The Artist Blacksmith's Association of North America is the preeminent blacksmith organization in the world. With thousands of members worldwide, ABANA seeks to advance all forms of blacksmithing and metalworking. We actively seek new members that are involved in all forms of artistic endeavor as well as non-artist, supporters of the arts.
The American Bladesmith Society, Inc. pledges to diligently, reasonably and responsibly work exclusively for the purposes of promoting and advancing the art and science of the forged blade and other implements. And also to inform and educate the public in respect to bladesmithing, metal forging and heat treating processes, knife and tool design and fabrication, related arts and other areas in which the Society has expertise.
ArtMetal is a social networking web site where artisans, academics, art lovers, and the general public can experience, share and collaborate within the metal arts. This creates an exciting environment for innovative self-expression and discovery for you, the individual.
We are here to help whoever wants to learn how to blacksmith or about blacksmithing, whatever their level of experience or lack thereof.
Hampshire College is the only college in the five college areas with the facilities for blacksmithing. We work out of LATDC, Lemelson Assistive Technology and Design Center, our machine shop here at Hampshire (Located next to the Art Barn).
In the past twenty years 'Smithing' techniques have been shared with all members, thus the skill levels of many of our Smiths has grown tremendously. People have taken up 'Smithing' as a hobby and some have gone from hobbyists to full time professional Blacksmiths. The contributing factors that have made our Association work are education, the willingness to share with and teach others, and our dedicated members who are willing to help with programs.
CBA is a non-profit organization whose main goal is to increase awareness of an ancient art form that still finds a place on the cutting edge. We offer blacksmithing classes in many areas around the state of California. Our members range in skill level from beginner to master blacksmith.