🕯️ Occult Philosophy −47%

The Book of Forging: Basic Techniques & Examples

✍️ Gissing, Karl
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$19.99 $38.00 Save $18.01 (47%)
Temporarily out of stock

Currently unavailable

This book is sold out right now. Leave your email — we'll let you know if it comes back, and you'll get 10% off any book today.

In stock now — readers of this book also loved:

Swept Away: The Vanishing Art of Broom Making -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Hobbs, Karen
Swept Away: The Vanishing Art of Broom Making
$24.99 $30.00
86
Norwegian Pick-Up Bandweaving
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Torgenrud, Heather
Norwegian Pick-Up Bandweaving
$24.99
86
Making Leather Knife Sheaths - Volume 1 -21%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Hölter, David
Making Leather Knife Sheaths - Volume 1
$24.99 $32.00
86
Bark Craft: 14 Rustic Birch Bark Projects to Weave, Join & Fold
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Dahlqvist, Emma
Bark Craft: 14 Rustic Birch Bark Projects to Weave, Join & Fold
$24.99
86
How to Weave a Navajo Rug and Other Lessons from Spider Woman -53%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Lynda Teller Pete, Barbara Teller Ornelas
How to Weave a Navajo Rug and Other Lessons from Spider Woman
$29.95 $64.00
86
Eastern European Folk Designs Marinescu, John Gabrian
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Marinescu, John Gabrian
Eastern European Folk Designs Marinescu, John Gabrian
$29.95
86
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This practical guide offers an accessible entry point into the fundamental principles of blacksmithing. Whether you're a novice or seeking to refine existing skills, it meticulously breaks down the core elements of this ancient craft. It elucidates essential tools and their applications, differentiates various forging techniques from free-form to industrial, and details critical processes like bending, joining, and splitting. Enhanced by numerous visual aids, the book also showcases a diverse gallery of forged objects, providing inspiration and practical insights into their creation.

🕯️
Occult Philosophy
🏛 Schiffer Craft 📅 2019 📖 160 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780764357374
Fun Fact
Gissing's 'Book of Forging' stands out as an exceptionally clear and practical introduction to the smith's craft. Its strength lies in demystifying complex processes with abundant visual aids and a focus on core techniques, making it ideal for the absolute beginner. While seasoned smiths might find its scope too foundational, it perfectly equips the aspiring artisan with the confidence and essential knowledge to ignite their first forge, a robust springboard into metalworking.

📝 Description: The Book of Forging: Basic Techniques & Examples

Ideal for beginners or those looking to brush up their skills, this quick-reference overview explains the basics of all aspects of blacksmithing. With more than 450 photos and a focus on only the most essential tools and equipment, it keeps the information simple for the beginner. Summaries cover the tools of forging, their uses, and the essential equipment in the work space; the differences among free-form forging, drop forging, industrial, hot work, and cold work; the steps of the process, such as bending, joining, riveting, welding, chiseling off, and splitting; and the chemistry of iron and steel. The book also shows a gallery of 44 types of forged items, from hooks to tool handles, with comments on their forged features.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
This practical guide serves as an accessible entry point for those interested in the fundamental principles of blacksmithing within an esoteric framework. It succeeds by meticulously breaking down core elements and elucidating essential tools, making it highly suitable for novices or those seeking to refine existing skills. The inclusion of numerous visual aids and a diverse gallery of forged objects provides necessary inspiration and practical insights. However, readers expecting advanced metallurgical theory or complex industrial applications will find it lacking. It is not suited for professional smiths requiring deep technical density. Instead, it is designed for the hobbyist or magician who values clear, step-by-step instruction over academic rigor, focusing on the tangible magic of creation rather than the science of materials.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is an ideal companion for the occultist who seeks to ground their spiritual practices in physical creation. It invites readers to master the ancient art of forging, transforming raw metal into tangible, enduring magic through accessible instruction. Whether you are a novice eager to begin or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your skills, this guide meticulously breaks down core elements without overwhelming complexity. By elucidating essential tools and differentiating techniques from free-form to industrial, it empowers you to bend, join, and split metal with confidence. The included gallery of forged objects offers both inspiration and practical insight, making it a vital resource for those wishing to weave the discipline of blacksmithing into their magical work.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
If you've ever felt the primal call to shape metal with fire and hammer, or wish to solidify your foundational knowledge of smithing, this is your indispensable guide. Aspiring artisans and those seeking a clear, practical introduction to the forge will find its insights invaluable.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

This practical guide serves as an accessible entry point for those interested in the fundamental principles of blacksmithing within an esoteric framework. It succeeds by meticulously breaking down core elements and elucidating essential tools, making it highly suitable for novices or those seeking to refine existing skills. The inclusion of numerous visual aids and a diverse gallery of forged objects provides necessary inspiration and practical insights. However, readers expecting advanced metallurgical theory or complex industrial applications will find it lacking. It is not suited for professional smiths requiring deep technical density. Instead, it is designed for the hobbyist or magician who values clear, step-by-step instruction over academic rigor, focusing on the tangible magic of creation rather than the science of materials.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Absolutely. Gissing’s work is specifically designed to introduce novices to the fundamental concepts and practical steps of forging, making it an excellent starting point for any aspiring metalworker.
While it provides a solid foundation, this book focuses primarily on basic techniques and core principles. It serves as an exceptional primer, preparing you for more complex projects and advanced studies in the craft.

📖 Who should read this

If you've ever felt the primal call to shape metal with fire and hammer, or wish to solidify your foundational knowledge of smithing, this is your indispensable guide. Aspiring artisans and those seeking a clear, practical introduction to the forge will find its insights invaluable.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Foundational Blacksmithing Skills

This volume meticulously introduces the bedrock principles of metalworking, guiding the aspiring artisan through the initial stages of shaping metal with heat and force. It establishes a robust understanding of the craft's core mechanics, ensuring a solid foundation for further exploration into more complex techniques and artistic expression.

Essential Tools & Techniques

Delve into the indispensable instruments of the forge, learning their proper selection and safe operation. The book demystifies various forging methods—from the hands-on artistry of free-form work to the precision of industrial processes—providing clarity on how each technique contributes to the final form and integrity of the metal.

The Alchemy of Metal

Beyond mere mechanics, this text explores the inherent properties of iron and steel, offering insights into their chemical composition and how they respond to the transformative power of the forge. Understanding this material science empowers the artisan to predict and control the metal's behavior, turning raw elements into enduring creations.

📜 Historical context

Blacksmithing, an art form stretching back millennia, has always been central to human progress, shaping tools, weapons, and art. This book offers a contemporary, accessible entry point, grounding its teachings in these enduring traditions. It bridges ancient methods of transformative fire and hammer work with modern understanding, ensuring the craft's legacy endures.

📚 Glossary

Free-form Forging
Drop Forging
Hot Work

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Considering the gallery of forged items, which everyday object would you first attempt to craft, and what challenges do you foresee?
  2. Reflect on the 'chemistry of iron and steel' discussed in the book. How might understanding metal's properties influence your design choices?
  3. Beyond its practical applications, what spiritual or meditative aspects of working with fire and metal resonate with you personally?

🏛 Books from this publisher Schiffer Craft

All books from this publisher →
Making Decoys: The Century-Old Way (Expanded)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Chesser, Grayson
Making Decoys: The Century-Old Way (Expanded)
$24.95
81
Relief Carving with Bob Lundy: Scenery in Wood Lundy, Bob 🔥 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Lundy, Bob
Relief Carving with Bob Lundy: Scenery in Wood Lundy, Bob
$14.95
86
Gourd Puppets and Dolls: A Do-It-Yourself for Crafters Mohr, Angela
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Mohr, Angela
Gourd Puppets and Dolls: A Do-It-Yourself for Crafters Mohr, Angela
$15.00
78
Beads & Agate Jewelry to Create Yourself -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Wagner, Connie
Beads & Agate Jewelry to Create Yourself
$14.99 $18.00
86
Tom Wolfe Carves Spirit Canes -53%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Wolfe, Tom
Tom Wolfe Carves Spirit Canes
$14.99 $32.00
86
Gold: Gilding History and Techniques -45%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Beuster, Kirsten
Gold: Gilding History and Techniques
$20.00 $37.00
86
Carving Storybook Mice: A Schiffer Book for Woodcarvers Sabol, David -35% 🔥 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Sabol, David
Carving Storybook Mice: A Schiffer Book for Woodcarvers Sabol, David
$12.95 $20.00
81
Designer Fabrics of the Early 60s Skinner, Tina
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Skinner, Tina
Designer Fabrics of the Early 60s Skinner, Tina
$19.95
86

You might also like

See more →
I Shock Myself: Beatrice Wood, Career Woman of Art
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Wood, Beatrice
I Shock Myself: Beatrice Wood, Career Woman of Art
$19.99
86
Earthen Pigments: Hand-Gathering & Using Natural Colors in Art
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Webster, Sandy
Earthen Pigments: Hand-Gathering & Using Natural Colors in Art
$19.99
86
Wharton Esherick Studio & Collection -13%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
The Wharton Esherick Museum
Wharton Esherick Studio & Collection
$19.99 $23.00
86
Gold: Gilding History and Techniques -45%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Beuster, Kirsten
Gold: Gilding History and Techniques
$20.00 $37.00
86
Designer Fabrics of the Early 60s Skinner, Tina
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.7
5
Skinner, Tina
Designer Fabrics of the Early 60s Skinner, Tina
$19.95
86
Artists Write to Work: A Practical Guide to Writing about Your Art
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.2
4
Kramer, Kate
Artists Write to Work: A Practical Guide to Writing about Your Art
$16.99
86
Lightship Baskets of Nantucket (Revised and Expanded) Lawrence, Martha
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.7
5
Lawrence, Martha
Lightship Baskets of Nantucket (Revised and Expanded) Lawrence, Martha
$24.95
86
Beads & Agate Jewelry to Create Yourself -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Wagner, Connie
Beads & Agate Jewelry to Create Yourself
$14.99 $18.00
86
Tom Wolfe Carves Spirit Canes -53%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Wolfe, Tom
Tom Wolfe Carves Spirit Canes
$14.99 $32.00
86
Do It Yourself Coffin for Pets Power, Dale
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Power, Dale
Do It Yourself Coffin for Pets Power, Dale
$14.99
86

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist