ABOUT / CONTACT

Ken Zitur

Master Blacksmith

Ken’s career as a blacksmith began in 1974 at the Burlington Northern Railroad in Waite Park, Minnesota. It was here he completed a four year apprenticeship and received a diploma from Railway Educational Bureau. Ken worked in the blacksmith shop until the railroad closed in 1986. During Ken’s 12 years at the railroad, he also had the opportunity to work with Paul Hubler, a prominent blacksmith from Rockford, Minnesota. Paul shared his love of blacksmithing with Ken and taught him so much about the decorative aspect of blacksmithing.

In 1988 Ken took his love of metal work and began his own business. Ken’s wife MaryLou joined him in the business one year later. Together, they enjoy working with their customers to create a special piece that will fit the client's specific needs.

Ken and MaryLou are part of the founding members of the Central Minnesota Blacksmiths club (CMB), an affiliate of ABANA (Artists Blacksmiths Association of North America). CMB is a group of individuals of all ages interested in the craft of blacksmithing. They get together once a month to share their skills and knowledge of blacksmithing. The goal of CMB is to keep the art of blacksmithing alive.
During the winter months, Ken teaches weekend blacksmithing classes in which students can learn about the craft. The class topics range from beginning and intermediate level blacksmithing skills, forging animal heads, tool making (punches, chisels, tongs), flower and leaf making, scroll making, and many others.

In September, Ken and MaryLou, with the help of others, open the doors on the blacksmith shop at the Albany Pioneer Club in Albany, Minnesota for the annual Threshing Show. The old fashioned blacksmith shop allows people to step into the past and see what blacksmithing was all about years ago.

Ken’s Custom Iron, LLC is not only a blacksmith shop, but also a modern day metal fabricating shop.They have both mig and tig welders, a CNC plasma table, shear, press brake, ironworker, and other equipment needed for fabricating and repairing both steel and aluminum. They will work with you to take care of any idea or project you have in mind!
Click here to learn about the rest of the Ken's Custom Iron team.
We look forward to working with you!
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