5 Tips To Become a Blacksmith
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- Опубліковано 28 січ 2025
- Here are my 5 tips for beginner blacksmiths that are wondering how to get started in the trade. I get asked often, "what is your advice for beginner blacksmiths?" Blacksmithing is an ancient art that has been around for forever, and yet it can feel daunting and mysterious when you are just starting out. As a professional blacksmith with 20 years of experience, these are my top tips to anyone who wants to become a blacksmith.
Max Randolph is a blacksmith artist who specializes in fantasy blacksmithing and sculptural metal art, located in Paso Robles, California.
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You sir have inspired my 6 Yr old little girl to explore blacksmithing! She loves watching you and seeing the passion you have for it. She got her first anvil and hammers for her 6th birthday this weekend. She banged away with her new shop apron for an hour! Thank you sir for the inspiration and passion you show in every video!
I’m beyond honored!! How special!! I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes! She’ll be a master before you know it!
sir you are father of the year
neigh century
I just started to learn blacksmithing from someone I consider a brother. He's so knowledgeable and I'm so blessed he's teaching me. He taught me that as a blacksmith- if you need a tool, make a tool. That day he easily mad a pair of tongs to handle something we needed. This and leather work are amazing art forms.
That’s fantastic Brian! Your brother is right, as a blacksmith it’s always best to make your own tools because you get to customize it and practice yours smithing skills.
Alway wanted to get into black smithing. I was a welder and built massive bridge girders for years, and I always loved working with steel and swinging hammers, especially my 12lb. For some reason, the heavy hammer was my favorite. I was able to be delicate with it and beat something into submission with one tool. I just need a jumping off point to get started.
You should get into blacksmithing! It’s sounds like you have a natural passion for it. There’s a community of makers and smiths on my Discord if you want support, and of course there’s the Patreon which is a bit more in depth. Either way, I hope you find the right space and time to dive into the trade.
I've been blacksmith for 2 years and I can say I only bought a few things and made the the rest of it. Too all the new blacksmith you will always be learning something I'm still learning new things. Always try and challenge yourself. Max you are a big influence on my blacksmith. I really appreciate that you are will to give such positive vibes too everyone. Thank you.
That’s awesome Christopher! As blacksmiths we are able to make many of our tools and customize them to our liking. Thanks for bringing the positivity to our trade brother!
Oh man this has to be the best “how to start” video out there! I don’t watch a lot of them as I have 20 years of hobby blacksmithing under my belt, but I clicked on this one out of curiosity and was not disappoint. I really love your “be curious” section. As an ADHDer, this is what drives me. In my opinion, it is not recommended nearly enough in life, often even frowned upon. I ignored the negativity and followed my curiosity and am now a part time blacksmith/hammersmith. I often have passionate local youngsters asking advice on this or that, and nothing gives me more joy then to fuel that passion and encourage them to get into it! And now I can, and will, recommend your video as well!
Thank you for what you do for the community!
Oh my goodness! This made my day buddy! I sincerely appreciate that
The fact that you first tip applies to all fields and it is so obvious that we forget it made me insta-subscribe.
Thank you for the sub! I’m going to be posting more informative videos like this hopefully soon!!
A huge thank to you to take the time to share this with us ! 😎
From France, a big up to your work !
You are so welcome! I’m glad you found value in the video ☺️
@@Max_Randolph_Studios In the vidéo and in the man.
You make vibe your work with your whole person, we can't do nothing than follow you with pleasure, smile and Dreams in our eyes.
Thanks a lot for your Magic, sincerely 😉💪🏻😎👍🏻
@@spartakporc Oh wow, that. means so much to me! Thank you
Awesome video dude! While I love your videos, blacksmithing isn't my thing, but your passion for your craft and the obvious love for what you do inspires me in my own work.
That means so much to me!!
WOW! MY MENTOR BLACKSMITH SAYS THE SAME THREE THINGS!! Something to hit with,hit on, and heat UP !!!!
Right on Dickert! Sounds like you have a solid mentor in your corner!!
Max, you dropped some hot wisdom in this video, the perseverance and the be curious parts hit close to home! you're amazing and I love your work!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad it resonated with you 😊
Awesome video and very well presented. Love your work and am always intrigued in the artistic flare you have and bring into reality
Thank you so much Tom, that means a lot to me!
Blacksmithing is my dream job, really hoping to find some kind of reliable classes, and a mentorship with a seasoned Smith to apprentice under. Great video, dude 🤘 just found your channel with this video, but you've definitely got my subscription
My Son (10) wants to learn a trade that he can do with his hands. I am a IT for the military but on the side I make round balls for blackpowder shooting and wife and I run a firewood/lumber business. Found your channel as I was aimlessly scrolling thru UA-cam. And I will say Thank you for breaking it down to it's simplest form. Told my son he can attend a blacksmithing class at the local smith when he can swing the 3 pound hammer 100 times.. that was last night at 8pm. This morning at 6am I hear him in the shed shining the hammer against a metal plate and he is marking the wall with chalk marks. We shall see. I am going to show him this video and attend class with him and we shall see.
Just starting now, I began by getting a forge to heat treat my knives but now I am slowly just getting into smithing all in all. Planning on figuring this out myself with the help of some knowledgeable UA-camrs such as yourself. But I know this is what my heart has been calling to create.
I’m so excited for your journey!
@@Max_Randolph_Studios thank you! If you’re still doing Patreon classes I just might be interested once I get all set up
@@joki700 it’s not going anywhere! I’d be happy to have ya! I just started sharing the lessons here for my UA-cam members as well
This is EXACTLY what I would expect a professional blacksmith to look like 😄💪 I'm 31 years old still working retail, hoping to find an actual professional I can fall in love with. Thank you for the info! You're an invaluable resource.
I’m glad you found the video useful! If you want to start blacksmithing, I do offer an online apprentice program with monthly lessons through Patreon.
Beautiful, helpful, and clear video. Thank you
You bet!
Excellent advice Max!. Great video
That means so much to me buddy!
im just starting to get into the trade and i stumbled across a tiny section of broken railroad that was discarded just outside the track way and on public land, while its a lucky find i only say this because i made a nice anvil from it with a cheap angle grinder and theres tons of videos on how to do that if u are able to buy a piece of rail from ur local scrap yard
Absolutely!! Great insights!
You are very inspiring. I hope that spark stay with you. Bless.
Thank you so much!
Very well explained and very information video Max. Thanks so much. It means a lot. I have been listening and watching and learning from UA-cam it self. I really love it. I always watched at tractor shows and 4-H festives when I was younger. I really like it. And I always thought I could do it. Thanks so much. Great video. Can't wait to see more videos soon. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge on. Fab On. Weld On. Keep the forge lit. Keep Making. God Bless.
Absolutely! You can do it, it just takes time. Thank you for the support Jared!
@@Max_Randolph_Studios yes you're very welcome. God bless.
Thank you max, this knowledge may help me pursue my dream, you have my thanks
Yes! Pursue your dreams!!
Back in the 70s my dad made a makeshift coal forge out of a Toyota break drum, empty coffee can, tube of galvanized steal, and an old squirrel cage fan. My friend and I are learning to blacksmith with that same forge today. His same old anvil too.
That’s awesome! Break drum Forges are superb places to start! I’m so glad tools are getting used!
Another awesome video
Thank you so much Kevin, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you Max! I really liked this video! I was curious about blacksmithing I super appreciate this!
I’m so glad James! I’ll be making more videos like this, more to come 😉
@@Max_Randolph_Studios I look forward to it! That's awesome!
Great video, thank you.
You’re so welcome!
VERY GOOD
So glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve been looking forward to this!
I hope you enjoyed it Alex!
I’ll post more about getting started on the trade!
@@Max_Randolph_Studios great video as always max! Much to think about because of it thank you
@@Max_Randolph_Studios perfect thank you❤️
I want to see if blacksmithing is for me, but I don’t wanna drop more than 50 bucks on a forge, should I use a propane forge or like a coal forge? Do you have a preference on which one?
thank you
You are so welcome!
I love your videos
I've had dreams of becoming a bladesmith for awhile now but I'm worried it won't be possible. I'm a tiny girl, and from what I've experienced while trying to learn bladesmithing nobody's really willing to teach me. Plus I have asthma so I'm nervous to see how that might affect things. I tried to take a jewelry making course but it just wasn't what I wanted, I really want to make blades. If anyone has any advice if appreciate it. Your work is amazing and you're a huge inspiration to me
Nothing can nor ever stop you! Much like most things it’s all about technique, and force of will! I have an online apprenticeship program where I curate custom lesson plans, I’d love to guide your journey!
Some of my favorite blacksmith/metalsmiths are women
Here's two of them (neither are large people)
ua-cam.com/video/-MwWPEw7Tr4/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/rqwPlBKonFI/v-deo.html
IF you get a metal strand or flake in your eye, the first aid for it is to remove the element using a MAGNET, either a "cow" magnet or a grouping of welding magnets (grouping: combine a small group of magnets to increase their collective magnetic field) in a well-lit area with an eye-flush of purified water (first aid kit stuff) and a mirror or a helper (I recommend the latter) to pull out the element and expect the area to retain enough molecules to rust your eye boogers.
I’ve tried the magnet trick before with some nice neodymiums, but either the chip was too small, or it was too deep to work. Safety glasses are just the best rule of thumb
That is an incredibly good idea having the virtual apprenticeship thing.
It’s been a great experience!
I started hammering on rebar two days ago. I enjoyed it even though I suck right now. One day...
You’re on the right track! It takes time! I’m glad you’re enjoying the process!
very positive
Steel doesn’t interest me really. I’m interested in working with bronze and copper. Bronze has fascinated me quite early in life, for some reason, and I’m currently setting up a foundry for casting and working it. It just looks really gorgeous, and certain bronzes can be really tough, perfect for making knives. Do you have any experience with it? Could you make a video about it? Mil Gracias 🙏🏼
That’s awesome! All trades have a fundamental discipline around them, I hope my content will help in your journey!
I don’t do much casting though
Aspiring smiths in the Seattle area, there are a number of schools in the city and a lot of smiths in the area. If you don’t have the funds for a class but aren’t shy, say hello to the smiths you see. We don’t bite and love to share our trade. I’d be happy to host someone who has a real interest in the craft at my smithy. You can also join my crowd of fellow smiths any given Saturday morning as I do my weekly livestream and ask questions.
This is fantastic! Thank you for opening your doors to new smiths.
This is awesome! I live about an hour south of Seattle, and I’ve been looking for classes on Blacksmithing. I’ll definitely look you up! Thank you so much for making this comment!
I've been making knives and tools for 2 years and after finding your channel I think I might start doing artistic and structural blacksmithing
Edit, first day smithing I burn my primary hand on hot rebar please be safe if you are thinking of starting this hobby, you will get burnt and get cuts/grinder hits but if you are safe you can turn a catastrophe into a well that sucks, please be safe
You totally should give it a shot!!
You should absolutely dive into it!
I desire to become one the most but im 21 and don't even have no high school deployment so idk where to start honestly
You left out the secret way to gain all the knowledge.
On the full moon 🌕 head out to the field where the great pumpkin 🎃 reveals all the ancient secrets!
Hahaha! Well, I can’t spill all the secrets at once 😉
Definitely looking forward to learn how to forge. It’s never too late, right?
Exactly right Isaac! It’s never too late! I’ll be posting more videos like this for beginner smiths, so stay tuned 😉
I’m really interested in this but I don’t know where to start. I’m going to have to buy stuff
Try your best to not over invest! You would be shocked at how little you can get by with. I’ll post more videos like this
ان شاء الله
سأبدا التعلم واخذ بنصأحك
اتمنا ان ترشدني اخوك من العراق🌹
i have been tryhing to appretice someone as a blacksmith or get into metal work but there is not really that kind of industry near me. Any other tips on where to look? i feel like theres some community i cant find to contact
I do offer an online Apprentice program through Patreon! I make a new tutorial video every month, followed by a discussion held on Zoom. You not only have access to my knowledge, but other smiths at different phases of their journey.
@@Max_Randolph_Studios very VERY interesting
❤
I'm just now starting my journey. I have a lot of equipment and the passion. I'm on hold because I hurt my arm tendons a bit in the shop and lifting a hammer hurts right now. But I am determined. I find the difficulty is being a woman.... the local blacksmith association is all men. Even the comments here. Not throwing shade at it, but it makes it hard to be taken serious or hard when asked if I am getting stuff for my husband (I'm single). Getting past the gender barrier has been the hardest part. But I am still determined! I made my first hooks and chisels.
Oh my goodness I’m so excited for your journey! I can’t imagine the struggle, I remember years ago sharing a welding class with a woman who received similar treatment. It’s definitely not my place to give advice on this issue, but I would love to extend an invitation to my discord! There are a few female smiths in my apprenticeship program who would be happy to exchange support!! It’s an extremely welcoming and positive community!
@@Max_Randolph_Studios I'll join! Thank you so much for your support and advice! A good community is what I'm looking for.
@@webneko9842 fantastic! I’m excited to hear more about your journey!
Am a blacksmith from Ghana can you employ me as your worker
👍
❤
Hey guys I'm starting my journey into blacksmithing any extra tips other than what's in this video
There are many tips and tricks to blacksmithing! I’ll be making more videos soon about starter tools and techniques. You can also sign up for my onlineApprentice program here on UA-cam or on Patreon for more in depth how-to lessons. Do you have any specific questions about smithing?
@@Max_Randolph_Studios I'm trying to figure out if I should go with a gas forge or charcoal and what size anvil to get
Lord of the rings and forgered in fire brought me to wanting to do this
Wonderful inspiration!!
Vevor Acciaio anvils.
oh its literally fucking Hephaestus
You honor me!