COURSE 1
Welcome to the art of traditional blacksmithing! In this foundational lesson, we'll begin by crafting a decorative leaf from mild steel - a perfect project for developing essential hand skills. You'll learn to control heat in the forge, recognize the critical color changes in the metal, and master fundamental hammer techniques on the anvil. Through this project, you'll practice drawing out the metal to create the leaf's stem, using the horn to form graceful curves, and developing hammer control to create realistic texture and veining. This piece will introduce you to core blacksmithing techniques including tapering, spreading, scrolling, and texturing - skills that form the basis for more complex projects. Safety procedures and proper tool handling will be emphasized throughout the session.
Course 2
Discover the mesmerizing art of twisted metalwork in this engaging blacksmithing course! Working with square and round mild steel bars, you'll learn to create an array of decorative twist patterns that have adorned ironwork for centuries. Starting with basic single twists, you'll progress to more complex patterns including rope twists and dragon scale twists, You'll master heat control in the forge, learning the precise temperatures needed for different twisting techniques while avoiding overheating that can destroy your work. Using the anvil and twisting wrench, you'll develop the coordination and timing required to create uniform, flowing patterns. This course covers essential skills including proper heating zones, twist spacing, directional changes, and how to maintain symmetry throughout your work. These techniques form the foundation for creating decorative elements in railings, gates, furniture, and architectural ironwork. Safety procedures and proper tool handling will be emphasized throughout each session.
Course 3
Transform a humble railroad spike into a handcrafted knife in this engaging introduction to blacksmithing! This project will teach you the fundamental skills of blade crafting while working with reclaimed high-carbon steel. You'll learn to forge the spike into a practical blade shape, developing essential techniques in hammer control, drawing out, and beveling. The course covers critical heat treatment processes, including proper forging temperatures, normalizing, hardening, and tempering to achieve a functional cutting edge. You'll master the art of creating the knife's point and edge geometry on the anvil, understanding how to maintain proper thickness throughout the blade. Additional skills include handle shaping, surface finishing, and basic grinding techniques. Throughout the process, you'll gain valuable knowledge about steel properties, heat colors, and the importance of proper heat treatment for edge tools. This project serves as an excellent introduction to both decorative and functional blacksmithing, while teaching proper forge management and essential safety practices.
These introductory blacksmithing courses provides hands-on experience in fundamental forging techniques, with no academic credit awarded. Students will learn essential skills including proper forge operation, hammer control, basic fire management, and metal heating techniques.
By the end of the course, participants will understand workplace safety, how to use basic blacksmithing tools, and execute fundamental techniques such as drawing out, bending, twisting, and tapering metal.
Students will practice creating simple projects like hooks, nails, and basic decorative items while developing an understanding of metal behavior at different temperatures. This course establishes a foundation for those interested in pursuing blacksmithing as a hobby or stepping stone to more advanced metalworking skills.