Join NC ABANA
The best way to learn blacksmithing is to work with a blacksmith where you can get some hands on experience and learn the basic blacksmithing skills. I recommend joining NCABANA (or your local ABANA affiliate)) as it is cheap and one of the best ways to connect with other blacksmiths. Additionally NCABANA meetings are a great resource for information, tools, equipment, and supplies. We have regional groups that meet at various locations around the state and at many of these meetings you will get the chance to work at the forge. In addition to the local meetings we have 4 quarterly statewide meetings and an excellent newsletter that is mailed out to members quarterly. Download the NC ABANA application and brochure
Free Books
There are now several on line sites where you can view of download blacksmithing and metal working books in PDF format.
The Countryside Agency... View or download books from the Countryside Agency
Google Books also has blacksmithing books you can download. Titles include... To search for books go to books.google.com and enter the keywords - blacksmithing metal work forge. Not all of the books can be downloaded or be viewed entirely online but many books are "full view".
Blacksmithing Schools
There are several schools in or close to NC that offer blacksmithing courses. Here are links to their sites.
John C. Campbell Folk School
One Folk School Road
Brasstown, NC 28902
Penland School of Crafts
Post Office Box 37
Penland NC 28765-0037
Jacksonville Center for the Arts
220 Parkway Lane South, Suite 1
Floyd, Virginia 24091
The Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing
1304 East Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: 434-244-7833
For more blacksmithing schools and programs visit the ABANA website.

