Should I be a blacksmith?

Isn't blacksmithing a thing of the past? Actually, blacksmithing is a craft and art form that is alive and well.

Blacksmiths create works of art using metal.

Before the industrial revolution, roughly 1 in 5 workers was a blacksmith.

While machines and automation have taken many of these jobs, there are between 5,000-10,000 blacksmiths in the US today.

Most of these are hobbyists who work as blacksmiths for extra income.

Although some tools have changed, many have remained the same.

Basic Tools

Anvil

Forge

Hammer

Tongs

Process

Blacksmiths shape and join metal, mainly wrought iron or steel. They do this by heating the metal until it can be bent or reshaped.

After shaping the metal to satisfaction and cooling it, you're done.

A full-time blacksmith can earn an average yearly salary of $39,779 US or $52,912 CA .

Getting Started

The most common paths of entering the profession are:

1. Hobbyist

2. Part-time

3. Side business

4. Apprentice

Your Own Business

Many blacksmiths are small business owners. The two most common ways to make a living as a blacksmith are by:

1. Creating high-quality custom items

2. Creating small, high quantity items

You can sell items through an online shop or in-person at craft fairs.

Photo by Nicolas Hoizey on Unsplash

Blacksmithing is a labor of love and could be right for you if you enjoy:

• Working with your hands

• Getting your hands dirty

• Physical labor

• Having your own business

• Artistic expression

• You want a predictable career. It can take years before attaining success.

• You prefer a comfortable and easy job. Blacksmithing is physically demanding and hard work.

Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash

If you're curious about or interested in blacksmithing: