What blacksmithing skill are you looking to hone in 2026?

[Alan]

With the forge blazing and a brand new year stretching out before you, what’s that one skill you’re eager to tackle? Is it hammer control, welding, finishing touches, or maybe just getting better at handling the heat?

 

[thedailygrind]

I’m really looking forward to adding the finishing touches. Last year, I spent a lot of time on shaping, but the surfaces always felt a bit rough. This year, I’m aiming for my pieces to look as great as they feel.

 

[quenchquest]

Managing the heat is definitely on my agenda. I noticed during a weekend forging session that I tend to tense up and slow down. If I can stay relaxed, it should make everything else like welding and hammering much smoother.

 

[hammeredbutproud]

For me, it’s all about controlling the hammer. I just wrapped up a small knife project, but I was all over the place with my strikes. Hoping to improve my consistency this year.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

One thing I teach to a student working on a project is planishing the metal at a black heat. That gives the metal a smooth finish and takes out all the rough hammer marks. Your project has a nice finish at the end and is more pleasing to the eye.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[Alan]

Great. Sounds like everyone is choosing a strong focus whether it’s finishing, controlling heat, or working with the hammer. Enhancing even one of those skills can make the whole process feel way more fulfilling.

 

[Alan]

One thing I teach to a student working on a project is planishing the metal at a black heat. That gives the metal a smooth finish and takes out all the rough hammer marks. You project has a nice finish at the end and is more pleasing to the eye.
Ohio Rusty ><>

I appreciate you sharing that. It’s amazing how those small finishing techniques can really enhance the final look of a piece.