World of Warcraft Profession Guide: Blacksmithing

First off, it is important to note that Blacksmithing is not one of the more profitable professions. It does not start to pay off in a considerable way until the high levels and even then, its usefulness as a money maker pales in comparison to gathering professions. However, Blacksmithing can provide you with some very powerful armor and weapons if you have the patience to stick with it.

Again, Mining is not a requisite for being a good Blacksmith; it’s just really helpful and will save you a lot of gold in material costs.

Aside from trainers, Blacksmithing Plans are found as random drops, through the very rare vendor and through Faction Vendors. Note that most of the Plans found through Faction Vendors are highly specialized. Cenarion Expedition specializes in Nature-Resist armor, Thorium Brotherhood specializes in old-world Fire-Resist gear, etc. If this is not important to you, it will save you time and money to simply skip many of the Reputation-related Plans.

Many of the items you will create to level your Blacksmithing will invariably be useless in the Auction House. A good rule to follow is the “Rule of Thrice.” Place an item you craft in the Auction House three times. If it doesn’t sell any of the three times, vendor it. If it sells one out of three times, drop your price. If it sells two out of three times, things are just right. If it sells all three times, raise the price.

Apprentice: 1-75

Journeyman: 76-125

Expert: 126-210

Artisan: 210-285

Master: 286-350

Grand Master: 351-450

Note: all Blacksmithing items can be made at skill level 440.

The items presented here are not the only items you can make to level; they are merely the easiest and cheapest to make that will get you the skill points you need. Feel free to make any items you need for yourself along the way.