Way back in Wyoming’s history, blacksmiths were among the first businesses to open shop when homesteaders started settling different areas that would become the towns we know today. Through time, however, they were also among the businesses to close their doors as progress and technology crept across the state.

While there may be significantly fewer blacksmiths today than a century ago, you can find an ironworks shop here and there if you search hard enough. In fact, there’s an actual functioning blacksmith shop in the tiny town of Buffalo. Not only is it carrying on the tradition of creating and repairing metal works, but the owner and head blacksmith shares his knowledge and skill giving demonstrations and teaching others the secrets of his historic trade.

Arrowhead Forge at 47 North Lobban Avenue in Buffalo is one of the last real, working blacksmiths in Wyoming.
Arrowhead Forge School of Blacksmithing/Google Maps
Sure, there are places where you can have items made out of metal, but they probably don't do things the way David Osmundsen of Arrowhead Forge does and has been doing them since 1976.
Arrowhead Forge School of Blacksmithing/Google Maps
While his workshop is equipped with some modern implements...
Arrowhead Forge/Facebook
...many of the tools he uses are just like the ones his pioneer predecessors used back in the early days of Wyoming.
Arrowhead Forge School of Blacksmithing/Google Maps
David fires pieces of iron in his forge...
Arrowhead Forge/Facebook
...until they're red-hot and pliable. Then he works them into appropriate shapes.
Arrowhead Forge/Facebook

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Many people associate blacksmiths with the work of shoeing horses and, while Osmundsen can create functional things like horse shoes, tools, and knives...
Russel Trow/Flickr
...he is also an artist who creates decorative gates, railings, signs...
Arrowhead Forge/Facebook
...furniture, and any custom ironwork you can dream up.
Arrowhead Forge/Facebook
David enjoys sharing his knowledge and skill with others, too. He hosts open houses and takes his show on the road to perform demonstrations at museums and historical centers around the state.
Arrowhead Forge/Facebook
Arrowhead Forge also serves as a blacksmith school, where Osmundsen teaches anyone...
Arrowhead Forge/Facebook
...who wants to learn the art of ironwork.
Arrowhead Forge School of Blacksmithing/Google Maps
Arrowhead Forge is one of the last of its kind, offering a unique experience you won't get anywhere else.
Arrowhead Forge School of Blacksmithing/Google Maps

Have you visited Arrowhead Forge? Did you get a chance to see David Osmundsen at work?

If you’re in town to check out Arrowhead Forge, be sure to take a tour of the rest of Buffalo. It’s one of the most charming towns in all of Wyoming.

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