These are the lessons I’ve learnt after a further three hours in the forge.

Forge

Create a volcano shaped fire

Don’t dig too deep

Don’t touch the clinker

Keep the anvil clean

Keep the metal yellow

Don’t immerse metal in water unless you really have to

Hammering Technique

Wear glasses so you can see what you’re hammering

Don’t use  too heavy a hammer or you’ll get tired and inaccurate

Hammer from 45 degree angle

Keep your thumb behind the handle

Keep you hand two thirds down the hammer until you’re any good

Only have your hand at the end of the handle to give heavy blows

Try to hit hard and accurately

Don’t make the metal too thin or it will fall off and you have to start again…