quick update/ renewal

Just a quick update, I had asked for an extension several months ago and have received it, it's getting close to that weather were I can go out and dig a hole and start making the forge part of my crazy project.

I have also emailed Regia to see what historical information they have used in making their bellows.
There was a quick lead in Sweden a few months back but the museum blacksmith shops bellows seem to have been converted to a double bellows and unfortunately its even upside down, when I have time I'll have to remind myself to email them on that. It might make their smiths life alot easier if he tries it the other way, and he'll be able take the rocks off of it because it won't need a counter weight. Its a common mistake....Dare you to go to the Smithsonian and check out their double bellows... mind you they might have fixed that by now.

still puttering along

So just a quick update on how the research is going along, I have emailed 2 different individuals about norse forges. One, a blacksmith in Norway who is a specialist of norse smithing ( I emailed him last month), the other is a gentlman that I have just located through facebook, his profile name is 'Eric Bloodaxe' I know that he is affiliated with the Jorvik museum in York and have asked if he might know of any forge finds at the Jorvik site. He has assured me that he is on the case. I love how international networking goes,don't you?? It brings like minded people together over so much distance.

Here is the web address of the museum for those who are interested:

http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

The blacksmith that I had emailed initially has done extensive research of the Osberg iron work and has written a book about norse smithing too :

Vikingsmeden - the Viking blacksmith ISBN 978-829246405-2
Can be ordered from the Midgard Historisk Senter (Museum)
info@midgardsenteret.no

Even though I haven't heard from him doesn't mean that we won't bump into each other at some time in the future. The fact that he mainly speaks Norwegian probably is a contributing factor. And I still want to get his book, but it seems that I'll only be able to order from the museum itself not through amazon or what not, too bad. I shall get it though, just might take a bit of extra effort.

I have also brought out my copy, of Forging the Iron Age by Darrell Markewitz at the Wareham forge, apparently the cd with the Iron Smelting is the one that has the bellows recreation in it, must get a copy from Darrell soon.

I have come to realize that one of my main information sources is going to be Darrell for sure, even though I want to see what else I can find/dig up on my own. Darrell is a true specialist on Norse Blacksmithing and I would be a fool not to tap into this abundant and informative resource right here in my own back yard in Ontario. I just don't want to run on his coat tails as the saying goes. ( Plus I'm a sucker for punishment, reinvent the wheel says I, It'll be loads of fun) :)

-So the first question is...what kind of wood was used for making of the bellows? I am still hunting that down, apparently trying to find out what types of wood was commonly used at that time in history is a difficult one or should I say one that seems not to be on the top ten of Google. So I have been hitting the books too, (and have realized that I do have a good collection in my own apt as it stands)
So with the question still unanswered (temporarily) and only 1/2 an hour left on my norse cd (which I have already watched several times in the past) I shall sign off for now. I think I shall try and figure out what types of wood were used for boat building, this might help me in getting a better idea of the different species in the region. Wouldn't it be great if I could make the bellows out of the same types of wood too?? ( sorry geek moment)

Begining research

Well, I'm doing alot of reading today about bellows, I have even emailed a gentleman that I met through facebook who lives in Norway, I know of two pictures with a forge or rather a blacksmith working, which is confirmed on Darrell Markewitz's blog. He and several of the DARC company have been working with smelting iron over the years. One of the main things to realize is that Darrell specializes in Norse blacksmithing history, he is the man to ask for sure. His blog has lots of information on blacksmithing in the Norse way. One of the things that I would like to do is do the research of how the traditional forges worked, both here and in Norway, possibly even Iceland. Then come up with a way of making a one man(or rather one woman) portable forge. The main reason is so I can bring it out and play with it at events by myself. This is going to be a challenge.

So, First things first, I will try my hardest to give credit where credit is due, so if I find something on anothers blog or website I will try to make sure that person(s) is credited with it. And I want to make sure that if an item is at a certain museum or facility that that info is written down here too. Not like I will find something that no person has found before me, I'm not at an archeological site digging up anything new. I'm just doing the research, rereading and learning from people who have done this before me. Oh and if I learn some old Norse too then cool!! I just might have to learn some Norwegian too for some of my correspondences. Wonder if I can find anything out about female smiths while I'm at it. ( that ones a personal hobby of mine ,oldest I've found is in the 15th century so far) This is going to be fun.

Norse Forge Journal

This electronic journal shall be my way of sharing what it is I am doing with the attempt over the next year in making and using a Norse forge with 2 single bellows. It will also include pictures of my attempts in this process. Why? you might be asking, well firstly because I have placed my name in with the White Wolf Fion. This is an SCA order that challenges the artisan into creating a piece that will expand their level of knowledge and ability and research. And secondly, I find this sort of challenge to be a great way to continue to push your limits and learn new things. This is the first time that I will be attempting a challenge so even the process is going to be a neat experience for me. I have a year from the Feast of the Hare this last Saturday, November 7th, 2009. Here is the first step, this blog, now comes the next ones.

I will be keeping a written journal aswell that will be handed in with pictures of the process and my research and commentary about the whole process both good and not so good out comes. I am very excited about it all and hope that you will feel free in making comments as time goes on. Did I mention I am a big promoter of the blacksmith arts??
Well I shall sign off for now, keep the irons hot!