Irontree Works was started with lots of hard work and assistance from many people.  Most blacksmiths that you meet today can give you a long list of other blacksmiths who got them started. 

The day I bought my first forge, I visited a blacksmith named Bob Bergman, The Postville Blacksmith.  Bob spent about 45 minutes outlining the very basics to me, gave me some coal, loaned me a text book  and during my second visit, a week later, spent over an hour with me, a total stranger, and put me in contact with The Guild of Metalsmiths. The guild has helped me, guided me, advised me and cajoled me into becoming a better smith every time I lit my forge.  If you are interested in learning to smith, use the links below or contact me and  I will try to steer you in the right direction.

Tours   If you are interested in a tour of our shop, contact us for dates and times

Groups you can contact for education 

The Guild of Metalsmiths

Florida Artist Blacksmith Association

Anvilfire

The Interactive Forge

ABANA

Forges

Ron Reil's Gas Forges

Larry Zoeller

Books to Read

New Edge of the Anvil: A Resource Book for the Blacksmith by Jack Andrews

The Art of Blacksmithing by Alex Bealer,

The Complete Modern Blacksmith by Alexander G. Weygers

The Mastermyr Find: A Viking Age Tool Chest from Gotland by Greta Arwidsson and Gosta Berg (Paperback - Jan 2000): A great period reference on Vking metalwork and tools.

Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop by Wayne Goddard (Paperback - Jan 2001) A very good book on starting knifemaking with minimal tools, also lots of information on how make your own tools. Lots of information on sharpening and more advanced tecniquies. A good second or first book on knifemaking

Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can Do It! (Paperback) by David Boye: Easier book in the beginning than Goddard's book but with a different focus. More information art knives, less on pattern welding. More basic than goddards and great for starting out knife making. A good first book!

Decorative and Sculptural Ironwork: Tools, Techniques, Inspiration (Schiffer Book for Collectors) by Dona Z. Meilach