Blog 17: Answer 3

EQ: What is the most important factor in efficiently manipulating metal into a desired shape?

Answer 3: The most important factor to efficiently manipulate metal into a desired shape is how much the smith knows about the metal.

Details: Both my mentor and other members around the shop agree that you can only do certain things with specific metals. Some metals are harder to work with than others while some can only be worked at a very specific temperature. If worked improperly the metal, even while hot, can damage your tools as well as harm the smith.

Sources:

"PROPERTIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND HEAT TREATMENT OF METALS." PROPERTIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND HEAT TREATMENT OF METALS GENERAL (n.d.): n. pag. Longwood. Web. 9 Sept. 8.

"Methods Of Marking." Methods Of Marking. N.p., 1924. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.

"Anvilfire FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)." Anvilfire FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Aug. 2014.



This is a good answer because it focuses on things that I have learned from other people through their experience. With this answer in mind I can be more efficient and allow your tools to last longer which is better no matter how you look at it.