Blacksmithing

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.

If you've taken Taste of the Forge or another basic blacksmithing class at AFS, then you're ready for Taste of the Forge II! This class, taught by blacksmith Steve Gurzler, builds on the students' prior experience to bring them to the next level, pursuing more advanced skills. Like in Taste of the Forge, we will follow the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum in a small class format. Students can expect to create 2 or more useful or decorative objects over the course of 3 weekday evenings.

Instructor Matthew Parkinson was the first winner of History Channel’s Forged in Fire. You will forge and finish one antler-handled hunting knife with a 4-inch to 6-inch blade. Topics will include working with high-carbon steel, knife design, forging a blade to shape, grinding, finishing, heat treating, fitting a guard, and attaching a handle. This is an introductory class, but some experience is helpful. Students will also cut out, mold, stitch, dye and finish a leather sheath.

Instructor Matthew Parkinson was the first winner of History Channel’s Forged in Fire. You will forge and finish one antler-handled hunting knife with a 4-inch to 6-inch blade. Topics will include working with high-carbon steel, knife design, forging a blade to shape, grinding, finishing, heat treating, fitting a guard, and attaching a handle. This is an introductory class, but some experience is helpful. Students will also cut out, mold, stitch, dye and finish a leather sheath.

If you've taken Taste of the Forge or another basic blacksmithing class at AFS, then you're ready for Taste of the Forge II! This class, taught by blacksmith Steve Gurzler, builds on the students' prior experience to bring them to the next level, pursuing more advanced skills. Like in Taste of the Forge, we will follow the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum in a small class format. Students can expect to create 2 or more useful or decorative objects over the course of 3 weekday evenings.

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).

If you've taken Taste of the Forge or another basic blacksmithing class at AFS, then you're ready for Taste of the Forge II! This class, taught by blacksmith Steve Gurzler, builds on the students' prior experience to bring them to the next level, pursuing more advanced skills. Like in Taste of the Forge, we will follow the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum in a small class format. Students can expect to create 2 or more useful or decorative objects over the course of 3 weekday evenings.