When I first decided to take up blacksmithing, I was excited about crafting tools, knives, and maybe even some artistic pieces.
I figured it would be challenging, but at the same time rewarding and I wasn’t wrong.
What I didn’t realize was how many of even the smallest details, rookie mistakes, and surprise discoveries would shape my first experiences at the forge.
If you’re thinking about jumping into blacksmithing, here’s a list of things I wish I’d known before I struck my first piece of glowing steel.
1. Your First Forge Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
I spent way too much time stressing over my initial forge setup. I read countless guides and debated every small detail, trying to “get it right.”
But here’s the truth I learned later: your first forge doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to work.
My first forge was homemade and scrappy. It consisted of an old brake drum, firebricks I salvaged, and a hairdryer attached to a pipe as my blower.
It wasn’t pretty, but it heated steel. That’s all I really needed to get started and build my skills. Fancy setups can come later when you know what you’re doing.
Quick Tip
Start small and experiment with what you have. It’s better to learn on an inexpensive forge than to sink a ton of money into something you might outgrow in months.
2. Tools Don’t Need to Be Expensive to Work
Blacksmithing tools can get pricey fast, and at first, I worried that I couldn’t even start without a proper anvil or high-end hammers.
Luckily, I soon discovered that you don’t need the best tools to begin, as long as they get the job done.
For my makeshift anvil, I sometimes used a sledgehammer head and even a chunk of railroad track. It wasn’t perfect, and it didn’t have the rebound of a professional anvil, but it got the job done.
My hammer? It was from my dad’s old toolbox, and my tongs were borrowed from a fellow hobbyist. Sure, upgrading tools has its perks, but for beginners, improvising works just fine.
Quick Tip
Railroad tracks, scrap steel blocks, or a sledgehammer head can act as temporary anvils. Basic claw hammers can double as forging tools, especially for small projects. Borrowing or buying secondhand are great ways to save money while you’re still learning.
3. Start with Small Projects
I’ll admit I got ambitious when I first started. I wanted to forge knives, axes, and intricate decor pieces right out of the gate. What I didn’t realize was that I was setting myself up for frustration.
Small beginner projects, like hooks, bottle openers, or fire pokers, are the perfect way to learn basic techniques without getting overwhelmed. They also provide quick wins, which is incredibly motivating when you’re just starting out.
Trust me, it’s better to complete a simple project than to spend hours on something ambitious that you’re not quite ready for.
Quick Tip
Choose beginner-friendly projects that teach you skills like tapering, bending, and scrolling. Each one builds your confidence and prepares you for more complex creations.
4. Blacksmithing Is Hot, Dirty, and Exhausting
This one probably sounds obvious, but the reality of standing in front of a fire, swinging a heavy hammer, and sweating buckets hit me harder than I expected.
Blacksmithing is physical work, and it can take a toll. It’s important to pace yourself, take breaks, and stay hydrated.
That said, I found that the physicality is also part of what makes it rewarding. When you see the tangible results of your effort, a bent piece of steel shaped into something useful, it’s all worth it.
Quick Tip
Invest in proper safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection) and make sure your workspace is well-ventilated. It’s better to sweat than to risk an injury.
5. The Blacksmithing Community Is Amazing
One of the best surprises in my early days was discovering how welcoming and helpful the blacksmithing community can be.
Whether it’s online forums, YouTube tutorials, or local blacksmith groups, there are so many people willing to share their knowledge and support.
Reaching out to other blacksmiths saved me from countless mistakes.
From tips on how to position steel in the fire to advice on building a better forge, their generosity, and experience boosted my confidence in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Quick Tip
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Join blacksmithing communities online or attend local events. They make all the difference when you’re starting out.
6. Expect to Make Mistakes—and Learn from Them
I can’t count how many times I swung the hammer wrong, overheated my steel, or tried to fix one problem and ended up creating three more. Mistakes are a huge part of learning, and each one teaches you something valuable.
The key is to keep going. Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, think of them as lessons. Some of the most rewarding moments I’ve had came from figuring out how to fix or improve something I messed up.
Quick Tip
Keep a notebook or journal of what works (and what doesn’t). It’ll help you track your progress and avoid repeating the same mistakes.
7. Patience Is Part of the Process
Blacksmithing demands patience. It’s easy to get frustrated when something doesn’t turn out how you imagined, but rushing or cutting corners rarely helps.
I’ve had to remind myself time and time again that good work takes time and that every swing of the hammer counts toward improving my skills.
Quick Tip
Take a deep breath and enjoy the process. The more time you spend working with steel, the more intuitive the craft will become.
Final Thoughts
Starting my first forge wasn’t just the beginning of a hobby, it was the start of a passion that has taught me so much about creativity, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade those messy, sweaty early days for anything.
If you’re thinking about building your first forge, my advice is simply to just start!
Use what you have, make mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.
Blacksmithing isn’t just about the tools or the finished products; it’s about the journey you take in learning and mastering the craft.
Leave a Reply