[TheForge] Re: athenticity

[theforge@mailman.qth.net]

In a message dated 02-05-01 10:16:01 EDT, you write:

<< Can any of us honestly state that our work is authentically produced in the
 fashion of the 18th century? Even if you use an authentic coal or charcoal
 forge, authentic, antique tools, authentic technique, even dress
 authentically while you work, we are still doing the work in the 21st
 century. Even if you do all of the above there are some things you must do
 in a 21st century fashion. For example, how do you light your forge? >>

Now?  No.

From 1993 - 1999, no.  But done in the fashion of the 17th century, yes. ;-)
As to how I lit my forge...most of the time, flint and steel.  As in 
tinderbox.  Once in a great while, when a burr got up someone in the shop's 
bum...lens and sunlight to light the tinder.  One time, using the lock of a 
snaphance pistol (we were being silly that day).

Was my work better then?  No.