Top 15 Schools for Blacksmithing

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Top 15 Schools for Blacksmithing

Suppose you are the kind of person who is passionate about creating objects from wrought iron or steel. In that case, you might want to check out this list of the best schools for Blacksmithing, as we have dedicated this article to discuss 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. In this article, you will discover some of the best schools for Blacksmithing. 

Some of you who think that finding a blacksmithing school is extremely difficult will now have access to many of them.

A few schools concentrate on blacksmithing training and courses, and others do it peripherally.

But we have painstakingly searched for schools solely meant for Blacksmithing learning. We have also included some colleges and universities that offer courses and training in the smithing field.

All you need to do is read this article to the end. 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.

You can share this content with people or friends of yours that you know are interested in attending blacksmithing schools; you can also share this article on your social media platforms to help others who might need this information.

Now let’s move on to the list of the schools for Blacksmithing.

Also Read: 10 Best Boarding Schools In Gauteng

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, fences, lights, furniture, sculptures, tools, agricultural implements, decorative and religious things, 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.

Are there blacksmithing Schools?

Yes, there are the Blacksmithing colleges. There are even academic institutions that have Blacksmithing as one of their programs.

If you browse this article, you will find that we have listed some of the best blacksmithing schools that are certified to operate offer smithing degrees by the organization responsible for accreditation.

How to become a blacksmith

It is possible to become a blacksmith without formal training or education. However, suppose you want to be a professionally trained blacksmith. In that case, you will need years and months of training and study with a skilled blacksmith or some vocational schools that offer courses in Blacksmithing and other related professions. Formally trained blacksmiths can excel in their careers with great success and higher wages.

Those hoping for a career at Blacksmith can complete a training program with qualified and experienced blacksmiths. Technical and vocational schools offer programs that lead to a smithing degree program. 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.

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 Y.T. 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

Best Blacksmithing 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.

Anvil Academy

This is one of the Schools for Blacksmithing that offer basic and advanced instructions in Blacksmithing and knife making.

At Anvil Academy, we went through a chronological timeline of human history for four years. They believe that much can be learned from creation to the present by observing people, events, cultures, and regions, and a redeeming story is seen in Christian scriptures.

These form the basis for the experiences, projects, trips, and challenges Anvil Academy shapes and molds boys and transforms them into young men.

  • Located at 305 N Main St,
  • Newberg, OR 97132
  • Email: admin@AnvilAcademy.net
  • Telephone: 503.538.8123

Official school website

Virginia Smithy Institute, Virginia

The Virginia Blacksmithing Institute is one of the Schools for Blacksmithing which was founded to offer blacksmithing training and instruction and is certified to operate by the State Council.

The Virginia Smithing Institute provided information and instruction on traditional Blacksmithing, ranging from beginner blacksmithing courses to advanced certification through focused techniques and projects.

Modern metallurgy/welding classes are also offered. Classes are open to men and women from 10 years of age of all 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 favorite hammer welding helmet or other tools, please bring them with you.

Official school website

New Agrarian schools for Blacksmithing

In this article, new Agrarian schools are one of the smithing schools that started in June 2019 to 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, considered one of the schools for Blacksmithing.

However, don’t expect to get nostalgic. The tools, attitude, and imagination are primarily in the present and forward-looking.

The design and manual skills emphasize autonomy that never goes out of style.

Official school website

Bridgetown Forge schools for Blacksmithing

In this article, Bridgetown Forge is one of the Smithing schools its owner, and operator Arnon Kartmazov founded.

Arnon spent 12 years in Japan, training to be a knife and then a swordmaker, before setting up his forge in the hills of northern Kyoto. His main teachers are Uri Hofi from Israel and Ashli ​​Hiroshi from Japan. Arnon arrived in Portland in 2000 and has stayed in the exact location ever since.

Official school website

Cascadia Center for Arts & Crafts schools for Blacksmithing

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 seminars on milling of timber, rockwork, and other professions.

The study rooms include a studio space with four forges 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

Official school website

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;

Official school website

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 outstanding 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

Official school website

Rochester Institute of Technology, New York

The Rochester Institute of Technology is a private research university located in the city of Henrietta in the Rochester, New York metropolitan area. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a master’s degree in metal and jewelry design.

The qualification offered here is one of the best in the blacksmithing field for practicing artists, artisans, or designers who want to leave a lasting impression in their area through a commitment to their work and high standards of discipline and artistic ideals.

The Rochester Institute of Technology tuition fee is $51,240. Compared to the nationwide average tuition fee of $40,793, the Rochester Institute of Technology is more expensive.

Official school website

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 and various certificates, and a Business Skills Award.

Official school website

Massachusetts College of Art, Massachusetts

Massachusetts College of Art Jewelry and Goldsmith’s Program combines direct practice and conceptual problem-solving. Students explore traditional and contemporary ironwork methods and motivations and learn how objects are informed through their historical contexts. This is one of the best schools for Blacksmithing.

Foreign student tuition and fees are $13,700, and Massachusetts College of Art and Design overseas tuition and fees are $38,400.

This is one of the best smithing schools that prospective blacksmiths should attend to gain knowledge.

Official school website

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 offered at other Florida colleges. 

You can also take classes and practice Blacksmithing at Pensacola State College.

Official school website

Other Schools for Blacksmithing

Below are some of the other blacksmithing schools you can get trained in Blacksmithing.

All you need to do is contact the school’s management through the contact information that has been made available.

Ballard forge schools for Blacksmithing.

Studio Thorne Metals schools for Blacksmithing

David Lisch Smithing Schools

  • 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 Schools

Incandescent Ironworks Ltd.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Blacksmithing Schools

If attending any of the smithing schools listed in this article is your goal, you need to look through these questions and answers on the blacksmithing schools topic. It will help you 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.

How many years does it take to become a blacksmith?

If you want to become a professional blacksmith, you need to be ready to spend 4 to 8 years learning and practicing in the fields. If you pay less than this, you will not be able to acquire enough experience to handle your 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 Blacksmithing basics 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 an excellent position to earn somewhere around $40,890 a year on average, which is less than the $55,050 a metal sculptor makes.

Because of how technology advances, Blacksmithing has gradually become less lucrative as a profession. Professional and experienced blacksmiths can earn more than $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.