Best of 2003: Best Blacksmith

Steve Dvorák, Iron Touch
1251 Alturas Road, Fallbrook
760-723-5273

Dvorák learned his trade in his native Czechoslovakia. He uses a real forge and pumps his own bellows. People come for fireplace grates, driveway gates and railings, sconces, and candelabras. Only thing he won't do: fit horseshoes. Fire grates cost $450 to $600; a set of tongs, poker, and brush run $450 to $1200. Driveway gates (7' high, 16' wide) with forged scrollwork cost $5000 to $7500. Wrought iron candelabras average $600. Visitors are welcome to watch him hammering away at his forge.