Depending on the touchmark design, you could either have your punch made or make
your own.
My oakhammer forge touchmark was made by a stamp company here in Hamilton while
my Valdr touchmark I made myself.  However, I could also stamp my first mark
with a simple straight chisel or fuller - it just would take longer.  Stamps and
punches are usually made of tool steel and heat treated to make them harder, but
stamping is usually done while the metal is hot (I usually go for at least a
high red heat), so the steel will already be softer than the punch.  Heat
treated tool steel just means that the punch image will last longer and will
still work at cooler temperatures.

As far as I know you don't have to register a touchmark - it's your "signature"
for your craft.  But I could be wrong.

Sam

--- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "aurik_burnsson"
<rockforge@...> wrote:
>
> Now I'm assume that a blacksmith would be able to create a punch (or series of
punches) in order to make their touchmark.  However, I'm also assuming the punch
would be made of harder tool steel and considering the size of it, I'm guessing
they are more than likely created by a company specializing in such things.
>
> Do most smiths forge their own stamps, or are they created by specialists? 
And if it's the latter, what company would you suggest?
>
> Also, does one need to officially register their mark?
>
> Craig / Aurik
>
> --- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "Sam F" <oakhammer.forge@>
wrote:
> >
> > I started a photo album in the Photo's Section and among the photos I posted
I included two images of my touchmarks.  A touchmark is a blacksmith's
"signature" on his/her work.  It is stamped into the workpiece itself so people
will recognize who made it.  This got me thinking that many in this groups are
already established smiths who may already have a touchmark that they use.  It
would be a good idea to have an album of Touchmarks as a reference.  This can
also serve to help upcoming smiths design their own touchmarks.  So I invite any
smith who has a touchmark they use, to include an image of their mark in the
album along with their name as the image name.  The easiest way to do this if
you don't have an image of your touchmark is to draw it using a basic paint
program (like the one on your computer operating system) and save it as a jpeg.
then diownload it into the album.
> > Cheers
> >
> > Sam / Valdr
> > Oakhammer Forge
> >
>

The company's name is Embree Industries.
151 Birge Street
Hamilton, ON L8L 3L6
(905) 529-7187

--- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "Helmut's Forge"
<helmutsforge@...> wrote:
>
> What was the Hamilton co. name? Does anyone know of a company that does
> silver plating?
>
> On Wed, Dec 1, 2010 at 12:16 PM, Sam F <oakhammer.forge@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Depending on the touchmark design, you could either have your punch made or
> > make your own.
> > My oakhammer forge touchmark was made by a stamp company here in Hamilton
> > while my Valdr touchmark I made myself. However, I could also stamp my first
> > mark with a simple straight chisel or fuller - it just would take longer.
> > Stamps and punches are usually made of tool steel and heat treated to make
> > them harder, but stamping is usually done while the metal is hot (I usually
> > go for at least a high red heat), so the steel will already be softer than
> > the punch. Heat treated tool steel just means that the punch image will last
> > longer and will still work at cooler temperatures.
> >
> > As far as I know you don't have to register a touchmark - it's your
> > "signature" for your craft. But I could be wrong.
> >
> > Sam
> >
> >
> > --- In
EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com<EaldormereBlacksmithguild%40yahoogroup\
s.com>,
> > "aurik_burnsson" <rockforge@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Now I'm assume that a blacksmith would be able to create a punch (or
> > series of punches) in order to make their touchmark. However, I'm also
> > assuming the punch would be made of harder tool steel and considering the
> > size of it, I'm guessing they are more than likely created by a company
> > specializing in such things.
> > >
> > > Do most smiths forge their own stamps, or are they created by
> > specialists? And if it's the latter, what company would you suggest?
> > >
> > > Also, does one need to officially register their mark?
> > >
> > > Craig / Aurik
> > >
> > > --- In
EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com<EaldormereBlacksmithguild%40yahoogroup\
s.com>,
> > "Sam F" <oakhammer.forge@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I started a photo album in the Photo's Section and among the photos I
> > posted I included two images of my touchmarks. A touchmark is a blacksmith's
> > "signature" on his/her work. It is stamped into the workpiece itself so
> > people will recognize who made it. This got me thinking that many in this
> > groups are already established smiths who may already have a touchmark that
> > they use. It would be a good idea to have an album of Touchmarks as a
> > reference. This can also serve to help upcoming smiths design their own
> > touchmarks. So I invite any smith who has a touchmark they use, to include
> > an image of their mark in the album along with their name as the image name.
> > The easiest way to do this if you don't have an image of your touchmark is
> > to draw it using a basic paint program (like the one on your computer
> > operating system) and save it as a jpeg. then diownload it into the album.
> > > > Cheers
> > > >
> > > > Sam / Valdr
> > > > Oakhammer Forge
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>

Greetings all: Cynred here, glad to be on the list. I see some old friends and
some new faces. Hi to all.

'Bout time you got here  :)


--- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "broccan" <broccan@...> wrote:
>
> Greetings all: Cynred here, glad to be on the list. I see some old friends and
some new faces. Hi to all.
>

Hi all

well since I have a forced day off,(thanks mother nature, checks in the mail) I
had a discussion with Craig yesterday and thought I'd throw it on the list
today.  I have had a couple of really wonderful designs sent to me as ideas for
the front photo of the yahoo group.  I spoke with craig and decided to let the
group have an oportunity to choose the design that will represent us.  With that
said, we would also like everyone to have a chance to submit an idea too.

So if you have an idea for a Heraldry for the EBG  please feel free to submit
your design by Jan 1,2011, to me and we will add it to a photo section with its
own number and info on it.  Then we shall open up a poll and see which design is
liked the most by everyone and which idea has the most votes is the one that we
will use.

Any opinions on this or other ideas please feel free to chime in.

Henrietta

I've been thinking lately ... maybe I've been looking at Christmas all wrong all
these years.
As kids we're taught to be nice so that Santa would bring us toys.
But ... as a blacksmith, doesn't it make more sense to keep yourself on the
naughty list???
I mean ... all the fun of being naughty all year round and THEN getting a
stocking full of coal DELIVERED to you on December 25?
Sounds like a sweet deal to me.
I wonder if I could find a 55 gal drum shaped like a stocking ???

Sam

Happy Holidays Everyone

I like your thinking, free coal is good, well for us that is :) hehe

  you could make a 55 gallon stocking for next year, I have an embossing and
repossee book around here some were

But so long as its not illegal,its hard to work in the shop when I'm beind
bars....

well, off to the shop again to try and finish those last minute items for
xmas...
Thora V

--- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "Sam F" <oakhammer.forge@...>
wrote:
>
> I've been thinking lately ... maybe I've been looking at Christmas all wrong
all these years.
> As kids we're taught to be nice so that Santa would bring us toys.
> But ... as a blacksmith, doesn't it make more sense to keep yourself on the
naughty list???
> I mean ... all the fun of being naughty all year round and THEN getting a
stocking full of coal DELIVERED to you on December 25?
> Sounds like a sweet deal to me.
> I wonder if I could find a 55 gal drum shaped like a stocking ???
>
> Sam
>
> Happy Holidays Everyone
>

For those of you who don't know or are not members, OABA is the Ontario Artist
Blacksmiths Association.  We are an affiliate of ABANA.
OABA spans all of southern Ontario (and even further I think), annual membership
is $35.00, and the meetings are great opportunities to network with other
smiths, learn new techniques, ask questions and socialize.

Mark on your calendars ...
CanIRON 8
July 28 to Aug 1
Fergus ON.
[http://www.ontarioblacksmiths.ca/CANIRON8/index.html]
...yes it does conflict with the first few days of Pennsic ... but this is the
Canadian Blacksmiths convention, there will be smiths from all over the world
and I have no idea when it will be this close to home again !!!

-OABA meeting schedule for the next few months.
December (2010) : No Meetings


Saturday January 8th: Bob Young's Shop, Hamilton:
For the January Meeting we are going to make
tools for the CanIron tool box. Members can
bring their own projects if they want, but it will
be a hands on meeting. Also we want members
to bring forged key fobs, they can be anything
they like- leaves, flowers, etc, just remember
that they have to fit on a key ring. The idea behind
this is that we are looking for donations
these can be handed out as gifts to potential
sponsors, and it might give them a better idea of
what we do.
Bob's place is south of Hwy 403 between Hamilton
and Brantford. It is easiest to take the
"Copetown" cut-off from the 403 and follow the
"Grand River Dinner Cruises" signs as the "Boat
Farm" is a couple of kilometers past their place.
From the cut-off follow Trinity Rd for approximately
8km even when the name changes to
Sawmill Rd at a sharp curve and then Brant Rd
22 is about 2km further - the next road to the
right. They are about 1km on the right.


Saturday February 12th at Waldies Blacksmith Shop, Milton:
Mike Currie, who frequently makes objects for
reenactors, will be demonstrating how to make a
Neck Knife. Lunch will be provided for a nominal
fee. Members are asked to please be please be
punctual.
Take the 401 to exit 320, going south on Martin
St. Turn right onto Main St, and then right onto
James St.

Saturday March 12th: Mick Smith's Shop, Fergus:
This meeting will be making more things for CanIron, and teaching anyone
interested in how
to work as a striker. We will need volunteer strikers for CanIron, and it's best
to learn how
before you start swinging the hammer. If you can bring your own sledge hammer,
it would be
appreciated.
Take the 401 to exit 295 and head north on
Highway 6 (Hanlon Pkwy) through Guelph.
Highway 6 takes a right at Woodlawn Rd W,
and then a left at Woolwich St, and then on
to Fergus. In Fergus, follow the 6 through
town, which follows Tower, then Bridge,
then David St over the river. Once out of
Fergus, follow the 6 and turn right on to
Sideroad 10. Take the 10 until it curves
onto Jones baseline, but take a sharp right
after the curve to go SOUTH on Jones
Baseline. Mick's place is on the right, second
house before the swamp.

I am reposting these two emails about a fellow blacksmith in the SCA family,
I ask for understanding of the length of this email as I have kept the last two
emails sent about Johan in their complete form

Lady Thora V

----------------------------------------------------------------

     John/Johan
     Wed Dec 22, 2010 6:01 pm (PST)


     I didn't expect to send this tonight...

     Folks... The forge has been damped for the last time. Peacefully.

     John Paul Husvar, 12-27-46 to 12-22-10.

     I'll send word on the memorial service when I know.

     Jerod
--------------------------------------------
(previous post)

     It is with great sadness that I pass along word that it appears my father,
     and friend, John Husvar, will pass out of this world in the very near
     future. We received a call from the hospital this morning indicating that
     his kidneys had started to fail, and my mother received and urgent call
     about 1pm to get up to the hospital post haste. She and Kim George are now
     sitting with my father, and he will be with his wife of over 42 years and
     his best friend of almost 30 years when he moves on.

     I will send out an email from this account should anything change, otherwise
     there will be one more email to announce John's memorial service. His
     wishes were to be cremated, and his ashes spread on his sister's farm in TX,
     as well a small portion being launched on the Viking Ship at Pennsic War.
     We will honor his wishes as best we can. John and his family have never
     believed in "laying in" and likely his memorial will be a wake for friends
     and family to remember him fondly.

     In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either The Society for
     Creative Anachronism (Preferably to your local branch,) (http://www.sca.org)
     or to the National MS Society (http://www.nationalmssociety.org). John
     loved the SCA and was helped many times by NMSS. In lieu of tears of
     sadness, raise a toast in his honor and remember that he will no longer be
     in the pain that has plagued him for so long.

     I will close with one of John's favorite poems... It's by Dylan Thomas
     (Whoever he is... ;)

     DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT

     >> Do not go gentle into that good night,
     >> Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
     >> Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
     >>
     >> Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
     >> Because their words had forked no lightning they
     >> Do not go gentle into that good night.
     >>
     >> Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
     >> Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
     >> Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
     >>
     >> Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
     >> And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
     >> Do not go gentle into that good night.
     >>
     >> Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
     >> Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
     >> Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
     >>
     >> And you, my father, there on the sad height,
     >> Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
     >> Do not go gentle into that good night.
     >> Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

     Jerod Husvar
     For the entire Husvar family.

Thanks Helmut.
I need to watch it again.
Did you happen to notice that one of the hammers in the box had its head on
upsidedown?
Just made me twitch.
Sam

--- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "Helmut's Forge"
<helmutsforge@...> wrote:
>
> Viking tool chest
> http://www.pbs.org/woodwrightsshop/video/2800/2812.html
> This series has a number of smithing episodes that are very interesting.
>

Just thought I'd add this as one of those interesting sites on blacksmithing and
guilds, its the worshipful company of blacksmiths in london

http://www.blacksmithscompany.org.uk/index.shtml

Enjoy!!!

Thora V

Hello one and all

I am wondering if anyone knows of any other museums in Ontario or the rest of
Canada for that matter that has volunteer blacksmiths at their site.  I'm doing
some research and need to ask some specific questions to the co-ordinators of
volunteer smiths, or is Cumberland Heritage the only one?

thanks in advance

Thora V

Westfield Pioneer Village also uses volunteer smiths.
Sam

On 1/13/11, thoravolundsdottir <hverweybsmith@...> wrote:
> Hello one and all
>
> I am wondering if anyone knows of any other museums in Ontario or the rest
> of Canada for that matter that has volunteer blacksmiths at their site.  I'm
> doing some research and need to ask some specific questions to the
> co-ordinators of volunteer smiths, or is Cumberland Heritage the only one?
>
> thanks in advance
>
> Thora V
>
>

--
Sent from my mobile device

Thats awesome!! thanks everyone, if there are anyothers let me know, this helps
me out alot with my research  Let you know how it goes when I'm done

Henrietta

--- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "Helmut's Forge"
<helmutsforge@...> wrote:
>
> Westfield Village, Hamilton; Country Heritage Park, Milton: Fanshaw Village,
> London; Backhus Mills, Port Dover; South Norwich Museum, Qtterville; are
> some that I can think of off the top of my head. There are a lot more.
>
> On Thu, Jan 13, 2011 at 12:19 PM, thoravolundsdottir <
> hverweybsmith@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Hello one and all
> >
> > I am wondering if anyone knows of any other museums in Ontario or the rest
> > of Canada for that matter that has volunteer blacksmiths at their site. I'm
> > doing some research and need to ask some specific questions to the
> > co-ordinators of volunteer smiths, or is Cumberland Heritage the only one?
> >
> > thanks in advance
> >
> > Thora V
> >
> >
> >
>

Got a hit on Kijiji today for a 130lb anvil going for $300.00.  That works out
to $2.31/lb - not a bad deal.  From the picture it looks like a Mousehole anvil
(excellent quality anvils).  The anvil is in St.Catharines. Here is the website
http://stcatharines.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-hobbies-crafts-Blacksmith-anvil-W0Q\
QAdIdZ261727153
Don't know how long it will last.
Good luck.
aeneas

Did you buy it?  :)

Thora V
--- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "Sam F" <oakhammer.forge@...>
wrote:
>
> Got a hit on Kijiji today for a 130lb anvil going for $300.00.  That works out
to $2.31/lb - not a bad deal.  From the picture it looks like a Mousehole anvil
(excellent quality anvils).  The anvil is in St.Catharines. Here is the website
>
http://stcatharines.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-hobbies-crafts-Blacksmith-anvil-W0Q\
QAdIdZ261727153
> Don't know how long it will last.
> Good luck.
> aeneas
>

Hello all

just a quick blurb about Practicum here in Caldrithig.  I had a great day in
classes and also in meeting people too, I met a lady silversmith from Dragon
Dormant and a lady bladesmith from Aethelmearc.  I even brought a couple of
books for people to take a peek at, it was a great time seeing new and old faces
and to touch base with the smithing community. It has also given me new ideas
and inspirations for the next event that I am at.

Next time your at an event why not bring a book or some pictures of the latest
things your working on and start up a conversation? Its amazing the cool ideas
that will appear and interesting people that you will meet :)

Yours In Service

Lady Thora Volundsdottir

So what ever happened to this idea???
I haven't heard anything about it (or anything else on the list) since 2010.  I
hope that means everyone is busy in a good and creative way.

But really ... anyone out there have anything new about smithing to talk about?
Any ideas or topics for discussion? Any new photos to share?  Any new touchmarks
to add to the album?  ANYTHING?

Sam


--- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "thoravolundsdottir"
<hverweybsmith@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all
>
> well since I have a forced day off,(thanks mother nature, checks in the mail)
I had a discussion with Craig yesterday and thought I'd throw it on the list
today.  I have had a couple of really wonderful designs sent to me as ideas for
the front photo of the yahoo group.  I spoke with craig and decided to let the
group have an oportunity to choose the design that will represent us.  With that
said, we would also like everyone to have a chance to submit an idea too.
>
> So if you have an idea for a Heraldry for the EBG  please feel free to submit
your design by Jan 1,2011, to me and we will add it to a photo section with its
own number and info on it.  Then we shall open up a poll and see which design is
liked the most by everyone and which idea has the most votes is the one that we
will use.
>
> Any opinions on this or other ideas please feel free to chime in.
>
> Henrietta
>

Hey there

Sorry about that, its been silly busy this side of the kingdom,  and you are
right, since we have not heard from anyone else about the group design I will
contact Craig and have him place the ones that we have up for voting.

As for cool new things, I have decided to make as my main demo's for this season
" blacksmith tools".

I'll be showing and practising how to make specific tools for the shop.  Such as
tongs( obviously), hammers, chisels, etc
any one have any specific suggestions that I should do for these demo's?

Thora(Henrietta)



--- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "Sam F" <oakhammer.forge@...>
wrote:
>
> So what ever happened to this idea???
> I haven't heard anything about it (or anything else on the list) since 2010. 
I hope that means everyone is busy in a good and creative way.
>
> But really ... anyone out there have anything new about smithing to talk
about? Any ideas or topics for discussion? Any new photos to share?  Any new
touchmarks to add to the album?  ANYTHING?
>
> Sam
>
>
> --- In EaldormereBlacksmithguild@yahoogroups.com, "thoravolundsdottir"
<hverweybsmith@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all
> >
> > well since I have a forced day off,(thanks mother nature, checks in the
mail) I had a discussion with Craig yesterday and thought I'd throw it on the
list today.  I have had a couple of really wonderful designs sent to me as ideas
for the front photo of the yahoo group.  I spoke with craig and decided to let
the group have an oportunity to choose the design that will represent us.  With
that said, we would also like everyone to have a chance to submit an idea too.
> >
> > So if you have an idea for a Heraldry for the EBG  please feel free to
submit your design by Jan 1,2011, to me and we will add it to a photo section
with its own number and info on it.  Then we shall open up a poll and see which
design is liked the most by everyone and which idea has the most votes is the
one that we will use.
> >
> > Any opinions on this or other ideas please feel free to chime in.
> >
> > Henrietta
> >
>

This was posted on another blacksmith group, thought it would be of interest
here too.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-12831958


Hope it works

Thora V

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
EaldormereBlacksmithguild group:

Now is your chance to have your say on which Heraldic Shield will represent the
Ealdormere Blacksmith Guild.

In the Photos section, you will find the submissions.  Look them over then come
back and leave your (electronic) mark.
Please note, the poll will be close on April 9, 2011.

Let the voting begin!

   o Shield 1
   o Shield 2
   o Shield 3


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EaldormereBlacksmithguild/surveys?id=2358624

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!