can we make a living with blacksmithing?

[1ronCarl]

I've been blacksmithing for a few years but only as a hobby. I'm not comfortable in my job now, mostly bcs it's under average salary.
if I do blacksmithing for full time, can I make a living of it?
what kind of blacksmithing should I do to earn decent amount of money?
thanks for the insight guys

 

[Alan]

Hey, I’m really glad you brought this up! A lot of people actually make a living doing this but it really hinges on your niche and how well you market yourself. Custom blades, hardware, and restoration work usually provide a more consistent income. It’s definitely doable it just requires time, practice, and a solid game plan. You’ve got a wealth of experience here so you’ll definitely get some great advice.

 

[v0dkacollins]

yes, of course! I've seen people successfully make money by being a blacksmith. but it depends on what you're doing.
like if you're knifemaking or home decor, not only do you have to make a huge stock of product, but you also have to market the heck out of yourself, cart everything to craft shows, post on all socials constantly, not just putting up an Etsy store
I can tell you that the process is not instant

 

[Dociron]

Yes you can but don't quit your day job just yet!

Your post says you've been a hobbyist. What sort of work have done, have you sold any of your work, and done it at a profit? By profit I mean have you figured in overhead, electric, fuel, cost of work space and materials and so on? All of this and more are costs that have to come out of your selling price before you make any profit. How about health insurance and cost of advertising or building a website?

I'm not trying to be negative here, I'm trying to point out just some of the things that are important to think of BEFORE you jump from the kettle into the fire of self-employment.

You ask in your post what kind of blacksmithing you should do make a living? Well that depends on YOU and the market out there. Do you enjoy production work? If so then maybe selling small items on Etsy will fit the bill. If not then that may not be the market for you but all forms of smithing are going to require some sort of repetitive production.

I suggest before you leave your current job that you do some research. Look at numerous websites of professional blacksmiths and see what they offer to their market. If you see smiths offer work that interests you ask your self am I qualified and skilled enough to do this type of work. It takes practice and patience to gain the skills needed to satisfy customers and gain repeat work.

If you find a type of smithing that you'd like to pursue and don't feel you're up to it check out some craft schools offering courses in what you're interested in. Join ABANA and a local affiliate, get to meet professional smiths to talk to. ABANA also offers scholarships to take classes.

My final word of advice would be : Start slow keep your current job while building a blacksmithing business working evenings and weekends. If this seems to take to much of your time please know that most professional smiths are working sixty or more hours a week to stay afloat.

LASTLY Don't think I'm just a key board junky who wants to hear himself spout off about business. I'm 76 years old and have over 50 years experience as a professional blacksmith and teacher.

I hope what I've stated helps you to make a successful choice.

 

[Alan]

Thanks for sharing all this great advice! It’s definitely a good idea to take the time to research, practice, and make a solid plan before jumping into self-employment. Your experience really stands out.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

Maybe ... I saw where the guy that runs the Black Bear Forge on youtube made some rubicks cube twisted door handles on a decorated mounting plates and he is asking $1000 a piece for them !! Going to local artist events or flea markets, you might be able to sell your goods. For years I have been wanting to set up to do blacksmithing at the HUGE Johnstown Swappers Day flea market in September.. I bet you will have 10,000 people pass your set up in two days. I think it would be fun to have people watch you forge and have some tables set up with finished forged goods for sale.

 

[Alan]

That's a cool idea. Watching forging live always gets people excited, so events like that would be great for displaying the work.