any blacksmiths on the line?

There's a lot of videos on you tube about blacksmithing an metallurgy on you tube.
I suggest he watches them.
Times two on you tube watching, he will find and older fellow that starts small and teaches you about fire settings and ventilation of said fire, a small out door building for his tools.
Good fun making small shapes and art, then build up to bigger projects like hinges, candle stick holders, did a little with a farmer many years ago.