Blacksmithing is a field that is meant for committed and strong-willed people.
So, 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 15 top schools for blacksmithing, as we have dedicated this article to discussing the smithing schools for anyone who wants to become a blacksmith.
Let’s get started…
Who Is A Blacksmithing
A blacksmith is someone who creates objects out of hot metal.
This can include making swords, pots, horseshoes, and other objects that are used in everyday life.
There are several schools that teach blacksmithing.
These institutions teach students the skills required to create objects out of hot metal.
The benefits of attending a blacksmithing school are numerous.
Firstly, by going to school, you will learn the necessary skills for starting your own business.
Secondly, many schools have facilities that allow students to forge items on-site.
Lastly, many schools have partnerships with businesses that provide apprenticeships or jobs after graduation.
What Do Blacksmithing Schools Teach?
There are numerous blacksmithing schools to choose from.
The most common is just a vocational school, that either teaches students basic blacksmithing techniques like forging and welding.
Other schools emphasize the history and technique of blacksmithing, while others teach advanced skills such as swordsmithing and armor-making.
Some schools also provide apprenticeships, which allow students to learn under the supervision of an experienced blacksmith while continuing their education.
How Do You Become A Professional Blacksmith?
Professional blacksmithing is a demanding and time-consuming trade that requires years of training and experience.
Here are some steps you can take if you want to become a professional blacksmith:
1. Locate A Reputable School With Accredited Programs.
There are many reputable schools that offer accredited programs, so it is critical that you select the one that is best for you.
Consider the following factors when selecting a school:
- Check that the school has been accredited by a reputable organization, such as the ABTS or the NCBA. This will ensure that the program is of high quality and meets all necessary standards.
- Look for a school that has cutting-edge facilities. This will allow you to learn in a safe and comfortable environment, as well as have access to all of the training equipment and materials.
- Choose a school with a program that lasts a long time, typically between two and four years.
2. Apprenticeship Or Other Formal Training In Blacksmithing From An Experienced Smith Is Recommended.
The path to becoming a professional blacksmith can be difficult, with the necessary skills and training often necessitating years of dedicated study.
However, another path to becoming a professional blacksmith:
Through an apprenticeship or other formal training program with an experienced blacksmith.
Apprenticeships typically last one to two years, giving the apprentice the opportunity to gain the necessary skills and experience to become a professional blacksmith.
Furthermore, through formal training programs, apprentices can frequently gain access to tools and other equipment that are not available to beginning blacksmiths, as well as increased instruction in areas such as design and welding.
While there are many factors to consider before pursuing an apprenticeship or formal training program, pursuing one from an experienced blacksmith is likely the best way to achieve success as a professional blacksmith.
3. Start Your Own Business By Making investments In Or Launching New Forge And Shop.
There are a few things you can do to start your own business as a professional blacksmith.
One option is to purchase or open a forge shop.
This will allow you to learn all aspects of the trade as well as create your own products.
Alternatively, you can become a blacksmith apprentice and work for someone else.
In either case, having your own business allows you to make your own decisions and make a career out of your passion for metalworking.
Prepare to work long hours and take on additional responsibilities, such as marketing your company and handling customer inquiries.
4. Maintain Your Skills Through Continuing Education Courses Offered by Various Organizations, including the American Blacksmith Association (ABA).
Many blacksmiths are self-taught and lack formal education.
However, there are numerous paths to becoming a professional blacksmith without prior experience.
Continuing education courses, workshops, and seminars can help you learn the skills required to be a successful blacksmith.
Welding, forging, machining, and cutting are all essential skills for a successful blacksmith.
You can improve your skills by enrolling in continuing education courses that focus on these specific areas.
You can also learn how to run your own business through courses.
Top 15 Schools For Blacksmithing Schools
1. Ballard Forge Schools For Blacksmithing
The Ballard forge school is a world-renowned institution for blacksmithing.
The school offers a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of the trade, from theory to practice.
Students can expect to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful blacksmiths.
The Ballard forge school is known for its high-quality program and its dedication to teaching students the craft of blacksmithing.
The school has a long history of providing quality instruction, and its graduates have gone on to become some of the world’s top blacksmiths.
2. Anvil Academy
This is a top Blacksmithing school in the world that offers basic and advanced instructions in blacksmithing and knife making.
At anvil academy, they believe that much can be learned from creation to the present by observing people, events, cultures, and regions, and redeeming stories from the Christian scriptures.
The program offers students a unique and comprehensive approach to learning the craft of Blacksmithing.
The program has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Craft and Design, making it one of the most respected schools in the field.
The curriculum at Anvil Academy is designed to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to become professional blacksmiths.
Students learn how to forge iron, create swords and other weapons, make furniture, and do much more.
Tuition Fee: $6,500 per year
Location: 305 N Main St, Newberg, or 97132
Email: admin@AnvilAcademy.net
Telephone: 503.538.8123
3. Virginia Institute Of Blacksmithing
Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing has been called the top blacksmithing school in the world. Located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the school offers a two-year program that prepares students for careers as blacksmiths.
The curriculum is intensive, and students are required to complete coursework in both classical and contemporary blacksmithing techniques.
In addition to learning how to forge iron and steel, students learn measurement and welding techniques, metalworking theory and principles, forging methods, designing and constructing tools, welding procedures, and more.
Tuition Fee: $2,69-$2,750
4. New Agrarian Schools For Blacksmithing
The Agrarian Blacksmithing School, located in North Carolina, is considered one of the best blacksmithing schools in the world.
The school was founded in 2001 by Daniel Painter and offers instruction in both traditional and contemporary blacksmithing techniques.
Students at the school are able to learn from experienced instructors who have worked with some of the world’s best blacksmiths.
The curriculum at the school is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to start their own businesses as blacksmiths or forge masters.
Tuition fee: $1750.00
Location: 990 McCaffery Road, Bigfork, Montana 59911
Email: metafunk@cybeport.net
Phone: 406-837–4208
5. Bridgetown Forge school For Blacksmithing
The Bridgetown Forge Blacksmithing School is the top school for blacksmithing in the world. Located in Vermont, the school has a long history of providing students with the best possible training to become successful blacksmiths.
The school offers a variety of programs, including both traditional and contemporary blacksmithing styles.
Students can choose to study traditional methods such as forge welding and casting, or they can learn modern techniques such as laser cutting and 3D printing.
The school also offers apprenticeship programs that allow students to gain real-world experience while still attending the school.
Overall, the Bridgetown Forge Blacksmithing School is a great option for anyone looking to become a successful blacksmith.
Tuition Fee: $460 or more.
Email: arnon@bridgetownforge.com
Phone: 503-804-1524
Location: 1812 North Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR, 97217
6. Cascadia Center For Arts & Crafts School
The Cascadia Center for Arts & Crafts is a top Blacksmithing school in the world. It has been teaching this craft since 1978 and offers a four-year program with both online and on-campus courses.
The school’s faculty is composed of experienced and highly respected blacksmiths, each of whom has taught at the school for many years.
Cascadia has a well-rounded program that covers all aspects of blacksmithing, including welding, forging, casting, and design.
7. Clatsop Community College
Clatsop Community College offers a degree in Blacksmithing, which is considered a top blacksmithing school in the world.
The program is accredited by ABET, and students have the opportunity to learn from some of the best blacksmiths in the country.
The program also has a strong focus on hands-on learning, which is why students have the opportunity to forge their own weapons and items in the forge.
Tuition Fee: $8,010 (out-state students) and $4,230 (in-state students).
1651 Lexington Ave.
Astoria, OR 97103
Phone: 503-325-0910
Toll-Free 1-855-252-8767;
8. Rochester Institute Of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology is considered one of the best blacksmithing schools in the world.
It offers a four-year degree program with concentrations in metalsmithing, jewelry design, and product design.
The school’s curriculum is designed to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the blacksmithing profession
Tuition Fee: $52,030
9. Massachusetts College Of Art Jewelry And Goldsmith
Massachusetts College of Art Jewelry and Goldsmith (MCEGG) is the top Blacksmithing school in the world.
Established in 1898, MCEGG offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs in jewelry and goldsmithing.
The school’s highly acclaimed faculty includes both renowned experts in their field and accomplished students who have won awards for their work.
10. Pratt Fine Arts Center
With state-of-the-art facilities and faculty, Pratt is well equipped to teach students the fundamentals of blacksmithing as well as advanced skills.
In addition to providing students with the necessary skills, Pratt offers an array of courses that allow them to develop their creativity and expression through metalworking.
Tuition Fee: $75 per class or more
11. 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.
12. 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 Colleges Includes:
13. Incandescent Ironworks Ltd.
14. Old west forge Smithing Schools
15. David Lisch Smithing Schools
FAQs
1. How Much Does A Blacksmith Make In 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.
2. 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 practicing 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Conclusion
Having said this, If you want a successful career as a blacksmith, then you will want to consider attending any of these top Blacksmithing schools mentioned above.
Also, don’t forget to follow other tips and advice seen in this article on how to become a professional blacksmith to help you out in your career.
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