We noticed a number of neat tools sitting out on craigslist right now. If you are in the Bay area you might find these ads worth your time. If not, you might find the pictures worth a peak! There are a number of different pictures posted here.

This is a torch for sale in LA.

The CBC out of Canada is covering the recent earth quake that rocked northern California. Their article had a great section about a local blacksmith, who rode out the earth quake.

"In Ferndale, the owner of The Blacksmith Shop gallery was at work when the quake hit. Joseph Koches, 72, said he dropped to the floor and crawled to a doorway he had reinforced with iron after a 1992 earthquake."

Leave it to a blacksmith to re-enforce the door after the first one hits! Talk about being prepared!

The Missoulian is running a story about different winter classes that are offered at the University of Montana. Low and behold at least one is a blacksmith sculpting class. I wish they would have offered these classes at the University that I attended! It likely would have had me paying a little more attention in class. There are a few pictures and a nice write up as to why the students enjoy the class. Brad Allen teaches the blacksmithing classes.

The Pheonix is running a story about blacksmith David Fisher. They talk about his background, about ABANA, and about blacksmithing in general. It is worth a read. Also check out David's website, www.fisherforge.com. He has a nice gallery set up that does a good job of showing off his work in a nice easy to use interface.

Simon Grant-Jones of Sutton Poyntz, UK was awarded the National Champion Blacksmith title by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths for the second year running. The Dorset ECHO is running the news. The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths is an organization dating back centuries, as it was created in 1325. More information about this group can be found on their website.

Your Daily Camera is running an article that discusses a number of different artists located in the Boulder Colorado area. David Norrie, a blacksmith in the area, is one of the featured artists. They have some good shots of some hot forge work in the article, and David has a nice website up where you can look at more of his work, as well as watch videos of the work being done. The gallery on his website really has some magnificent work in it.

A friend just pointed out this great write up on an old Pennsylvania Iron Plantation. The National Parks Conservation Association is running the story. It talks about the history of the Iron Plantation, 1700's through 1883, what they produced, what life was like there, and what made the sight special. For all you iron mongers out there, I think you will really enjoy this read.

The Yorkshire Post is reporting that Steven Beane has won the 30th annual World Championship Blacksmith competition held at the famous Calgary Stampede in Canada. Steven won $10,000 in prize money that he will be taking home with him to Trenholme Bar, near Northallerton, UK. There is a video interview with Steven posted at Forge Magazine here.

The Andover Advertiser is covering the opening of a commercial blacksmith's forge. Philip Grob is opening up a smithy, and we want to wish him the best of luck! You can see some of Philip's work on his website.