‘Hammer-In’ allows veterans to bond over blacksmithing in Summers County
By Jenny Harnish, The Real WV
Blacksmiths from forges as far as New Jersey came to southern West Virginia this weekend to donate their expertise to veterans interested in learning a new craft and meeting like-minded comrades.
The sounds of hammers striking metal could be heard throughout Camp Summers in Forest Hill as the third annual SWV Blacksmith Hammer-In took place, where veterans bonded over hot iron.
Matthew Davidson is the owner of Davidson Forge in Hinton. He describes himself as an Army brat who has always been passionate about veteran outreach. Throughout the year, he offers classes to veterans and teenagers at his forge in Hinton.
Davidson began the camp three years ago to give veterans in southern West Virginia a recreational outlet. “I never got deployed, but as somebody who has a father who deployed, I know what PTSD can do to people,” he said. “This isn’t just about blacksmithing, it’s about veterans getting together, enjoying themselves, and having a good time.”
This year, blacksmiths from three different forges traveled to Forest Hill to donate their time teaching blacksmithing and bladesmithing fundamentals. They set up booths to sell their metal goods, and food trucks selling BBQ, coffee, and sweet treats participated in the event.
The program is free to veterans of all backgrounds and experience levels. Some attendees returned for their third year, while others stepped into a forge for the very first time. Members of the public were also invited to participate for a $10 fee.
“More than anything, it’s just a really good escape for veterans to learn and hang out and grow,” Davidson said. He added that blacksmithing remains relevant today.
“Sometimes you don’t need to go to a machinist or go to the manufacturer — sometimes you can save some money by staying local and supporting your local businesses,” he said. “The craft, the art is very important — there’s a lot of knowledge and expertise that goes into it.”
“Hopefully we can continue to grow from here. Hopefully in the next 10 years, we have 100 blacksmiths out here doing this.”
