Hometown Happenings - Your Neighborhood Blacksmith

Although I love a lush garden, an overflowing flower box, brick pathways, an inviting porch, and painted shutters as some of my favorite additions to a home… For me, it doesn’t get much better than hand hammered metal in my mind. Here’s an interview with local metal worker and blacksmith, Adam Gilbert.

What kickstarted your interest in Blacksmithing? 

I’ve always been hands on, have always liked to make things with my hands, and I realized I needed a hobby. 

When did it become more than a hobby for you? 

I think when I got my first actual order. The guy wanted a fireplace crane. And I had no idea how to do it, but I knew I had to figure it out. 

Nice. 

So I went from there, and, out of pure fear, I just figured it all out and realized it could be a strong business.

What are your favorite projects to work on? 

Anything requiring hammering on the anvil, I enjoy that very much. There’s a lot of cutting and welding that is a little bit more mundane, but when I can get something hot in the fire - in the forge and take it to the anvil and alter its shape with a hammer. I guess one of my favorite things would be the railroad spike oyster shuckers that I make. 

Because that requires a lot of hammering? 

It does. It requires hammering, some twisting, and some grinding. But to know you just recreated a tool out of something else is satisfying. 

Is there a favorite custom project of yours that you’ve done? 

There was a flower basket hanger that spanned over two cabinets in someone’s house in front of their kitchen window. They sent pictures of it with the plants hanging off of it, and I actually really enjoyed making that piece. 

What kind of music do you most enjoy in the shop? 

Depends on the mood. When I need to push myself, I listen to old Irish music or rock & roll. On most days I like to listen to Country. 

What was your metal background before this? 

I went to hot rod school. (WyoTech, in Wyoming) I learned metal fabrication on the English wheel. I learned how to not be afraid of tools, how to not take anything for granted at the same time, and learned what tool does what. We cut and manipulated metal and welded everything back. 

Are there any other metal workers or blacksmiths in your family? 

The only other person was my Uncle Bee. He did some welding and repair on large machinery, but nothing like what I’m doing now. I think I’m the first in my family that does decorative metal work. 

What’s been the hardest part about being a blacksmith? 

Charleston summers. *laughs* Forging in the forge when it's 150 degrees. But it’s worth it. I enjoy sweating, coming in, and getting cleaned up… having a good day's work. 

Where are your favorite spots to happy hour after a long day of work? 

Anywhere close to home - the Southern, Red Drum, Dunleavys, and anywhere on the Creek. 

I know folks can order directly through you, but that you also go to a few community events each year. What are some of the shows/fairs you do? 

I do Art on the Beach on Sullivan’s Island, the annual Scottish Highland Games, and the Mt. Pleasant Holiday Market at Moultrie Middle School. I try to do those 3 every year. People are there in good spirits, they’ll talk and share stories.

What piece of your own do you carry or use most often? 

I carry a bottle opener that I made on my keychain. It’s just a small little twisted piece of metal, but it opens bottles and people appreciate when I have it on me because a lot of people need a bottle opener and just don’t have one. *soft laugh*

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in learning more about metal working or blacksmithing? 

Do some research on YouTube. I tell everybody that I have a degree from the University of YouTube. I learned how to make my own things and start small. I started by using a piece of railroad track for an anvil and made a little forge out of an old soup can. And you can just build from there. 

Any other questions you were hoping I’d ask? 

Not as of right now. I’m considering giving tutorials in the future, but for now just focusing on the jobs at hand. 

You can contact Adam by calling or texting 843-693-7079. 

I’m a local realtor that loves highlighting our town and the folks in it. If you’re looking to rent, buy or sell locally, let’s chat Local!