I've got a soft spot for traditional Blacksmithing.
In another life I would have loved to have been a Farrier. A home forge would be amazing and I've massively enjoyed the two blacksmith courses I've been on. Maybe one day when I finish up a few other projects they'll be the space to get a forge.
In the meantime I'll make do by watching Forged in Fire and various blacksmiths on Youtube. Which is where I came across Oscar Duck. He's a young blacksmith from the North of England and his Youtube videos are cracking. Have a watch here - I'm really keen on his leaves and other organic forms.
I'm a long way from having OCD, but one thing I hate is seeing people using flathead screwdrivers as levers in the workshop. Specifically opening paint tins with them. I picked up a cheap paint tin opener from a decorators merchants years ago. It hangs on a nail in the workshop so I always know where it is ..... and don't get tempted to reach for a screwdriver, even an old one, to open anything.
I was using the original opener a few weeks ago and found myself thinking "if I had a forge I'd make myself a nicer one of these." As that wasn't going to happen anytime soon I got in touch with Oscar Duck and asked him if he'd be interested in making a few for us. He was keen on the idea - a prototype and some testing later and here we have it - The Tinker and Fix Paint Tin Opener.
It's complete overkill. The twist in the shaft and the tampered end formed into a traditional shepherds crook are trademarks of traditional blacksmithing. They do add to the grip and feel of item but mostly I just like how they look.
I wanted this paint opener to hang from a nail in the workshop, so each one also comes with a hand forged nail also made by Oscar.
A box of some kind was needed, especially if these were to be given as a gift. Some scrap timber form the workshop, some hand routing and a kiss from the blow torch later and job done. The finished "packaging" is rough and ready but I think they fit this fun project. Plus you can use the wood on the fire or BBQ afterwards.
These are all hand forged and as a result are all slightly different in shape and size. The opener is approximately 15cm long and the nail is 5cm. These will rust if left in a damp environment. Best to be kept slightly oiled or just used regularly.
