Started in l974, a one-man shop doing general blacksmithing: traditional forged iron work in the tradition of 18th and 19th century artisans such as hinges, latches, railings, pot racks etc., and horse-related work, including horse logging tools, spring wagons, surreys, buggies, and horse shoeing. Now, as then, the work is done with traditional tools of the craft: bellows-blown coal fired forge, hammer and tongs.
My name is Jim Rich and I've been smithing here in Takilma for 22 years. Rare is the Takilma house without some manifestation of my work. Most Takilma dwellings are owner-built and their builders were understandably loath to use hardware store junk on their lovingly hand-built homes. And while some die-hards still tend their stoves or fireplaces with an old rusty length of rebar, my fireplace and stove tools grace most of Takilma's hearths. One problem has been the lack of repeat business for such things as pokers & pot racks: these things don't wear out (in fact, they come with a lifetime guarantee). Maybe some of you cyber-shoppers need some durable wrought-iron ware for your homes.
The page show some common items and typical prices, but, since every item is individually forged, it is almost as inexpensive to custom-make items to your designs.
Other typical items:
Pot racks, either wall mounted or hanging: $50 -- $300
Fire- and stove tools; pokers, shovels, brooms, with wall hangers or stands.
Individual tools as low as $20, sets as low as a $100, including hand tied corn broom