How It’s Made at Old West Iron

Where Tradition, Grit, and Fire Come Together

At Old West Iron, we don't just make hardware — we make history. Every piece that leaves our shop is shaped by hand, born from fire, and built with the kind of craftsmanship that doesn’t cut corners. It’s a process rooted in the heritage of blacksmithing, guided by decades of experience, and powered by a family-run team that still believes in doing things the right way.

Here’s how it all comes to life — one hammer strike at a time.

Who’s Behind the Iron

We’re a small, tight-knit crew of craftsmen, designers, veterans, and family — all working under one roof on a quiet ranch in Felt, Idaho, just on the other side of the Tetons. What we lack in size, we make up for in grit and pride.

Artisan Blacksmiths – The soul of the forge. Forging raw steel into timeless pieces using old-school tools and time-honored techniques.
Historical Designers – Experts in period-authentic hardware, drawing inspiration from centuries of ironwork to bring the past back to life.
Customer Support – Down-to-earth and ready to help, we’re not a call center — we’re your neighbors.
Finishers & Packagers – Adding the final touch with hand-applied patinas, then packing each order like it’s heading to a friend.
Web & Content Crew – Telling the story of our work and helping customers around the world connect with craftsmanship that matters.

Inspired by the Past

We don’t chase trends — we chase history. Every design we produce is pulled from real-life reference, backed by historical research, and field-tested for both authenticity and durability. Whether it’s Colonial, Medieval, Farmhouse, or Old West, we take great care to create ironwork that looks like it came from another time — because in spirit, it did.

In the Forge: The Blacksmithing Process

This is where the magic happens — fire, steel, and hard-earned skill. Here's what goes into every piece:

🔥 1. Heating the Steel

We use high-quality mild steel, heated in our forge until it’s malleable — hot enough to shape, tough enough to last.

⚒ 2. Hand-Hammering

Once glowing, the metal is struck, shaped, and textured by hand. Every mark and ripple tells the story of the craftsman behind it — no two are ever the same.

🛠 3. Custom Fabrication

Need something unique? We’re built for it. Our shop specializes in one-offs, hard-to-find sizes, and custom designs to match your vision.

⏱ 4. Quality + Efficiency

Old-school skill meets modern organization — our experienced team delivers handcrafted quality with faster lead times than you’d expect.

Finishes that Speak for Themselves

After the forge, the work isn’t done. Finishing is where your piece gains its final character — rugged, refined, or somewhere in between.

Hand-Painted Finishes – No machines, just real hands and a careful eye.
Chemical Patinas – For a naturally aged look, we use patinas that evolve over time — real rust, real depth, real history.

Want to see what’s possible? Check out our Textures & Finishes page to find the right look for your build.

Built to Last: Our Materials

We don’t believe in “good enough.” Our iron starts with high-quality mild steel, chosen for its strength, longevity, and workability.

Durability You Can Feel – These pieces are meant to be handled, used, and passed down.
Custom Finishes – From traditional blacksmith black to rustic tones and patina-rich color — we finish with purpose and pride.

Shipping with Care

We pack every order like it’s heading to our neighbor down the road — because we know how much it means to get it right.

Hands-on Quality Checks – Every piece is inspected and prepped with care.
Tough Packaging – Secured for the journey, protected from the elements.
USPS & UPS Shipping – Reliable carriers and transparent timelines you can trust.

Visit our Shipping Info Page for more on timing and delivery.

What to Expect When You Order

When you work with Old West Iron, you’re not buying from a warehouse — you’re working with a real shop and real people.

Handmade Means Unique – Each piece carries its own character — small variations are part of the charm, not flaws.
Production Timeframes – We work efficiently, but custom work takes time. Plan ahead and communicate your deadlines — we’ll do our part.
No Nonsense – We believe in accountability, but we can’t control poor planning. Please schedule with craftsmanship in mind.

We’re not just selling iron — we’re building partnerships. We care about your project, and we’re here to make sure it’s done right.

Own a Piece of the Past

When you choose Old West Iron, you’re investing in something real — ironwork that carries the soul of the past, made by people who still value tradition.

Whether it’s for your cabin, your custom home, or a restoration project that demands authenticity, we’re here to help you bring it to life.

Explore our collections and bring the spirit of the Old West — forged in fire, shaped by hand — into your space.