Starting Your Blacksmithing Journey: No Need to Break the Bank

If you're itching to hammer out your own creations in the forge, don’t get fooled into thinking you need to empty your pockets for expensive equipment right off the bat. Sure, a shiny new anvil,  a sleek power hammer, or a high-tech hydraulic press might sound tempting, but the truth is, the most important thing you need to get started is knowledge.

Knowledge is Your First and Most Valuable Tool

Before you even think about buying a single tool, take some time to learn the craft. I highly recommend Randy McDaniel’s The Blacksmith Primer, a fantastic book for beginners. If you’re more of a visual learner, Randy also has some great basic DVDs. Both will help you get familiar with the techniques, terms, and safety precautions before you even light your first fire.

You can also find a wide selection of blacksmithing books on various forge supply websites. Knowledge is key — once you have a solid understanding, you’ll be able to make smarter decisions when it comes to tools.

Start Simple: Tools You Need to Begin

Now that you've armed yourself with knowledge, it’s time to talk tools. Here's the good news: You don’t need to splurge on top-of-the-line gear to start forging. What you need is a solid, affordable setup.

·         Anvil: You don’t need a $500+ anvil to start forging. You can use something as simple as a railroad tie. Yes, you read that right. An old rail tie or a scrap piece of steel will do the trick. You just need a sturdy surface that will hold up to the blows of your hammer.

·         Hammer: Get a basic blacksmith hammer (again, no need for anything fancy) from a local farm store. It’ll work just fine when you’re starting out. A good hammer will feel comfortable in your hand and allow you to shape metal with precision, even if it’s not made of the finest materials.

·         Tongs: Tongs are your second most important tool. A basic set of farrier tongs from a local farm supply store will work to hold your workpieces. You don’t need anything too complicated to start making sparks fly.

Forge: Coal First, Propane Later

Next, let’s talk about the fire. Every blacksmith needs a forge, but again, you don’t need a fancy propane setup to get started. Coal forges are inexpensive and easy to set up, and they’re often found on online sales sites for a reasonable price. Once you get comfortable and want to upgrade to something faster and cleaner, you can look into propane forges.

The School of YouTube: Buyer Beware

I know, I know — YouTube is the go-to for learning new skills these days. But while it’s great for inspiration and tutorials, be cautious. Some videos might make you think you need a full arsenal of expensive tools to create anything worthwhile. In reality, many of the pros on YouTube are using high-end equipment, but that doesn’t mean you need to follow suit.

Here’s my plug -  Subscribe to my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@GrimmetForge-ds6cs and I will show you how to start some basic projects to get you familiar with working with metal. I do have some of the more advanced equipment, but I try to also show you how to get by without it.

Use YouTube to learn techniques, but don’t let it convince you to drain your bank account. The key is to practice with the basics first, and then, as your skills improve, you can gradually upgrade your tools.

Get Hands-On: Learn from Other Blacksmiths

Finally, if you have the chance, visit a blacksmith. Watching someone work and getting tips and advice firsthand is priceless. Many blacksmiths, myself included, love to share what we know with others. Whether it’s a local blacksmithing group or a friend with a forge, getting some hands-on experience will help you tremendously.

In Conclusion: Start Small, Grow Big

Starting out in blacksmithing doesn’t require a fancy setup or a giant investment. It requires a bit of elbow grease, some time to learn, and a solid foundation of basic tools. Don’t rush to buy the high-end equipment. Instead, start simple, practice, and watch your skills grow — your wallet will thank you.

See below for some basic tools of the trade to get you started.

I-beam 'anvil'

Anvil made from a rail tie

Two basic tools of the trade - hammer and tongs

An anvil made from a railroad tie