About Derek
Derek Melton began forging in 1999, and over the years his craft has evolved alongside the industry itself. Today, he is best known for his expertise in induction forging, using it for the vast majority of his work and helping other smiths understand and adopt this emerging technology. Derek specializes in forging tools for blacksmiths and crafting custom grilling implements, applying a modern heat source to traditional techniques while maintaining the soul of hand-forged work.
He serves as an at-large board member of the Mississippi Forge Council (an ABANA chapter) and regularly demonstrates at events across the country—including the MFC’s historic McIntosh Blacksmith Shop at the Mississippi Agricultural Museum in Jackson. Derek has presented at some of the largest and most respected blacksmithing conferences in the United States, where he showcases the power, precision, and efficiency of induction forging in a working shop environment.
Each item he creates is individually forged and made to order, marked with his signature “Melton” maker’s mark featuring the elongated, stylized “t” — a nod to the cross and a reflection of his steadfast faith in Christ. Through both his craft and his teaching, Derek continues to push the boundaries of modern blacksmithing while honoring the tradition that first drew him to the anvil.
Questions for Derek? Contact him here.
Keeping up with Derek is easiest on Instagram @derekmelton
If you are interested in having Derek come to speak or demonstrate at your event or venue please contact him here
Appearances & Events
July 2018 - History Channel’s Forged in Fire - Season 5 Episode 21 “The Smallsword” Four bladesmiths spring into action when they are tasked with forging friction folders from a huge steel coil. Without knowing how their blades will be tested, they must produce weapons that can withstand any test. In the final round, the two remaining smiths head back to their home forges to create a blade that requires both precision and detail: the French Smallsword. Whose blade will bend under pressure, and whose will earn them $10,000 and the status of Forged in Fire Champion?
July 2018 Fans of the Forge Podcast Interview
August 2018 Good things Radio Show with Rebecca Turner
August 2018 The JT Show. Derek stopped by the studio to talk with JT about what all goes into blacksmithing and how you can get involved in the Magnolia State! If you missed his conversation, you can find it here
November 2018 WJTV “What’s working?” - Dueling Sword Earns Top Honors.
June 2019 Featured bladesmithing demonstrator for the joint Gulf Coast Blacksmithing Association/Louisiana Metal Smiths Association meeting in Robert LA.
August 2019 - Featured demonstrator for Life Fellowship Church ‘Man Night’
January 2020 - Featured Speaker at the Collierville Baptist Church Church Men’s ‘Re-Forged’ Event
January 2022 - Featured demonstrator at The Texas Blacksmithing Conference, La Grange, TX.
October 2022 - Featured demonstrator for the meeting of the Central Alabama Forge Group, Wetumpka, AL
September 2023 - Featured demonstrator for the Alabama Forge Council Fall Conference, Tannehill State Park, McCalla Alabama
June 6-9, 2024 - Demonstrator for ABANA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration & Conference in Johnstown, Pennsylvania
September 26-28, 2024 - Demonstrator at the Southern Ohio Forge & Anvil ‘QuadState’ Blacksmith gathering in Troy, OH.
October 2024 – Demonstrator for the Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association (GCBA)
November 7, 2025 – Demonstrator for the Upper Midwest Blacksmith Association (UMBA) at Centaur Forge, Burlington, Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
About
What is Melton Forge Works?
Melton Forge Works is a small blacksmith shop run by Derek Melton in Mississippi. I make hand-forged goods, grilling tools, blacksmithing tools, custom touchmarks, and other useful forged items. Most of my work is sold online through MeltonForgeWorks.com.
Who is Derek Melton?
Derek Melton is the blacksmith, maker, and owner behind Melton Forge Works. I have been blacksmithing for over 20 years and create hand-forged tools, grilling items, and educational blacksmithing content. I also demonstrate blacksmithing at events and conferences.
Where is Melton Forge Works located?
Melton Forge Works is based in Mississippi and operates primarily as an online shop. I do not currently have a public retail storefront.
Do you have a physical store I can visit?
No. Melton Forge Works is an online business, and I do not currently have a public shop or walk-in retail location.
Products
What does Melton Forge Works make?
Melton Forge Works makes hand-forged items including railroad spike steak turners, grilling tools, coffee scoops, bottle openers, pocket crosses, copper crosses, blacksmithing tools, touchmarks, and other forged goods.
What kind of forged grilling tools do you make?
I make hand-forged grilling tools such as railroad spike steak turners, grill forks, spatulas, and other tools for outdoor cooking. These tools are made to be functional, durable, and unique.
What is a railroad spike steak turner?
A railroad spike steak turner is a hand-forged grilling tool made with a hook end for turning steaks, chicken, pork chops, burgers, and other food on a grill or smoker. The railroad spike handle gives it a rustic forged look and a solid feel in the hand.
Are your railroad spikes taken from railroad tracks?
No. I do not collect spikes from active railroad tracks. The railroad spikes I use come from verified rail steel vendors who obtain them legally from steel suppliers.
Are your forged grilling tools food safe?
The food-contact areas of my grilling tools are finished for cooking use. Some handles may have a protective coating to help prevent rust, while the food-contact area is left uncoated and should be seasoned and cared for like carbon steel cookware.
Do you make handmade gifts?
Yes. Many Melton Forge Works items make good handmade gifts, especially for people who enjoy grilling, coffee, blacksmithing, tools, traditional craft, or American-made goods. Popular gift items include steak turners, coffee scoops, bottle openers, pocket crosses, and custom touchmarks.
Custom Work
Do you offer custom blacksmithing?
In general, I do not take custom blacksmithing orders. My shop is focused on a specific line of products that I make consistently. This allows me to keep quality high and orders moving.
Do you make custom touchmarks?
Yes. I offer custom blacksmith touchmarks made from new S7 tool steel. These are used by blacksmiths, bladesmiths, and metalworkers to stamp their mark into hot forged work.
What is a touchmark?
A touchmark is a blacksmith’s maker’s mark. It is a stamp used to mark forged work, usually while the metal is hot. Many blacksmiths use a touchmark as a signature on their finished pieces.
What material are your touchmarks made from?
My custom touchmarks are made from new S7 tool steel. S7 is a shock-resistant tool steel that is well suited for striking tools when properly heat treated.
Are your touchmarks heat treated?
Yes. Melton Forge Works touchmarks are heat treated and tempered for use in hot forged work.
What information do you need to make a custom touchmark?
For a custom touchmark, I need your artwork, drawing, logo, or design idea. I also need to know the desired size of the stamped image and whether you have any preference for the size or shape of the stamp stock.
What if my design will not work as a touchmark?
Some designs are too detailed or delicate to work well as a forged stamp. If a requested design cannot be made into a functional touchmark, I will let you know. If we cannot find a workable design, I will issue a full refund.
Ordering and Shipping
How do I order from Melton Forge Works?
Orders can be placed through MeltonForgeWorks.com. Product pages include current pricing, descriptions, and availability.
How long does it take to ship an order?
Shipping times vary by product and shop workload. Items that are already made may ship faster, while made-to-order items such as custom touchmarks usually require more time. Product pages will include the best current estimate.
How long does it take to make a custom touchmark?
Please allow approximately 1–2 weeks for me to make and ship a custom touchmark, depending on current workload and design complexity.
Do you accept returns?
Because many items are handmade or made to order, return policies may vary by product. If there is a problem with your order, please contact me so I can make it right.
What should I do if my package is delayed?
Once an order ships, you will get a tracking number but delivery time is controlled by the carrier. If tracking shows a delay, please check with the shipping carrier first. If the package appears lost or there is a serious issue, contact me and I will help look into it.
Care and Maintenance
How do I care for a hand-forged grilling tool?
Clean your forged grilling tool by hand with warm water and mild soap. Dry it immediately after washing. The food-contact area should be lightly coated with cooking oil after cleaning to help prevent rust.
Can I put forged grilling tools in the dishwasher?
No. Hand-forged steel tools should not be placed in the dishwasher. Dishwashers can damage the finish and cause rust.
Will my forged steel item rust?
Yes, forged steel can rust if it is left wet or stored in a damp environment. Dry it after use and apply a light coat of oil when needed.
Why does my handmade item look different from the photos?
Every hand-forged item is slightly different. Hammer marks, forge texture, scale patterns, and small variations are part of the character of handmade forged work.
Blacksmithing and Education
Does Derek Melton teach blacksmithing?
I create blacksmithing content online and occasionally demonstrate at events. I do not currently offer regular in-person classes through the website.
Does Derek Melton do blacksmithing demonstrations?
Yes. I demonstrate blacksmithing at selected events, conferences, and gatherings. Demonstrations may include forged grilling tools, induction forging, beginner forging techniques, and other metalworking topics.
How can I contact Derek Melton about a blacksmithing demonstration?
You can contact me through the contact form on MeltonForgeWorks.com or by email through the information provided on the website. Please include the event date, location, expected audience, demonstration length, and topic you are interested in.
Does Melton Forge Works use induction forging?
Yes. I use induction machines in my forge and have created educational content about induction forging for blacksmiths. Induction forging is a clean, efficient way to heat steel using electromagnetic energy.
Where can I find your guide to induction forging?
My induction forging guide can be found on my website at DerekMelton.com or through links shared from Melton Forge Works and my social media channels.
What tools does a beginner blacksmith need?
A beginner blacksmith should start simple. The basic tools are a forge, an anvil or solid striking surface, a hammer, tongs, a vise, safety glasses, hearing protection, and a few files or grinders for cleanup. You do not need a fully equipped shop to begin learning.
Social Media and Contact
Where can I follow Melton Forge Works?
You can follow Melton Forge Works on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other social platforms where I share blacksmithing videos, product updates, shop projects, and forging demonstrations.
Can I use your videos or photos?
Please contact me before using Melton Forge Works photos, videos, or written content. Sharing posts through the original platform is usually fine, but reposting or using my content for business purposes requires permission.
How do I contact Melton Forge Works?
The best way to contact Melton Forge Works is through the contact form on the website or by replying to your order confirmation email if you have already placed an order.