A current trend in freshmen General Chemistry calls for cross-disciplinary curricula development with an emphasis on "real world" applications related to chemistry. At Arizona Western College (AWC) the Department of Chemistry works closely with and borrows heavily from the applied expertise in metals and metallurgy of the college's welding faculty to constantly improve upon the educational experiences made available to General Chemistry students. Specifically, the presenter, a chemist and novice (or wannabe) blacksmith, will discuss how the timeless "mysteries" and art of traditional blacksmithing have been incorporated into the General Chemistry lecture component to illustrate the physical properties of various types of modern steel alloys. For example, since time immemorial blacksmiths have determined if the critical temperature of high carbon steel has been reached by its loss of magnetism. Another way to judge the critical temperature is by the heat glow or color of the heated steel. Both observations have explanations based on principles discussed in General Chemistry. If time permits, the presenter will also discuss the educational opportunities afforded from the joint chemistry-welding fieldtrips to the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego and the Phelps-Dodge copper mine in Bagdad, Arizona.