Northern Rockies Blacksmiths gather in Lincoln for 'hammer in'

“When you have a hammer, everything is a nail. When you have a blacksmith, everything is anything you want it to be”

It seems today that the word “blacksmith,” most often calls to mind the image of the farrier shaping shoes for horses. While it is true that a farrier is a blacksmith, a blacksmith isn't necessarily a farrier. As the quote above shows, blacksmithing is much more. It is the art of forging metal using tools like a hammer, an anvil and a forge to make objects which range from tools to hooks to gates, hinges to sculptures, and much, much more. Long ago, it was one of the most important trades and the blacksmith was known as the “King of the Craftsmen.” Most towns had at least one blacksmith shop, which was also known as a “village smithy.” Today, modern blacksmiths create artisanal work and strive to keep traditional techniques alive.

The Northern Rockies Blacksmith Association is an organization that is dedicated to educating people in this ancient craft in order to preserve it and pass it on to future generations. The NRBA hosted their annual “Hammer In” Education Conference at Valler’s Heritage House May 20-23.

About 35 people showed up for the event, including a few men from Lincoln and two dedicated teenagers from Helmville who worked diligently alongside the older smiths, showing that the younger generation is up for new challenges and hands-on skills when given the opportunity. The other smiths came from around the region, bringing their own tools, anvils, propane forges and even a few coal forges.

The teacher for the event was Frank Annighofer. Frank learned blacksmithing in the late 1960s/early 1970s in his father Dieter's shop in Hamburg, Germany. There he learned the basics of blacksmithing just like his father Dieter had learned them from his father.

The hardy group would gather for a session in Jason Valler’s Rocky Mountain Forge for instructions from Frank on how to build a hand-crafted fireplace set, then spread out to the work stations under a large canopy outside that sheltered them from the snow. There they worked side by side, exchanging advice and a helping hand, along with the occasional good-natured ribbing. Then back in for more training.

The ring of hammers on anvil, the roaring of the fires and the easy camaraderie were something beautiful to behold. Everyone worked together for the three days and then split into teams to finish the final project before the gathering ended. The result was a gorgeous fireplace set, which is now on display and for sale at Vallers.

The smiths, young and old, novice and master, moved around the work area with sparks flying, hammers swinging and hot metal everywhere, without incident or concern. They traded advice and learned forge welding, rivet making, copper smithing, and more.

Everyone loved having the conference in Lincoln where they shared meals around town and stayed in their campers at Hooper Park, at a few Air BnBs and our local hotels.

The NRBA has helped to set up Valler’s Rocky Mountain Forge as a teaching forge and will be hosting more classes and conferences at the shop. They hope to host a Level 1 Blacksmithing class in the coming year. We will keep you posted. Everyone is welcome.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Vallers at 406-362-4444.