If you are the kind of person who is passionate about creating objects from wrought iron or steel then you might want to check out this list of the best schools for blacksmithing, as we have dedicated this article to listing the smithing schools for anyone who wants to become a blacksmith.
Blacksmithing is a field that is meant for committed and strong-willed people as it is not a field for weak people. As you read on, you will get to know more about this field of work and some of the things you need to succeed in it.
Some of you who think that finding a blacksmithing school is extremely difficult will now have access to a good number of them.
All you need to do is read this article to the end and when going through the schools, choose the ones that best suit you considering their tuition fees, conducive learning environment, availability of learning equipment and other things that might be important to you.
What is Blacksmithing?
Blacksmithing is the process of making objects out of wrought iron or steel.
A blacksmith is a silversmith who makes objects from wrought iron or steel by forging metal with a hammer, bending and cutting tools. Blacksmiths make items such as doors, bars, balustrades, lights, furniture, sculptures, tools, agricultural implements, decorative and religious items, kitchen utensils and weapons.
There was a historical contrast between the hard work of the blacksmith and the delicate work of a whitesmith, who typically worked gold, silver, pewter, or the final stages of fine steel. The place where a blacksmith works are called a blacksmith shop, a smithy, or a forge.
Who is a Blacksmith?
According to britannica.com, a blacksmith (or a Smith )is a person who works with metal to repair or fabricate objects from any kind of metal using an anvil or hot and cold forging. Blacksmiths are given different names according to their specialisations. For example, a blacksmith who specialises in the making of horseshoes by forging is called a farrier, which is derived from a Latin word, Ferrum, meaning “Iron”
How to Become a Blacksmith
It is possible to become a blacksmith without formal training or education. However, if you want to be a professionally trained blacksmith, you will need months or even years of training and study with a skilled blacksmith, or you can consider going to a vocational school that offers courses in blacksmithing and other related professions. Formally trained blacksmiths can excel in their careers with great success and higher wages.
Technical and vocational schools offer programs that lead to a smithing degree or certifications. However, if you want to become a successful blacksmith, it will be more beneficial to get training to learn metal forging and welding skills alongside your studies. Those hoping for a career as Blacksmith can complete a training program with qualified and experienced blacksmiths.
Do you want to attend a blacksmithing school and become a professional blacksmith follow the steps below:
- Earn a high school diploma
- Attend a vocational school or trade school to learn blacksmithing
- Attend a college to obtain a blacksmithing diploma
- Become an apprentice with a trained and experienced blacksmith
- Purchase online courses to learn to forge or watch YT videos
- Get the tools you need to start Smithing
- Find a workshop or rent one
- Look for a way to market yourself and slowly establish yourself and build a portfolio
- Get in touch with other blacksmiths near you
- Continue to gain more knowledge about blacksmithing
Also Read: 10 Best Boarding Schools In Gauteng
Blacksmithing schools near me | List of Smithing Schools
- Anvil Academy
- Virginia Smithy Institute, Virginia
- New Agrarian School
- Bridgetown Forge
- Cascadia Center for Arts & Crafts
- Clatsop Community College
- Pratt Fine Arts Center
- Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
- Austin Community College, Texas
- Massachusetts College of Art, Massachusetts
- Pensacola State College, Florida
- Ballard forge
- Studio Thorne Metals
- David Lisch
- Old west forge
- Incandescent Ironworks Ltd.
#1. Anvil Academy
This is one of the Schools for Blacksmithing that offer basic and advanced instructions in blacksmithing and knife making.
The teaching and learning method at Anvil is not focused on achieving standardised test scores, but instead, students are taught in a way that they will gain the necessary experience, understanding, wisdom and hands-on training.
Anvil Academy is a school that believes that a lot can be learned from studying the history of mankind in a systematic way. This form the basis for the experiences, projects, trips and challenges with which Anvil Academy shape and mould boys and transform them into young men whose role model is Jesus Christ.
- Located at 305 N Main St,
- Newberg, OR 97132
- Email: admin@AnvilAcademy.net
- Telephone: 503.538.8123
#2. Virginia Smithy Institute, Virginia
The Virginia Blacksmithing Institute is one of the Schools for Blacksmithing which was founded in 2007. It offers training and instruction in the field of blacksmithing and is certified to operate by the State Council.
The Virginia Smithing Institute was founded to provide information and instruction on traditional blacksmithing, ranging from beginner blacksmithing courses, through focused techniques and projects, to advanced certification.
Modern metallurgy/welding classes are also offered. Classes are open to men and women from 10 years of age to study at different levels.
Tuition is $2,500 and includes supplies, fuel, and standard safety equipment. The school has a lot of tools in the school, but if you have a favourite hammer welding helmet or other tools please bring it with you.
#3. New Agrarian School
New Agrarian was founded in 2019, and the school offer two-week residential workshops in blacksmithing
Instructors include: Jeffrey Funk, Andy Dohner, Rachel David and Tony Stewart
The New Agrarian School’s curriculum and technology are deeply rooted in history and tradition, and it is considered one of the best schools for Blacksmithing in the world.
However, don’t expect to get nostalgic. The tools, attitude and imagination are largely in the present and forward-looking.
The design and manual skills emphasize autonomy, that never goes out of style.
- 990 McCaffery Road
- Bigfork, Montana 59911
- Email: metafunk@cyberport.net
- Phone: 406-837-4208
#4. Bridgetown Forge Blacksmith School
Bridgetown Forge is one of the smithing schools in this article which was founded by its owner and operator Arnon Kartmazov.
Arnon spent 12 years in Japan, training to be a knife and then a swordmaker, before setting up his own forge in the hills of northern Kyoto. Arnon arrived in Portland in 2000 and has stayed in the same location ever since. His main teachers are Uri Hofi from Israel and Ashli Hiroshi from Japan.
- Email: arnon@bridgetownforge.com
- Phone: 503-804-1524
- Location: 1812 North Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR, 97217
#5. Cascadia Center for Arts & Crafts Blacksmith School
The Cascadia Center for Arts & Crafts smithing schools teaches traditional crafts used in the WPA era and the construction of the Timberline Lodge, as well as contemporary classes and workshops. Some of the renovation work on the Summit’s campus also includes workshops on the milling of timber, rockwork, and other professions.
The study rooms include a studio space with 4 forges, which is located in one of the old and symbolic buildings on the Summit campus.
- Cascadia Arts and Crafts Center
- PUBLISH. Box 64
- Government Camp, Oregon 97028
#6. Clatsop Community College
Clatsop Community College is one of the smithing schools in this article, it is a public community college with facilities in Astoria and Seaside, Oregon. The university’s coverage area includes Clatsop County, parts of Columbia and Tillamook counties, and Pacific and Wahkiakum counties in Washington state.
Blacksmithing courses are offered as part of the History Preservation Program.
- 1651 Lexington Ave.
- Astoria, OR 97103
- Phone: 503-325-0910
- Toll-Free 1-855-252-8767
#7. Pratt Fine Arts Center
Pratt is the only blacksmithing school in the Northwest where absolute beginners and established artists work hand in hand to create art. Affordable studios with unparalleled facilities offer artists of all ages, skills, and backgrounds the opportunity to learn, experiment, and create.
- Pratt Fine Arts Center
- 1902 Main Street South
- Seattle, WA 98144
#8. Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
The Rochester Institute of Technology private research university located in the city of Henrietta in the Rochester, New York metropolitan area is one of the best schools for blacksmithing in the world. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a master’s degree in metal and jewellery design.
The qualification offered here is one of the best in the blacksmithing field for practising artists, craftsmen or designers who want to leave a lasting impression in their field through a commitment to their work and high standards in terms of discipline and artistic ideals.
The Rochester Institute of Technology tuition fee is $51,240. When compared to the nationwide average tuition fee of $40,793, the Rochester Institute of Technology is more expensive.
#9. Austin Community College, Texas
Many people are not aware of the enormous scope and professional potential of welding technology and blacksmithing. It’s such a diverse field that there is an app for practically every personality type. It’s no exaggeration to say that our students learn to do everything from drawer handles to skyscrapers!
To meet the needs of emerging professionals in these ever-growing disciplines, Austin Community College offers multiple Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees, as well as various certificates and a Business Skills Award.
#10. Massachusetts College of Art, Massachusetts
Massachusetts College of Art Jewelry and Goldsmith’s Program combine direct practice and conceptual problem-solving. Students explore the methods and motivations of traditional and contemporary ironwork and learn how objects are informed through their historical contexts. Massachusetts College of Art, Massachusetts is one of the best schools for blacksmithing in the world.
#11. Pensacola State College, Florida
The state of Pensacola offers over 120 majors and degrees with a particular focus on career advancement and technical education. The school’s course library includes many courses that are offered at other Florida colleges.
You can also take classes and practice blacksmithing at Pensacola State College.
Other Schools for Blacksmithing
Below are some of the other blacksmithing schools you can get trained to become a blacksmith.
All you need to do is contact the management of the school through the contact information that has been made available.
Ballard forge blacksmith school
- 5440 28th Ave. NO
- Seattle, WA 98107
- 206-235-3246
- ballardforge@msn.com
- www.ballardforge.com
Studio Thorne Metals blacksmith school
- 13751 ln the dawn
- Anacortes, WA 98221
- (360) 293 8257
- thorne@thornemetals.com
- More information can be found on the website: thornemetals.com
David Lisch Smithing School
- Blacksmithing and knife-making classes in Yelm WA
- Contact us specifically regarding the courses by email: classes@davidlisch.com
- Website: DavidLisch.com
Old west forge Smithing School
- PO BOX 2105
- White Salmon, WA 98672
- (509) 493-4418
- For more information, please contact Tim Middaugh: tim@oldwestforge.com.
- Website: www.oldwestforge.com
Incandescent Ironworks Ltd.
- Spokane, WA
- 509-456-8321
- Contact: Instructor Steve McGrew: stevem@incandescent-iron.com
- www.incandescent-iron.com/blcl.html
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Blacksmithing Schools
If attending any of the smithing schools listed in this article is your goal, then you need to look through these questions and answers on the blacksmithing schools topic as it will help know more about the topic as you take your first steps to become a professional blacksmith.
How much does a blacksmith make an hour?
Blacksmithing is a dangerous job. If you want to work at least 30 to 50 hours per week, you can make around $15 to 25 or more an hour.
How many years does it take to become a blacksmith?
If you want to become a professional blacksmith, then you need to be ready to spend 4 to 8 years learning and practising in the fields. if you spend less than this, you will not be able to acquire enough experience to handle your own blacksmithing shop.
You may decide to start learning the smithing trade at the age of 16, and by your early 20s, you would have known all the nooks and crannies of blacksmithing.
How much does it cost to go to a blacksmith school?
A good number of the blacksmithing schools in the U.S. charge around $1,900 to $10,000 for classes lasting a year or more.
However, if you want to learn the basics of blacksmithing in a few weeks (for beginners), you’ll need $200-$400.
How much can you make as a blacksmith?
As a blacksmith, you are in a good position to earn somewhere around $40,890 a year on average, which is less than the $55,050 a metal sculptor makes.
Because of the way technology is advancing, blacksmithing has gradually become less lucrative as a profession. Professional and experienced blacksmiths can earn in excess of $50,000 to $100,000 per year.
To stand a chance to earn a lot of money as a professional blacksmith anywhere in the world, you need to be proactive and promote your work as much as you can using online and offline platforms.
