Blacksmith Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Blacksmith Resume examples

Most folks entering the metalworking trades face a tough question: which path combines traditional craftsmanship with modern opportunity? Blacksmithing—a craft dating back thousands of years—surprisingly answers this call. While industrial manufacturing has automated much of metal production, the market for hand-forged items has grown by 17% since 2019, with custom metalwork commanding premium prices in both functional and artistic markets. The resurgence comes as consumers increasingly seek authentic, handcrafted alternatives to mass-produced goods.

Today's blacksmiths aren't just swinging hammers in dimly lit workshops (though there's plenty of that!). They're blending centuries-old techniques with modern tools, creating everything from architectural elements and custom knives to sculpture and restoration work. The field sits at a fascinating crossroads—preserving historical methods while embracing new alloys, power hammers, and even CAD design. For those with the right combination of physical stamina and creative vision, blacksmithing offers a rare career path where your hands literally shape your future.

Junior Blacksmith Resume Example

LUCAS HAWKINS

Phone: (503) 429-8176 | Email: lucas.hawkins@gmail.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lucashawkins
Portland, Oregon | Portfolio: hawkinsmetalworks.com

Passionate blacksmith with 2 years of combined apprenticeship and professional experience. Specializing in traditional forging techniques with modern applications. Dedicated to preserving historic metalworking methods while creating functional art pieces. Looking to grow my craft with a forward-thinking forge or restoration workshop.

EXPERIENCE

Junior Blacksmith – Bridgetown Forge & Metalworks, Portland, OR
May 2022 – Present

  • Create custom decorative ironwork including gates, railings, and furniture pieces for residential clients
  • Forge and finish an average of 8-10 custom home hardware pieces weekly (door handles, hinges, brackets)
  • Assist lead blacksmith with complex architectural commissions, restoring 5 historic wrought iron fences
  • Maintain shop equipment and forge, reducing tool replacement costs by 17% through proper care
  • Started teaching beginner blacksmithing workshops to groups of 3-6 students on weekends

Blacksmith Apprentice – Old World Anvil, Eugene, OR
August 2021 – April 2022

  • Completed 9-month intensive apprenticeship under master blacksmith James Thornton
  • Mastered fundamental techniques including drawing out, upsetting, punching, and forge welding
  • Supported production of ornamental iron fixtures for 3 historic building restoration projects
  • Developed skills in coal forge management and temperature reading by color

Metal Fabrication Shop Assistant (Part-time) – Maxwell Metals, Portland, OR
January 2021 – July 2021

  • Prepared materials and assisted welders with MIG and TIG welding projects
  • Learned basic metal finishing techniques including grinding, polishing, and patination
  • Organized inventory and maintained shop cleanliness while studying metalworking fundamentals

EDUCATION

Certificate in Traditional Blacksmithing
Northwest School of Craft, Portland, OR – Completed December 2020

Associate of Applied Science, Welding Technology
Portland Community College, Portland, OR – Graduated June 2020

WORKSHOPS & ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Architectural Ironwork Intensive – John C. Campbell Folk School (2021)
Pattern-Welded Steel Workshop – Oregon Knife Makers Guild (2022)
Historic Hardware Restoration – Preservation Trades Network (2023)

SKILLS

  • Traditional forging techniques (drawing, upsetting, drifting, fullering)
  • Coal and gas forge operation
  • Forge welding and modern welding processes (MIG, TIG)
  • Period-accurate restoration methods
  • Metal finishing (grinding, filing, polishing)
  • Ornamental scroll work
  • Tool making and heat treatment
  • Blueprint reading
  • Basic woodworking (for handle construction)
  • Shop safety and equipment maintenance

Tools: Power hammer, hydraulic press, drill press, angle grinders, belt sanders, traditional hand tools

Mid-level Blacksmith Resume Example

Samuel Thorson

Portland, OR | (503) 555-7241 | sthorson85@email.com | linkedin.com/in/samuelthorson

Versatile blacksmith with 6+ years crafting functional and decorative metalwork. Blend traditional forging techniques with modern welding processes to create custom pieces for residential and commercial clients. Known for precise hammerwork and creative problem-solving—particularly when restoring historical pieces. Looking to bring my skills to a heritage restoration workshop where I can contribute to preserving architectural metalwork.

Experience

Lead Blacksmith | Ironworks Forge & Design | Portland, OR | March 2021 – Present

  • Manage production schedule for 3-person workshop producing ~45 custom items monthly (gates, railings, furniture, tools)
  • Designed and implemented new forge layout that cut production time by 17% and improved airflow
  • Trained 2 apprentices in basic forging techniques, tool maintenance, and shop safety protocols
  • Lead restoration projects for Portland Historical Society, including repair of 1890s wrought iron cemetery gates
  • Created and maintained client database with 137 active customers, tracking project specs and maintenance schedules

Blacksmith | Heritage Metal Arts | Seattle, WA | June 2019 – February 2021

  • Fabricated custom hardware for 25+ high-end residential projects (door hinges, latches, pulls, brackets)
  • Collaborated with architects and designers to translate drawings into functional metalwork pieces
  • Specialized in traditional joinery methods including riveting, collaring, and mortise-and-tenon connections
  • Developed standardized heat treatment process for tool steel that improved edge retention by 30%

Junior Blacksmith/Apprentice | Pike Street Forge | Seattle, WA | August 2017 – May 2019

  • Assisted master blacksmith with daily operations including coal management, tool preparation, and basic forging
  • Learned progressive skills from basic tapers and twists to more complex scrollwork and joinery
  • Maintained shop equipment including forge, anvils, power hammer, and hand tools
  • Helped conduct monthly public demonstrations and beginner workshops (avg. 12 participants per session)

Education & Certifications

Certificate in Traditional Metalworking – John C. Campbell Folk School, 2018

Associate of Applied Science, Welding Technology – Seattle Central College, 2017

Level 2 Welding Certification – American Welding Society, 2019

First Aid & CPR Certified – Red Cross, 2022 (renewed)

Workshop: Historical Hardware Reproduction – Metals Conservation Conference, 2020

Skills

  • Traditional forging techniques (drawing, upsetting, punching, drifting)
  • Scrollwork & decorative elements
  • Pattern-welding & Damascus steel
  • MIG, TIG & stick welding
  • Tool making & heat treatment
  • Forge welding
  • Historical restoration techniques
  • Shop safety & maintenance
  • Blueprint interpretation
  • Client consultation & custom design

Professional Affiliations

Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA) – Member since 2018
Northwest Blacksmith Association – Member since 2017

Portfolio

Physical portfolio available upon request
Selected works: ironworksforge.com/samuel-thorson

Senior / Experienced Blacksmith Resume Example

Thomas “Forge” Harrington

Sanford, ME | (207) 555-8912 | tharrington@metalcraft.net | linkedin.com/in/thomasharrington

Master Blacksmith with 11+ years crafting custom metal pieces, specializing in architectural ironwork and historical reproduction. Known for combining traditional forging techniques with contemporary design elements. Managed a team of 5 apprentices while growing custom orders by 37% over 3 years. Certified in both traditional blacksmithing and modern welding techniques.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Head Blacksmith & Shop Manager | Coastal Forge & Metalworks | Portland, ME | 2019-Present

  • Oversee all operations of 2,300 sq. ft. forge facility, managing 5 craftspeople and coordinating 12-15 concurrent projects
  • Grew custom order revenue from $187K to $256K annually through relationship building with architects and interior designers
  • Design and execute high-end architectural elements including gates, railings, and fixtures for historic properties across New England
  • Implemented new shop workflow that reduced project completion time by 23% while maintaining quality standards
  • Developed and formalized 18-month apprenticeship program that has trained 7 new blacksmiths, 4 of whom still work at the shop

Senior Blacksmith | Heritage Metal Arts | Portsmouth, NH | 2015-2019

  • Led restoration projects for 8 historical sites, including the creation of period-accurate hardware, tools, and fixtures
  • Specialized in Damascus steel knife making, producing custom blades that sold for $400-1,200 each
  • Collaborated with archaeologists to recreate Colonial-era metallurgical techniques for museum demonstrations
  • Managed client relationships with 3 major historical societies, resulting in 5 multi-year contracts

Blacksmith | Wilson’s Forge | Durham, NH | 2012-2015

  • Produced custom ornamental ironwork including fireplace sets, door hardware, and garden art
  • Assisted in shop demonstrations during 6 annual craft fairs, helping to build brand recognition
  • Developed skills in forge welding, tool making, and heat treating various alloys
  • Created display pieces that helped the shop win “Best in Show” at New England Craftsman Exhibition (2014)

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Certificate in Advanced Blacksmithing | John C. Campbell Folk School | Brasstown, NC | 2017

AWS Certified Welder | American Welding Society | 2015 (Renewed 2021)

Associate of Fine Arts, Metal Sculpture | Maine College of Art | Portland, ME | 2012

Traditional Joinery Techniques | Artist Blacksmith’s Association Workshop | 2014

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Forge welding & coal/gas forge operation
  • MIG, TIG & stick welding
  • Pattern development & template making
  • Damascus steel fabrication
  • Historic hardware reproduction
  • Metal patination & finishing techniques
  • Tool making & heat treating
  • CAD design (basic)
  • Shop safety & apprentice training

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA) – Member since 2013
New England Blacksmiths – Board Member 2020-Present
Maine Crafts Association – Exhibiting Member

How to Write a Blacksmith Resume

Introduction

Crafting a resume for a blacksmith position requires showcasing both technical metalworking skills and artistic abilities. A well-crafted blacksmith resume doesn't just list your experience—it demonstrates your mastery of traditional techniques, your knowledge of metallurgy, and your ability to create functional, beautiful pieces. Whether you're a traditional blacksmith who works primarily with wrought iron or a modern metalworker comfortable with various alloys, your resume needs to strike while the iron's hot (sorry, couldn't resist that one!).

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your blacksmith resume clean and straightforward—much like a well-organized forge. Aim for 1-2 pages depending on your experience level, with clear sections and readable fonts.

  • Use 11-12pt font in a professional typeface (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)
  • Include clear section headings to guide the reader's eye
  • Incorporate adequate white space to prevent a cluttered appearance
  • Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting
  • Name your file professionally (JohnSmith_Blacksmith_Resume.pdf)
When possible, include a link to your portfolio or photos of your work. Many employers want to see examples of your craftsmanship, especially for custom or artistic blacksmithing positions.

Profile/Summary Section

Your summary should be 3-4 lines highlighting your strongest skills and experience. For blacksmithing, focus on your technical abilities, years of experience, and specialties.

Example: "Journeyman blacksmith with 6+ years of experience specializing in architectural ironwork and historical reproduction techniques. Proficient in coal and gas forges, with expertise in forge welding, pattern welding, and traditional joinery methods. Known for attention to detail and ability to combine historical accuracy with modern functionality."

Professional Experience

List your experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on relevant blacksmithing roles. For each position, include:

  • Company name and location
  • Your job title
  • Employment dates (month/year to month/year)
  • 4-6 bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements

When writing your bullet points, emphasize specific techniques you've mastered, types of projects completed, and measurable achievements. For example:

  • Forged over 75 custom architectural elements for a historic building restoration, including railings, hinges, and decorative accents
  • Reduced material waste by 17% by implementing improved cutting and measuring practices
  • Mastered Damascus steel pattern welding, creating signature knife blades that sold at a 43% premium

Education and Certifications

Include formal education, apprenticeships, workshops, and certifications relevant to blacksmithing:

  • Apprenticeship under Master Blacksmith Tom Wilson, Blue Ridge Forge (2018-2021)
  • Certificate in Ornamental Ironwork, American College of the Building Arts (2017)
  • Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America (ABANA) member since 2016
  • Certified in MIG and TIG welding, Local Technical College (2015)

Skills Section

Create a dedicated skills section that highlights both technical and soft skills. Include:

  • Forging techniques: Forge welding, scrollwork, repoussé, etc.
  • Equipment proficiency: Power hammer, coal forge, gas forge, hydraulic press
  • Materials knowledge: Various steel types, bronze, copper, etc.
  • Design skills: Hand sketching, CAD software (if applicable)
  • Finishing techniques: Heat treating, patination, paint, etc.
  • Soft skills: Attention to detail, client communication, project planning

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. Include these blacksmithing keywords to help yours get noticed:

  • Technical terms: Forge welding, annealing, tempering, quenching
  • Tools: Power hammer, anvil, tongs, swage blocks, fuller, hardy tools
  • Materials: Wrought iron, mild steel, tool steel, Damascus
  • Products: Architectural elements, knives, tools, sculptures, furniture

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too generic – specify the exact forging techniques you know
  • Omitting measurements or quantities in your achievements
  • Focusing only on technical skills while ignoring design abilities
  • Forgetting to mention safety protocols and practices
  • Neglecting to include photos or portfolio links (when possible)

Before/After Example

Before: "Made various metal items using different blacksmithing techniques."

After: "Hand-forged over 200 custom hardware pieces including door handles, hinges, and decorative brackets, utilizing traditional hot punching, riveting, and forge welding techniques to maintain historical accuracy for an 1870s building restoration."

Soft skills for your Blacksmith resume

  • Client consultation skills – able to translate client visions into practical metal designs while setting realistic expectations about timelines and costs
  • Problem-solving under pressure, especially when working with difficult materials or fixing unexpected issues during the forging process
  • Attention to fine details while maintaining awareness of the overall project scope (most evident in decorative ironwork projects)
  • Mentorship abilities developed through training 2 apprentices over a 4-year period
  • Cross-craft collaboration with woodworkers, designers and contractors on restoration projects
  • Physical stamina management – knowing when to push through and when to take breaks to prevent burnout and maintain quality

Hard skills for your Blacksmith resume

  • MIG/TIG/Flux-core welding for structural repairs and custom fabrication
  • Pattern-welded Damascus steel forging (15+ layer capacity)
  • Heat treatment processes including quenching, annealing and tempering
  • CAD design using Fusion 360 for custom commission mockups
  • Traditional coal forge operation and maintenance
  • Power hammer techniques for efficient material movement
  • Historical metallurgy knowledge spanning 17th-19th century methods
  • Tool restoration with period-appropriate techniques
  • Forge welding carbon steel to create seamless joinery