Good smiths are in long term demand. Find one you like and get in line. I no longer even ask prices. And we have lost several good smiths in the last couple years so find one you can work well with and just make it work. If a smith has a seven month backlog you need him more than he needs you and you only get a seven month backlog if you do good work. True that some do better work, in some areas than others, but my experiences is at best I can find three good smiths for a job if I am lucky.