Blacksmithing started as a simple curiosity for me—a fascination with fire, metal, and the age-old craft of forging. Little did I know, that curiosity would turn into a lifelong passion, one that would take me from a small backyard setup to becoming a professional blacksmith.
I want to share with you the ups, downs, and everything in between of my 30-year journey in blacksmithing. Perhaps you’ll find some inspiration for your own forging adventure.
The Spark: My First Encounter with Blacksmithing
I still remember the day that started it all. It was a community fair, and in the corner of the grounds, there was an old blacksmith demonstrating his craft. The rhythmic hammering, the glow of the hot steel, the way he transformed raw metal into something both practical and beautiful—I was hooked. That day, I decided that I needed to try it myself.
At the time, I didn’t have much more than determination and a few basic tools. I built my first forge out of a brake drum, some bricks, and an old hair dryer for a blower. It was rudimentary, but it worked. My early creations were rough and clunky, but that was the beauty of it—each piece was a lesson, and each mistake was an opportunity to improve.
Early Challenges and Breakthroughs
The beginning wasn’t easy. Blacksmithing is a craft that demands patience and resilience. I burned through countless pieces of steel, made a hundred mistakes, and even scorched a few pairs of pants. But it was in those early mistakes that I learned the most.
I remember one of my first “successful” pieces—a simple hook. It took me hours, and I struggled with controlling the heat and striking consistently, but when I finally held that finished piece in my hand, I knew I was on the right path.
One of the most pivotal moments in my journey came when I met an experienced blacksmith who took me under his wing. He introduced me to techniques I had only read about—like forge welding and heat treating.
Under his guidance, I learned not just the skills of blacksmithing, but also the value of discipline, attention to detail, and respect for the materials.
It was during this mentorship that I forged my first knife, a piece that still hangs proudly in my workshop today.
Turning Passion into a Profession
Years passed, and what started as a hobby gradually became something more.
Friends and neighbors began asking me to make custom pieces—hooks, hinges, tools, and even decorative art. I realized that I had something to offer, and perhaps, just perhaps, this could be more than a pastime.
I began attending local craft fairs, selling my work, and meeting others who shared my passion.
The transition from hobbyist to professional was not without its challenges. I had to learn about running a business, pricing my work, and marketing myself—all things that didn’t come naturally to me at first. But I persevered, and over time, I grew more comfortable not just at the anvil, but also as a business owner. My workshop expanded, I upgraded my equipment, and I began taking on larger and more complex projects.
If you’re curious about my journey and want to learn more about my background, feel free to check out the About Page where I share more details about how I got started and what drives me today.
The Lessons Learned Along the Way
Over these 30 years, blacksmithing has taught me more than just how to shape metal. It’s taught me resilience—that mistakes are inevitable, but they are also invaluable.
It’s taught me patience—that you can’t rush the process, whether it’s heating the steel to just the right temperature or carefully refining a blade’s edge. And perhaps most importantly, it’s taught me that the journey is just as important as the destination.
There have been countless milestones—like forging my first Damascus blade, or the day I installed a power hammer in my shop. But the real reward has been the community of blacksmiths I’ve met along the way, the friends I’ve made, and the joy of sharing this craft with others.
Whether it’s teaching a workshop or simply sharing tips online, I feel privileged to be part of this timeless tradition.
Looking Ahead
Today, I look back on those early days with a sense of pride and gratitude. What started as a simple hobby has grown into a lifelong pursuit that continues to challenge and fulfill me every day.
My hope is that by sharing my journey, I can inspire others to pick up a hammer and try their hand at forging. Blacksmithing is a craft of discovery, and there’s always something new to learn, no matter how experienced you become.
So, if you’re just starting out, know this: the path won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. The joy of creating something with your own hands, the satisfaction of turning raw metal into a tool, a blade, or a piece of art—there’s nothing quite like it.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more about the craft, the techniques, and the stories that have made these 30 years so rewarding. If you’d like to get to know me better, head over to my About Page to see more of my story and my mission with this blog.