Reference
Quick-reference tables for beginner blacksmiths.
Anvil Parts and Terminology
A labeled guide to the parts of a London-pattern anvil - horn, face, step, hardy and pritchel holes - what each does, and how it shapes buying.
Read →Best Knife Steel for Beginners
Compare beginner knife steels - 1084, 1075, 1095, 5160, W2, 15N20 and O1 - by carbon, quench, and ease. See why 1084 is the best first knife steel.
Read →Blacksmith Hammer Types Explained
A reference guide to blacksmith hammer types: cross-peen, rounding, ball-peen, straight-peen, and sledges, with a comparison table and beginner weights.
Read →Blacksmith Tongs Types
A reference guide to blacksmith tongs types - wolf-jaw, v-bit, flat-jaw, box-jaw, bolt, and scroll - what each grips, and which pair a beginner should buy first.
Read →Blacksmithing Glossary for Beginners
A beginner's blacksmithing glossary: 40 forging and forge terms from anneal to upset, each with a plain one-line definition you can actually use at the anvil.
Read →Forging temperature table by steel grade
Forging temperature table for common blacksmithing and knife steels - 1084, 5160, W2, mild steel and more - with °F/°C ranges, glow colours and overheat points.
Read →Hardy hole sizes by anvil weight
Standard blacksmith hardy hole sizes by anvil weight, plus the pritchel hole, how to measure yours, and how to fit or adapt hardy tool shanks.
Read →Steel Bar Weight Chart (Pounds Per Foot)
Steel bar weight chart in pounds per foot for round, square, and flat mild steel bars from 1/8 in to 2 in, plus the density formula and a weight calculator.
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