Job as a Blacksmith

[AtomicForge]

Can you still make money being a blacksmith? Not an artist blacksmith but one who makes tools or how about a bladesmith?

[chyancarrek]

A friend of mine makes his living producing tongs and punches for other blacksmiths and specialty fields. (gstongs.com)

If you find the right niche and market yourself well, it's possible to make a fair living.

What are you thinking of doing?

[ThomasPowers]

Note; expect to spend years developing your skills and reputation before making a living as a bladesmith.

[AtomicForge]

i was just asking

[unkle spike]

With the advent of the internet I think you could make it as a blacksmith, the key is exposure to the "right" people. There are a few decorative blacksmiths in the area making a fair living doing accessories such as railings for houses.

[Finnr]

The whole key is finding a place where you are in need. I do medieval woodworking tools because there aren't many smiths making them. I also drive a 93 Chevy Blazer S10 that could use LOTS of body work. It is all in what you want out of life. I am happy with my style of existance. Others wouldn't like it at all.
Finnr

[coltpax]

I just about make whatever needs making, as long as there are only two or less moving parts. Dont really make a living off of it, but it is a paying hobby. As long as my shop pays for itself, im not worried about it.

[civilwarblacksmith]

Blacksmithing is a second job for me. I make enough at re-enactments, e-bay, and my website that it pays for itself as well as bring in some income for the family.

[HWooldridge]

That's my deal, too. I make a good living during the week and do my forging on nights and weekends. Some weeks, I work over 70 hours between the two but I thrive on it and there are a few breaks now and again - plus it's nice to have some money in the bank. The company owner knows about my moonlighting and has no objections so long as I don't pursue my personal stuff while on company time. In fact, he's probably happy since I don't ask for raises very often...:-)

[welder19]

I hope to some day but am not going to stress myself out getting there because I don't want it to loose it's appeal, I want to enjoy smithing for the rest of my life and sometimes when you try to make a living doing something you love you can end up loseing that love for it. If you do something to relieve the stress of everyday life, whether it be blacksmithing, woodworking, pottery, hunting/fishing, etc., then the last thing you want to do is start doing it to make your living, atleast if you want to keep doing it to relax.

welder19