Stephen Kalb (@kalbironworks)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Stephen from @kalbironworks and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
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Name: Stephen Kalb
Business Name: Kalb Iron Works
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Socials: IG: @kalbironworks
Specialties: Blacksmithing
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I’ve always been interested in medieval history and then I tried my hand at leather work and wood carving. Once I saw demonstrations of Blacksmithing, I fell in love. There is an honesty to the craft. It is you, the fire and the anvil with the hammer, all working together in a harmony to create something new. Every day is something different and it’s a pure joy.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I have a coal forge that I’ve been using since 2005. I’ve taught over 100 people in classes and look forward to another 100 more. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite shop tool by far is my anvil. It was poured by a foundry that was going out of business and I was one of 10 that was testing them out. It is S5 air hardened steel with my name on it. All I have to do is grind the face and sand any hammer marks out that the students (or I) make. The foundry went out of business by the time we tried the second run, so if you go by anvils produced, these are some of the rarest in the world. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I’m currently working on a gate for Koreshan state park in Estero Florida. This is Volunteer, no money. Just the love of the park and the people there. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
My favorite benchmark product is your 40 grit abrasive pads. They work like rented mules
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Benchmark pads work harder than other products I’ve used in the past.
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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?
A shop trick I use to get extra mileage is when I do picket cleaning I use the sides to clean them when the pads get run down I use them for general use after. I get more mileage that way.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Currently I’m working with an amazing mentor Lucio Bortolin who is a Master Smith sharing his 50 years of smithing experience.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us,Steve! It's pretty awesome that you're able to teach people blacksmithing. It's a lost art and I wish there were more forge's near me that did the same. Cheers!