[TheForge] anvils ring letter

[Phlip]

Larry and Pat Brown wrote:

> Women in Blacksmithing, I kind of agree with him that the horse has been
> over ridden. An occasional reminder to the public is fine, but I don't
> consider metal work to be gender specific and I don't need to have it
> pointed out to me constantly. There are many woman smiths who's work I
> admire but only as one person with a hammer admiring anothers work, I am
> not amazed that they can do it.

I tend to agree, being a female smith, if that's what the letter is about. It's
fun to tease you guys, and joke with Johan about "House Blacksmiths Kissing"
(First time I met him, I gave him a big hug and a kiss, and he said, "That's the
first time _I_ve ever kissed another smith" ), but it does get rather old after
a while. Sure, there are a few techniques I'd tend to share with other women
about getting around dealing with lesser upper body strength, but I'd cheerfully
share them with guys for the same reason- everyone just isn't built like Mr
Atlas, and leverage principles are useful regardless of gender.

I suspect we'll always be a minority, because most women just aren't interested
in the rougher trades and hobbies, but there's no reason any woman can't swing a
hammer, and that's what it boils down to.

Phlip