The Tools I’m Starting With (Beginner Setup)

Written By Ryan Blake

You don’t need a full workshop to start blacksmithing—but you do need the basics.

Here’s what I’m currently working with:

🔨 Hammer
A simple cross peen hammer—nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

🔥 Forge
A basic setup to get started. Still learning how to control heat properly.

⚒️ Anvil (or substitute)
One of the most important parts. Even a small or improvised anvil works when you’re starting out.

🗜️ Tongs
Essential for holding hot steel—learned that quickly.

I’m keeping things simple for now. As I improve, I’ll upgrade—but right now it’s about learning the fundamentals.

If you’re thinking of starting, don’t overcomplicate it. Just start.

Strike. Learn. Repeat. 🔥

Ryan Blake
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First Time at the Forge: What I Learned