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Two years ago October I learned that Dylan Koppenhoefer, age 9, was learning blacksmithing so I asked him if he
would make several
letter openers for me. He delivered 5 unique ones this October. (I had planned to give them away
as gifts, but find I would prefer to keep them all for myself!) He then went on to describe in detail the different
techniques involved in making each opener--types of metal rods used, variety of twists for the handles, and the
hammered blades--along with the numerous safety rules for working around open fire, hot coals and metals.
Needless to say I was amazed with this usually quiet boy who has helped with the sorghum processing in years past.
His teacher/instructor, Beth Holmberg tells me that Dylan has been hanging out in the Blacksmith Shop for some time.
At first he just watched and listened as she and others explained the various techniques and safety rules.
Then one day when he was around 8-1/2 years old she stepped out of the area and when she returned Dylan was
explaining to visitors in accurate detail what she had been teaching him about the items displayed that she
had just completed/forged.
She encouraged him to turn the handle of the forge blower while she worked which
led to him becoming more involved. She said his patience is unbelievable as well as the extent of the
information/knowledge he has observed/absorbed. His first effort at 8-1/2 was a steak turner.
She suggested
between shows that he think about another project--perhaps a hook of some sort for his new bedroom. She was
pleasantly surprised when he told her he wanted to make a wall hook in the shape of leaf with branch which he
designed and proceeded to forge. He is very artistic as well as patient and thorough.
Apparently when he took these items into his school classroom for show and tell, the teacher asked if he knew
the artist who made them and was very skeptical, along with the students, when Dylan said he made them himself.
His brother, Bobby, age 13, has also become interested in blacksmithing and has been training with Bill Stone.
I'm told the two are quite a team and really enjoy working together.
Dylan and Bobby are the sons of Bob and Debbie and come from Las Vegas, Nevada for the June and October shows
and other special events as their schedules permit.
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