Blacksmith Tools List for Beginners

Are you a new blacksmith looking for the best tools available to get your practice started? Are you an experienced blacksmith looking to help others have the best experience? If you’re coming up short when searching for answers, performing the right research could be the key to solving your problems.

As a blacksmith, having the right tools is imperative to your success and can mean the difference between a frustrating day at the shop and a consistently efficient process of metalworking. Just like a construction worker or a mechanic, you rely on tools to get the job done right.

 

History of Blacksmith Tools

Since the beginning of time, man has been blessed with the art of resourcefulness, bearing the natural ability to create objects from scratch and use them to our advantage. All throughout history we see that tools have been used to create, build, and even destroy. Blacksmiths have been no exception, utilizing tools to construct many items.

From small household items such as screws, nails and cooking utensils, to large weapons such as swords and axes, blacksmiths have carried a broad range of metalworking skills while accompanied by an array of tools.

As time progresses, we see that tools have continued becoming more and more durable, long lasting, and productive through clever design and quality manufacturing.

 

Finding the Best Blacksmith Tools for Sale

“I want to find the best tools for blacksmithing, but I just don’t know where to start!” If this runs through your mind, not to worry!

I’ve compiled a quick list of essential tools every blacksmith should have on hand. 

• Forge – This is what you will use to heat the metal you’re working with. You can build your own (Here is a DIY video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-R6iY-mY-Y) or for those who don’t have the extra time, you can purchase one that is ready-built, fuel-powered and ready for your first blacksmith job. The best option for this would be something like the Open Ended NC Whisper Momma Atmosheric Forge
• Anvil – A basic yet crucial blacksmith tool. This is what you will use as a surface to strike the metal you are working on. You can choose between cast and forged anvils for best results. Check out our anvil article for more information: https://blacksmithforgingkings.com/best-blacksmith-anvil-for-sale/
• Blacksmith Hammers – The hammer is what you will use to strike metal, so it is important to purchase hammers that are durable and don’t crack easily. Claw hammers tend to be the most popular, but I usually recommend a small ball pein or cross pein. Titan Tools 5-Piece Hammer Set is the perfect set of tools for your needs.
• Vise – You’ll need a vise to hold metal as you’re working on it. It is important to have a sturdy vise that won’t take damage from consistent hammer blows. For more information about vises, check out our article: https://blacksmithforgingkings.com/best-blacksmith-vise-for-sale/
• Tongs – You’ll need tongs to hold the metal, as it will be extremely hot. I generally recommend a larger set of tongs to give you the most space between hot metal and your hands. Check out our tongs article at: https://blacksmithforgingkings.com/best-blacksmith-tongs-for-sale/
• Punches – A blacksmith punch will be used to cut through or create impressions in the metal you are working with. Here’s our article about punches: https://blacksmithforgingkings.com/best-blacksmith-punch-for-sale/
• Coal – In most situations, you’ll need coal to keep your forge heated! You can grab some like this 25lb Box of Blacksmithing Coals or get some at any home improvement or department store.
  
• Blacksmith books – Books are an excellent resource for the learning blacksmith. I recommend reading through some books to educate yourself on the best practices or to sharpen up your skills. Here’s our article about blacksmith books: https://blacksmithforgingkings.com/best-blacksmith-books-for-sale/
• Blacksmith clothing – A blacksmith’s apron and gloves will be important to protect yourself and your work clothes from burns and ruin. A strong leather set of gloves and apron will be a good choice. Here’s our article about aprons: https://blacksmithforgingkings.com/best-leather-blacksmith-apron-for-sale/

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Once you have established a good set of tools at your disposal and learned the basics of blacksmithing, you’re all set!

As you continue to become more skilled in blacksmithing, you may want to expand your tool inventory to include additional items such as slitters, drifts, chisels and twisting tools. These will allow you to further customize your work and master other types of blacksmith jobs. Now that you have the right blacksmith tools, you’re well on your way to becoming a master of your craft!