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!