Someone you know has gotten into blacksmithing and you're looking for an appropriate gift! Never fear! I can get you pointed in the right direction.  

I teach blacksmithing full-time at Ms Caitlin's School of Blacksmithing in Frederick, Maryland. People always want to know how they can support someone who is learning blacksmithing. I created this list to make it easy to get a gift that will be appreciated. 

Over the last EIGHT years, I've compiled, edited, and updated a truly epic list of gifts for the blacksmith on your gift list. I use these tools and products (or equivalent) in my shop unless noted. The annual updates to this list now take two full days to complete. 

The great news is that there are gifts that fit any budget that will be a great addition to any blacksmith shop -- large or small!

So, without further ado, please check out 60+ Gift Ideas for Blacksmiths!

Tongs

• Tongs are absolutely critical to forging.  Perhaps your blacksmith already has some tongs! BUY MORE!!!!
• Check out tongs at: Centaur Forge and Quick and Dirty Tools and Blacksmith Supply (use the code MCSfive to get 5% off  at Blacksmith Supply). 

I am VERY fond of "Tom Tongs", and that's most of what I use at the shop. I especially like the "bolt" tongs or the "v-bit" tongs. I also really like the "z-box" jaw tongs which allow you a great deal of flexibility on how you can hold things.
I don't know of a single blacksmith who would turn down a well-made set of tongs.  You could keep a blacksmith happy for years by buying a different size pair of tongs for every major gifting occasion.  

Marking and Measuring

• Milwaukee Inkzall Point Marker Fine (affiliate link). I never thought I'd be a person with a STRONG preference for a permanent marker, but here we are. I'm probably not going to be buying Sharpies after my experiences with these markers. They keep disappearing, so be sure to pick up some spares! 
• Silver pencil (affiliate link) Alternative to soapstone.  Less visible than soap stone on cold metal, but MORE visible on hot metal.  There's also silver pens (affiliate link). 
• Charcoal pencil (affiliate link). I'd never heard of these and WOW are they great.  Highly recommended. Marks hot metal nicely. 
• I haven't tried these, but they look FANTASTIC: Markal Liquid Paint Markers (affiliate link).
• Metal rulers (affiliate link) If your smith has been borrowing your wood or plastic ruler, chances are pretty good that you're not going to get it back without a little char on it.  I've linked to a set of metal rulers of different sizes.  If you happen to come across a metal FOLDING ruler at a yard sale or something, snap it up--if your blacksmith doesn't want it, I know some who would! A combination square (affiliate link) is a great way to level up. 
• Measuring tape (affiliate link) Your blacksmith probably already has a measuring tape already.  But, gosh, I just bought 6 more last month because I cannot keep track of them! The particular one in the link is great for folks making most projects, but if your smith is working with architectural stuff, consider a 25' or 30' tape. Maybe a three-pack keychain version (affiliate link) would be helpful?
• Speed square (affiliate link) This nifty thing helps your blacksmith make things square. Quickly. Very useful. 

Joinery

• Rivets There are a lot of ways to join multiple pieces of metal together.  Rivets are among the fastest and most versatile.  Get the STEEL (not stainless steel) rivets, and if it's in your budget, get a variety of sizes.  McMaster-Carr will deliver your order so fast you'll think it's magic. 
• Decorative screws -- Blacksmith Bolt & Rivet Supply has an exclusive pyramid square-headed wood screws, which are INCREDIBLY useful for mounting custom ironwork to wood. I super duper recommend making sure that your blacksmith has a 8-point socket set (affiliate link) to drive these decorative screws in (they don't have the typical slots in the top). 

Finishing

• Hand files It's incredibly useful to have a wide variety of hand files around. Tiny files are great for tiny spaces.  Round files are great for rounding things. Rectangular files are great for making things squareish.  Rasps are great for getting rid of a lot of material quickly, precision files are great for detail work. Look, I don't want to beat you over the head with this: hand files make great gifts. Get a variety.  Arrange them in a bouquet.  Your blacksmith will love it.  Get some chalk and a file cleaner to maximize the lifespan of these files. If you aren't sure what files to get, let me know and I'll connect you up with my file guy. 
• Belt sanders are invaluable tools in a blacksmith shop. I have a handmade one, a used Grizzly G1015 (affiliate link), and a Multitool Grinder (remember to use the code MCSfive to get 5% off!). If your blacksmith already has a belt sander, I recommend some of the "surface conditioning" belts from Combat Abrasives. (Make sure you look up the size of the belts needed for your blacksmith's belt sander). 
• Steel wool (affiliate link) Yeah, this sounds like a weird thing, but it's one of the ways we clean up metal to finish it.  The stuff you buy in the grocery store is fine too, so long as it doesn't have soap embedded in it.
• Scuff pad / Scotch Brite pads (affiliate link) These pads will help to clean the metal and to buff it, depending on the coarseness of the pad. I like keeping these on hand to brighten the metal I'm working with.
• Tumbler (affiliate link). If your blacksmith makes smaller items (4-6") this is a great turn-key way to automate cleaning up the metal. Use with these pins.
• I also use rotary tools like Dremels or the more heavy-duty "flex shaft" rotary tools. This is the one I currently use the most (affiliate link). I use these (affiliate link) to get a really amazing polish in hard-to-reach areas. 
• Bees wax! This is a very traditional way to finish metal. Heat it up and melt the bees wax on to the piece. 
• Fancier finishes. I am honored to introduce you to Sculpt Nouveau. This video has a great overview of some of the coolest chemical finishes they offer. Even if your blacksmith typically works with a different finish, it's really neat to have some other options in the shop. 

Cutting & drilling

• Hardie cut-off tools are some of the fastest ways to cut hot metal. I really like this Butcher Hardie tool from Blacksmith Supply (remember to use the code MCSfive to get 5% off!). Be sure to check the size of the square hole in your blacksmith's anvil. This particular link is good for anvils with a 1" square hole.
• I use a bandsaw to cut a lot of my material. I have a Dewalt bandsaw (affiliate link) with a really nifty stand made by Swag. The stands work with most common brands. I use a foot pedal (affiliate link) to turn the power on and off (and a velcro cable tie (affiliate link) around the on-off switch to keep it on when I'm using the foot pedal.
• Chop saw (affiliate link) I have an older version of this saw.  Don't forget to get some replacement blades (affiliate link). 
• Drill bits I tend to buy drill bit sets (affiliate link) from my local box hardware store, BUT, I happened to take a look at the "about drill bits" section on the McMaster-Carr site and WOW, there's a lot of great information there! I also recommend this inexpensive and handy drill gauge (affiliate link) so that your blacksmith will be able to figure out what size hole they need to drill. 
• Center punches are invaluable tools for marking your metal where you'd like to drill a hole. Yes, your blacksmith can make one, but they're also pretty inexpensive to buy and they're gonna last a long time (remember to use the code MCSfive to get 5% off!). If you want to REALLY step up the luxury, check out these Starrett Spring-Impact Marking Punches (I've heard rave reviews and I'm currently waiting for mine to be delivered!)

Education
​
Classes I SUPER DUPER recommend getting your blacksmith at least one class a year.  Yes, I know that classes can be expensive and can take up precious vacation time.  But, it's the fastest way to recharge your blacksmith.  They'll come home with new skills, projects, techniques, and ideas.  And friends.  
This list is East-coast-centric, because that's where I've been able to take the most classes.  If you run a school that you want included on this list, drop me a line! (In no particular order...)

• John C Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC
• Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC
• Touchstone Center for Crafts, Farmington, PA
• Center for Metal Arts, Johnstown, PA
• Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing, Waynesboro, VA
• Banton-Smith Center for Blacksmith and Metal Arts, Goochland, VA
• Peters Valley School of Craft, Layton, NJ
• Prospect Hill Forge, Waltham MA
• Brookfield Craft Center, Brookfield, CT
• Blacksmith Guild of Central Maryland, Westminster, MD.  
• William F Moran Jr. Museum & Foundation, Middletown, MD
• Ms Caitlin's School, Frederick, MD. Hey! Your blacksmith should come hang out with me! ​​

The big tools 
Your blacksmith is just starting to set up their own shop and you want to help them get there.  The most important tools for smithing (forge, forge stand, fuel, anvil, anvil stand, post vice, post vice stand, hammer) are actually the most challenging items to list in a gift guide because so much depends on their shop setup and their personal preferences.  

• Forge -- Is your blacksmith going to forge with coal or charcoal?
  • Consider this full set-up or this one 
  • With propane? I currently use this one and I love it. I've heard good things about these (use MSCfive for 5% off at Blacksmith Supply).
  • With electricity? I'm SO impressed by induction forges, but I don't know enough about them yet to recommend any particular induction forges.

• Anvil -- Please consider buying a quality anvil.  I got two 206lb Bulgar anvils, and one 185lb DTX anvil from Blacksmith Supply and I love them. I covet: Jymm Hoffman's anvils, and Nimba anvils. Some folks have also had excellent luck with Harbor Freight Anvils as a great way to get started. These 55lb anvils will have  you working extra hard to move steel and they're not very durable. I've heard good things about these Vevor anvils, but, given the price, I would keep my expectations low.
• Post vice/vise -- Here's a new one you can just buy (don't forget to enter MSCfive to get a 5% discount!   You can find these used sometimes, but check to make sure that it has the spring and the plate to mount it.  These bits tend to get lost.  
• Hammer -- blacksmithing hammers tend to be either "cross peen" or "rounding hammers". I  love and appreciate Beisler Blacksmith's Hammer.  I suggest that folks start out with the lightest hammer that allows them to feel gravity pulling on it (1-2lb, usually). 
• Double diagonal peen hammer (remember: use the code MSCfive to get 5% off): I only recently discovered these and I LOVE them. They are appropriate for left and right handed smiths. They are fantastic for drawing out metal with a lot of speed, precision, and added ergonomics!
• Stands -- Buy your blacksmith a welder and they'll be able to craft their own custom stands in 2-104 weeks.  There are a lot of welders available used, but I am currently drooling over this one. 

Safety

Eyes

• Safety glasses (affiliate link) Even if your blacksmith has a favorite pair already, safety glasses get misplaced and scratched.  It's useful to have a fresh pair (or 12) on hand for visitors and helpers!  THESE (affiliate link) are great for folks with glasses. THESE (affiliate link) are great for kids or folks with small faces. 

Ears

• Disposable earplugs (affiliate link) This virtually endless supply of earplugs will protect your blacksmith's hearing for a long time.  Great for visitors and helpers! 
• Reusable earplugs: I have to be able to block out damaging noises AND still be able to hear my students. Etymotic Research High Fidelity Earplugs (affiliate link) fit my tiny ears GREAT.  I would recommend something stronger if your blacksmith is going to be using power tools! I also use Loop High Fidelity Hearing Protection (affiliate link).
• Custom molded earplugs (affiliate link) All the cool kids are doing it. Disposable earplugs are great, but if your blacksmith is in their shop every day, they're going to go through a lot of earplugs.  I haven't tried these out myself yet, but they're on my list!
• Over-the-ear protection (affiliate link) ear muffs designed for protection on the shooting range actually work really well in a blacksmith shop -- the muffs selectively block out loud noises while passing through normal noises. 

Face

• Face shield (affiliate link) Do you like your blacksmith's face the way it is now?  Awesome!  Help your blacksmith keep their face in top-notch condition and keep plastic surgery bills down!  This is ESPECIALLY essential for rotary tools like bench grinders, hand grinders, dremels, and belt sanders. 

Hands/Arms

• Kevlar sleeves (affiliate link) Does your blacksmith often have tiny burn marks on their forearms?  Missing arm hair? These Kevlar sleeves are amazing. I also wear them when welding. 
• Kevlar gloves (affiliate link) Did you know that most smiths (who wear gloves) only wear a glove on their non-hammer hand? 

Workwear

• Dovetail Workwear Use the code INCLUSIVE_BLACKSMITHS at checkout you'll receive 10% off your order, and the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths will earn 5% on any product you purchase.
• Leather aprons Customize by adding pockets, a leg split, tool loops, Y-strap system, changing leather types, and a custom logo. 

First Aid

• Instant ice packs (affiliate link) Burns are inevitable.  The best way to keep a minor burn from getting worse is to cool it off in water right away until it doesn't feel warm anymore.  But sometimes you need other options. If there's no freezer in your smith's workshop, instant ice packs are the way to go. If you DO have a freezer, THESE (affiliate link) are super great! 
• Blisters, in my experience, require two types of care: care while you're still working and care after you clean up.  Try out the 2nd skin (affiliate link) with silk medical tape (affiliate link) over it for in the shop.  Try out blister bandaids (affiliate link) once you've laid down your hammer for the day. 
• First aid kits (affiliate link) are really smart things to have in the shop, and if your blacksmith doesn't have one yet, it's sure to come in handy.  Super useful to have tweezers for metal splinters (affiliate link), a mirror, and some extra burn cream (affiliate link).

Fire safety

• Fire extinguishers (affiliate link) are pretty much no-brainers for blacksmithing shops.  If your blacksmith already has a fire extinguisher, check to see when it was last maintained.  Your local fire department may be able to refill them for $15-20, or they may be able to direct to someone who can. 
• There are many ways to put out a fire.  Fire blankets (affiliate link) are super helpful.  
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (affiliate link) are a really really really good idea.  I especially like this handheld carbon monoxide detector (affiliate link) so that I can see the actual level of carbon monoxide that is being detected for early warning. 

Other good stuff
A blacksmith shop takes time and energy to maintain. Having good quality tools helps your smith spend time doing what they like best: forging. This part of the list includes the stuff that helps me stay productive in the shop. 

• Klein 11-in-1 Multi-tool (affiliate link) this is a multi-function screwdriver/nut driver. So it's just one thing to grab. 
• Anti-fatigue mat (affiliate link) If your smith is standing for long periods of time, this will help them to continue feeling energetic. 
• Dovetail Workwear Use the code INCLUSIVE_BLACKSMITHS at checkout you'll receive 10% off your order, and the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths will earn 5% on any product you purchase.

Giving back
Maybe your blacksmith has it all! Or, perhaps you're interested in supporting the craft as a whole!
You may support these organizations with funding to support daily functions, scholarships, or relief grants: 

• Artist's Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA) an international organization with headquarters in Johnstown, PA. 
• Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths (SIBs) an international organization dedicated to supporting and promoting historically underrepresented populations in blacksmithing. 
• Ms Caitlin's School of Blacksmithing is doing original research in blacksmithing. Help support this research by becoming a patron. 
• Folk Education Association of America is helping to support folk schools like Ms Caitlin's School by connecting the community of folks running the local folkschools

You might also consider donating to the local blacksmith guild or to a craft school. 
All of these organizations would be happy to work with you to set up regular donations or planned giving. 

My student had just made the transition from hammering with effort to hammering with ease and his face was alight with wonder.  

Hammering with ease DOES feel joyful. 

Most folks come into my shop expecting to hammer with all their strength. And they do a great job showing me how strong they are. 

But the reality of it is that you don't need to be particularly strong to blacksmith. It can help, certainly, but it's not required. 

We are conditioned to believe that we must hold the hammer tightly, that we must hit with effort, that we must control the movement tightly. 

But hammering with tension in our body makes each blow less effective and makes us more prone to injury. Additionally, with tension in our body, we're less able to see the effects of each hammer blow and less able to notice the sensory feedback that helps us to make the next hammer blow better. (Don't even get me started talking about reaction time -- that's a post for another day!)

The challenging part is that transitioning to hammering with ease can be challenging for folks who have years of experience: switching technique often means that the hammer control will be a bit funny for a few hours. Many folks find this temporary loss of accuracy frustrating and they may find themselves defaulting to their old method.

​The good news is that the accuracy comes back pretty quickly and the payoff can be joyful. 

My studio mate and dear friend, Kest Schwartzman, of Vagabond Metalworks, made a pretty big announcement about buying a permanent location for Vagabond Metalworks in Western Massachusetts. Although nothing has been finalized yet, I am excited for them! (And sad, too. Kest and I have been sharing space since 2015!) Ms Caitlin's School will be staying in the existing space. 
If the deal goes through (it looks pretty good--but one never knows), there will be some disruption of class time as we navigate moving Kest's metal shop out--likely in late August or early September. 
Moving a metal shop is... well, to be honest, it's something I can't even comprehend. There's SO MANY HEAVY TOOLS! And moving out of state DURING a pandemic is just... complicated. And EXPENSIVE. And time-consuming. 
If you have a little extra to spare to help Vagabond Metalworks transition, I'd appreciate it!

What does this mean for Ms Caitlin's School? EXCELLENT QUESTION!
In the short term (end of August, early September), there will be some class session cancellations to execute the move. If this impacts you, I will contact you as soon as possible. 
In the medium short term (mid-Septemberish), classes will resume as normal. 
After that, well, I'm kicking around a lot of very exciting ideas. But the transaction has not been finalized yet and I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. :)

In the meantime, stay tuned, donate to Kest's GoFundMe, and stay cool!

I used to struggle with making leaves. The leaf part would break off long before I finished working on the stem. I thought I was making the stem too thin. Turns out, I had some thin places which I could protect by making MORE of the stem thin. 

If that sounds weird and backwards, check out why in this video!

I just got back from the Cascadia Center for Arts and Crafts where I joined 10 other blacksmiths for 5 days of blacksmithing and conversation about how to make blacksmithing more inclusive.  We are passionate about making space in this craft for all who want to participate, and especially passionate about making space for folks who have found it difficult to pursue the craft because of bias or discrimination. 

You can check out our website for our philosophy, mission, and road map as well as upcoming events. I'm really excited to be part of this group! 

We also made a really sweet bench! 
​