---UPDATED for 2024!--- 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. Honestly, I've lost track of how many gift ideas are in this increasingly epic post. There were 60+ ideas here a few years ago. Compiling and updating this list takes a LOT of time and effort, so there are affiliate links that will give the school a tiny kick-back (I think I made $43 last year, this is an act of love, not a get-rich scheme!). Please feel free to comparison shop and leave me feedback if you find a better product or better deal. Tongs
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
Joinery
Finishing
Cutting & drilling
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...)
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.
Safety Eyes
Face
Hands/Arms
Workwear
First Aid
Fire safety
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.
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:
All of these organizations would be happy to work with you to set up regular donations or planned giving.
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AuthorBlacksmith, instructor, mischief-maker. Archives
November 2024
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