I thought it would be useful to have a page you can always come to for tools, reading material, and suggestions. Feel free to bookmark this page for easy reference.
Please note: We may receive compensation for purchases made through links and photos on this page. This in no way affects your purchase price.
BOOKS
Reading a bit before jumping in might save you some headaches down the road. I talk about these books quite a bit on this blog:
- DIY Knife Making - Bushcraft Knives by Terran Marks - A step-by-step guide for making survival knives from scratch using 1084 carbon steel. Handling with wood, Heat Treating, and Knife Design and creation. Examples and templates included. 108 pages - 61 Full Color Photos.
- Terran Marks's The DIY Blacksmithing Book - Easy to follow steps: Building Your Forge, Creating Your Workspace, Finding an Anvil, Hardening and Tempering, and much more. This is this site's Best-Selling book on the subject!
- Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop is a best-selling crowd favorite for good reason. His motto is: "Don't spend big bucks on your knife shop!"
- Lorelei Sims' best-selling The Backyard Blacksmith - This one can be found in the libraries of thousands of smiths around the world. Comprehensive and easy-to-follow. 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
- Ted Tucker's Practical Projects for the Blacksmith - An oldie, but a goodie (Published in 1980). It takes you through useful projects starting with the simplest first. He shows you how to create a simple coal-fired forge in the first chapter, too.
- Aldren Watson's The Blacksmith: Ironworker and Farrier - Mr. Watson was a skilled artist and writer. He does a thorough treatment of blacksmithing basics and projects. I bought it for its content, but would have for his artwork and diagrams alone.
HAMMERS
Blacksmithing hammers can range in price from $2 for a claw hammer at a yard sale to $110 for a Hofi-style ergonomic hammer from Big Blu. I prefer the Nordic-style of the Vaughan and Peddinghaus (sold by Pieh) hammers below and have used them for years.
Blacksmithing hammers can range in price from $2 for a claw hammer at a yard sale to $110 for a Hofi-style ergonomic hammer from Big Blu. I prefer the Nordic-style of the Vaughan and Peddinghaus (sold by Pieh) hammers below and have used them for years.
TONGS
The widest selection and best prices can be found in two places:
- Blacksmiths Depot - Great, family company. I've been a customer for over a decade.
- Centaur Forge - They have the best shipping prices.
Beeswax is the traditional choice. You can find it at local natural food stores or craft stores. It's also available on Amazon here.
STEEL
One great thing about the Internet is that you can find just about anything. It's easy to find a local steel supplier or one that can ship directly to your door.
I recommend shopping local if you can and building a relationship with your steel supplier.
If you'd rather shop online, I recommend SpeedyMetals.com.
I don't recommend Amazon for buying steel.
One great thing about the Internet is that you can find just about anything. It's easy to find a local steel supplier or one that can ship directly to your door.
I recommend shopping local if you can and building a relationship with your steel supplier.
If you'd rather shop online, I recommend SpeedyMetals.com.
I don't recommend Amazon for buying steel.
If you're ready take the plunge after reading about how to build your own forge in the three books listed above, here are three companies who manufacture reasonably priced forges.
- N.C. Tool Co. - The company that made the used forge I use. Double-burner: $458
- ChileForge - Barrel-style forges. Without corners, where can the gas and heat escape? Nowhere, and that's a good thing. Double-burner: $775
- ForgeMaster - Similar in style to N.C. Tool with various features: pass-throughs, hoods, stainless. Double-burner: $775
To be perfectly honest, you'll find your best deal on real anvils at Centaurforge.com or Piehtoolco.com. Centaur offers low flat rate shipping up to 150 pounds.
Flea markets, estate sales, and auctions are valuable for seeing what's out there in antique anvils, but in the current anvil market, you will pay A LOT more for an anvil. The price per pound has gone WAY up.
Traditional anvil brands to look for: Peter Wright, Peddinghaus, Fisher.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. That means that, at no additional cost to you, I will receive a commission if you decide to purchase something. I have experience with the products I recommend here and wouldn't suggest them if I didn't vet them first. I operate from a frugal mindset and will always try to provide the best deal. Please only act on my suggestions if you feel it will help you achieve your blacksmithing dream.
