Forging a Legacy: Carrying the Torch of Santa Barbara’s Blacksmithing Tradition
For over a decade, Santa Barbara Forge has been shaping raw steel into enduring works of art, blending traditional blacksmithing with modern innovation. But our story doesn’t start with us—it’s a continuation of a legacy that stretches back over a century. When we first stepped into the historic Craviotto Bros. steel shop, we weren’t just taking over a space; we were inheriting a craft, a history, and a responsibility to carry the torch forward.
The Legacy of the Craviotto Bros.
Long before Santa Barbara Forge came to be, the Craviotto Bros. were the heart of blacksmithing in the city. Established in 1916, their workshop was known for crafting everything from steel railings to ornamental ironwork and even custom barbecue grills. Their dedication to craftsmanship made them a fixture in the community, their work leaving a lasting mark on Santa Barbara’s architectural landscape.
For decades, their forge burned bright. But by the mid-1990s, the brothers retired, and the rhythmic sound of hammer on steel fell silent. The shop stood still, a relic of a different time—until we had the opportunity to breathe new life into it in 2010.
Taking Up the Hammer
When we stepped into the Craviotto Bros.’ old shop, we knew we weren’t just setting up another metal shop—we were stepping into a tradition. We had the honor of meeting the Craviotto family, who gave us their blessing as the next generation to carry forward the craft they had devoted their lives to. It was a passing of the torch in the truest sense, and we embraced the responsibility that came with it.
Steve Malone – Santa Barbara News-Press
With that in mind, we founded Santa Barbara Forge with a deep respect for the past but an eye on the future. Our mission was simple: to uphold the values of traditional blacksmithing while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. Over the years, we have built upon that foundation, growing from a small forge into a full-scale operation specializing in custom architectural ironwork, bespoke furniture, and, most recently, hand-forged cookware.
Craftsmanship in the Modern Age
True blacksmithing is an art that requires patience, skill, and an intimate knowledge of fire and metal. In a world of mass production, where so much is made to be disposable, we take pride in creating pieces that are built to last.
Each gate, railing, and custom fixture that leaves our shop carries the mark of the hands that forged it. The same goes for our hand-hammered carbon steel pans—each one is crafted with the same attention to detail that we bring to our architectural work.
Steve Malone – Santa Barbara News-Press
While the techniques we use date back centuries, we’re always looking for ways to innovate. Whether it’s refining our forging process, experimenting with new designs, or finding ways to make our craft more sustainable, we believe that tradition and innovation go hand in hand.
A New Home, A Continuing Story
In the years since we first took over the Craviotto Bros.’ shop, Santa Barbara Forge has continued to evolve. We’ve expanded our offerings, honed our skills, and, most recently, moved into a new location better suited to our growing operation. While we no longer work within the same four walls as the Craviotto Bros., their legacy remains at the heart of what we do.
Every time we fire up the forge, every time we shape steel into something new, we’re honoring the craftsmen who came before us. We’re preserving an art form, not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.
Looking Ahead
The sound of hammers striking steel, the glow of fire in the forge—these are the sights and sounds of a craft that has stood the test of time. At Santa Barbara Forge, we’re proud to keep that tradition alive, carrying forward a legacy that began over a century ago.
Whether you’re seeking custom metalwork, a hand-forged pan, or simply a glimpse into the world of artisan blacksmithing, we invite you to be a part of our story. The forge is burning, the work continues, and the legacy lives on.
Check our our ornamental work here – sbforge.com
Check out our handmade Carbon Steel Pans here – The Sonora Collection