4 Ways to Make Money as a Blacksmith in 2020

Selling Hand-Forged Items Through Online Platforms

In 2020, the shift to online shopping created new opportunities for blacksmiths to turn their craft into profit. With markets and trade shows on hold, forging goods for e-commerce became one of the most accessible and scalable ways to earn.

• Popular items to sell: Cutlery (like kitchen or hunting knives), rustic home decor (such as towel racks and drawer pulls), handmade jewelry (rings and pendants), fireplace tools (pokers and shovels), and garden tools (planters, hoes, and trowels).
• Where to sell them: Etsy gave you an instant audience for handmade items. eBay worked for unique pieces and auctions. Shopify helped build a branded store with more control. Instagram and Facebook Shops let you showcase and sell directly.
• Keys to selling successfully: Use high-quality photos and write product descriptions that tell a story. Make sure you answer buyer questions quickly, price competitively, and keep your storefront active.

Selling online gave blacksmiths a much larger audience than traditional methods. With consistent effort, even a small shop could become a strong income stream.

Offering Blacksmithing Classes and Online Workshops

When lockdowns hit, people looked for new hobbies, and blacksmithing caught their interest. That opened up teaching as a solid option—especially online. Sharing your knowledge gave others a chance to learn while bringing in income from your experience.

• What to teach: Beginners wanted to learn the basics—how to use the hammer, maintain safety, and control heat. Others were ready to dive into more complex topics like knife making, restoring old tools, or working on small projects like coat hooks or bottle openers.
• Where to teach it: Platforms like Teachable and Thinkific let you build courses and charge per student. Skillshare allowed shorter lessons that paid out based on watch time. YouTube made it easy to build a following with free videos, while Zoom offered live, personal instruction.
• Ways to promote your classes: Offer a free intro lesson or downloadable guide. Post short clips of your work on social media to build interest. Create bundle packages for groups or clubs.

Teaching blacksmithing online let smiths reach students across the world. It wasn’t just about making tools—it was about making connections and creating value from your skillset.

Accepting Custom Commissions for Functional and Decorative Metalwork

Custom orders gave blacksmiths the chance to showcase creativity and get paid well. Whether someone wanted a unique garden gate or decorative furniture pieces, custom commissions were a great source of work in 2020.

• Types of commissions: Custom hardware like railings, handles, or hinges. Art pieces like sculptures or custom signage. Functional decor for gardens and patios. Furniture elements such as forged table legs or bed frames.
• How to handle orders: Start with a consultation. Get a clear picture of what the client wants. Show sketches or mockups for approval. Give a detailed quote including labor and materials. Ask for a deposit before starting. Keep the client updated throughout the process.
• Where to find clients: Instagram and Facebook groups were great places to showcase work and attract buyers. Local makerspaces and designer communities also brought in referrals. Listing services on Houzz or Thumbtack made it easier to get seen by people looking for custom pieces.

Doing commission work helped blacksmiths build portfolios and gain long-term clients. It also allowed for more personal, rewarding projects where every piece told a story.

Forging and Supplying Tools for Local Trades and Artisans

Another solid income stream in 2020 came from creating tools and hardware for other trades. People working with wood, leather, or soil needed reliable tools, and blacksmiths were ready to deliver.

• Who needed tools: Leatherworkers ordered custom stamps and awls. Woodworkers looked for high-end chisels and drawknives. Gardeners appreciated forged hoes, forks, and planters. Builders sought handmade brackets, bolts, and other unique hardware.
• Why it worked: These professionals wanted tools that were built to last. By offering durable, well-balanced tools, blacksmiths earned trust and return business. Word spread quickly when quality was high.
• Where to sell them: Many blacksmiths sold directly through their websites or social media. Others partnered with local co-ops, hardware stores, or tool suppliers. Some even created monthly subscription boxes to deliver tools to regular buyers.

Supplying tools wasn’t just about income. It built strong community ties and turned fellow tradespeople into loyal customers. For many smiths, this was the most dependable way to earn while doing meaningful work.

Conclusion

Blacksmiths didn’t just survive 2020—they adapted, diversified, and thrived. Whether they were forging blades for online customers, teaching newcomers through Zoom, accepting custom jobs, or supplying fellow artisans with tools, they proved that traditional skills still have modern value. The year challenged many industries, but for blacksmiths willing to think creatively and put their work out there, it was a time of growth and opportunity.

Key takeaway: Making money as a blacksmith in 2020 was about more than hammering steel. It was about building relationships, exploring new platforms, and treating your craft like the business it truly is.

FAQs

How can I grow my social media following as a blacksmith?

Share short videos of your forging process, post before-and-after shots of projects, and tell the story behind each piece. Engaging content attracts more followers and builds trust.

Do I need a professional camera to sell my items online?

Not necessarily. A modern smartphone with good lighting and clean backgrounds works just fine. The key is showing your product clearly and from multiple angles.

What’s a good first item to forge and sell for beginners?

Bottle openers and hooks are great starter items. They’re small, don’t take much material, and sell well both online and at markets.

How long does it take to build a blacksmithing course online?

It depends on the course length and detail. A basic course can be built in a week or two. Recording videos and setting up the platform takes time, but the content can be reused for future students.

Is it possible to collaborate with other makers or tradespeople?

Yes, and it’s highly recommended. Working with woodworkers, leather crafters, or builders can open new doors for product ideas, referrals, and even bundled product sales.