Gatekeeper & Keymaster - A Symbiotic O/S & Security System Concept

 

Coleman, Alberta (photo by V.A. McMillan)

I want to explore a concept of a symbiotic operating system and security system for laptops, desktops, tablets, and other portable devices used in a business or office environment that require a secure device when the end-user is absent from their workstation, desk, or cubicle. The concept I will share I have named Gatekeeper & Keymaster. This idea was triggered yesterday while reading course material for the information security management course I am currently taking. Caveat – I am not a hardware or software designer, I am an “ideas guy”. Second, I am not aware of the system I am about to share as already being in existence. If a similar system is already out there, I am not aware of it.

Gatekeeper & Keymaster

My original idea sketched out

The theory or operating principle is to create a symbiotic operating system that requires the Keymaster to be inserted into the Gatekeeper port. If the Keymaster is missing ALL information on the device (desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet, smartphone) will be in the normal state = encrypted. Thereby rendering theft of device as useless if capturing confidential data or propriety information are the objectives of the theft.

 

Due to my limited grasp of available technology options, let us say that the Keymaster is a USB drive, and the Gatekeeper is a USB port. Maybe HDMI, or some other type of plug & play port would be more appropriate?? A tomorrow problem.

 

Since the concern is employees leaving a device logged-in to the network system of a company or organization and being away from their workstation or desk, then the need is for a simple and effective method to lock the device in the employee's absence and provide rapid opening of the device when the employee returns. The thought is that the Keymaster being a physical key that needs to be attached to the device establishes a physical connection between the employee and the device. To coach the required behaviour, I recommend attaching a pull strap (1" webbing x 5" long) to the Keymaster. Further add a keyring that the employee would attach their house key or car & a RFID proof pouch to carry a credit card. This method is based on the idea that an employee would never leave their credit card on their desk in plain view when they were away from their desk.

 

Now, when the employee returns, they plug-in their Keymaster and the device closes the screensaver and returns the device to exactly as the end-user had left it. If this is a high security operation, the added step of plugging in the Keymaster & then typing a PIN or password could easily be added. Other methods of multi-part verifications could be added but that many redundancies would discourage not encourage compliance in normal office work environment.

 

So, the system would be a symbiotic system that requires both the Gatekeeper and the Keymaster to provide an operational environment that is not totally encrypted. To ease my security side, the relationship between the Gatekeeper port and Keymaster would be physical. I do not trust Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless connections for this type of symbiotic relationship. This is just a concept at the moment and requires serious investigation by folks who know what they are doing. Hopefully, by sharing the concept this will trigger someone who knows how to make this become reality.

Until next time…dream up new ideas!

Mountainman.

REZ RULES - A Book Report

Near the Alberta-BC Border (photo by V.A. McMillan)

 

Title: Rez Rules – A Book Report

 

Rez Rules – My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples (2021) by Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band.

B.L.U.F. – Should you read this book? YES. Why? That will take a bit more time to explain…

Rez Rules by Chief Clarence Louie (photo by V.A. McMillan)

Did I like the book? Yes and no. This also will take a bit more time to explain…

Disclosure, I am not an Indian, as Chief Louie refers to himself and other First Nations Peoples. I will likely use First Nations or similar while explaining my thoughts from reading the Chief’s book. No reference will be made to insult anyone. If you do not like the terms I use and you have not read Chief Louie’s book, mind your tongue as you have not earned a place in this discussion.

I am nine-years younger than the Chief and remember a different time in Canada than the one currently being experienced here in Canuckistan. I was aware that Indian Residential Schools existed, that they came into being in a collaboration between government and the churches. I was told in school that the purpose of those schools was to help get the “savage” out of the Indian to help them better integrate into Canadian society. That was way back in elementary school, and I do not recall any deep or insight discussion on the right or wrong. It was information presented as facts. I was also aware that Native children forced to attend these schools did not always have a positive experience, I was not aware until years later how bad the negative experiences were for some. I also recall hearing that when Canada experienced epidemics for diseases that the Residential Schools were not spared and students there died of disease just like every other community across the country, save one…Natives rarely had the financial resources to have the bodies of their children shipped home. The government refused to send the bodies back, and the churches did their best at the time to give the children a final resting place. Chief Louie visits this topic a number of times through his book, and it is a topic that needs to be discussed in an open, honest conversation.

Chief Louie also addresses the issue of professional and amateur sports teams using symbols, icons, and images with a First Nations origin. Unlike, soapbox pundits who proclaim these teams as proof of cultural theft, the Chief expressed his pride in seeing his Peoples’ culture being displayed to the world at large. The Chief also shared that so long as the cultural images are being used in a respectful manner his does not see a problem. He even commented that he enjoyed the comradery of the sports fans wearing their jerseys to games and even had no issue with Atlanta Braves fans performing the Tomahawk Chop in support of their team. On the other hand, the Chief would prefer to see the rivers, lakes, mountains, and similar geographical landmarks get their Traditional names back. Chief Louie is a strong supporter of team sports and sees the positives in being a player and being a coach. Teamwork is important!

Now, I first heard Chief Louie’s name back in the early 1990’s when I was in school learning about a career in corrections. The Chief was identified as being the motivating force that was bringing business to the Osoyoos Indian Reserve and getting his People out the dependency cycle with the Government of Canada. When you read Rez Rules you will quickly find the Chief is a modest fellow who credits his entire team at the Osoyoos Indian Band with the success of bring business, employment, and financial stability to their Nation. A good leader does that, he shares the credit or even transfer the credit. That is humility and that is a quality of a great leader.

Indian Pride is also expressed throughout this book. The Chief expresses his pride in seeing Indian Pride being expressed and shared by all First Nations Peoples. He knows the importance of saving language, traditions, shared experiences, and passing those on to future generations (seven generations forward.) The Chief is also quick to point out that boot-to-ass needs to happen to those who are dragging their culture down – no place on the Reserve for drugs, alcohol, or lazy-ass bums who won’t go to work and earn a living. And that is incumbent of those of the Reserves to punt out the gangs and gang members who terrorize some of the Native communities. Chief Louie shares that what he and his team has done on the Osoyoos Reservation in creating a business park, and leased land projects that benefit his People, can be repeated on other Reserves across the country…just elect a Band Council and Chief that want to get down to business and stop depending on the government handouts.

Where I truly differ with the opinion of the Chief is when we get into the discussion of Treaties and what that will mean today and tomorrow. While no one reading this was around when those Treaties were signed, there is no witnesses except the Treaties themselves to convey what was agreed to. There is one huge problem…bigger than the problem of resolving 17^th, 18^th, & 19^th century problems viewed through a 21^st century lens…and that problem, which no one seems man enough to mention is that nobody at the negotiation dealt in good faith. NO ONE. The tales passed down suggest the First Nations entered into agreement to “sell” land, that their own beliefs said could not be “owned”. The new arrivals, tried to “trade” for land with disease ridden blankets, glass beads, knives, and axes. These Europeans were trying to break their past behaviours of using Total War to capture and take the land. Under the old rules of European dynasty making, a war was fought, and the victor killed every man, woman, and child in the land to ensure future land claims did not occur. Or that is my understand of the old ways of grabbing land. So, what value is there in Treaties that were negotiated in bad faith by all parties??? Where would the reconciliation begin?? Whose truths would be more true?? These are serious questions, with serious implications. And nobody wants to hear these questions, and no one wants to work through to find the answers. Chief Louie does an admirable job of presenting this issue from the First Nations’ point of view. Which is entirely right, his People were screwed over, royally. The fact the First Nations got screwed over is not in question.

My other bone of contention is the inference that all people in Canada who arrived from Europe are racists. By labelling all white people as racists, is that not a racist comment to make?? Hating a person based on the physical appearance, colour of skin, language, or whatever is bigotry. And certainly, can be racial motivated in some people. Not all people are the same. And that cuts both ways!! If a person engages with a person at the individual level and either likes or dislikes that person, even if they are of different races does NOT mean one or the other is racist. When an entire group of people is identified and marginalized based purely on visual appearance, that is racism. When that oppression continues generation after generation that would be systemic racism. Saying the federal government is systemically racist…the behaviour observed would support this. And it would also support that the federal government is oppressive, but that occurs to a broader spectrum of Canadian society. Now some of the people that arrived in the New World were forced off their Traditional lands to make way for sheep. These people were starved. Beaten. Raped. Burned to death. Taxed into ruin. And finally, given the option to take a boat ride across the North Atlantic to have the opportunity to die in another world and maybe, just maybe, make a new life. The descendants of these people who live across every region of Canada would make worthy allies with the First Nations Peoples. However, in my opinion, the First Nations are still in pain and still progressing through the grief cycle and are not ready to find allies. The pain is still too raw. I can respect that. Let more time pass and we can talk when the time is right.

Finally, I really like Chief Louie’s perspective on business. He has many great ideas that he shares, and he has seen many ideas put into practice on the Osoyoos Indian Reserve which has rewarded his People with a better life and a future free from the purse strings of the Indian Agents. The Chief’s commitment to seeing a portion of earnings or profits set aside for future generations is fantastic. Seven Generations planning should be adopted everywhere. That would take sustainable business, business continuity, and emergency preparedness to a whole new level, looking that far ahead.

So, should you read Chief Louie’s book?? I can say, unreservedly, yes. This book tells a tale that needs to be heard in every corner of Canada, whether it is painful to read or not. Does a discussion need to happen?? Yes, one day. Some are ready and other not so much, yet. Chief Louie’s book gives a firm foundation for that future discussion…maybe that will lead to Truth and Reconciliation?!?

Where can you find your own copy?? If you are not boycotting Amazon, it can be found there: https://www.amazon.ca/Rez-Rules-Indictment-Americas-Indigenous/dp/0771048335/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Y40Q0D9A9TZ0&keywords=rez+rules+by+chief+clarence+louie&qid=1664579992&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjUzIiwicXNhIjoiMC40NyIsInFzcCI6IjAuNjEifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=rez+rules%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1 .

Until next time…Read a good book…

Even if you do not like what it has to say!

Mountainman. 

To Re-Vegetate the Sahara...A Thought Exercise

Near Cadomin, Alberta (photo by V.A. McMillan)

 Title: To Re-Vegetate the Sahara…A Thought Exercise

Time to ponder big ideas. What if it was possible and feasible to re-vegetate the Sahara Desert? Should we pursue such an undertaking? How could it be accomplished? That is what we will explore in this post.

First, let’s have a look at the map of North Africa, shall we:

From Google Maps

The problem

We can see from this captured image from Google Maps (above) that the northern regions of the African continent are dry, hence the lack of green across most of the top of Africa. Why is that? The answer is a lack of water which plants need to grow and a temperature extreme that is hard on all living things – plants and everything else. How would you change that?

The solution

The solution is to hydrate the region, as in add water. However, I am not suggesting wasting potable drinking water from the subterranean water table. What I am suggesting is much, much simpler.

My original thought was the winds generally blow from west to east across the continent and thus, building desalination plants in Western Sahara and Mauritania (see map below) shown as red rectangles would be the first step. This would provide employment to build and operate the desalination plants and provide a source of sea salt for export to enhance the local economies. As the ocean waters evaporated from the desalination tanks the humid air would follow the air currents cooling the air over the Sahara Desert and when the condensation had reached sufficient concentrations it would rain down to the east, likely in Niger and Chad. Over time this process would increase the local humidity allowing for plants to re-establish themselves in the desert. Further down the road, this new green space would temper the local climate and reverse the desertification. Only one problem…

From Google Maps & Modified by Mountainman

The winds across Northern Africa do not traverse from west to east. In fact, according to Britannica (see maps below) the winds travel from the Mediterranean Sea for part of the year and from the South Atlantic Ocean in other parts of the year.

From Britannica

Therefore, to adapt my concept, just changes the start location. So, instead of desalination plants in Western Sahara and Mauritania, they would go along the coasts of Tunisia and Libya as indicated by the red line (see map below). Again, the evaporated water would rise up and rains would fall likely in Mali, Niger, and Chad. Regional and local wind patterns would direct the exact locations that would receive the rains. Over time vegetation would return, the local climate would be moderated, and desertification would be slowly reversed.

From Google Maps & Modified by Mountainman

The Crux

What could go wrong?? Sounds like a perfect plan. The economy in African countries is enhanced. Locals get good paying jobs and the ability to buy goods, build homes, and generally become self-sufficient. This is awesome. What could go wrong??

Global climate modification and the law of unintended consequences…if man starts playing God with the weather, even with the best intentions of helping our fellow man, what balance are we toying with? And what are the ramifications of pursuing such activities before knowing how changing the humidity in the Sahara Desert will impact the rest of the planet? I do not know the answers to these key questions, but the answers are worth finding. If solving desertification could be as easy as building desalination plants upwind of the desert so humidity can be added to the region and increase local rainfall, that would be excellent for everyone involved. However, at this time there are too many unknowns concerning tinkering with global weather patterns and releasing the daemons of Pandora’s Box.

Maybe by posting this conversation, folks much smarter than I, will find the answers.

Until next time…think deep thoughts,

Mountainman.

THE ROUTE RECCE...A Practical Process

The Rockies near Cadomin (photo by V.A. McMillan, 2022)

 The ROUTE RECCE

Ever wonder what it might have been like to be a scout back in the olden days?? Tasked with finding a pass through the mountains or finding a route between two base or hunting camps?? Scouting of yore has become reconnaissance or RECCE. The purpose remains the same, only the tools and time to achieve success have changed. Now you have hours or maybe days to complete a mission, not weeks or months. So, let’s delve into conducting a ROUTE RECCE, shall we…

Conducting a recce is to solve the classic problem by answering the 5 “W”s. The route recce is merely a specific type of recce patrol with the express mission to find the route or prove the route is still passable.

Where: General location or specific route(s), Areas on a map

Why: Purpose or Mission

When: NLT (No Later Than), Start Time/Date, End Time/Date, Season

What: What vehicles? What equipment/gear? What fuel? What food? What water?

Who: The Recce Team

The route recce process, can be broken down into three main steps:

Step One – Conduct a map recce. Meaning gather maps of the area of interest and review the maps to learn as much as you can about terrain, roads, paths, communities, waterways, and other known hazards (like mines, dams, or active logging). Maps can consist of physical paper maps, digital maps, or using online sources like Google Maps SATVIEW.

Step Two – Access any and all OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) to gather the most up-to-date information on your target area. This can include guidebooks, trail reports by previous trail users, blog posts, or vlog reports on YouTube. In addition, you can ask locals in the area, questions about the route and any known hazards to be aware of, such as de-activated logging/resource roads, washed out culverts, or damaged bridges. This step is also a good time to learn where you can resupply enroute – fuel for vehicles, food, or water.

Step Three – Conduct the ROUTE RECCE. This is when you actually get to travel the route in question. The whole purpose of conducting the route recce is to gather firsthand intel on the condition of the route and whether it meets the needs of those who requested the report. Step Three concludes once the route has been traveled, the route report is written, and delivered to requester.

The ROUTE REPORT contains a wealth of information that will aid others in traveling through the area in question. The report can be organized in the following manner, unless instructed to follow a specific format for your organization or group.

The SUMMARY will begin the report to give decision makers who are pressed for time the core information. Use the BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) format, meaning the most important information first.

Follow the BLUF with the 5 “W”s – Where, Why, When, What, and Who.

The next section will be the FINDINGS. In this section you will want to detail:

HAZARDS & OBSTACLES

ROUTE CONDITIONS & WEATHER DURING RECCE

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

LOCATION of:

·       FUEL SOURCES

·       WATER

·       SHELTER/CAMPS

·       REPAIR FACILITIES

·       SUPPLIES

·       COMMS

WATER CROSSINGS

·       BRIDGES

·       FORDS

·       FERRY

·       SWIM

The final section will be the RECOMMENDATIONS, where those conducting the route recce convert their observations into recommendations that will prevent misunderstandings. Key recommendations can include:

ROUTE RECOMMENDATIONS – If there are multiple routes in the area, recommend the route that meets the needs of the organization/group. Include maps with the recommended route clearly marked.

VEHICLE RECOMMENDATIONS – 4x4, Long Wheelbase, Short Wheelbase, Narrow Track, or ATV only. High clearance or load restrictions. Tools, recovery gear, or accessories that would improve travel success along the route, should also be included.

RESUPPLY RECOMMENDATIONS – Whether taking extra fuel jerry cans is necessary or whether ice to refill coolers can be easily obtained along the route. Similarly, is water easily procured or should water jerry cans be carried.

On a recent route recce, I encountered one of those challenges that did not show up during the map recce…namely, that the route was not passable. When approaching the subject area local road signs notified road users that there was a washout, and the route was NOT passable. My intelligence gathering did not end with just believing the posted sign. I went to the top end of the trail and spoke with a local and asked if the route was driveable or not. They let me know that quads can drive the route and some 4x4 get through, too. This meant I was going to have to have a closer look at the obstacle and determine for myself what the situation was. Thankfully, the washout section of the route was passable during dry, late summer conditions. 

The Washout (photo by V.A. McMillan, 2022)

Google SatView of the Washout & Camp

While it was truthful that a section of the road had been washed away in a past flood, the route was passable for those who had a vehicle and driving skills to navigate this obstacle. This was not Darren’s Gap, after all. The not knowing added to the adventure and sense of exploration.

The other part of enjoying this adventure was using my vehicle as my mobile shelter. 

Mountainman's Camp (photo by V.A. McMillan)

As you may recall I did some mods last year to increase the versatility of my vehicle by removing part of my backseats and installing a sleep platform (seen here https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2021/07/tahoe-mods-sleep-platform-designed-by.html). I enjoy being self-contained and highly mobile, which works well when conducting a ROUTE RECCE.

 

Until next time…go out and explore!

Mountainman.

 

COMSEC - Who's Listening? How Do You Know?

 

Radio in the Garden (photo by V.A. McMillan)

COMSEC – Who’s Listening? How Do You Know?

Welcome back. Last month we considered OPSEC (https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/opsec-hows-your-operational-security.html) and it just makes sense to carry on with a security topic…namely, COMSEC. Which is the short form for Communications Security. Now if you go online and conduct a search for COMSEC you will get many returns. Some for Australia – COMMSEC, which deals with secure online trading. Wikipedia gives a basic high-level overview. And Omitron Security Solutions Group (https://ncms-isp.org/documents/COMSEC_Material.pdf) shares an excellent background document that is worth reviewing if you are getting serious about protecting your communications from others.

You might be saying, “Thanks for the teaser, Mountainman, but hurry up man and get to the point!” What is COMSEC and why the heck should I care?

Good things to those who wait…COMSEC is more than just having hardware – radios, phones, and computers, that can transmit encrypted messages. In fact, for like-minded folks who may never be able to afford such high-tech equipment that has built-in encryption, COMSEC is even more important. COMSEC is a form of discipline to ensure the right message is delivered to the right person at the right time, without unauthorized persons intercepting or interfering with message delivery.

Like, OPSEC, a large part of COMSEC is situational awareness and being aware of what is going on around you. However, it is larger than just the immediate area within your line of sight. Two-way radios, depending on type, frequency, power and antenna, can transmit farther than you can see – even with telescopic optics. Oh…and anybody with a receiver of a similar type, within range can listen to every word you transmit. The airwaves have ears!

A few rules to increase your COMSEC and reduce your likelihood of being targeted by the foe.

RULE #1: Keep Messages BRIEF!

RULE #2: Change OFTEN! [Change Frequency, Change Location, Change Time]

RULE #3: Develop a local lingo and pet phrases.

RULE #4: Develop a backup communications system before you need it!

Brief messages reduce your chance of being noticed on a frequency and make it more difficult for directional finding (DF) equipment to locate you. If you have a long message break it into multiple short messages. This works until you become a problem for someone, and they become interested in you and target you to be located, then the DFing teams will use equipment that will triangulate your position within seconds of your radio breaking squelch. Stay in the background and do not get noticed.

If you are part of an organization that listens to the radio on a regular basis to keep informed of what is happening in the world around you, ensure that if you need to communicate with others in your group, you never, ever transmit from the same location as you are listening from. Following that same train of thought, your transmitting locations should change location often. Same, same for frequencies – change weekly, daily, hourly as is required for your mission. The more you use your comms, the more often you should change the frequency. Check-in times should also be staggered. The name of the game is to stay disciplined and avoid creating patterns. Patterns get noticed!

Make up a language or parts of a language that have meaning to your organization but are boring and innocuous to the rest of the folks listening in on the airwaves. Avoid using “10” codes, although you can get away with saying 10-4 once in a while. However, if a message MUST GET THROUGH developing a method of encryption is an option. One such method from the Cold War era is the One Time Pad (OTP). Cryptography is not my specialty, so I would recommend checking this video from S2 Underground (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzwpmbIWUNc) who knows a lot more about this topic.

Finally, developing a backup system of communications is just good business continuity planning. Assume your favourite comms method will fail. Furthermore, assume it will fail when you need it the most. That is why you see in war movies, the commander shooting his radio before the mission starts. Then he knows why his radio failed him and his unit. Research the use of dead drops or flags (semaphore or other flag signalling techniques) or obsolete methods like Morse Code – which works with sound, light, drawn images, or spacing of objects on the ground/windowsill.

Without comms, operations and business in this modern age become almost impossible. Knowing this NOW means you can plan for it in the future.

Until next time…Keep your ears on Good Buddy!

Mountainman.

OPSEC - How's Your Operational Security?

 

The Foothills, Alberta (photo by V.A. McMillan)

OPSEC – How’s Your Operational Security?

Well Summer has finally arrived, and it is time for a new Blog post. This is a topic that is always in the back of my mind and frequently it becomes the squeaky wheel that needs attention…it does not matter what kind of operation you are part of – family, employment, volunteer, or just kicking back with friends. Everything has an operational security component and those who deny that or ignore that are setting themselves up for failure at some level or other. So, how is your operational security?

Operational Security (OPSEC) is closely related to situational awareness (safe-level-one-lesson-plan-part-1-of-5)  as both share a need to be cognisant of what is going on around you, at all times. What are the threats? What are the opportunities? What resources are available? What are your deficiencies? The answers to these questions will help establish what level of alertness you should be maintaining. As mentioned in previous posts (emergency-readiness-readiness-endurance), you cannot maintain the highest levels of alertness indefinitely. Everyone has a limit on how long they can be fully alert. To aid in managing your resources and maintain a response capability, is where OPSEC comes in. OPSEC is a method to manage vulnerability and reduce the number of directions that energy must be focused to achieve an acceptable level of security and readiness.

You might be asking, so, Mountainman how do we apply this theory to a real-world situation? Glad you asked…let’s use a crime model. Insert either the Italian or Sicilian Mafia or any of the drug cartels around the planet. When these operations were small, family run businesses and the Boss knew everyone in their operation, it was almost impossible for law enforcement or intelligence agents to infiltrate the operation. First, these small operations required a blood oath and a sponsor who would vouch to the integrity of the new member. As the operations became more successful and required expansion, and at times rapid expansion, then things started to develop gaps and holes in operational security. The Boss, captains, lieutenants, and enforcers no longer knew every member of their crew. At this point, not only was infiltration possible it was happening as quickly as agents could be inserted. Once one got in, they would vouch for others and then the operation was compromised. Intel would be leaked, and jobs would begin to be botched or intercepted by law enforcement, intelligence agencies, or the competition. Of course, when rats were caught, they would take a dirt nap and the OPSEC hole would be plugged, at least for a while.

The moral of the story being that small organizations where everyone is well known to each other are less ideal for infiltration by outside agents. That is one solution to protect operations from infiltration. But there are other vulnerabilities…During the Great War and World War Two, posters plastered the walls of train stations, bus stops, and office walls; with messages like “loose lips sink ships” or “the walls have ears”. There are still samples of these poster all over the internet.

Loose Lips Sink Ships - War Poster

The Walls Have Ears - War Poster

This vulnerability of having members of an organization flapping their gums with no regard for the audience – intended or not, shows a distinct lack of organizational discipline and personal discipline. If you want to achieve and maintain OPSEC in your operation, folks in your group need to understand how much damage they can create when the wrong person overhears someone bragging and then rats them outs to an agency or the competition. In a business environment this type of breach could cost you millions when your competition scoops your deal with a supplier. In a more security related operation this type of breach could cost you your freedom or your life. Those who lived through World War Two seemed to understand and comprehend the seriousness of OPSEC even when they were thousands of miles away from any front. Today matters are further complicated by the ease with which information can be shared on social media. There seems to be a psychological compulsion for folks to spill the beans…with friends and enemies, just for likes!!! Whiskey tango foxtrot, over!!! Where has personal responsibility, self-discipline, and self-control evaporated to??

If you are the captain, keep your ship and crew in snug control. Baggy sails and flapping lips could be the end of your voyage – individually and collectively!

Until next time…run a tight ship!

 

Mountainman.

Blacksmithing in The Rockies - Support Your Local Businesses

 

The Rockies (photo by V.A. McMillan, 2022)

Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of attending a weekend blacksmithing course at Stone Wood & Steel Blacksmithing (https://www.stonewoodandsteel.ca/about) and instructed by blacksmith extraordinaire James Greisinger. This was a weekend getaway for the “Dad’s” – sponsored by each of their own families. Thank you to each and everyone that made this weekend possible!! Counting the Mountainman, there were five in our group (no names, no pack drill – anonymity protected).

Stone Wood & Steel - Info Card (Front)

On day one, our group was joined by a group of two and a solo student who finally found a non-conflicting time to attend his Intro to Blacksmithing Class. Enthusiasm was high and everyone was eager to learn. After a morning coffee and introductions, James introduced everyone to the safe conduct in the shop and expected behaviours to ensure projects got completed and no one would get injured. Next came the briefing and demonstration for the first project – a steak turner. Soon after, eight eager hammer wielding terrors were released to the heat of the forge and the resounding chiming of hammers bashing hot mild steel to a fine point on one of the four anvils arranged around the shop. In short order, step one was complete, and everyone was instructed on making the point into a curved point, and then an eye was forged at the other end, complete with a cap lifter for those pesky bottles without screw-off caps. 

Stone Wood & Steel - Info Card (Back)

The afternoon was spent learning the finer details of bending square rod into “S” – curves, flattening the square rod and bending scrolls, and twisting. To aid in this learning each student worked on a fire poker. Unlike shop class back in high school, a million years ago, James affords his students the luxury of making a customized, one-of-a-kind, masterpiece…remember how shop class graded you on whether your fire poker looked like the twenty other fire pokers made in the shop class. Thus, learning is accelerated because you are not trapped in the conformity cycle and are free to learn, do, and produce a forged item that meets your needs. 

 Day two, was just our group. Instruction was focused on what the group wanted to learn. The warm-up project of the day was more leaf work to practice the controlled bashing of steel from round bar into a leaf of whatever leaf shape you needed. I decided I would smash two willow leaves at either end of a short branch. I wanted to make a mounting hook to hold the steak turner I made the day before. This quick project gave me practice of making a leaf or two, drawing out the bar stock, bending curves, and I learned how to punch a mounting hole through the upper leaf. Depending on the metal you are smithing, some finish the forging process harder and more difficult to drill once the project is cold. Learning how to push a hole through hot metal makes life easier later…and it is a cool skill to learn.

Here is my finished steak turner and the willow leaf hook to mount the set to the wall:

Mountainman's Steak Turner & Willow Leaf Mounting Hook

If you have even a tinkling of desire to get close to a forge, heat up some steel, and then bash it with purpose into a useful item, I highly recommend you contact James at Stone Wood & Steel and get yourself and your friends registered for a couple days of blacksmithing!! 

Blacksmithing is a traditional skill that will be collectively lost if folks let the skills die out. Hard to say whether not having a blacksmith in every town across Canada is a blessing or a curse…everyone should have an appreciation for what blacksmithing did to help civilization for the last couple millennia. Of course, some folks prefer cheap crap from Costco instead…who am I to judge. If nothing else, kids today should be exposed to the ambience of the blacksmith shop and be amazed at how things use to be made, one item at a time. Getting time wielding a hammer and have it shape hot metal; now that is learning.

Local businesses are the heart and soul of your community, and if they are not supported, they, too, will die out. So, if you are interested in serving time at a forge and anvil; contact James and setup a course or two for you and your friends. As with my other blog posts that spotlight a private business, I do not get paid or receive kick backs for sharing my experience. I am not the government or some big corporation. If I have a good experience I share it, if I have a poor or bad experience, I usually don’t share, unless sharing will prevent harm to others.

Until next time…get off the couch and get your butt next to the forge and make something awesome with your own two hands, hot steel, and a hammer!!!

Mountainman.

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Mountainman Working It! (photo by T.H., 2022)