Best Aprons for Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing & Forging
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Blacksmithing is a very hands-on craft that typically involves a certain degree of personal protective equipment to prevent injuries and burns, especially when working with hot metals.
One way that blacksmiths protect themselves while working on their projects is by donning an apron. Wearing a blacksmithing apron is a great way to safely work with hot metals and prevent burns.
Blacksmithing aprons are essentially a more heavy-duty apron than a cooking apron. They are thick garments worn on the front of your body and tied around your neck and waist. Aprons can protect you and your clothes from getting ruined.
There are a few features that you should consider prior to picking out a blacksmithing apron for your application. These features include apron materials, sizing, heat resistance, and more.
In this article will discuss the importance of blacksmithing apron characteristics along with some specific recommendations for you to consider in your search.
Best Aprons for Blacksmithing? We Recommend:
Considerations When Buying Blacksmith Aprons
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1) Materials
The materials from which blacksmithing aprons are made are incredibly important. Typically, higher quality apron materials will not only offer greater protection, but they will likely last longer than aprons made with cheaper materials. Blacksmithing aprons are generally made of leather due to its well-known durability and capacity to protect the wearer from burns and prevent stains on their clothing.
When choosing the type of blacksmithing you want to use for your own projects, ensure that the materials of which the apron is made will work for your intended application. For example, blacksmiths and bladesmiths could potentially come into contact with sharp objects that could easily cut through regular clothing and break through skin. In this case, leather aprons could offer a much stronger level of protection when working with sharp objects or blades.
Although this may not be the primary motivation for blacksmiths to wear an apron, leather aprons are typically treated to prevent working materials such as grease, paints, and other substances from staining clothing.
2) Certifications
Since there are a variety of reasons why people may need an apron, there are also many different types of aprons available that all serve difference purposes. Some aprons are specifically geared towards blacksmiths or metalworkers, while others are more targeted towards carpenters or painters.
Oftentimes, the apron name and its description will state what the purposes of the apron is for and whether or not it is heat, cut, or stain resistant. Blacksmiths and other metalworkers should definitely ensure that the aprons they are considering meet all if not some of these key factors to promote more safety. This is why it is crucial to review the intended application for the apron prior to making a purchase.
3) Heat Resistance
The heat resistance of an apron is incredibly important. Although most blacksmithing aprons are made of leather, which is known to be heat resistant, it is always important to double-check how well it works when exposed to the high temperature range in which you might be working.
It is important that the apron is thick enough to be able to protect you against hot objects, but light and flexible enough to allow you to have mobility while working. There is also the potential for a hot object to come into contact with the apron and burn it without your realizing it, so having the ability to easily remove it to prevent it from burning your skin is also an important characteristic.
4) Sizing
Although aprons typically come in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ configuration, the straps and ties for the neck and waist are typically adjustable. The apron must be worn in a manner that is properly covering the front of your body. Maximizing the coverage of the areas that will likely be exposed to heat is the most important goal.
5) Application
As mentioned before, it is important to consider the application for which you would like to use an apron. A carpenter’s ideal apron will likely feature different specifications from that of a blacksmith. Blacksmiths and metal workers who work with hot objects, sharp objects, and substances that cause stains should wear aprons specifically designed to protect against those very things.
6) Extra Features and Considerations
Some of the extra features that some blacksmiths may not consider when choosing an apron is how it is actually secured around your body. The typical apron may feature a neck strap and some pockets. However, there could be negative implications with these particular features depending on how long you will typically be wearing the apron or what materials you use.
If a heavy blacksmithing apron is only secured with a neck strap, it has the potential to tire your neck or cause discomfort while wearing it for extended periods of time. Although the heaviness of the apron typically means that it’s thick enough to protect you from the heat, the tradeoff is that you will be carrying that weight.
One solution is to pick an apron secured by a cross strap to even out the load and alleviate your neck. If this option is not available, using an apron with a strap that ties it around your waist will also help with weight distribution.
Interestingly enough, pockets are also a subject of discussion when considering blacksmithing aprons. They may appear to be useful for holding tools or other materials, but there is always the possibility of debris or small amounts of molten metal falling into them.
This type of situation is certainly something that could go from being a nuisance to something painful and very difficult to remove. This is why many blacksmiths opt for an apron without pockets that are easy to clean and difficult to catch something or get caught on something else.
Do You Actually Need Aprons When Blacksmithing?
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Although some blacksmiths tend to shy away from them due to their heavy weight, there are many advantages to wearing blacksmithing aprons. Among these advantages is the high level of protection that you can receive while working with hot or sharp objects.
It is always better to be safe than sorry and ensure that you can continue working one metal projects without a high risk of injury. Additionally, aprons often protect your clothes against stains or small cuts, which will keep you from having to replace them every time you work on a blacksmithing project.
Overall, wearing an apron while blacksmithing is a good idea. The key decision is to pick an apron that will fit your needs and your application.
The Best Blacksmith Aprons Reviewed
1) Under NY Sky Real Leather Apron
- FULLY PREMIUM LEATHER APRON – This apron is handmade with the HIGHEST QUALITY LEATHER: supple,...
- CROSS-BACK AND EASY-FASTENING – Avoid neck and back pain with our DOUBLE-SHOULDER and WAIST...
- MADE FOR CHEF, BARISTA, BARBER, WOODWORKER, BARTENDER – True workwear apron, for most bodies and...
The Under NY Sky Real Leather Apron is a great choice for the blacksmithing hobbyist trying to protect themselves from the potential dangers of the trade. This handmade leather apron is made of high quality, supple leather that allows for a wide range of mobility while working.
The breathability along with the cross-back strap feature makes this apron a great choice for those working for longer periods of time. In addition to that, this apron is also water resistant, which is great when working with water-based solutions and other materials that may spill. The apron’s pockets also provide a convenient location in which to place work tools while moving around in your workshop.
This is a great apron for someone who needs flexibility and light weight while working. However, this product is not particularly designed for high heat applications, so if you intend to conduct more heavy-duty forge work it may not be the right fit for you.
2) Real Progressive Blacksmith Leather Apron
- Size 35*30 inch / 89*76 cm
- ALL FOR YOUR SAFETY AND COMFORT. This stylish, unisex leather apron is heat-resistant, heavy-duty,...
- The ROBUSTA PELLE leather apron has unique, innovative technology designed for use in harsh,...
The Real Progressive Vintage Blacksmith Leather Apron is your typical, heavy-duty apron designed with blacksmiths in mind. This handmade apron is highly durable and made from full grain cowhide leather. Despite the general great quality of this apron, the hand-stitched details created a very high-quality finish.
This apron features an adjustable neck strap and two useful pockets for tools while working. Although blacksmiths are certainly part of the target consumer of this apron, other types of workers such as carpenters and chefs may also find this to be an agreeable option.
For the high level of quality in both design and material components, this apron is certainly worth its price.
3) OleskinPrannyk Handmade Canvas & Leather Apron
- The stylish and functional apron is handmade using a combination of durable waxed canvas and Horween...
- It protects your clothing and is perfect for hard use.
- The comfortable but durable feel of the apron makes it easy to move around in whilst protecting...
The OleskinPrannyk Handmade Canvas & Leather Apron is another great option for blacksmiths. This full grain leather apron not only features an incredibly stylish and unique design, but is also composed of a a few functional features.
This apron features adjustable cross straps and a waist strap that are great for prolonged wear and longer smithing periods. There are also two easily accessible pockets located on the lower half of the apron that are great for tools and other objects as well as a pocket centered in the chest area of the apron.
This is a great choice for an apron to protect you and your clothes while smithing, as it is made of durable materials and designed in a way that will lessen fatigue while its in use.
4) Dalstrong Professional Ultra Heavy-Duty Leather Apron
- The Ultimate Chef & Grilling Apron. Crafted with genuine top-grain Brazillian leather, luxurious...
- Functional & Distinct Design. Built for pit masters & professionals that mean business. Equipped...
- Built With Maximum Comfort In Mind. Featuring top grain imported Brazillian leather that is soft and...
The Dalstrong Professional Ultra Heavy-Duty Leather Apron features an incredibly sleek, professional design that not only makes a bold fashion statement, but reflects the high quality of the materials. This apron is made up of genuine top grain leather that promotes durability and functionality for the wearer.
The apron features adjustable, cross-back straps and a waist strap for an optimal configuration. This will lessen an fatigue if the apron is worn over long periods of time. The side pockets and multiple pockets on the chest area are also a great feature to hold tools or other small equipment while smithing or for other applications.
The look of this apron definitely matches its price point, but it will likely be worth the cost and will last you a very long time. If not, the seller also offers a lifetime warranty for this apron.