Blacksmiths and the craft of smithing made the modern world possible.
It is true that the craft almost died out after World War II. Modern welders and machinists replaced much of what smiths did. Around 1970 the craft began to make a comeback. Alex Bealer wrote a book titled: The Art of Blacksmithing that was meant to preserve some of the knowledge of the craft. That book also brought people interested in practicing the craft together to revive it. The number of folks who came together steadily grew and formed ABANA, the Artists Blacksmiths Association of North America. Since then clubs have formed in many states to bring smiths together because it is in coming together that old tools and techniques are rediscovered and shared. The craft has grown because of the men and women who find passion in it and in their willingness to share what they've learned with other smiths. The craft that dates back to Tubal Cain in the Bible has been reborn!
This is an exciting time for blacksmithing because of the men and women who have mastered the craft and been willing to share what they've discovered. One of those men is Robb Gunter. Robb began studying blacksmithing in
1980 with Rolando DeLeon in Santa Fe, New Mexico and has worked with Francis Whitaker among others.
While working for Sandia Labs in Los Alamos, New Mexico Robb suggested the labs begin using forging as a way of producing parts. His employers thought he was joking, believing the ancient art of blacksmithing had nothing to offer the state-of-the-art facility. Robb proved them wrong demonstrating that forging could often produce better quality parts at a cheaper price. Robb became the resident blacksmith for Sandia Labs from 1986 until 1993. Robb founded the Forgery School of Blacksmithing in 1986 to promote the art by teaching beginning and intermediate smiths. After leaving Sandia Labs in 1993 he devoted more time to teaching and perfecting his art. Robb specializes in architectural commissions and has worked in several multi-million dollar homes.
Robb is devoted to his Christian faith and, because of his understanding of blacksmithing and metallurgy, has been able to shed light on those aspects of Biblical stories that contain elements related to metals.
In what can rightly be called a testament to Robb as a father, his two sons Brad and Chad have followed in their fathers footsteps and also become blacksmiths. Robb will readily tell you that his sons have surpassed the skills of their father and become masters of the art in their own right.
Robb has contributed to the ancient art of smithing in many ways. He developed a Super Quench solution for mild and low carbon steels. He's done demonstrations and classes in many local and national conferences. Together Robb and his sons Brad and Chad now run a blacksmithing school in Moriarty, New Mexico called "G3". They teach classes for beginning through advanced students in the art. G3 also sells specialty blacksmithing tools and supplies.
To meet Robb is to instantly like him. He is an absolute master of the art. His skills could rival any smith on the planet. Despite that he's a very soft spoken, humble man willing to share his knowledge and expertise with anyone that shows an interest. He has that gleam in his eyes that only a real master has from learning to dance with the steel.
Robb has served to promote and preserve an ancient art while rediscovering techniques that could have been lost to history. Because of men and women like him, the hammer, the anvil and the forge now breathe new life!
Robb Gunter is a true American treasure.
While working for Sandia Labs in Los Alamos, New Mexico Robb suggested the labs begin using forging as a way of producing parts. His employers thought he was joking, believing the ancient art of blacksmithing had nothing to offer the state-of-the-art facility. Robb proved them wrong demonstrating that forging could often produce better quality parts at a cheaper price. Robb became the resident blacksmith for Sandia Labs from 1986 until 1993. Robb founded the Forgery School of Blacksmithing in 1986 to promote the art by teaching beginning and intermediate smiths. After leaving Sandia Labs in 1993 he devoted more time to teaching and perfecting his art. Robb specializes in architectural commissions and has worked in several multi-million dollar homes.
Robb is devoted to his Christian faith and, because of his understanding of blacksmithing and metallurgy, has been able to shed light on those aspects of Biblical stories that contain elements related to metals.
In what can rightly be called a testament to Robb as a father, his two sons Brad and Chad have followed in their fathers footsteps and also become blacksmiths. Robb will readily tell you that his sons have surpassed the skills of their father and become masters of the art in their own right.
Robb has contributed to the ancient art of smithing in many ways. He developed a Super Quench solution for mild and low carbon steels. He's done demonstrations and classes in many local and national conferences. Together Robb and his sons Brad and Chad now run a blacksmithing school in Moriarty, New Mexico called "G3". They teach classes for beginning through advanced students in the art. G3 also sells specialty blacksmithing tools and supplies.
To meet Robb is to instantly like him. He is an absolute master of the art. His skills could rival any smith on the planet. Despite that he's a very soft spoken, humble man willing to share his knowledge and expertise with anyone that shows an interest. He has that gleam in his eyes that only a real master has from learning to dance with the steel.
Robb has served to promote and preserve an ancient art while rediscovering techniques that could have been lost to history. Because of men and women like him, the hammer, the anvil and the forge now breathe new life!
Robb Gunter is a true American treasure.
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