When most people think of blacksmithing, they picture glowing iron, the ring of a hammer, and the strength it takes to shape steel. But beneath the physical grit lies something deeper—a quiet discipline that demands presence, focus, and patience. For many, especially military veterans, the forge becomes more than just a place to work. It becomes a place to heal.

At Old West Iron, we know this firsthand. Our company isn’t just family-owned—it’s military family–run, with two Army veteran brothers working side by side at the anvil every day. For them and countless others, blacksmithing offers something rare in the modern world: a way to reconnect with purpose.

From the Front Lines to the Forge

Coming home from military service is rarely simple. The pace changes. The mission disappears. And for many veterans, the search for a new sense of identity begins.

Blacksmithing meets that need in unexpected ways. It’s physical, demanding, and purposeful—all traits familiar to those who’ve worn a uniform. But it also offers solitude, craftsmanship, and tangible results. In the forge, progress is visible. A length of raw steel becomes something useful. Controlled heat becomes creation.

For those recovering from the mental and emotional toll of military life—PTSD, anxiety, depression—the forge offers more than just a job. It offers therapy with an anvil.

Why Blacksmithing?

The benefits of blacksmithing for veterans are both emotional and practical:

• Mental Focus: Forging demands total presence. The heat, timing, and precision keep the mind anchored in the moment.

• Stress Relief: Hammering steel and working with fire provide an outlet for frustration and inner tension.

• Rebuilding Confidence: Creating something functional and beautiful from raw metal restores a sense of control and capability.

• Structure and Routine: Much like the military, the forge has its own rhythm. Days are organized, goals are clear, and skills improve with repetition.

• Tangible Progress: Veterans often say that seeing a finished product at the end of the day brings pride and purpose back into their work life.

Forging a New Future at Old West Iron

Old West Iron is proud to be part of this story.

Our forge is powered in part by two brothers—Army veterans Mitch Campbell and Jake Dobon—who found a new calling in the craft of historical hardware. Alongside their mother Lisa Kinzie, founder of Old West Iron, they’ve helped shape the company into a place where military values—discipline, loyalty, and craftsmanship—are deeply embedded in every bracket, hinge, and clavo we ship out the door.

Whether it’s restoring a centuries-old homestead or designing hardware for a new cabin, the work is personal. It’s meaningful. It’s a way to keep their hands busy and their hearts focused.

We’ve also seen firsthand how this trade has helped other veterans around the country find peace, rebuild skills, and reconnect with community—especially through our Blacksmith Partnership Program, which supports small-shop makers and artisan forges across the U.S.

Healing Through Heritage

Blacksmithing isn’t just a trade. It’s a tradition—a lifeline to the past, and a path forward for those looking to ground themselves after upheaval. For veterans, it’s a reminder that creation can come from destruction, and that even after great change, strength and purpose remain.

We are honored to share this journey with those who’ve served and proud to offer a place at the fire for anyone seeking healing through hard work.

Explore Our Veteran-Forged Hardware »

Maddison Mellem
Writing from the forge at Old West Iron