Learning to Blacksmith | Green Energy Park, Dillsboro NC

Brock Martin Blacksmith Instructor | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH

My son has developed an interest in learning all he can about being a blacksmith. During our 13 week fall vacation traveling in our Airstream we ran into a couple (Michel Olson and Christy Horne, The Gypsy Time Travelers) while camping at Zion National Park that helped spark his interest.  Christy does storytelling while Michael blacksmiths.

The Green Energy Park at Dillsboro, NC offered a two day class this past weekend that my son and I attended. This was my son’s fourth time attending a class here. He’s still developing the basic skills required and this two day class really helped build his confidence.

Each of the attendees was given a railroad spike and given the opportunity to turn that hunk of steel in to whatever creation they wanted. Brock Martin, their instructor, assisted the participants with helpful hints and some of his own brawn whenever required.

Brock Martin Blacksmith Instructor | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH

Brock Martin Blacksmith Instructor | Leica M-E

Brock Martin Instructing | Leica M-E

Brock preparing the railroad ties | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH

Methane Powered Furnace | Leica M-E, Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8

Blacksmith’s “Workbench” | Leica M-E, Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8

Red Hot Railroad Tie | Leica M-E, Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8

Blacksmith in the making | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH

Brushing the fire scale off | Leica M-E, Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8

Final Shaping | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH

Grinding | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH

Creating a hole for a handle | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH

Brock Martin assisting | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH

Brock providing guidance | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH

Creating an Edge | Leica M-E, Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8