Such people are a treasure.

He's also the only local blacksmith I know, having taken up the craft about a dozen years ago. So when I wanted to learn blacksmithing, that antique trade that has fascinated me for years, I naturally asked him if he would teach me. He grinned and said, "OK, give me a call. We'll get together."

Great, I thought, someone with the skill and tools to show me how it's done. I had read a lot, but there's no substitute for hands-on instruction.