Forge metal into functional and artistic creations with heat and hammer.
Reviewed May 28, 2026
Ideal for those who like repeating the same physical movements over and over..
Social
Solo
Where
At a venue
Depth
Lifelong craft
Sessions
3+ hr sessions
Physical
High intensity
Learning
Some learning curve
Starter cost
~$797 to start
Teens and up
First heat
Take a beginner blacksmithing class
One full-day class at a forge gives you a feel for the tools and process before investing in equipment.
Set up a basic forge and anvil
A propane forge reaches working temperature faster and is cleaner than coal; 100–150lb anvil is enough to start.
Draw out a point on flat stock
Drawing out lengthens steel; work the shoulders first, then the taper, at orange heat not red.
Advanced metalwork
Attempt a pattern-welded (Damascus) billet
Fold and weld multiple layers of contrasting steel; 120 layers requires clean welds and disciplined drawing.
Repousse or chase sheet metal
Cold-working sheet into relief shapes requires different tools and a completely different hammer technique.
Take a beginner Blacksmithing course
A structured course is the fastest way past the awkward beginner stage. Browse highly-rated blacksmithing classes for beginners.
Take the free quiz to rank the full catalog by your time, motivation, and setup — about five minutes.
Blacksmithing is one of the oldest crafts in human history, and it is more accessible than most people think. This guide walks you through everything you need to get your first forge fire going.
Read guide
Reading heat colors is one of the most fundamental skills in blacksmithing. Get it wrong and you will either damage the steel or work it cold and crack it. This guide explains every color, what is happening in the metal, and exactly when to hammer.
Read guide5 stages · 18 milestones
Tick off milestones as you go — from first session to confident practitioner. Progress saves to your account so you can pick up where you left off.
Take a beginner blacksmithing class
One full-day class at a forge gives you a feel for the tools and process before investing in equipment.
Find a blacksmithing classSet up a basic forge and anvil
A propane forge reaches working temperature faster and is cleaner than coal; 100–150lb anvil is enough to start.
Find propane forgesDraw out a point on flat stock
Drawing out lengthens steel; work the shoulders first, then the taper, at orange heat not red.
Make your first hook
A bent hook from 3/8" square stock is achievable in a first session and immediately useful.
~$797
Core gear to get going. Estimates from curated picks; actual spend varies.
+~$175
Nice-to-have upgrades once you know you are sticking with it.
Links open Amazon with your affiliate tag. Prices are ballpark catalog values.
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