What It’s Like To Be a Modern-Day Blacksmith

Some people are surprised to learn that blacksmithing is a widespread practice in modern times and didn’t disappear after medieval times. If you’re interested in modern blacksmithing and want to learn about what it’s like to be a modern-day blacksmith, keep reading to discover more. We’ll answer some common questions about modern-day blacksmithing and the roles today’s blacksmiths play.

Examples of Modern Blacksmiths

Modern blacksmiths are more prevalent today than you might think. They range from hobbyists who take up the craft to professional welders and smelters. You don’t have to work full-time to be a modern blacksmith. Many smiths utilize home foundry supplies to set up their own workshops at home and practice blacksmithing as a hobby. Even hobbyist smiths can sell their creations through local craft fairs and markets. Some modern smiths take up blacksmithing as an art form and create decorative and experimental pieces.

Where Do Modern Blacksmiths Work?

As briefly mentioned, modern blacksmiths can work anywhere, from their home garage to a professional workshop. During the educational period and training process to become a professional blacksmith, many smiths will apprentice with a local, more experienced blacksmith. This involves working out of a professional workshop with a variety of tools and equipment. Hands-on experience provides future blacksmiths with the experience and knowledge of the tools and techniques they will use.

What Do Modern-Day Blacksmiths Create?

Modern-day blacksmiths can create a wide variety of tools, accessories, and decorative pieces. Some blacksmiths specialize in smelting precious metals, which they use to create jewelry pieces such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Other blacksmiths specialize in bladesmithing and create functional or replica blades for sale at places like Renaissance Fairs. Some blacksmiths create their own tools, such as knives and hammers, that they can continue to use in the smithing process. The options are nearly endless when it comes to what modern smiths can create.

Now you know what it’s like to be a modern-day blacksmith. Has this hobby and career piqued your interest at all? If so, you can learn more about blacksmithing or even pick up beginner blacksmithing tools here at Cast Master Elite.