So you want to start Blacksmithing and are looking for how much it costs? The truth is, if you want to blacksmith that much, you could probably start today for nothing! But, I promised I would be honest. No hype here! How much does it cost to buy the good stuff?
The cost to purchase enough tools and equipment to start Blacksmithing is about $5000. That budget includes buying the following:
- Forge ~ $1300
- Anvil ~ $2700
- Hammer ~ $135
- Tongs ~ $120
- 6” Leg Vise ~ $400
- Other ~ $300
This is literally the second time I have written this article. The first time I wrote it, I focused on how to start blacksmithing for a 1000 bucks. But who wants a thousand dollars worth of equipment that will probably break within a year?
For a 1000 bucks, you could get started, but if you later caught the Blacksmithing bug and wanted to continue, you would end up shelling out thousands more!
And if you later discovered that smithing is in your blood and that you were all-in for the rest of your life, you would probably spend tens of thousands more!
Blacksmithing is expensive! Let me show you how much.
Getting Started in Blacksmithing
There are a few non-negotiables to start blacksmithing. You have to heat metal, hold it, hit it with something hard, on something hard, and then make it look nice.
Sure, there are hacks out there to do all this with less, but in this article, I’m only going to concentrate on recognized tools that blacksmiths use.
Consider this a wannabe Blacksmith’s Dream-List!
The Forge
Generally speaking, you have two options, a coal forge or a propane forge? (To learn more about the difference check out this article here)
Some of the cons of using a coal forge are the smoke and ventilation requirements, and they can be a bit of a nuisance for blacksmith enthusiasts working out of their garage and/or in an established neighborhood.
While you can certainly use either, this article will focus on the propane forge as it is the lowest common denominator.
One of the best atmospheric forges on the market today is made by Chili Forge. They have some of (if not the) best-tuned burners on the market. For simplicity and performance, the Chili Forge is hard to beat.
Two Forged in Fire champions (Theo Rock Nazz & Liam Hoffman) use their forges as well as many other smiths including swordsmith David DelaGardelle who used a Chili Forge on the set of Marvel Comic’s movie Thor!
Their Cayenne Forge is listed at $1299 plus shipping.
You’ll also need a stand for the forge. They list one on their website for $329. (Price of the stand not included in the $5000 budget)
The Anvil
Buying an anvil at a reasonable price is becoming more and more difficult. You used to be able to find them used for almost nothing, but unfortunately, prices continue to rise.
The general rule of thumb is the heavier the better, and now the heavier the more expensive!
The anvil is where most new blacksmiths cut corners and buy an inferior product that chips, cracks, and otherwise doesn’t hold up. If you want to pay less, then you have to compromise on weight and quality.
Used Anvils
A used anvil that weighs over 300 pounds will likely run you more than $2000, and if you want to buy used, you will have to do some digging. The Facebook marketplace can be a place to start, and if you Google “Used Anvils for Sale” you will probably find anvils4sale.com.
New Anvils
Ironically, new anvils don’t cost any more than used ones nowadays. Both single and double horn anvils are available and 400 pounders are available for online purchase from Texas Farrier Supply, Centaur Forge, and even Ridgid (285 lbs) who distributes the famous Peddinhaus anvils from Germany.
The Peddinghaus Model #69642 weighs 285 pounds (125 KG) and sells for about $2650. It has a 5-inch face, two horns, and an upset block at the base.
Though not the heaviest of anvils, the Peddinghaus continues to make some of the highest quality new anvils on the market.
Hammer
If you are only going to buy one hammer, you might as well buy one of the best all-around hammers out there, the rounding hammer.
The rounding hammer is very versatile and in the hands of a master has all the capabilities of a ball pein and cross pein put together.
While prices differ, Hilltop Forge sells 2.5 lbs. Rounding hammers for around $135.
Tongs
You could, by all means, buy some mild steel and save some money by making your own tongs. If so, start with a pair of Wolf’s Jaw Tongs, then use those to make a pair of heavy-duty V-Bit Bolt Tongs. Once you’re done with that, a pair of Box Jaw Tongs or Scrolling Tongs would also be a good addition.
Or, you could navigate to Centaur Forge online and buy three pairs of new tongs for 120 bucks. Sometimes time is money, and Centaur Forge offers quality tongs and ships almost immediately.
Leg Vise
Like the anvil, in the past leg vises have been available to buy used for little or nothing. With the rise in the popularity in blacksmithing though, not only the price of leg vises has risen but unfortunately they are increasingly difficult to find for sale.
Luckily they are in fact still available to purchase new. Kanca is a company that has been producing tools since the early 1960s and they still manufacture leg vises for the blacksmith community.
5” and 6” models can be purchased from dealers such as Centaur Forge online.
Other
There’s a little more than $300 left in the original budget of $5000, more depending on if you can find items used or are able to get a deal here or there.
After the forge, an anvil, a hammer, tongs, and a leg vise, there are few smaller items that you will probably want or need. These include a wire brush, hand files, lumber for an anvil stand, and cash to pay for shipping.
This is Just the Beginning
Truth be told this is just the beginning. This article only discusses the price of what it takes to start blacksmithing. It does not go over the cost of materials, fuel for the forge, and other tools and equipment you might need down the road.
Other items that are essential include:
- Angle Grinder ~ $40 – $80
- Bench Grinder ~ $100 – $300
- Belt Grinder ~ $3000+
- Drill Press ~ $100 – $1000
- Work Bench ~ $100+
You can see how the equipment (and cost) can quickly add up!
Now add on the Big Boys to the list.
- Fly Press ~ $600 – $3200
- Treadle Hammer ~ $1200+
- Power Hammer ~ $6300+
- Hydraulic Press ~ $4500+
Blacksmithing is the perfect trade for those who like to buy tools and equipment because the list never ends. 😉
So how much does it cost to Blacksmith?
If you bought everything in this article (including the Big Boys) the cost would be about $25,000!