BLACKSMITHING - THE ANCIENT AND HONORABLE CRAFT

"One of the longest established crafts known to civilized man has held its place of importance through all the changes of thousands of years, while civilizations have come, grown, and gone, and others have taken their place. The skills of the man who could work iron and steel were always needed, and the blacksmith always held an important place among his fellow men. The methods have changed little." (Blandford, Percy W. Practical Blacksmithing and Metalworking. 1988.)

According to Paul D. Moffett, Past President of Indiana Blacksmithing Association, Inc., there was a time in the early 1900's when nearly every large school taught blacksmithing as a vocational skill students were certain to need. Blacksmiths still believe that the skills learned are very helpful both in life and work. If you believed that blacksmithing as a craft is dead, you are would be very wrong. The Artist-Blacksmiths' Association of North America (ABANA) currently has more than 5,000 members.

At the Bernard K. McKenzie Career Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, Ed Wyatt offers an introduction to blacksmithing for senior students in his welding classes. He also offers an adult class in the evenings and on Saturdays. Right now, it is the only high school blacksmithing program in Indiana although more than 250 people in that state practice blacksmithing as a valuable hobby.

"I currently have 41 students and the program is going well," says Ed. "They enjoy it so much that they are practicing during their lunch hours and study halls."

Ed's program covers the health hazards and the basic skills included on the ABANA Journeyman's list of required skills. The journeymen learn advanced techniques from the masters of the craft, benefiting from their experiences. Even the masters continue learning and sharing skills with one another.

Ed also provides a listing of the minimum tools required to begin the craft and an extensive bibliography of books, magazines, and sources of supply related to the work. While today's blacksmiths don't usually shoe horses, they do perform a wide range of artistic work making gates, railings, stairs, and other things for commercial, government, and residential customers. It is a respected skill that allows personal expression and a fascinating craft where women are treated as equals with men.

Most smiths acquire skills at conferences or meetings of local organizations. Some go to work in existing shops if the owners have a position open to them. Often they will work for room and board or even less, just to learn the craft. There are very few schools presently in the United States that run long-term classes. A few currently existing include: 

For further information contact:
Ed Wyatt
Bernard K. McKenzie Career Center
7250 E. 75th Street Indianapolis, IN 46256-1913
(317) 576-6420
http://www.msdlt.k12.in.us/msdlt/mckenzie/index.html