Because this gear is vital to weapon classes such as the Warrior or Paladin, Blacksmithing is a good choice for those characters. Not only can blacksmiths create new weapons, they can enhance the power of existing weapons with stones and other reagents, as well as craft keys to unlock special chests.

Because blacksmithing counts in the total tally of two professions you are allowed, mining is an obvious choice as a second profession. Not only are you going to need all of the many minerals that mining gathers for you, but they can be expensive and purchasing them when you don’t have to just doesn’t make much sense. Blacksmithing can be incredibly expensive as is without the addition of gem and ore purchases. For that reason, you’ll want to specialize in mining as well and have those items at your disposal readily.

However, despite the fact that blacksmithing is such a great profession for making hard to find items, weapons and armor, it is not a very profitable profession. The items made by blacksmiths often sell for less than their source materials and for that reason a blacksmith can lose a lot of gold if they are planning on selling their goods. Dropped items are more rare as well and for that reason tend to be more expensive. However, for those Paladins and Warriors out there, making your own armor is an amazing way to save gold in the long run.

Once a blacksmith reaches level 200 and the character reaches level 40, many more options open up in the profession. This is where you’re given the option to start specializing in specific categories of blacksmithing. There are quests involved in doing so, but afterwards you can become an Swordsmith, Axesmith, or Hammersmith. You are however stuck with that choice not matter what for the duration of your character’s lifespan. You cannot unlearn it at any time and pick up another specialty. This applies only after you complete the specialization quest though.

Blacksmithing is a great opportunity for those with the right character class to craft their own weapons and armor and enjoy a special aspect of the game in which they can both hunt down minerals and turn those minerals into items that other people want. It’s not very profitable, but for the right person, it can be very useful.

Peng Joon is an avid gamer and frequently writes about World of Warcraft gold guides, strategy and tips. Visit his website at http://www.thewarcraftguide.com to find out more.