[Crex]

>>Just one pop can ruin your day.<<
Maybe even the rest of your life (good call Jim).

That is something many smiths - and grinders - overlook.....eye protection. My policy both at home and at my hammer-ins is "No safety glasses, no play!"
No telling how many times I've had to get after adult, ought to know better, knifemakers trying the GQ look on top of their heads. That's a "O" tolerance issue for me.
Did have some destructive feather merchant walk off with my dydium coated glasses a few years back. Really miss them babies.

Another point about staring in forges - they are emitting high levels of infra red and alpha rays. Both are detremental to one's eyes. Staring into forges for long periods at a time can cause some real damage.
I always recommend setting the forge just below direct eye level and only using quick glances avoiding direct staring. If you start noticing a slight "grainy" feeling in your eyes after a session, you are well on your way to damaging your eyes.

Bladesmithing is a fun activity, but fraught with many dangers so be careful and think things through!