Books for Blacksmiths

I hate buying books sight-unseen because you can never tell just how good or bad the content will be.  Or, better to say, how it will fit your needs.

Decorative Antique Ironwork is one of those books I recommend every smith own.  It's what I call an Idea Book.

Sure, the work showcased between the covers is well beyond the abilities of most of us, but it's the ideas that I find most valuable.  Even if you can't recreate an entire piece, there might be one little element that would be perfect for a project you have underway.

This isn't a "how to" book.  And, honestly, the pictures aren't the best.  That said, I think it's well worth the investment if you can pick up a used copy.  There are a ton of images for you to browse through and you just never know what might pique your interest!

Keys, locks, grilles, gates, boxes, lights... there's a little bit of everything here and it will definitely get you thinking.  This is what master blacksmiths used to do, and it's something we can still look to for inspiration.  I know I'm glad to have it on the shelf!