Black Heat Forge

I have always been intrigued by the honesty in working with my own two hands. I went to school to become a welder; I’d always wanted to be able to make metal stick together. My teachers taught me about metallurgy and welding processes, and I think I learned their lessons well…but something was missing. While working as a welder, I discovered a blacksmithing book and began to read and practice. I s

uddenly felt like I was taking a step back in time but not in experience. The years of welding taught me how iron reacts and now I apply that knowledge to modern blacksmithing techniques. I use traditional blacksmith techniques—a hammer, anvil, heat, and my own hands-- to forge and shape metal. This simple craft, often neglected in our modern times, is the most fundamental way to create honest metal art. We currently live in a disposable culture in which anyone can have access to a ten-dollar piece of metal art—one most likely made by a machine in China. While there are benefits of low cost and accessibility, I am saddened that so many people mistake both for art. The sole purpose of my business, Black Heat Forge, is to restore the integrity of both functional and decorative metal art by coupling traditional processes with modern design—all shaped by my two hands. –Jeff Bridgers I am more than willing to meet with any interior/exterior designer, architect, landscaping personel, or private individual to discuss what I can create for your design needs. My work is hand forged the old way to ensure an appearance only achieved through blacksmithing. I compete with other businesses that install prefabbed metal designs that are well below any artistic value in the eye of a blacksmith. If you want serious Iron work that can be modern, traditional, and organic, I'm here to help. Remember that I am not considered a welder. Although I have a degree in welding, I took a more artistic approach to metal and became a blacksmith.