Its difficult to describe the attraction many people feel
to iron and blacksmithing. Perhaps its a part of the longing
for simple, basic living conditions that is typical of
our time. Throughout time, the trade of blacksmithing
has been surrounding by an almost magical aura. The
smith produced the tools and the weapons that meant
livelihood, life and maybe death.
In the last decade, Swedish Blacksmithing has found its
place as a standard handbook for blacksmithing in all of
Scandinavia and even in Germany. Here you will find descriptions,
with complete technical instructions, of the
whole process, from how to build up a simple forge to
the necessary tools and the basics of blacksmithing. In
unique chapters, the art of forging an axe is taught and
the secrets of damask are explained. Typical Swedish
items for everyday use and knife making are also covered.
All is done using dialogue between a contemporary blacksmith
and his eager apprentice. Over four hundred drawings
and photographs complete the experience and illustrate
the contexts where words can fall short.
Swedish Blacksmithing appeals to anyone who wants to
learn blacksmithing or just read about this craft that had
and still has huge significance for the development of society.