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Blacksmithing crafts the plate armor and heavy weapons that Warriors, Paladins, Hunters, and Shamans all lean on, and it’s a real, deep profession — not just a leveling grind, but a real specialization choice partway through that shapes what you’re able to craft for the rest of the profession’s life. Unlike some crafts that stay linear from start to finish, Blacksmithing actually forks partway through, and that fork matters more than most players expect going in.
Is Blacksmithing worth picking in the first place? If you’re playing a Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, or Shaman, the answer is close to yes by default — you’re crafting gear you’d otherwise be buying or farming from someone else. For cloth or leather wearing classes, the appeal is narrower: mostly the raid support recipes like Sulfuron Ingots and utility items like the Truesilver Skeleton Key, rather than personal gear upgrades.
Pair this with Mining from day one. Blacksmithing consumes ore in real quantity, and buying every bar off the Auction House instead of farming it yourself gets expensive fast.
Learn Apprentice Blacksmithing from any trainer to begin. Past skill 150, you’ll need Expert Blacksmithing specifically, taught by Saru Steelfury (Orgrimmar), Bengus Deepforge (Ironforge), or Brikk Keencraft (Booty Bay, neutral). Each trainer visit unlocks a fresh batch of recipes alongside the higher skill cap, so don’t put off a trip once you’re eligible — sitting at a skill cap you’ve already reached just wastes time you could be spending leveling further.
Artisan Blacksmithing, needed past skill 225, has exactly one trainer in the entire game: Brikk Keencraft in Booty Bay, Stranglethorn Vale. Plan a trip there specifically once you’re approaching that skill level, since there’s no closer alternative.
Leveling Route (1-300)
Choosing a Specialization
At character level 40 and Blacksmithing skill 200, you choose between Armorsmithing and Weaponsmithing — and unlike some profession splits, this choice is effectively permanent unless you unlearn the entire profession and start over.
Armorsmithing — focused on plate armor, culminating in recipes like the Dark Iron set and Enchanted Thorium Platemail. The stronger pick if you’re playing a plate tank and want to craft your own best in slot gear.
Weaponsmithing — further splits into Axesmith, Hammersmith, or Swordsmith, each unlocking a different signature weapon: the 
Arcanite Reaper (Axesmith), 
Hammer of the Titans (Hammersmith), or 
Arcanite Champion (Swordsmith).
Both specializations require completing a real quest chain, not just a simple trainer purchase — expect to gather specific crafted items and turn them in to unlock the specialization trainer. Budget real time for this the same way you would any other class quest chain.
Endgame Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing’s value doesn’t stop at 300. It’s a raid support profession, not just a personal gearing tool:
Sulfuron Ingots — a required component for Thunderfury, Blessed Blade of the Windseeker, one of Classic WoW most famous legendary weapons. Blacksmiths are directly involved in that entire community project.
Dark Iron gear — contributes meaningfully to Molten Core progression specifically, not just general itemization.
Dense Sharpening Stone and 
Truesilver Skeleton Key — everyday utility items. The Skeleton Key in particular unlocks certain dungeon doors, a small but honestly useful piece of raid and dungeon logistics.
Decide on Armorsmithing vs. Weaponsmithing before you hit 200, not after. Since the choice is effectively permanent, researching which one fits your class and goals ahead of time saves you from a regret respec down the line.
Farm your own Mithril and Thorium if you can. The final stretch to 300 specifically demands large Thorium quantities, and buying that much off the Auction House gets expensive fast, often costing more than the crafted result is even worth reselling.
Watch for cross-profession material needs. Recipes like Heavy Mithril Gauntlet need Mageweave Cloth alongside your ore — don’t assume every material in this profession comes from Mining.
Think about your raid needs, not just your own. If your guild is working toward Thunderfury, a Blacksmith willing to help with Sulfuron Ingots is a real asset — this profession has real social value beyond personal gearing.
Related Guides
- Mining Leveling Guide 1-300 (WoW Classic) — the gathering profession this one pairs with directly
- Molten Core Raid Guide (WoW Classic) — where Dark Iron gear and Sulfuron Ingots actually matter