Todd Erlandson - Blacksmith

For many years I searched for a hobby that would help me relax and unwind after a day at the office. I tried golf, mountain biking, woodworking, and even took a bowyer class but nothing grabbed me. Then one day I came across a blacksmith workshop being held by a man who had been in the blacksmith business for over 45 years and had apprenticed under a 10th generation German blacksmith. I couldn't pass it up.

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When I stepped into his smithy it was like stepping back in time. Much of his equipment was handed down from his mentor and who knows how many other generations used it. That three-day workshop was amazing. I came home smelling like coal smoke with black smudges all over my face smiling from ear to ear. As a man who loves history and learning old-time skills, this hit the mark. I was hooked!

 

For the next several months I began to scrounge and hunt for the basic tools so I could set up a smithy in my garage. I built my first forge out of an old lawn mower deck and brake drum. I found some hammers lying around our small farm and I borrowed an old anvil from a friend. It wasn't pretty but I had what I needed to get started and I knew I would be upgrading my smithy as I improved my skills.

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My first projects were really ugly but I was pounding metal and making things. I wanted to learn the basics well and chose projects that challenged me and forced me to develop new skills as well as honing what I had already learned. During this initial learning stage, my wife was extremely supportive and kept many of my first attempts in much the same way a parent keeps the ugly clay pots their child brings home from school.

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I hope you enjoy looking around my shop. Many of the items can be customized so if you see something that is close but "not quite." don't hesitate to reach out.  Also, if a particular piece is SOLD and you are interested in it give me a call because often times I only make pieces to order. I will be upfront and honest with you about the project and will never promise more than I can deliver with excellence.