Everyone likes a good meal, but you can?t make a good meal without a good knife. The chef knife is an essential tool in any kitchen, used to slice, dice, and chop any number of different ingredients. In this class, students will forge, heat treat, grind, handle, and sharpen their own chef knives. Throughout the process, students will develop an eye for fit, finish, and symmetry. Special attention will be given to designing ergonomic knives with effective blade geometry.

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 $25 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).

Doing something you love, like gardening, is even more rewarding when using tools you created yourself! In this class you will learn how to spread out metal to forge a garden trowel, and how to forge a weed puller. You'll also learn to attach handles and apply a finish to a forged item. Some basic blacksmithing experience is recommended.