What Are The Best Aprons For Blacksmithing?

So you’re looking for a new blacksmithing apron because you’re tired of forge fragments burning holes into your new shirts. If you’re in the market for a new blacksmith apron, then this article is for you.

Here is a list of all the products mentioned below (click for quick navigation):

  1. 🏆 Hudson Durable Goods Woodworking Waxed Canvas Apron [Top Choice]
  2. 💎 Eletecpro Leather Welding Apron & Gloves [Premium Choice]
  3. 💰 QeeLink Leather Workshop Apron Heat & Flame Resistant [Best Overall]
  4. 💵 Hobart 770548 Leather Welding Apron [Budget Choice]
  5. 🔥 Jewboer Durable Leather Welding Jacket [Best For Forging]

 Best Aprons For Blacksmithing

* This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here. 

To start with, aprons aren’t usually considered required safety equipment. They’re more optional.

Other safety equipment, such as eye protection and gloves, are much more important. On the other hand, there are good reasons to buy a blacksmith apron.

I’m going to discuss what to look for in an apron, cover some of my favorite blacksmith aprons, and then talk a bit more about safety equipment. You can read about this at the end of the article.

Now let’s take a look at some of my recommended aprons:

Top Blacksmithing Aprons

 

🏆 TOP CHOICE

#1 Hudson Durable Goods Woodworking Waxed Canvas Apron

CLICK HERE FOR PRICE

(*Amazon Affiliate Link)

While the Hudson Durable Goods apron is not specifically designed for blacksmiths, it does offer decent protection from fragments, sparks, and other particles.

One feature I love about this one is the straps. It uses the dual cross back strap (x-back) design with a belt buckle to hold it in place.

The shoulder straps have paddings, similar to what you would find on backpacks, which makes it very comfortable for longterm use.

As an added bonus, it has a total of five small front-facing pockets and two tool loops on either side.

The pockets have small dust flaps that stop dust and other things from getting inside, a problem a lot of blacksmiths have with aprons. The tool loops are great for placing your hammers.

Overall, it’s a pretty good and comfortable apron. My only complaint is the material is not leather or flame-retardant, but it’s durable enough to block sparks and snuff out any fire that remains. It’s definitely worth checking out. For the price, it’s hard to beat.

💎 PREMIUM CHOICE

#2 Eletecpro Leather Welding Apron & Gloves

CLICK HERE FOR PRICE

(*Amazon Affiliate Link)

Eletecpro offers a nice bundle for blacksmiths, it includes a full-scale welding apron with a set of unisex gloves.

It is full-size with a bib, it uses the cross strap design, and it has six pockets on the front for tools and other items.

It is made from full cow split leather, very durable, and heat resistant. There are also two metal loop rings near the pockets to hang tools.

While there’s nothing particularly unique about this apron, the fact that it’s bundled with a decent pair of leather gloves is a bonus.

That saves you some time because you don’t need to separately order gloves. The gloves in the bundle aren’t the best quality but they’re good enough for beginners.

It’s great for blocking sparks and other hot fragments.

Another plus is the length of the apron, the total length is 42”, making it a bit longer than the other ones. The extra slack gives you something to use to wipe down surfaces and it also provides a bit more protection for your legs. It’s great for taller people!

💰 GREAT VALUE

#3 QeeLink Leather Workshop Apron Heat & Flame Resistant

CLICK HERE FOR PRICE

(*Amazon Affiliate Link)

Here we have a great heavy-duty leather apron. It’s heat and flame resistant, made from split cowhide leather, which makes it perfect for welding and other blacksmith activities that involve a lot of sparks. Very durable.

It uses the classic cross back design, so you should feel comfortable during your sessions with the forge.

The straps are also adjustable. There’s also a belt around the waist with a plastic buckle. It doesn’t have shoulder paddings.

As for features, it has a total of six pockets, two on the chest, and four in the waist area, complete with dust flaps. The threading is US Kevlar, so you won’t need to worry about any stitches coming undone.

The bottom line is the “Qee Link leather workshop apron” is a great value choice for blacksmiths. My only concern is regarding the straps, they feel a little thin and flimsy.

💵 BUDGET CHOICE

#4 Hobart 770548 Leather Welding Apron

CLICK HERE FOR PRICE

(*Amazon Affiliate Link)

While this one doesn’t have any large pockets (only a couple check pockets for small items) it does offer decent protection for the mid-section and it’s budget-friendly.

The Hobart 770548 also doesn’t have cross straps, but since it’s smaller and lighter, there’s much less stress on your neck.

The neck-straps are made from cotton cords, and while they’re not adjustable, the mid-section strap is adjustable with a buckle. As is the norm, there are two metal rings for tools.

As for the material, it’s made from cowhide split leather with heavy-duty stitching so you can rest assured it won’t break any time soon.

Overall, Hobart 770548 is a good choice for people who are on a tight budget. It doesn’t have any special bells and whistles, it’s only a plain leather welding apron with regular neck-straps. But for the price, it’s hard to beat.

🔥 BEST FORGING APRON

#5 Jewboer Durable Leather Welding Jacket

CLICK HERE FOR PRICE

(*Amazon Affiliate Link)

If you’re working with a very hot forge and need ultimate protection from sparks, the “Jewboer leather welding jacket” is worth a look. While not exactly an apron, it’s another style you can consider.

What we have here is a heavy-duty open-back leather jacket.

The collar has a velcro strap that attaches behind your neck, and there are a couple of straps for your back and waist.

The jacket covers the entire front section of your body with the added bonus of full sleeves. There’s one pocket in the middle with a dust flap for small items.

So if you find yourself getting burnt on your arms, shoulders, and other parts of your upper body, then this leather jacket is worth checking out. It’s pretty comfortable too, and not too heavy, but it does get quite hot. Something to consider!

Buying Guide

What To Look For In A Blacksmith Apron?

The vast majority of blacksmiths complain about neck pain when wearing aprons, so for that reason, many of them avoid them altogether.

While everyone has different tastes, most blacksmiths agree that cross-strapped aprons are the best because they don’t place too much pressure on your neck.

These are also known as X-strap aprons.

Overall, they’re just much more comfortable to wear for long periods than the usual neck-strap aprons, especially if they’re leather and heavy-duty. You might not think the strain will be noticeable, but after a couple of hours, it can really take a toll.

When it comes to material, cowhide leather is always a good bet. It doesn’t need to have any super fancy features, as long as it can protect you from fragments and sparks. Waxed canvas is another material you can consider, as well as Denim.

In fact, most blacksmiths prefer to buy an apron with no pockets, but it’s entirely up to you.

If you do choose one with pockets, I do not recommend keeping your phone in there, especially if you’re working near a hot forge.

If you can’t find the right one for you, one idea is to put your skills to the test and create your very own apron. It can be a fun educational project and you can end up with an apron that suits your height and style.

Is An Apron Necessary For Blacksmithing?

You might be wondering why a blacksmith apron is necessary.

The main reason to buy an apron is that it protects your skin from hot fragments which could lead to burns and other injuries. It also has the added advantage of protecting your clothes.

They’re also great at protecting you from sparks, which can cause fires. There have been some stories of blacksmiths who had their shirts catch on fire due to sparks. A solid one will protect you from the dangers of blacksmithing.

And they’re just convenient. You can wipe your dirty hands on them, or use it to wipe down anvils, store tools, and whatnot.

Overall, aprons are a multi-functional tool, and you can they can come in handy in a number of situations.

Conclusion

So whether you’re new to blacksmithing or you’re in the market for a new apron, these are worth a look. Bear in mind, almost any apron, as long as it is comfortable and protects against sparks, will do the trick.

The products mentioned in this article are just what I recommend, but you’re welcome to try any other products.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article and good luck with your search for the perfect blacksmith apron.

Cheer tools owners!

Hi there! My name is Jack and I write for ToolsOwner. I have a passion for everything related to tools and DIY projects around the house. You often find me in my workshop working on new projects.