I know only you gamers out there will get the title reference, but that’s ok.  This weekend, I took the Blacksmithing Basics class from Trackers Earth – Portland and it was a seriously helpful class, if for no other reason than I was able to ask my questions to the instructor (Rachelle).

First off, let me say that the facilities and the quality of instruction were top notch.  I could tell from speaking with Rachelle that she was a little less outgoing than myself, but it didn’t seem to have an ill effect on her ability to convey the appropriate information.  We started off with a simple project (seen below) of a “S Hook” with “scrolled” ends and a twist in the center.

Rachelle took a few minutes to explain the process and show a demonstration of how to make it.  Each of the techniques were gone through and then we were sent off to our own anvil to complete the project.  You can probably see in the first photo that the finished hook looks a little golden.  That color comes from using  a brass brush on hot metal, which melts the brush hairs and leaves it on the piece you are brushing.  This process is called “gilding”.  At any rate, we progressed through each of the projects and I was pretty happy with the results at the end of the day.  The last two photos are my bro Waterboard and my oldest son Isaac (good lookin’ kid, imo). Honestly, the only reason I took this class is because it is required before I take the knife making class, but I ended up learning quite a bit in the process thanks to Rachelle. In addition to the information gathered by participating in the class, I also asked her about my forge welding problem.  According to her, it is likely due to the low ratio of fuel to air (i.e. too much air or not enough fuel) in which the high oxygen content in the forge is causing excessive oxidation of the surface metal which is prohibiting the metals from melting together.  It also would explain why the metal I work with at home has so much more scale (after heating) on it than the metal I worked with at the class.  I have a few things I am going to try to remedy that ratio problem.   I’ll keep you updated.  In other news, the online business is taking off!

As you all probably are now aware, and some of you may have reached this site because of it, Michelle and I are selling our winter bee food (Sweet B fondant) on Amazon.  I would like to personally thank everyone who ordered some and especially those who have left feedback on Amazon.  Michelle has been working very hard at cooking, packaging, and shipping all of your orders the same day they come in and the orders are usually in the customer’s hands within three days of ordering (even though they are not available on Prime yet).  We will be expanding our line of products very soon and have taken a few steps to get them out there before the holiday season.  We established a wholesale account with GloryBee and have purchased all of the necessary ingredients (that we aren’t producing) from them so we can get started on the formula for those products.  It’s funny how things have gone full circle for me.  I started my career in chemistry and may very well end up with a chemistry based role in this company.  Don’t let the name fool you.  Even natural products and organic products are based on very precise chemical interactions.  For example, I make beard balm.  The oils, fats, and essential oils which are used are in very specific concentrations to give the consumer the best experience.  You have some ingredients in there for smell, some for giving your hair/skin a softer feel, some for protecting from the environment, some that help the oils absorb into your skin faster so you don’t get that greasy feeling.  What I’m trying to say is that we are meticulous about refining the formula we use until we are happy with the result and excited to use it ourselves.  After all, if I wouldn’t use it, why would I try to get you to use it?  I’m not a salesman.  I once had a job selling a popular brand of vacuum.  The training guy told us that we had to do five practice runs with family or friends.  I set up the whole thing and when I told him I was finished, he tried to get me to actually sell them the vacuum.  I knew they couldn’t afford it and I am not the kind of person who will try to sell someone something they can’t afford, but he wasn’t having any of that.  I quit that day.  I approach sales with the attitude that, if you don’t like it, I will either make it better or I will stop selling it. Anyway, enough of that tangent talk.  I just want everyone to know how thankful Michelle and I are for our customers.  We very much appreciate the support.

I guess that’s really it for the update.  Winter is in full swing and I got to feel that very cold breeze when I was riding the Harley to work this morning.  It’s almost time to dawn the winter riding gear…but not yet.  I hope everyone gets a chance to go enjoy what’s left of the fall and has a great Halloween.  Now, go forth and be awesome!