02-14-2003, 02:32 AM
Greetings, all, from one of the savage Northmen.<br>
<br>
I live out in the hills of Northeast Iowa. I have worked as a computer programmer for years, but have always been a farm boy - at heart and in practice.<br>
<br>
I have been involved in living history for an unspecified number (to protect the guilty) of decades. Like many, I started with the North American fur trade. But every year, I turn around and head farther back in time. I have also been blacksmithing for over 2 of those decades. I am very interested in the day-to-day tools of living for the average person. I seek not fame and fortune. I find my solace in the tools and building of the community. I would not march to war, but I would follow to keep them going.<br>
<br>
Last year I built an early Viking age blacksmithing shop to travel and demonstrate with. A proper rock and sand side-draft forge, with two single stage bellows to supply the air. Along with this was making all the tools, and learning to use charcoal for fuel. What a learning experience. It also helps me understand how and why various artifacts where originally made.<br>
<br>
The fire steels have been one of the items that have lead me on my historical quest through time. Such a simple tool. Yet it was used throughout the ages from the first use of iron and steel, up to present times. (Flint and steel were even used as late as WW I in the trenches!)<br>
<br>
A Roman blacksmithing shop? Ah, my quest continues.<br>
<br>
My thanks to thee for listening to my ramblings.<br>
Mike Ameling<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
I live out in the hills of Northeast Iowa. I have worked as a computer programmer for years, but have always been a farm boy - at heart and in practice.<br>
<br>
I have been involved in living history for an unspecified number (to protect the guilty) of decades. Like many, I started with the North American fur trade. But every year, I turn around and head farther back in time. I have also been blacksmithing for over 2 of those decades. I am very interested in the day-to-day tools of living for the average person. I seek not fame and fortune. I find my solace in the tools and building of the community. I would not march to war, but I would follow to keep them going.<br>
<br>
Last year I built an early Viking age blacksmithing shop to travel and demonstrate with. A proper rock and sand side-draft forge, with two single stage bellows to supply the air. Along with this was making all the tools, and learning to use charcoal for fuel. What a learning experience. It also helps me understand how and why various artifacts where originally made.<br>
<br>
The fire steels have been one of the items that have lead me on my historical quest through time. Such a simple tool. Yet it was used throughout the ages from the first use of iron and steel, up to present times. (Flint and steel were even used as late as WW I in the trenches!)<br>
<br>
A Roman blacksmithing shop? Ah, my quest continues.<br>
<br>
My thanks to thee for listening to my ramblings.<br>
Mike Ameling<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>