Customer Reviews

The Artist Blacksmith: Design and Techniques

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I'm always searching for a new book for my husband's growing blacksmithing/metalworking library. He is an experienced metal artist and already owns most of the books I find. This book was new and I knew wasn't on his shelves, so I took a chance. He LOVES it! He had heard good things about the author and is still spending many hours pouring over the great photos, graphics and text. He told me any metal artist he knows would enjoy this book and want to keep it for reference. Thanks for an excellent birthday gift idea!
-Deb Frost
Alaska

Disclaimer - I am not a blacksmith. However, I am compiling a learning library for new smiths. This book is clear, concise, and because of how thorough it is, appears to be a great tool for any aspiring artist blacksmith. Of all the books I have purchased to date, this is the one I would recommend to new smiths to purchase for their personal libraries. I have attended numerous blacksmith classes, and find the same information being offered in this book that the seasoned smiths are teaching.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in blacksmithing. It is beautifully written and the numerous pictures are pertinent to the subjects. While Peter figures prominently in this book, he is a background figure and shares the insightful information he has to offer in an easy to comprehend fashion. This book would be equally helpful for designers and architects, as the metal processes are clearly demonstrated and the information is so easy to understand. There is nothing extraneous in the book, nor are there any glaring omissions.

The author is British and a few terms may seem confusing at first to a novice. For instance, "upsetting" (a technique used to make metal thicker) is sometimes referred to as "jumping up" (a term seldom used in the United States). But this is a minor point and actually makes reading it more interesting.

I am a professional smith and found Peter's approach to be informative and refreshing. The information is accurate. There are enough shop tips for a seasoned smith and a thorough approach to basic techniques to satisfy everyone. I often come back to the book to look at the beautiful pictures again and to muse over his approach. There are many styles of smithing and teaching. This book happens to do both exceptionally well.

If you buy on book on blacksmithing this is the one. My complements to the author for a job well done.

Excellent book, the best blacksmith book I have found. Covers everything for the beginner. Very clear explanations and excellent pictures and photos. If I had the choice to buy just one book I would recommend this book. I am going to buy this authors other books and DVDs.