If you want to be blacksmithing for a long time, then taking safety precautions are very important to prevent getting injured. Accidents can happen to even the most experienced blacksmith, and sometimes pieces of metal just fly in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Safety Glasses
I can’t wear regular safety glasses, because they won’t fit over top of my prescription glasses. I’m blind as a bat, so not wearing my glasses isn’t really an option. But from those blessed with better sight, I’ve heard good things about this pair of safety glasses. They feature 99.9% UV protection, and plenty of non-slip grip on the arms and nose piece. The one thing I’d be skeptical about is the claim that they’re anti-fog, because I’ve heard they can still fog up pretty bad in hot and humid conditions.
For those visually challenged like myself, you’ll want a pair of OTG (over the glasses) goggles.
I love these Uvex Stealth OTG Safety Goggles. They don’t look like regular boring safety goggles, they remind me more of something a snowboarder or paintball player would wear. So that definitely gets extra coolness points in my books. They’re available in a variety of different lens tints if you’re looking for something that provides a bit of protection from light as well.
Earplugs
I like to have a bunch of disposable earplugs on hand in case any visitors or helpers want to come help out. Pretty much any pair will work, but I really like these Flents Quiet Contour Ear Plugs. They come in a pack of 50, and I find the bell shape fits better in my ear then regular earplugs that are just logs of foam. They have a 33 decibel NRR rating.
Aprons
There are some nice looking waxed canvas aprons on Amazon, but I’m frankly I’m afraid to use an apron made of anything but leather.
This leather apron is made of thick leather and kevlar thread, which makes it very heat and flame resistant. It’s extra long to provide lots of coverage, plus it has 6 pockets!
Respirators
I like this 3M half facepiece respirator. The silicone face seal forms a really good seal to my face (as long as I don’t have facial hair.) The quick latch lets you easily lower the mask when you’re not working, without needing to remove the straps from your head. It also features special technology to cut down on moisture and heat, which is a must with such a heat-based hobby. You’ll need the appropriate filters to go with it too, because they don’t come included.
