because it is so entertaining. McRaven puts so much of his character into in that it would be a fun read even if you don’t care a bit for blacksmithing.
2) A Blacksmithing Primer: A Course in Basic and Intermediate Blacksmithing by Randy McDaniel. ISBN: 0-9662589-1-6
This book contains the blueprints for the firepot that I made for my forge. It covers all the basics of blacksmithing, from building, lighting and maintaining your forge to hammering techniques. Also well written and enjoyable.
3) The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith by Lorelei Simms ISBN1-59253-251-9
I just got this book and haven’t had time to really digest it. I’m putting it near the top of the list because of its two most striking characteristics. First, it is written by and about a blacksmithing woman (her website is www.blacksmithchic.com) and I think it is important to show that blacksmithing is not just for men. Secondly, it is full of COLOR pictures of projects as they progress, which is something the first two books lack.
4) Hooks, Rings
& Other Things: An Illustrated Index
of
While not actually a book about blacksmithing, this is a useful resource as not only a project/idea list, but it may also help you identify that obscure iron tool or hardware that someone asks you about. It is a little pricey on the Amazon, so I used www.bookfinder.com and found it much more reasonably.
5) The New Edge of the Anvil: A Resource Book for the Blacksmith by Jack Andrews ISBN: 1-879535-09-2
As the name implies, this is a great resource book. It has basic instructions, what really stands out are the in depth look at metallurgy for the blacksmith and the “Resource” section which is full of useful (and maybe not immediately useful) charts and references.
More to come…