Classes
Whether you are just curious and want to try it once, or you want to learn everything about blacksmithing and metalwork, with 11 different classes, we have options for you.
In all of our classes, YOU are doing the work. We guide you, of course, and help as necessary, but you are doing the work from start to finish.
In our beginner level classes, you will learn many foundation skills that you'll use in future projects. The Beginner Blacksmithing class starts at the very beginning, learning how to make a taper, a pigtail, an upset, and twisting and shaping metal, as well as learning hammering and using tongs, by making either an “S” hook or garden snake. We also have the Bottle Opener class, and Magic Wand class, which will teach more of the artistic side of blacksmithing.
If you're more interested in bladesmithing, the Railroad Spike Knife class is the perfect beginner bladesmithing class. In 3 hours, you shape a blade and handle, learn to grind, heat treat, and finish a knife. From there, we have options for more challenging knives, like Scary Cheese Knife, the Billet Knife or the Damascus Knife.
The Steel Flower and Basic Welding classes are both good introductions to welding and "cold" shaping of metal.
Once you have taken a couple of classes with us, you to come up with your own project in our “Design Your Own Class.”
Curious what our classes are like? Check out some photos of our students!
Classes are held Tuesdays-Thursdays, and Saturdays and Sundays. All classes are private, so it is just you and anyone you may bring with you, up to 8 people. Classes are open to individuals ages 9 and up (with parent/guardian present) as well as couples, families, teambuilding, and other groups. For teambuilding groups, we can accommodate up to 13 people. Please contact us directly to schedule.
We supply eye and ear protection, as well as gloves. Recommended dress code for all classes as follows: leather shoes or boots, jeans, t-shirt, a work shirt, and something to tie hair up if necessary. Socks that cover the ankle are encouraged. No open toe shoes or shorts. Bring lots of water because it does get a little warm!
Beginner Blacksmithing
Beginner Blacksmithing
Our Beginner Blacksmithing class is designed to get you into the world of a very ancient craft. By making either an “S” hook or garden snake, you learn many of the basic skills and techniques that are used by Blacksmiths. You will also learn the proper tools to use and heat to work at, then have a piece to take home with you.
Two hours | $60/person
Level: Beginner
Railroad Spike Bladesmithing
RAILROAD SPIKE KNIFEMAKING
Our most popular class! In this 3-hour class, you will take a common railroad spike and transform it into a fully functional knife with a decorative handle of your choosing. Railroad Spike Knife Class is the perfect beginner bladesmithing class. In 3 hours, you shape a blade and handle, learn to grind, heat treat, and finish a knife.
This is the most popular class for teambuilding, families, and other groups.
2-3 hours | $100/person
Level: Beginner
Magic Wands
“MAGIC” WAND MAKING
Perform your own magic by transforming an old railroad spike into a wand! Lots of artistic choices in this class, while still learning hammering, tapering, twisting, and shaping metal. This is a great class if knives aren’t your thing, but you want more of a challenge than the basic class.
2-3 hours | $100/person
Level: Beginner
Bottle Opener
BOTTLE OPENERS
Adding to the Basic Blacksmithing skills classes, in the Bottle Opener class you will learn how to drift a hole, as well as how to use punches to make the pip and for artistic design.
Two hours | $60/person
Level: Beginner
Scary Cheese Knife
SCARY CHEESE KNIFE
In this class, you will start with a piece of upcycled 5160 spring steel and make it into a knife. The handle on the “Scary Cheese Knife” is a traditional Blacksmith handle. In a sort of combination of the knifemaking and the snake making classes, you will learn introductory blade smithing, tapering, and artistic shaping of metal. All the shaping is done in the forge, before finishing it on the grinders.
Three-Four hours | $120/person
Level: Beginner+
Billet Knife
BILLET KNIFE
In this bladesmithing class, you will start with a straight piece of steel (a billet), shape it in the forge, and finish it on the grinder. You also learn how to add and shape the handle.
The steel used here is about 10x harder than the Railroad Spike. We recommend taking the Railroad Spike Knifemaking class first.
The Billet Knife requires 4-6 hours. Please schedule 2 sessions.
$260/person
Level: Intermediate
Damascus Knife
DAMASCUS KNIFE
When you’re up for the challenge, our Damascus class is for you. Combining multiple layers of steel into one, a Damascus knife is always impressive. In our class, you make the Damascus from start to finish, choosing and clean the materials, forge welding the steel to make the Damascus, shaping the blade, grinding, quenching, and finish sanding, and then adding and finishing the handle . You can chose how many layers, and if you want an additional pattern in the blade. There is an additional $5 per layer of the initial billet material fee.
You have to take 2 classes with us before you can take the Damascus class. We recommend taking the Railroad Spike Knife class and the Billet Knifemaking class. Please schedule 3-4 sessions.
8+ hours | $50 per hour/person
Level: Advanced
Steel Flower Sculpture
STEEL FLOWER SCULPTURE
In this class you will learn the basics of MIG welding, plasma cutting, and basic metal forming and shaping by making 1 steel flower. You can choose between 5 different flower patterns. No previous welding experience required. Great class for those who want to work with metal, but don’t want to do the forge.
Two hours | $75/person
Level: Beginner
Basic Welding
BASIC WELDING
In this class, you learn MIG welding, including setting up the welder, how to tack, bead, and join. Then, using tube steel, you’ll make an old school shop class pencil holder.
All materials included. Protective gear is provided. No experience necessary.
Two hours | $60/person
Level: Beginner
Fork & Spoon Bug
FORK & SPOON BUG MAKING
The creations might be cute and whimsical, but you’ll learn some serious skills in the Fork & Spoon Bug Making Class! Starting in the forge, you’ll learn to bend and shape metal silverware to make the bug's body. Then it’s over to the other side of the studio where you’ll weld it together. No experience necessary. We have a few bug options to choose from. Depending on time, you can make 2 bugs per person, or a bug and a silverware ring.
Two hours | $60/person
Level: Beginner
Design Your Own Class
DESIGN YOUR OWN CLASS
Interested in making a san mai knife, or a metal sculpture, or even a table? After taking at least 2 of our classes, you can come up with your own ideas. All ideas have to be approved, and drawings are required (even if they aren’t very good). Although it is your idea, it is still an instructor guided class, not open studio time. Minimum 2 hours. Depending on the project, an additional materials fee may apply.
We ask that you take 1-2 classes with us first, before scheduling this class. We will talk about your ideas with you during those classes.
2+ hours | starting at $50/hour/person
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Classes are open to individuals ages 9 and up (with parent/guardian present) as well as couples, families, teambuilding, and other groups.
All classes are private, so it is just you and anyone you may bring with you, up to 8 people.
Classes are held Tuesdays-Thursdays, and Saturdays and Sundays.
For teambuilding groups, we can accommodate up to 13 people. Please contact us directly to schedule.
We supply eye and ear protection, as well as gloves. Recommended dress code for all classes as follows: leather shoes or boots, jeans, t-shirt, a work shirt, and something to tie hair up if necessary. No open toe shoes or shorts. Bring lots of water because it does get a little warm!