Diablo 3 Blacksmith
The new crafting system in Diablo 3 is one of the best features they put out into the game. Blacksmiths can be found throughout the world, but in the beginning of the game you use the one in New Tristram. The blacksmith has hundreds of recipes to forge weapons and armor for every class in the game.
Creating gear is NOT how you level up blacksmithing. it is a skill that you use through an NPC, so in order to level up the blacksmith you pay him to learn new recipes. In the beginning its only about 2,000 gold per level. However once you get higher the gold drastically increases. For example at level five you have to start paying 15,000 gold per level. The blacksmith has three main functions, salvaging armor which gives you the raw materials, and crafting armor and weapons. Here is a list of salvageable materials.
Normal: Subtle Essence (magic), Fallen Tooth (rare)
Nightmare: Shimmering Essence (magic), Lizard Eye (rare)
Hell: Wishful Essence (magic), Encrusted Hoof (rare)
Inferno: Exquisite Essence (magic), Iridescent Tear (rare), Fiery Brimstone (legendary) *inferno mode is the only mode that offers legendary crafting materials*