Worknman brothers learning to master blacksmith skills

GILFORD — Brothers Christian Workman and Colton Workman, both students at Gilford High School, were invited to demonstrate their blacksmithing skills at the Lancaster Fair in Coos County over Labor Day weekend. The fair has been in

operation since the 19th century and features many traditional blue ribbon events, including oxen pulls, draft horses, show horses and other activities that draw on the agricultural past of New Hampshire.

The Workman brothers' interest in blacksmithing began several years ago when Colton's 4th grade class studied Colonial trades with Gilford Elementary school teacher Mrs. Bryant. Since that time, the brothers, along with their cousin, Bryce Workman, have been honing their skills. Their craft has grown as they built a coal fired brake drum forge, a paint can gas forge, and a homemade smelter.

Tools of the trade have been forged with their own hands or found at yard sales and old barns. Their raw materials are equally

unique, salvaged relics of earlier times given new lives and purpose like old railroad spikes, truck leafs/springs, and tire irons.

While most of their skills have developed through trial and error and "YouTube University," Christian attended a blade smithing course at the New England School of Metalwork last spring to learn the finer points of metal work. They also learn from mentors in the community who pass along tips of the trade.

Their work includes forged hooks, knives, railroad spike bottle openers, drawer pulls, hair pins, bracelets, napkin holders and custom works.

Christian Workman,16, forging chain links at the Lancaster Fair Blacksmith barn. (Courtesy photo)

Colton Workman,14, forging window hinges at the Lancaster Fair Blacksmith barn. (Courtesy photo)