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Blacksmithing
From WoW: IncGamers World of Warcraft Wiki
Contents |
What is Blacksmithing?
Introduction
The skill of forging weapons and armor from metal bars and other reagents. They can enhance any player's weapons with special stones. They can make items for other professions such as Enchanter's Rods and also keys to unlock chests, as well as Runes, such as [Lesser Rune of Warding] to protect the wearer from damage.
Type of Profession
- Blacksmithing is a Primary Profession, and therefore counts towards your 2 Primary Professions Limit.
- Blacksmithing is a Crafting Profession, it is not used for Gathering materials.
- Blacksmithing requires Ore to make the metal, therefore players that take up Blacksmithing are usually also Miners so that they are able to collect their own materials such as [Copper Ore] and [Heavy Stone].
How Do I Become a Blacksmith?
You can train to five levels of proficiency and each has certain prerequisites that you need to meet before you are able to progress to the next rank of proficiency. You need to be character level five or above to begin your training as a Blacksmith. Below is a list of locations with links to maps which pinpoint exactly where the Trainer can be found.
Blacksmith Trainers
| Trainer Rank | Horde | Alliance | Neutral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Trains you to Apprentice | Dwukk, 27, Razor Hill, Durotar Ug'thok, 25, Valley of Honor, Orgrimmar Thrag Stonehoof, 24, Lower Rise, Thunder Bluff Arathel Sunforge, 15, Farstrider Retreat, Eversong Woods Mirvedon, 30, Farstrider's Square, Silvermoon City Guillaume Sorouy, 28, The Sepulcher, Silverpine Forest Basil Frye, 26, War Quarter, Undercity | Tognus Flintfire, 30, Kharanos, Dun Morogh Groum Stonebeard, 25, The Great Forge, Ironforge Smith Argus, 24, Goldshire, Elwynn Forest Dane Lindgren, 30, Dwarven District, Stormwind Blacksmith Calypso, 8, Odesyus' Landing, Azuremyst Isle Edrem, 30, Trader's Tier, The Exodar Delfrum Flintbeard, 25, Auberdine, Darkshore | |
| Expert Trains you to Journeyman | Snarl, 31, Valley of Honor, Orgrimmar Karn Stonehoof, 35, Lower Rise, Thunder Bluff Bemarrin, 30, Farstrider's Square, Silvermoon City Traugh, 31, Crossroads, Barrens | Therum Deepforge, 35, Dwarven District, Stormwind Rotgath Stonebeard, 31, The Great Forge, Ironforge Miall, 30, Trader's Tier, The Exodar Clarise Gnarltree, 31, Darkshire, Duskwood | |
| Artisan Trains you to Expert | Saru Steelfury, 45, Valley of Honor, Orgrimmar | Bengus Deepforge, 45, The Great Forge, Ironforge | |
| Master Trains you to Artisan | Unknown creature: Master Craftsman Omarion, 60, Deathknight Wing, Naxxramus Brikk Keencraft, 54, Booty Bay, Stranglethorn Vale | ||
| Grand Master Trains you to Master | Rohok, 60, Thrallmar, Hellfire Peninsula Grutah, 65, Shadowmoon Village, Shadowmoon Valley | Humphry, 60, Honor Hold, Hellfire Peninsula | |
| Supplies Sells you stuff | Blacksmith Frances, 15, Tranquillien, Ghostlands Unknown creature: Garash, 45, Stonard, Swamp of Sorrows Grelkor, 55/65, Frostwolf Base, Alterac Valley Osrok the Immovable, 62, Garadar, Nagrand Smith Slagtree, 47, Revantusk Village, The Hinterlands Taur Stonehoof, 30, Lower Rise, Thunder Bluff | Blacksmith Calypso, 8, Odesyus' Landing, Azuremyst Isle Cecil Meyers, 60, Allerian Stronghold, Terokkar Forest Elisa Steelhand, 30, Auberdine, Darkshore Harggan, 49, Wildhammer Keep, The Hinterlands Kaita Deepforge, 30, Dwarven District, Stormwind Lana Thunderbrew, 55/65, Stormpike Base, Alterac Valley Sparik, 63, Telaar, Nagrand Thrawn Boltar, 29, Kharanos, Dun Morogh Thurgrum Deepforge, 30, The Great Forge, Ironforge | Aaron Hollman, 60, Lower City, Shattrath City Aundro, 64, Sha'tari Base Camp, Terokkar Forest Hurklor, 46, Booty Bay, Stranglethorn Vale Jansen Underwood, 49, Booty Bay, Stranglethorn Vale Jazzrik, 38, Valley of Fangs, Badlands Krinkle Goodsteel, 40, Gadgetzan, Tanaris Ogri'la Steelshaper, 71, Ogri'la, Blade's Edge Mountains |
You may only choose one specialisation, Weaponsmith or Armorsmith. You can not choose to train in both. So make sure you choose wisely which one you want to go into, as it costs money to change once you have trained in one of the specialisations. You can read more about this later on in the article.
Once you have decided which route you will go down, you need to visit the respective trainer. Here are the Blacksmithing Specialist Trainers:
| Speciality | Horde | Alliance | Neutral |
| Armorsmithing | Okothos Ironrager, 52, Valley of Honor, Orgrimmar | Grumnus Steelshaper, 60, The Great Forge, Ironforge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weaponsmithing | Borgosh Corebender, 51, Valley of Honor, Orgrimmar | Ironus Coldsteel, 54, The Great Forge, Ironforge | |
| Axesmithing | Kilram, 58, Everlook, Winterspring | ||
| Hammersmithing | Lilith the Lithe, 55, Everlook, Winterspring | ||
| Swordsmithing | Seril Scourgebane, 57, Everlook, Winterspring |
To see how you go about training in one of these specialisations, check out the section below.
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Training Costs
Once found you simply request to be trained at which time you'll be given a few recipes to start you on your way. You will receive a 10% discount if you train in a city where you are honored.
| Proficiency | Level | Skill | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | 5 | 1-75 | 10 
|
| Journeyman | 10 | 50-150 | 5 
|
| Expert | 20 | 125-225 | 50
|
| Artisan | 35 | 200-300 | 5 
|
| Weaponsmith | 40 | 200-300 | Quest |
| Armorsmith | 40 | 200-300 | Quest |
| Master | 50 | 275-375 | 10
|
What are the Blacksmithing Specialisations?
When you reach a Blacksmithing skill of 200 and character level of 40 you can choose to specialise in a particular area of blacksmithing. You will need to complete special quests before you can specialise however. The categories are:
- Armorsmith
- Weaponsmith
- Swordsmiths
- Axesmiths
- Hammersmiths
Armorsmithing, as you'd expect, enables you to learn how to create very effective armour and Weaponsmithing, powerful weapons. Further specialisation is available to Weaponsmiths when they reach a blacksmithing skill of 250 and character level of 45. They can choose between Sworthsmithing, Axesmithing or Hammersmithing. Choosing any will require you, again, to complete quests first.
Armorsmithing plans appear to require more materials on the whole but you do have more armour slots on your character than weapon slots to fill, so more potential to make things for yourself. However, Weaponsmithing allows you to specialise even further.
Below are some examples of the specialised equipment you can craft.
| Armorsmith | [Breastplate of Kings] |
| Weaponsmith | [Light Skyforged Axe] |
| * Swordsmith | [Blazeguard] |
| * Hammersmith | [Dragonstrike] |
| * Axesmith | [Bloodmoon] |
For a full list of the special Bind on Pickup items each specialisation can make see below.
How Do I Train In One of These Specialisations?
Most important thing to remember is you can only specialise when you have reached a character level of 40 and Blacksmithing skill of 200. Before that you will not be able to get any of the quests below.
Alliance
To begin on the route to specialisation you need to locate The Great Anvil, [Ironforge] and first speak with Bengus Deepforge, the Artisan Trainer and then to Myolor Sunderfury. He will ask you to choose your path and once you've done so a quest will be offered by either the Armorsmith or Weaponsmith stood near him.
Armorsmith
Quest Giver and Name: Grumnus Steelshaper, Ironforge. "The Art of the Armorsmith"
Asks for: 4 [Ornate Mithril Helm], 2 [Ornate Mithril Boots], 1 [Ornate Mithril Breastplate]
Total Reagents Needed: 108 [Mithril Bar], 18 [Truesilver Bar], 4 [Black Pearl], 2 [Aquamarine], 1 [Heart of Fire], 8 [Thick Leather], 7 [Solid Grinding Stone]
Reward: Become an Armorsmith
To learn these plans your skill needs to be 210 and then you should visit:
Quest Giver and Name: Hank the Hammer, The Dwarven District of Stormwind, "The Origins of Smithing". (need to prove yourself to Hank)
Asks for: 6 [Golden Scale Bracers]
Total Reagents Needed: 5 [Steel Bar], 2 [Heavy Grinding Stone]
Reward: Plans for [Golden Scale Gauntlets]
He will then ask you to take a [Mithril Insignia] to McGavan at Stranglethorn Vale Booty Bay. McGavan then sends you to see Galven the Ancient, east of Venture Co Base Camp, in Stranglethorn Vale who will give you three quests:
Quest Giver and Name: Galvan the Ancient, Stranglethorn, "Smelt On, Smelt Off", "The Art of the Imbue" and"The Great Silver Deceiver".
Asks for: 40 [Mithril Bar] and 40 [Iron Bar], 40 [Mithril Bar] and 4 [Citrine], 40 [Mithril Bar] and 5 [Truesilver Bar]
Total Reagents Needed: 120 [Mithril Bar], 40 [Iron Bar], 5 [Truesilver Bar] and 4 [Citrine]
Reward: Plans for [Ornate Mithril Pants], Plans for [Ornate Mithril Shoulder] and Plans for [Ornate Mithril Gloves].
To get the plans for Ornate Mithril Helm you'll need to go to Gadgetzan to see Trenton Lighthammer who will also give you three quests.
Quest Giver and Name: Trenton Lighthammer, Gadgetzan, "The World At Your Feet", "A Good Head On Your Shoulders" and "The Mithril Kid".
Asks for: 1 pair of [Ornate Mithril Pants] and 2 pairs of [Heavy Mithril Boots], 2 [Mithril Coif] and 1 [Ornate Mithril Shoulder], 2 [Heavy Mithril Breastplate] and 1 pair of [Ornate Mithril Gloves]
Reward: Plans for [Ornate Mithril Boots], Plans for [Ornate Mithril Helm] and Plans for [Ornate Mithril Breastplate].
Once complete he will set you another quest:
Quest Giver and Name: Trenton Lighthammer, Gadgetzan, "Did You Lose This?"
Asks for: Wait for him to make you the Insignia
Total Reagents Needed: Nothing
Reward: [Glimmering Mithril Insignia]
With your reward and newly learned plans you can head all the way back to Grumnus Steelshaper at the Great Forge in Ironforge and create the items he asked for originally (4 [Ornate Mithril Helm], 2 [Ornate Mithril Boots] and 1 [Ornate Mithril Breastplate]) and voilà, you're an Armorsmith!
Horde
Armorsmith
To begin on the route to specialisation you need to activate the Mithril Order quests and in order to do that you first need to complete a quest:
Quest Giver and Name:Aturk the Anvil, Valley of Honorr, Orgrimmar. "The Old Ways"
Asks For: 4 [Steel Breastplate] and 4 [Steel Plate Helm]
Total Reagents Needed: 64 [Steel Bar], 12 [Heavy Grinding Stone], 56 [Steel Bar] and 4x [Solid Grinding Stone]
Reward: Ox will now speak to you
Ox will ask you to choose and once you've done so a quest will be offered by either the Armorsmith or Weaponsmith stood near him. If you choose Armorsmith, he'll give you the quest "Booty Bay or Bust!" and a [Mithril Insignia] to take to McGavan in Booty Bay. McGavan then sends to you see Galvan the Ancient, east of Venture Co Base Camp, in Stranglethorn who will give you three quests:
Quest Giver and Name: Galvan the Ancient, Stranglethorn. "Unknown Quest: Smelt on, Smelt off,/quest>", "<quest>The Art of the Imbue" and "The Great Silver Deceiver"
Asks For: 40 [Mithril Bar] and 40 [Iron Bar]. 40 [Mithril Bar] and 4 Citrine. 40 [Mithril Bar] and 5 Truesilver
Total Reagents Needed: 120 [Mithril Bar], 40 [Iron Bar], 5 [Truesilver Bar] and 4 [Citrine]
Reward: Plans for [Ornate Mithril Pants]. Plans for [Ornate Mithril Shoulder]. Plans for [Ornate Mithril Gloves].
To get the plans for Ornate Mithril Helm you'll need to go to Gadgetzan to see Trenton Lighthammer who will also give you three quests.
Quest Giver and Name: Trenton Lighthammer, Gadgetzan. "The World At Your Feet". "A Good Head On Your Shoulders". "The Mithril Kid"
Asks For: 1 pair of [Ornate Mithril Pants] and 2 pairs of [Heavy Mithril Boots]. 2 [Mithril Coif] and 1 [Ornate Mithril Shoulder]. 2 [Heavy Mithril Breastplate] and 1 pair of [Ornate Mithril Gloves]
Total Reagents Needed: 114 [Mithril Bar], 3 [Truesilver Bar], 2 [Solid Grinding Stone], 1 [Aquamarine], 10 [Thick Leather] and 18 [Mageweave Cloth]
Reward: Plans for [Ornate Mithril Boots]. Plans for [Ornate Mithril Helm]. Plans for [Ornate Mithril Breastplate]
Once complete he will set you another quest:
Quest Giver and Name: Trenton Lighthammer, Gadgetzan. "Did You Lose This?"
Asks For: Wait for him to make you the Insignia
Total Reagents Needed: Nothing
Reward: [Glimmering Mithril Insignia]
With your reward and newly learned plans you can head back to Okothos.
Quest Giver and Name: Okothos Ironrager, 52, Armorsmith Valley of Honor, Orgrimmar. "The Art of the Armorsmith"
Asks For: 4 [Ornate Mithril Helm]. 2 [Ornate Mithril Boots]. 1 [Ornate Mithril Breastplate].
Total Reagents Needed: 108 [Mithril Bar], 18 [Truesilver Bar], 4 [Black Pearl], 2 [Aquamarine], 1 [Heart of Fire], 8 [Thick Leather] and 7 [Solid Grinding Stone]
Reward: Become an Armorsmith
Alliance and Horde Weaponsmith
This specialisation is the same process for each faction.
Quest Giver and Name: Ironus Coldsteel, Ironforge (Alliance) or Borgosh Corebender, Orgrimmar (Horde). "The Way of the Weaponsmith"
Asks for: 4 [Moonsteel Broadsword]. 4 [Massive Iron Axe]. 2 [Heavy Mithril Axe]. 2 [Big Black Mace]
Total Reagents Needed: 56 [Mithril Bar], 56 [Iron Bar], 32 [Steel Bar], 16 [Gold Bar], 16 [Strong Flux], 16 [Heavy Grinding Stone], 4 [Solid Grinding Stone], 12 [Lesser Moonstone], 28 [Heavy Leather], 4 [Thick Leather], 4 [Citrine], 2 [Black Pearl] and 8 [Shadowgem].
How to Change Blacksmithing or Unlearn it
Changing Specialisation
Do not unlearn Blacksmithing if you wish to take another other specialisation - Armorsmith or Weaponsmith (Swordsmiths, Axesmiths or Hammersmiths). If you have earned the Weaponsmithing specialisation, you do not need to complete the quests for the Armorsmithing specialisation if you wish to switch, and Vice Versa.
To change Specialisation, Weaponsmiths must return to Everlook in Winterspring and speak to the Axesmith/Hammersmith/Swordsmith to unlearn their particular specialisation, then you need to return to the original Weaponsmith/Armorsmith trainers in Ironforge/Orgrimmar to unlearn the skill. There is a fee payable, which varies depending on your level. The specialty will be given at no cost. Here is a quick guide of how to change specialisation for Alliance and Horde:
Note: Weaponsmiths must return to Winterspring first and unlearn their skill at the trainer for their current Specialisation, eg. Swordsmiths must speak to Seril Scourgebane.
Alliance
- Return to the Great Forge in Ironforge and speak to either Grumnus Steelshaper to unlearn Armorsmithing, or Ironus Coldsteel to unlearn Weaponsmithing
- Once you have unlearnt the Specialisation, speak to Myolor Sunderfury who is nearby and inform him which new skill you wish to learn.
- Go to your new trainer (for Weapon Specialisation you must travel to Everlook in Winterspring and speak to the appropriate trainer, then return to Ironus Coldsteel and all your new skills should be available.
Horde
- Return to The Valley of Honor in Orgrimmar and speak to either Okothos Ironrager to unlearn Armorsmithing, or Borgosh Corebender to unlearn Weaponsmithing
- Once you have unlearnt the Specialisation, speak to Krathok Moltenfist who is nearby and inform him which new skill you wish to learn.
- Go to your new trainer (for Weapon Specialisation you must travel to Everlook in Winterspring and speak to the appropriate trainer, then return to Borgosh Corebender and all your new skills should be available.
Crafting
How Do I Get Supplies?
The most efficient way is to train as a Miner too so that you are able to collect your own reagents (ores and gems). You can also trade for the reagents from NPC traders or other players.
The ore you mine needs to smelted into bars before it can be used in Blacksmithing. It can't be used as ore. You need to find a forge to smelt. Find out about smelting on the Mining page. Other components you will need can be found as loot from monsters or will have to be bought from Blacksmithing and General Suppliers (such as [Weak Flux]), or traded from other places.
To see a full list of Blacksmith Suppliers, see above.
| Some weapons need Alchemists potions to create |
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| Fabrics can be looted from Humanoids, skins from beasts or traded with other players |
   
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If you don't want to rely on other people for reagents such as an Alchemist for the above potions or a skinner for leathers then Blacksmithing is probably not the profession for you.
How Do I Make Items?
You will need to locate an Anvil before you can create items (other than items listed as 'trade goods' such as stones) and these can often be located near Blacksmithing Trainers/Suppliers. However, occasionally Anvils & Forges are not by Trainers and listed below are such instances where you'll find them on their own.
- Arathi Highlands
- Refuge Pointe
- Hammerfall
- Barrens
- Ironzar in Ratchet
- Crossroads, near northern entranceway
- Thorn Hill, East of Crossroads
- The Dry Hills, Vrang Wilgore, 48
- Camp Taurujo
- Bail'dun Keep
- Desolace
- Shadowprey Village
- Nijel's point (alliance)
- Durotar
- Ula'elek in Sen'jin Village
- Elwynn Forest
- Village shop, Goldshire
- The Hinterlands
- Revantusk Village
- Loch Modan
- Blunderblast Gunsmith, Thelsamar
- Rann Flamespinner, Tailor, Thelsamar
- Redridge Mountains
- Lakeshire
- Stonetalon Mountains
- Sun Rock Retreat
- Stranglethorn Vale
- Grom'gol Base Camp
- Swamp of Sorrows
- Stonard
- Tirisfal Glades
- Brill
- Westfall
- Saldean's Farm
- Wetlands
- Thandol Span (downstairs with Dark Iron Sabotuers. Anvil only)
You only need stand next to an Anvil to be able to start Smithing your own items. You do not need to equip your Blacksmith Hammer, it just needs to be in one of your bags (not your bank) when you wish to create something.
When you trained as an Apprentice Blacksmith the icon on the left would have been placed into your Abilities book {P}. You should move this down to your action bar so you can activate it easily. When activated you will see a list of plans you have learned which, as long as you have the necessary reagents, you can make. You simply click on the plan and hit 'create' and your character will do the rest. Once made, the item will move to one of your bags.
What Items can I Create?
Armor and weapons can be created, including items that can not be found at NPC traders or dropped by monsters. Highly prized therefore. Such as:
- Weapons of particular use to melee characters
- Mail or plate armours so best for Paladin and Warriors (and higher level Shamans)
- Items which can temporarily improve a weapon's damage. (Can not stack with other temporary enhancements.
- A few items needed by other classes and for other Professions (Enchanters rods for example)
When becoming an Apprentice Blacksmith you are automatically given three plans to start you on your way. As you increase your skill level in Blacksmithing (by making items) you will be able to follow higher level plans that you must first learn at a Trainer for a cost.
The colour of the plan {in your menu} indicates whether you will gain a skill point in Blacksmithing when you create the item. The colour codes are as follows:
Grey = No skill increase.
Green = Unlikely to get a Blacksmithing skill point.
Yellow = Probably get a Blacksmithing skill point.
Orange = Will receive a Blacksmithing skill point.
Red = Can not create yet, need a higher skill level in Blacksmithing
As long as you have all the required reagents to follow a plan you will never fail to make the item. You will always create it but you may or may not increase your skill level in Blacksmithing depending on the colour of the plan (as listed above).
The specialisations allow you to make items that are unique to that specialisation. Below is a list of the craft-able Bind on Pickup items for each Blacksmithing specialisation:
Unique BoP Armorsmith Items
[Stormforged Hauberk]
[Nether Chain Shirt]
[Twisting Nether Chain Shirt]
[Embrace of the Twisting Nether]
- Plate
[Earthforged Leggings]
[Heavy Earthforged Breastplate]
[Breastplate of Kings]
[Bulwark of Kings]
[Bulwark of the Ancient Kings]
Unique BoP Weaponsmith Items
- Available to all types of Weaponsmith
[Light Earthforged Blade]
[Light Emberforged Hammer]
[Light Skyforged Axe]
Axesmith
- One Hand
[Stormforged Axe]
[The Planar Edge]
[Black Planar Edge]
[Wicked Edge of the Planes]
- Two Hand
[Skyforged Great Axe]
[Lunar Crescent]
[Mooncleaver]
[Bloodmoon]
Swordsmith
- One Hand
[Windforged Rapier]
[Fireguard]
[Blazeguard]
[Blazefury]
- Two Hand
[Stoneforged Claymore]
[Lionheart Blade]
[Lionheart Champion]
[Lionheart Executioner]
Hammersmith
- One Hand
[Lavaforged Warhammer]
[Drakefist Hammer]
[Dragonmaw]
[Dragonstrike]
- Two Hand
[Great Earthforged Hammer]
[Thunder]
[Deep Thunder]
[Stormherald]
What Can I Make That Other Professions Need?
A list of items that are needed by other Professions:
Anything Else
Can I Make Money From Blacksmithing?
It's not the best profession to make huge wads of money from. The finished products often sell for less than the components used to create them. The raw materials such as ore and gems can be sold for more. Better items drop than those available to make as a blacksmith so ultimately it's those items people will end up equipping.
The drop rate of Blacksmith plans from monsters is very low so it's slow going learning higher level plans which will hamper any fast track to a high income.
Recap
- Training as a Blacksmith costs money
- Learning Blacksmith plans costs money
- Cheaper plans in places you have a higher reputation in
- There are Blacksmith specific quests
- Can specialise in Armor or Weapon creating at higher levels
- Can create armour and weapons found by no other method in the game
- It's best to train in the supportive skill Mining so you can collect your own materials for free
- Trainers/suppliers are usually located near forges and anvils
- You need a [Blacksmith Hammer] before you can create anything so carry it with you, don't store it in your bank
- Not all items require you to be near an anvil to create
- Once trained in an area of specialty (Armorsmith or Weaponsmith (Swordsmiths, Axesmiths or Hammersmiths)) you can not change, even if you unlearn Blacksmithing and begin from scratch.
Further Blacksmithing Reading & Resources
- Forum talk with other Blacksmiths
- Blacksmith Suppliers
- Blacksmith Quests
- Blacksmith User Interface Mods
- Blacksmith Patch History
