Subject: RE: Anvil's Ring and Mr. Biddle

From: [email-masked] (Mark Thomas)
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 1996 22:04:10 -0500

After listening to all that's been said about the content of The Anvil's
Ring and Greg Biddle I thought would add my thoughts, too.
  I was of the same opinion a few years ago, but instead of writing to
express my concerns, I just let my membership lapse and went on to other
avenues of information.  While at a rendezvous, I met a blacksmith who I
talked to for a long time.  He told me about a group of people who would
actually let me watch them blacksmith and answer my questions, too.  They
turned out to be the Indiana Blacksmithing Association and it has been the
best education I have found.  They have answered my rookie questions, showed
me their techniques and methods, and invited me to their shops.  One of the
things which Paul Moffet (President) has said is important, besides safety,
is the need to belong to ABANA.  I have come to the conclusion that ABANA is
more than The Anvil's Ring or The Hammer's Blow, both of which I like.  It's
the common thread between the local chapters and a clearinghouse of
information.  I was fortunate enough to have an offer for a new publication
come to me just before my membership expired.  It was the Blacksmith's
Journal and I have subscribed to it from the first issue on.  If I hadn't
been a member, I would have missed a lot of fantastic information that I
would have dug for for a long time, if I found it at all.  ABANA and my
local chapter both offer me a LOT of information for beginning
blacksmithing.  I would rather buy or borrow the books or tapes (FAQ type
stuff) and let the main publication show me what I can strive for, rather
than to expect them to stay at the beginning level.  I even like some of the
artist type pictures and articles. I find that I pick up ideas even if the
overall subject might not appeal to me. I would like to thank Mr. Biddle for
writing to AR and causing me to think about how fortunate I am.

Mark Thomas
Markle,IN

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From: [email-masked]
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 1996 20:34:26 -0500

Mark -
You make a very valid point, thank you.

Bill Roberts
Custom Design Metal Arts
3740 N.E. 40th Pl. #C
Ocala,FL 34479
Roberts [email-masked]