Bladesmithing Classes
For those that are interested in the art of bladesmithing, our structured curriculum begins with the Introduction to Knife-making course. Having established a foundational understanding of forging in our introductory blacksmithing class, and gotten comfortable with our tools and shop set up, students will be much better prepared for success in the Utility Knife Class. Moving from blacksmithing to bladesmithing means a major shift in materials from mild steel to high carbon steel alloys. Our introductory options seek to educate new bladesmiths about metallurgy, bladesmithing techniques, heat treatment practices, fit & finish, and a myriad of other steps in the process as well. As with our blacksmithing class offerings, our knife making curriculum is setup to teach students in an ascending order of blade size and project complexity, with each level of class building and expanding on essential skill sets from the previous classes. Students must be 14 years or older to participate in knife making classes.
Utility Knife Class: Outdoor Knife
Introductory Bladesmithing - Two sessions, 4 hours each - $500
Learn the essentials of forging high carbon steel while making a robust everyday carry tool! Utility knives are ideal for opening boxes and crates, taking camping or hiking, or wood-cutting and other rugged applications. Students will explore the skills involved in full tang blade construction to include: handle isolation & shaping, profiling, bevel grinding, drill press usage, alloy heat treatment schedule, and handle fit and finish.
Note: Day 1 & Day 2 classes cannot be scheduled on consecutive days.
Prior forging experience is HIGHLY recommended for new students!
Beginner Bladesmith Bundle
Introductory Smithing - Three sessions, 10-11 hours - $587
Combine one of our prerequisite introductory blacksmithing classes with Utility Knife class, packaged together at a 10% discount! When scheduling, be sure to get your Trinkets or Bottle Opener class on the calendar before Utility Knife.
Stock-removal Knife Class (NEW!)
High Carbon Steel option - Two sessions, 4 hours each - $450
Stainless Steel option - Two sessions, 4 hours each - $550
While our primary focus at the forge is on smithing, we also recognize that forging may be a physical challenge to many, and that some folks are just interested in making a knife! With the stock removal process, we’ll take you through all the steps of cutting and machining your ideal 4” EDC or 6” chef’s knife from our high carbon or stainless steel. Schedule a Utility Knife Day 2 for your handle fit & finish session.
Note: Day 1 & Day 2 classes cannot be scheduled on consecutive days.
No forging prerequisite, no experience needed.
Small Knife Class
Intermediate Bladesmithing - six sessions, 4 hours each - $1200
Small Knife is were the full blade forging experience begins! Having practiced the basics of shaping high carbon steel previously, students will dive deeper into the process and master new procedures like: hidden-tang prep, profile shaping, forging a tip, hammering in rough primary bevels, and freehand bevel grinding. We’ll lay out the full heat treatment schedule for high carbon blades and it’s critical importance for knives that are forged from ‘tip to tail’. Students will get more time and the opportunity to explore new materials and complex handle builds all while finishing their knife or dagger with a blade up to 6” in length.
Utility Knife, or some previous equivalent experience is required.
Large Knife Class
Advanced Bladesmithing - approx ten sessions, 4 hours each - $2200
Knife forging skills will be tested and further refined for those that continue on to Large Knife Class. With a blade length between 11” and 22”, students can make anything from a machete, wakizashi, or kukri, to a gladius, dirk, or kopis. Handle builds may require blacksmithing skills to forge and machine guard and / or pommel components to complete the ideal project build. With greater blade length, students can gain a greater understanding of free-hand bevel grinding and edge sharpening. Anyone completing this class will have compiled the skills needed to excel at full sword making.
Available to upgrade to Damascus, email for details.
The Ultimate Bladesmith Bundle
Multi-Level Bladesmithing - 40 sessions, four hours each - $9000
If you know you want it all and you’re ready for the complete bladesmithing journey, our Ultimate Bundle packages the Utility, Small, Medium, Large Knife, and Sword classes together at a phenomenal discount! Includes a complimentary intro level blacksmithing class to get students comfortable with smithing fundamentals to start down their path.
Utility Knife Class: Kitchen Paring Knife
Introductory Bladesmithing - Two sessions, 4 hours each - $500
Learn the basics of forging high carbon steel while making a refined kitchen tool. Paring knives are ideal for everyday small jobs in the kitchen from peeling fruits and veggies to processing herbs.
Note: Day 1 & Day 2 classes cannot be scheduled on consecutive days.
Prior forging experience is HIGHLY recommended for new students!
Utility Knife Partner Package
Introductory Bladesmithing - Two sessions, 4 hours each - $900
Purchase two Utility Knife classes for you and a plus one at a 10% discount!
All participants must be 14 years or older
Ball-Peen Hatchet Class
Introductory Bladesmiithing - two sessions, 4 hours each - $450
In this forging-intensive 2-day class you’ll learn how to reshape a ball-peen hammer into your own unique hatchet! We’ll cover the essentials of several forging techniques as well as heat treating and hafting. Students will get hands on experience with our exclusive Little Giant power hammer and hydraulic forging press in order to draw out and shape the hatchet blade. This class is considered more challenging than UtilityKnife, and is recommended for students 16 and older with some prior forging experience.
Class scheduling is available upon demand.
Medium Knife Class
Intermediate Bladesmithing - eight sessions, 4 hours each - $1700
Students will spend even more time forging & reinforcing new skills while completing their custom knife with a blade up to 11” in length. Medium knife is ideal for those looking to forge their own camp knife, chef’s knife, kitchen carver, dagger, or chopper. Choose to forge either full or hidden tang again, or learn the through tang method if applicable to your design. Explore exotic woods, synthetics, stabilized burls, and more, while adding bolster pieces, liners, and spacers, to even more creative handle builds.
Available to upgrade to Damascus, email for details.
Sword Class
Advanced Bladesmithing - sixteen sessions, 4 hours each - $3600
Our sword class is the penultimate bladesmithing experience! Every technique and detail absorbed from previous knife making projects will be brought to bear as students forge and finish a sword with a blade between 22” and 36” in length. Participants can forge elaborate guards, baskets, pommels, and learn leather or cotton wrapping practices. This class is perfect for those looking to create a European longsword, katana, rapier, messer, or scimitar.
Must be 16 or older! Available to upgrade to Damascus, email for details.