It was implied that he might have been or that he at least was an aquaintance of the Blacksmith, there was a connection with the photo found on the boat. But it doesn't seem like this is the end of that thread, maybe it's a recurring theme for the Punisher series like the Hand...?
I'm 60 - I won't be a sexagenerian for a year! - cowabunga44
Karen realized that the Colonel wasn't being totally honest about who he was because she found a photo of him posing with one of the dead men from the boat.
But yeah, they don't seem to confirm that he was the actual Blacksmith, just an underling of the guy. The actual guy could still be out there.
While I suppose it could still be left open, I'm pretty sure he's the Blacksmith. He was 100% running the team that tried to kill Frank at the docks and also orchestrated the assassination of Reyes and hit on Karen.
Could he be working for someone who is the real Blacksmith? I guess. But I think it's pretty solid at the moment that he was the Blacksmith. Otherwise Frank would have tortured him to find out who he was working for and he'd still be looking for the Blacksmith etc.
Reading my signature constitutes admission that I am correct. (Too late)