Beginner Blacksmithing Class

Forge Your Passion: Beginner Blacksmithing Class!

Ready to start working with your hands and connect with an ancient craft?

Step into the heat and tradition of the forge with us. Our Beginner Blacksmithing Class offers you a perfect, straightforward introduction to the father of all crafts. This is a practical, hands-on experience focused on equipping you with the core techniques needed to transform and shape raw iron.
No experience is necessary. We will safely guide every beginner through the fundamentals of blacksmithing.
Discover the 6 Fundamental Skills of the Smith
We focus on the essential movements that turn a simple piece of steel into something entirely new. You will master the fundamentals that lay the groundwork for virtually any project.

What You'll Learn:

• Drawing Out: Lengthen and refine. Learn how to hammer iron into tapers and points.
• Upsetting: Build strength and bulk. This is the technique for making a bar shorter and thicker.
• Punching: Precision without drilling. Master the method for creating clean holes in hot iron.
• Slitting/Cutting: Control your material. Use specialized tools (chisel/hardy) to cut iron to length or split it for design.
• Bending: Sculpt beautiful curves. Shape and curve the iron, utilizing the horn of the anvil to create forms.
• Twisting: Add decorative flair. Incorporate a rotational texture or achieve precise angles.

Your Day at the Anvil (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
We ensure a focused and energetic day of learning.

• 09:00 AM – 09:30 AM: Welcome & Foundational Skills. Meet your guides and get a thorough introduction to the forge environment, including a deep dive into proper hammer grip, stance at the anvil, and essential safety overview.
• 09:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Skill 1: Drawing Out. Focus on making iron longer and thinner to create tapers and points.
• 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM: Skill 2: Upsetting. Learn to make the bar shorter and thicker by hammering the end down.
• 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Skill 3: Punching. Master the clean method for putting a hole through hot iron.
• 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Lunch Break. Recharge and swap notes with your fellow smiths. Please bring your own lunch.
• 12:30 PM – 01:25 PM: Skill 4: Slitting/Cutting. Using tools like a chisel or hardy to divide and size the iron.
• 01:25 PM – 02:20 PM: Skill 5: Bending. Shaping and curving the iron, utilizing the horn of the anvil.
• 02:20 PM – 03:15 PM: Skill 6: Twisting. Adding rotational texture or achieving specific angles.
• 03:15 PM – 04:00 PM: Final Practice & Wrap-up. Practice your favorite techniques, engage in Q&A, and review your day's work.

Workshop Details:

• When: Classes take place every Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Where: Our shop in Boatman, OK (10 minutes from Salina, 20 minutes from Pryor)
• Price: $350/ per person (includes all materials, tools, coffee, soft drinks and drinking water)
• Ages: Suitable for 14 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

Small Class Size, Personalized Attention:

We offer small class sizes to ensure each participant receives personalized instruction. Spaces are limited, so sign up early to secure your spot!

Important Information:

• Participants must sign a waiver release form prior start of the workshop.
• Please arrive 10 minutes before the class starts.
• Dress safely and comfortably for working in a shop environment - long, loose, non flammable fitting work clothes, work boots, hair tie (scrunchy) if you have long hair. 

Ready to be a part of the blacksmithing tradition? Spaces are limited, so sign up early!