The Blacksmiths of Samford University are a growing group of students who come together with their shared passion of blacksmithing. Using blacksmithing and metalworking techniques, they produce creations that range from blades to rings and keychains.
Blacksmiths Club President Elijah Kenol appreciates the creativity expressed among the members of the group.
“[The organization] is a place where we as a group of people decide that we want to metalwork and introduce our own thoughts and ideas in an artistic format,” Kenol said.
The club has been around for about eight years, and Kenol has been a member since his freshman year.
Projects can range in length from a few weeks to a whole semester. Everyone works on their individual projects, but those more advanced in the art style are more than happy to help beginners. Christopher Holbrook, the club’s treasurer and fellow leader of the group, spoke about assisting new people as they join.
“When we get an influx of new people, we teach them how to do it and we kind of put our own projects on the back burner…,” Holbrook said. “We’re going to be there helping other people, making sure they know what they’re doing, following the correct protocols, safety-wise especially, so they have a good and safe experience.”
No blacksmithing experience is required to join; every newcomer begins with the same project, which is a leaf keychain. This project teaches a lot of the basic skills of blacksmithing and metalworking, like shaping, cutting, hammering and using tongs. Holbrook encouraged anyone to try it out.
“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it,” Holbrook said. “It’s something you don’t know if you like it ’til you try it”.
Kenol added that no one needs to be worried about a lack of skill because everyone gets the opportunity to learn with the Samford Blacksmiths.
“Everyone started off bad, and that level of skill, you learn,” Kenol said.
No matter if you are making the leaf keychain or a crossbow, there is a special pride that comes from creation. Kenol expressed the enjoyment of achieving a finished project.
“I get a certain amount of satisfaction working on something and then seeing it being completed,” Kenol said. “That’s my favorite part of the club, is just being able to do my own thing, see it when I’m done and physically have it in my hands.”
The blacksmith club meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. in the Art Lofts, and Kenol encourages anyone to stop by and check it out.
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