Blacksmithing

This class is taught by renowned instructor and the very first winner of History Channel's Forged in Fire, Matthew Parkinson. The chef's knife is the most used knife in almost any home. These iconic knives help to create meals for family and loved ones. Well-made kitchen knives can last a lifetime and this class will give you the opportunity to create one of your very own. In this two-day class students will make their own chef's knife from high carbon steel. All aspects of bladesmithing will be covered, from forging the blade to shaping, then heat treating, grinding and polishing, making and fitting a wooden handle and finally, sharpening - with very special attention given to the design and geometry of this kind of knife. This class is intended as an introductory bladesmithing class, but some forging experience is helpful.

This basic class will give you the foundation needed to start out on your journey of blacksmithing. You'll learn fire management, hammering methods, drawing out, upsetting, cutting, splitting, twisting, and convenience bending along with a demo of forge welding. Make punches and chisels and learn to harden and temper them. Heating material and heat management will be taught and much more.

This basic class will give you the foundation needed to start out on your journey of blacksmithing. You'll learn fire management, hammering methods, drawing out, upsetting, cutting, splitting, twisting, and convenience bending along with a demo of forge welding. Make punches and chisels and learn to harden and temper them. Heating material and heat management will be taught and much more.

This basic class will give you the foundation needed to start out on your journey of blacksmithing. You'll learn fire management, hammering methods, drawing out, upsetting, cutting, splitting, twisting, and convenience bending along with a demo of forge welding. Make punches and chisels and learn to harden and temper them. Heating material and heat management will be taught and much more.

This basic class will give you the foundation needed to start out on your journey of blacksmithing. You'll learn fire management, hammering methods, drawing out, upsetting, cutting, splitting, twisting, and convenience bending along with a demo of forge welding. Make punches and chisels and learn to harden and temper them. Heating material and heat management will be taught and much more.

Students will forge their own chef knife in the style of either a Gyuto, Santoku, or Petty style, up to 9" long. Starting with W-2 steel, smiths will forge to shape, heat treat and harden high carbon steel, and use a belt grinder. On the final day, students will learn the details of traditional Japanese handles, known as Wa style handles, and will be able to choose from a variety of handle materials to finish their knife. The result will be a fantastic kitchen tool that will last for generations.

Students will forge their own chef knife in the style of either a Gyuto, Santoku, or Petty style, up to 9" long. Starting with W-2 steel, smiths will forge to shape, heat treat and harden high carbon steel, and use a belt grinder. On the final day, students will learn the details of traditional Japanese handles, known as Wa style handles, and will be able to choose from a variety of handle materials to finish their knife. The result will be a fantastic kitchen tool that will last for generations.

Students will forge their own chef knife in the style of either a Gyuto, Santoku, or Petty style, up to 9" long. Starting with W-2 steel, smiths will forge to shape, heat treat and harden high carbon steel, and use a belt grinder. On the final day, students will learn the details of traditional Japanese handles, known as Wa style handles, and will be able to choose from a variety of handle materials to finish their knife. The result will be a fantastic kitchen tool that will last for generations.

Interested in blacksmithing but unsure how to start? Open Forge Night is the place for you! Every third Wednesday of the month during our blacksmithing season, come see demonstrations by expert blacksmith Steve Gurzler. Observing the demonstration is free and open to the public. If you want to try your hand at blacksmithing there is a $20 fee to cover the cost of materials. Safety precautions must be followed - including hard shoes with no open toes, long pants, goggles (supplied) and gloves (supplied).

Learn to forge a tomahawk with instructor Joe Szilaski. Students will be able to customize their design and will leave the class with a unique piece.

Learn to forge a tomahawk with instructor Joe Szilaski. Students will be able to customize their design and will leave the class with a unique piece.

Learn to forge a tomahawk with instructor Joe Szilaski. Students will be able to customize their design and will leave the class with a unique piece.