Blacksmithing, the cornerstone of all crafts for centuries, has come back to life. Once rendered nearly obsolete by the Industrial Revolution and 20th Century technology, this ancient craft has undergone a contemporary renaissance. A new appreciation of the honest, enduring qualities of forged metal has developed.

At the heart of this revival has been the Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America, Inc., a non-profit educational association dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge about the art and craft. Started by a handful of isolated blacksmiths in Georgia in 1973, ABANA now serves over 4,600 members.

With your membership, you receive a subscription to both The Anvil's Ring and Hammer's Blow. The Anvil's Ring, devoted exclusively to the craft of blacksmithing, is the association's quarterly magazine which presents special feature articles on a broad range of topics such as architectural iron, decorative design, primitive artifacts, hand forged tools, historical references, advice to beginners, news of regional affiliate events and exhibitions. Reports on tool, equipment and supply sources, employment opportunities and formal blacksmithing instruction make The Anvil's Ring an excellent resource. Hammer's Blow, also a quarterly publication, is a black and white magazine full of "how to" tips and techniques for professionals and beginners alike. The publication comes in a three-hole punch format and can be easily catalogued into a working notebook. [click]

The ABANA International Conferences are held biennially in the United States for ABANA members. Demonstrations, panel discussions and lectures feature experts in the field from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Dedicated to sharing knowledge of technical, aesthetic and business aspects of the craft for beginners to established professionals, the conference draws thousands of smiths from around the world.