Manteo Blacksmith is the blacksmith shop of Randy Hodges.
The work created at my shop and studio is usually a combination of hand wrought ironwork produced at a coal-fired forge and metalwork produced by more modern fabrication methods - with an emphasis in use of recycled materials. I am committed to the belief that there is a role for hand forged ironwork in modern American culture. Since 1999 the Manteo Blacksmith Shop has created unique pieces for homes and gardens both near and far.

     Manteo Blacksmith is located at the KDH Cooperative gallery and studios, which is an artist's community situated in the midst of one of the east coast's premier family beach vacation spots – the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The Co-op and the Manteo Blacksmith can be found about 1 mile south of the Wright Brothers Memorial, the site of the world's first powered flight. (By-the-way we are also 2 blocks from the beautiful Outer Banks beach.)

Manteo Blacksmith is always open to discuss custom designed and executed projects. In addition to that, the artwork which Randy creates usually falls into one of 4 categories:

Scrap Metal Menagerie


  • a line of creatures sculpted from a variety of salvaged steel materials

  • we feature insects, reptiles, fish, birds, people, and so forth that are unique, sometimes outsized, and always familiar


Samples of Scrap Metal Menagerie




Iron Horseplay


  • a line of artwork and utilitarian items forged from used horseshoes

  • we create a range of things from practical wall hooks to engaging creature sculptures that all carry the spirit of luck that is forged into horseshoes


Samples of Iron Horseplay




Old Tools Wine Accoutrements


  • a unique line of wine bottle racks and wine glass racks made from a variety of vintage and used hand tools; they're lots of fun!

  • we enjoy using the blacksmith's ingenuity to create a wide selection of table top and wall or ceiling mounted holders for wine bottles and glasses



Samples of Old Tools Wine Accoutrements




Refined Railroad


  • a line of accessories for home and office made from used railroad spikes and T-rail profiles
  • we make everything from business card and paper towel holders to whimsical characters and will do customized projects that will thrill any railroad enthusiast
  • "Refined Railroad" products are made in partnership with Jeff Hummell, another craftsman who lives in Manteo, NC


Samples of Refined Railroad




The KDH Cooperative, home of Manteo Blacksmith, is not only a community of artists, but also of art educators. Our blacksmith shop was upgraded in spring of 2006 to meet the needs of a teaching forge. For more than 25 years one of the greatest pleasures for Randy in blacksmithing has been teaching and demonstrating the skills of the craft. To this end the Cooperative offers a workshop – "Afternoon Apprenticeship-Introduction to Blacksmithing" – a 2 hour class which introduces the student to the practical skills and methods of traditional blacksmithing. Class times are flexible, 2 students maximum per class, available year round, pre-registration with the KDH Cooperative is required. So now you can…..

LEARN BLACKSMITHING
WHILE YOU'RE AT THE BEACH



Tuition for the workshop is $40 per person; call or email for more information and registration. (ALSO - if you are an experienced smith stop by and visit when you' re at the beach - I'll gladly share the fire AND the fishin's great on the OBX too.)


The KDH Cooperative Gallery is the best source for local art on the Outer Banks, and that is where you will find the artwork of Randy Hodges. It is also where you will find him working at the forge.



We are located at 502 S. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. That's between Kitty Hawk and Nags Head, and we'd like you to come visit us. (In local beach vernacular –we are at Milepost 8 1/2 on the Bypass next to the brew pub.)
Email us at manteoblacksmith@yahoo.com


FINAL NOTES

  1. Custom work: Besides creating one-of-a-kind iron artwork and teaching the skills of the blacksmith's craft, the Manteo Blacksmith seeks custom ornamental ironworks projects. With over 25 years as a blacksmith and an engineer, Randy Hodges has the talent and creativity to execute most any project for your home or garden.

  2. Worthwhile links:
    KDH Cooperative Gallery

    The Dare County Tourist Bureau

    Blacksmith Guild of Virginia

    The Artist Blacksmith's Association of North America


  3. Ironmonger: Ironmonger is mostly a British word, but it is a good adjective for the Manteo Blacksmith. We are always looking for tips, sources, and trades for scrap iron that has character (used horseshoes, railroad spikes, junk tools, farm machinery, etc.). Send me an email if you have something along those lines to share. Thanks.