About Derek

Derek Melton embarked on his journey into forging around 1999 and has since devoted his time to mastering the craft. Recently, he focuses primarily on forging tools for fellow blacksmiths and crafting custom grilling implements. Leveraging his expertise and passion for the craft, Derek continuously seeks fresh avenues to showcase his Mississippi craftsmanship.

Derek currently serves as an at-large board member with the Mississippi Forge Council (MFC) an ABANA chapter. He frequently engages in live blacksmithing demonstrations at the MFC's McIntosh Blacksmith shop, located within the picturesque Mississippi Agricultural Museum in Jackson. Each item Derek'makes is meticulously handcrafted and tailored to individual orders, bearing his unique maker's mark — his name "Melton," with a distinctively elongated and stylized "t," symbolizing his steadfast faith in Christ.

Questions for Derek? Contact him here.

Keeping up with Derek is easiest on Instagram @derekmelton

4140 2lb rounding hammer as forged. This was the first hammer made with a new set of fullering dies, they work! #forged #hydraulicpress #powerhammer #blacksmith #forged #mississippimade #madeintheusa #customtools #anvils #hammers #blacksmithtools #

A “striped texture” cross headed out today. A lot of people buy these to commemorate special occasions or to add to a collection of crosses. I’m thankful that I get to make them. #thankful #christian #cross #blacksmith #blacksmithin

3 hammers done, one is available. EDIT: SOLD! From left to right: 2lb cross pein, 3lb rounding hammer, 4lb rounding hammer. The 2&3 are spoken for, the 4lb on the far right is available. DM me if interested, first come first served. I’ll ed

Episode 27 is up. 😄 Business chat about how I take orders and an update on what’s going on in the shop this week.

The threaded 20oz ball pein is available for sale if you’re interested in a super-unique hammer. Link in bio. https://www.derekmelton.com/shop/2020/6/20/595qy01b5655rp0y8wlv85hcwvwtw0 #blacksmith #toolmaker #handtools #handtoolblacksmithing #f

Hand forged cross necklaces. I have 4 ready to go! If you’re interested check the website! #jewelry #handforged #blacksmith #christian #christfollower #mississippi #mississippimaker

This is the second hammer I’ve made from the threaded end of a 1045 hydraulic shaft. This one was just enough to make a 20oz ball pein, which coincidentally, is my favorite size for texturing split crosses. Looks like I’ll get to retire t

I’ve been feeling a bit more confident with my hammer forging lately (which probably means disaster is about to strike) and I’ve been going back to my fail bucket and seeing what I can do with previously failed hammers. This 2lb cross pei

3lb rounding hammer that went in the mail yesterday. I think I’ve got my tooling and process for this style of hammer where I like it now. I’ve made a couple of changes in the steps of how and when I put the initial fullers in and I&rsquo

A few of the things I use when finishing a hammer handle. @thegorillagluecompany wood glue, a can with 50/50 boiled linseed oil and pine tar, steel wool, my shop knife, a map gas torch, pliers to hold the steel wedge as I drive it in place (finger sa

1lb ball pein ready to go forth and make things. 1045 and hickory, great combo for a hand tool. #handtoolblacksmithing #forged #handtool #forging #blacksmithing #blacksmith

Another batch of keychains and necklace-sized split crosses headed out today. One of my favorite things to make. I cannot forge one without thinking of the sacrifice Jesus made and how unworthy I am to receive the forgiveness it brings. #forged #chr

Episode 26 is up. The podcast should be available on all major podcast platforms now. Thanks for listening! In this episode I give my thoughts on Damascus in regards to new makers. https://anchor.fm/derek-melton7/episodes/Episode-26--Damascus-and-the

Appearances & Events

If you are interested in having Derek come to speak or demonstrate at your event or venue contact him here

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

Upcoming Events

September 26-28, 2024 - Demonstrating at the Southern Ohio Forge & Anvil ‘QuadState’ Blacksmith gathering in Troy, OH.