Aaron facilitates engagement in the communities better than anyone else. He's always offering advice, how to's, and tool identifications. You can find him on Google+ and on his Etsy site located here. He has some really cool products for sale that would make great Christmas gifts.
Here is Aaron's post. I think it's something that we all need to keep in mind when working off of demos:
Many of us do a lot of our first projects from "Demos". Demos are great, but I was reminded with this project, that demos are a starting point and an idea. How they are done is a guide line, not "Law". Meaning, just because one smith does it one way doesn't mean that the project has to be done the same way. What works for one smith may not work for another. There is always more than one way to complete a task, as long as the finish project equals that of the demo, then you completed the task.
Tools will sometimes play a factor too. A lot of the time we make our own tools and they are sometimes different from the smith who did the demo. I had to make a new guillotine to complete this one and I found it easier to work the horn and heel after cutting it off of the 1/2" square stock. Different hammers and anvils will play a factor too. The demo had making the horn and heel while it was still attached. Generally it is easier to work metal without tongs when you can, but for this project it was easier for me to work the horn and heel with tongs. Doesn't necessarily mean that it wouldn't work for another smith, some may find it easier to work the horn and heel while still attached to the stock, however for me it was not.
So this is just a reminder, to think for yourselves when doing demos and use what techniques you are comfortable with.
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