The School of Iron

There was once a time when blacksmiths were a necessity in every community. People needed tools, whether that meant weapons for an army, needles for sewing or even tools for a blacksmith. The blacksmith made those tools and was sought after before manufacturing became commercialized. Now, being a blacksmith is considered more of an art.

Milwaukee has only one blacksmith, Milwaukee Blacksmith. The shop is located in Milwaukee’s Third Ward, on Erie Street. Kent Knapp is the owner and lead blacksmith of the family business. He runs the shop with his wife, and they involve their six children as much as they can.

Knapp says he doesn’t want the artform to die, so he’s also started The School of Iron, where he takes anyone over the age of 12 who wants to learn the craft. They hold classes every other Saturday.