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.