Blacksmith Tools for Beginners: The Essentials

When I started blacksmithing, my anvil was a piece of railroad track spiked to a stump. My forge was a pile of firebricks and a propane torch. It wasn’t pretty, but it worked.

A lot of people get hung up on “making their own tools.” While that is a noble goal, you can’t make tongs if you don’t have tongs to hold the hot steel. Sometimes, buying the first set is the smart play.

The Absolute Essentials

We’ve covered hammers and forges in detail, but here is the quick loadout for your first day.

1. The Hammer

You need a 2-3lb Cross Pein hammer. It’s heavy enough to move metal but light enough to swing for an hour without blowing out your elbow.

2. Tongs

Don’t use pliers. Just don’t. They will slip, the metal will fly, and you will have a bad time. Get a pair of Wolf Jaw tongs. They are designed to hold square and round stock securely.

3. Safety Gear (PPE)

• Eyes: Safety glasses. Always. Scale flies.
• Ears: Earplugs or muffs. Anvils ring loud.
• Hands: Leather gloves (for handling cold stock or tongs, NOT for holding hot metal).
• Lungs: If you are using coal, wear a respirator.

The “Nice to Haves”

The Hot Cut Hardie

A chisel that fits into the square hole (hardie hole) of your anvil. It lets you cut hot steel by hammering it over the edge.

Wire Brush

You need to scrub the scale off your work while it’s hot. A simple butcher block wire brush works wonders.

The Verdict

Start simple. A hammer, some tongs, and a heat source. Everything else you can make once you have mastered the basics.

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Ready to start your journey?