L. Proctor Ironworks is operated out of a remodeled 80-year-old blacksmith shop in the beautiful, rolling hills of southwest Wisconsin. "I employ traditional forging techniques that have been used by smiths for thousands of years. I also use a gas forge. Compared with coke or coal forges that were used exclusively by smiths in the past, a gas forge is cleaner and runs on liquid propane, which is much easier to obtain. In addition, I use some modern tools such as a MIG welder, torches, and an electric 50-pound power hammer, although I primarily use a hand-held hammer and anvil to produce my functional works of art."