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