Hammer’s Blow

If you want inspiration and detailed descriptions for blacksmith projects that you can repeat on your own, this quarterly will take you there. Hammer’s Blow also publishes valuable information about the various projects of the National Blacksmith Curriculum.

The magazine is available only as part of ABANA membership. Join ABANA and begin receiving Hammer’s Blow magazine. Becoming a member entitles many additional benefits:

1. Quarterly issues of the renowned Blacksmith Art Magazine The Anvil’s Ring
2. Quarterly issues of Hammer’s Blow with invaluable tips and tricks for Blacksmiths of all experience levels
3. Access to educational classes, videos, and materials
4. Eligibility for National Blacksmith Curriculum Certification
5. Digital access to all print publications back to 1978
6. Eligibility for education grants and scholarships
7. Access to membership directory to find talent close by and worldwide
8. Enjoying the fellowship of the worldwide Blacksmith Community
9. Discounts at blacksmith suppliers and ABANA conferences
10. Right to vote and be voted to the ABANA Board and serve on committees

Here are some free samples. Members can view all issues back to 1993 for free.

As a lifelong editor, writer, designer and artist, I got involved in producing newsletters about blacksmithing almost as soon as I learned how to blacksmith! I was editor of a local magazine, and an artist with 15 years of experience in ceramics and glass, when I took my first blacksmithing class in 2017. My instructor was a regional coordinator for the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association (FABA), and his wife was a program chair, so I also got involved.

I cut my teeth as the editor of the FABA Clinker Breaker newsletter starting in 2018, which gave me an amazing opportunity to learn more about the art and craft of metalworking and the people behind it. I was able to learn from blacksmith artists both in Florida and around the world with a visit to the annual blacksmith festival at Hefaiston Helfštýn in the Czech Republic in 2019.

When ABANA’s Hammer’s Blow editor position opened up, I jumped at the chance to get involved with such a longstanding and prestigious publication. I’m still editing the Clinker Breaker, swinging a hammer on occasion, and throwing pottery when I’m not working on the Hammer’s Blow, and I enjoy traveling to blacksmithing conferences. But honestly, I don’t have to travel far for inspiration. The submissions from talented blacksmith artists in the Hammer’s Blow constantly amaze me with their ability to instruct and challenge readers. I’m in awe of both the writers and artists like you who envision what they want, and then bend and shape steel to give form to their creativity.

I’m honored to serve as editor, and I look forward to our partnership in ABANA’s mission to perpetuate the noble art of blacksmithing.