Palmer Robbins

Palmer Robbins is a Mississippi blacksmith and knife maker dedicated to preserving and passing on the craft of working iron and steel by hand. His journey into blacksmithing began with knife making and a desire to learn more advanced skills. Twenty years ago, he met master blacksmith Lyle Wynn and began learning from him—eventually trading labor for the tools that would help him develop his own practice. Beginning around 2014, Palmer became increasingly focused on traditionally-made tools and blacksmithing styles, continuing to work closely with Wynn while also learning from Mississippi smiths Stan Bryant and Brian Brezeal.

Today, Palmer combines traditional blacksmithing techniques with his own experience to create functional and decorative ironwork, custom tools, knives, and other pieces. His work has included commissions for historic antebellum homes, where he has recreated or crafted objects that are no longer commercially available. His passion for recreating historically accurate styles demonstrates how blacksmithing can preserve both practical skills and physical connections to the past.

Teaching is an important part of Palmer’s approach to the craft. Although he does not actively seek students, he regularly helps people who want to learn, often encouraging them to develop skills beyond his own methods. Every Wednesday, local craftsmen gather in his shop to work on projects, share knowledge, teach one another, and learn through hands-on experience. This gathering reflects Palmer’s belief that traditional crafts remain strongest when knowledge is shared within a community.

Palmer has served as President of the Mississippi Forge Council, whose motto, “By Teaching We Learn,” reflects its commitment to keeping blacksmithing alive for future generations. At the 83rdNational Folk Festival, Palmer will demonstrate the heat, skill, and physicality of blacksmithing while sharing the knowledge behind this ancient craft and discussing the importance of craftsmanship within community.