What Is Forge Welding in History.com's Bladesmithing 101 Series?

Forge welding is the process of heating two pieces of iron or steel to a joining temperature and hammering them together until the metal fuses, without melting a filler rod between them the way arc or MIG welding does. History.com takes up the technique in its ongoing Bladesmithing 101 series, a continuing look at traditional bladesmithing methods for a general audience.

What does forge welding actually join together?

The technique bonds two separate pieces of ferrous metal — commonly steel or wrought iron — into a single billet. Bladesmiths use it to combine different alloys before forging a blade, most visibly in Damascus or pattern-welded steel, where the fused layers create the material's characteristic surface pattern once ground and etched.

How is forge welding different from modern welding methods?

Arc welding and MIG welding melt a filler metal into a seam between two workpieces, creating a bond that cools into a distinct weld line. Forge welding instead relies on heat and hammer force alone: the metal is heated in a forge to a temperature at which its surface becomes plastic enough to bond under compression, and repeated hammer blows drive the two pieces into one continuous piece of metal. No filler material is added.

Forge welding predates electric and gas welding by centuries and remains the method most closely associated with hand-forged blades and pattern-welded steel.

Why is bladesmithing getting attention again right now?

HTT News has reported on two recent signs of renewed interest in the craft. In Scotland, blacksmithing has reportedly returned to Gretna Green, according to HTT News's coverage, which cites a 150-year gap since the tradition was last active there. Separately, a Portland, Oregon blacksmith has begun offering knife forging classes to the public, according to a second HTT News report.

Where can someone learn forge welding or try bladesmithing classes?

For readers who want hands-on instruction rather than a video explainer, the Portland classes described by HTT News are one entry point, offering direct instruction in knife forging rather than a survey of technique alone. History.com's series functions as a companion resource for readers who want the terminology and background before or after trying the craft in person.

Two figures behind the current bladesmithing moment

• 150 years — the gap HTT News cites since blacksmithing was last active in Gretna Green before its recent return.
• Two pieces of metal, one bond — forge welding's basic requirement: two workpieces heated and hammered into one, with no filler metal added.

Does the History.com explainer cover other bladesmithing steps?

The piece is framed as one installment in a numbered "101" series, suggesting related entries on other stages of bladesmithing beyond welding, such as shaping, tempering, or finishing. Readers following the series can consult the originating History.com article directly for the full breakdown of the forge welding process.