My neighbor's kid asked me why I always wear my old leather apron.

He said his dad told him 'real smiths feel the heat through their gear, it keeps you sharp'. I've been using a modern Kevlar one for two years. Now I'm second guessing every time I spark up the forge. Anyone else have a piece of gear they switched from that they regret?

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1 Comment

michaelnguyen1h ago

My old shop teacher swore by his steel-toed leather boots, said he could feel the floor vibrations better. He retired and the district bought us all those modern composite toe ones. They're lighter, but I swear I trip over my own feet more now. It's like losing a sense you didn't know you were using. That kid's dad might be onto something about feeling the work.