FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers to all of your burning questions!

  • Street parking is available on Kalamazoo Avenue and along Church Street.

  • The closest door to our studio is located off Park Street. “436” is painted on the brick. After 6pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends, the door is locked. Call or text us to let us know you’re here, and we will let you in. (269)254-2335

  • We recommend wearing boots or sturdy shoes, jeans, t-shirt, a work shirt, and something to tie hair up if necessary. Tennis shoes are ok. NO OPEN TOE SHOES or shorts. Bring lots of water because it does get a little warm! We supply eye and ear protection, as well as gloves.

  • No, we supply gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. If you have your own safety gear, you’re welcome to bring it.

  • You have to be at least 9 years old to take classes.

  • All of our classes are private, which means a class is only you and whoever you bring (if anyone). We can have a class for 1-8 people. (We can accommodate more for teambuilding. Contact us for more information.)

  • Yes! We make accommodations as needed. We have had all levels of abilities successfully complete a class. Contact us for with any questions.
    For example, for some students, we may hold the steel for them so they can concentrate on hammering. We have had students sit at the forge and grinders. We’ve had people use the Treadle hammer (leg powered) instead of using a hammer. The forge is also wheelchair accessible.

  • All of it. From beginning to end, you are hammering, grinding, heat treating, and sanding. We guide you, and help as needed.
    We make accommodations as needed. We have had all levels of abilities successfully complete a class.
    For some students, we may hold the steel for them so they can concentrate on hammering.

  • The best beginner classes are:

    Beginner blacksmithing
    Railroad Spike Knifemaking
    Magic Wand Class
    Steel Flower Making
    Basic welding
    Fork & Spoon Bugs

  • No, however, for larger groups (private parties, teambuilding, etc), we can sometimes schedule a class outside of our normal class times, depending on our availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • As we like to say, “this isn’t a museum. everything is for sale.” :) We only do in-person knife sales, unless we know you. You must be over 18 years old to buy a knife from us.

  • We understand that life happens, sometimes even at the last minute. Because each class is private, just let us know if you won’t be coming. You can either cancel via the link in your confirmation email you received, or you can text/call us at (269)254-2335. There is no cancelation fee.

  • Combat Ready Art was selected as one of only four locations in the country to host the History Channel's Forged in Fire "On the Road" tournament. Three of our students competed in bladesmithing challenges on the show.