We like Anthracite, it burns hotter, which makes it better for forge welding; and does not smoke when you start the fire. However, most blacksmiths prefer Bituminous, it will coke up (breeze) and will form a "duck cave" which works like an oven in your forge. Bituminous will burn with excessive smoke if you do not allow it to coke first. To make it coke you will need to start a wood or charcoal fire first and then rake the coal up close to the heat to coke the fuel.
