Blacksmithing Classes from Shadowhawk Blades

Blacksmithing Workshops

We offer a selection of private, all day classes to introduce you to the art of blacksmithing.
We provide all materials and tools needed. You will need to bring leather gloves that fit your hand.

How to Schedule:
C heck our calendar for available dates and give me a call or email and let me know your request

Gift Certificates

Gift Certificate sales are currently suspended while we work out a technical issue. Existing gift certificates are still working and valid, so contact me to schedule if you have one!

Want to know what to expect in a class? One of the participants has created a 15-minute video of his experience at a 2-Day Workshop. Check it out on YouTube!

Traditional Knife Workshop

You will make a knife that has a blade length of 6" or under, single edge, in the style you prefer. If you don't know what you want, I will help you figure something out! Or, we can just see what the metal wants to become! Handles can be wood, antler, leather, twisted metal - slab, or stick style - but there will be no metal fittings. (If you live out of Texas and would like to make a knife that complies with your state's blade laws, please let us know the state when you book.)

This is an all-day class so plan 8-10 hours, though it could take more or less. We will work at your pace so the exact timing will vary.

1-day private class for 1-2 persons - Make 1 knife total: $300

2-day private class for 1-2 persons – Make 2 knives total: $550

Primitive Rail Road Spike

You will make a knife out of a railroad spike and finish it with a primitive-style finish. The blade will be hardened and tempered but not polished to a high sheen. These blades take 3-4 hours each, so plan your time according to your group size!

Primitive Rail Road Spike Knife, 1-day, 1-3 persons (each get a knife): $150 per knife

Traditional Large Knife Workshop

Same as the Traditional Knife Workshop except you will make a knife that has a blade length of 15" or under, single edge, in the style you prefer. This class gives you two options:
1) a blade length of 6-15", single edge, with handles that can be wood, antler, leather, twisted metal - slab, or stick style - but there will be no metal fittings
2) a blade length of up to 6", single edge, handle materials as above but we CAN add metal fittings

This is an multi-day class, both days being 8-10 hours, though it could take more or less. We will work at your pace so the exact timing will vary.

2-day private class for 1-2 persons – Make 1 knife total: $550

Karambit Making Classes

The karambit is a traditional Filipino hand scythe used for harvesting rice. Modern Filipino martial arts (such as escrima, kali, or arnis) use the karambit. During the class you will forge the piece and finish it with a wooden or cord wrapped handle.

1-day private class for 1-2 persons - Make 1 knife total: $350
2-day private class for 1-2 persons – Make 2 knives total: $600

General Blacksmithing Classes

We can also do general blacksmithing classes where you will work on small projects such as drawer pulls, grill tools, decorative items, etc. Typically you will make several small items during a class and you should contact me to discuss project options. Private classes are $150 for 1-2 people and run about 3 hours. Group classes are priced based on the number of people and run all day. Please contact me for more information.

FAQ

Where is your shop?
Winnsboro, TX – about 50 miles north of Tyler, TX; 15 miles south of I-30; 90 minutes from the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex

How do I schedule a class?
Just give me a call or email and let me know what dates you want! You can check our calendar for possible dates (bear in mind that personal events are not listed so every date that looks open might not be available.)

I want to buy a class as a gift, how do I schedule that?
You can purchase a gift certificate! Visit the link to purchase an e-gift certificate or you can call or email to get a physical gift certificate. E-gift certificate payment is via credit/debit card. If you wish to pay with PayPal or mailed check/money order you will need to contact me to purchase a physical gift certificate.

What payment forms do you accept?
We prefer cash or check the day of the class. We can also take credit, debit or PayPal via invoiced pre-payment. We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Square Payment, personal check, money order, or cash.

Your shop is too far away, can you come to me?
Yes. Travel expenses will need to be added to the cost. Contact me for specific details or a quote on travel to your location.

I want to bring more people/make more knives, can I?
Maybe, but the cost may be different and the blade designs limited. Contact me with exact details of what you are wanting and we can work out the particulars. Bear in mind the time frames listed above and be aware that multiple days may be needed for larger groups.

Do you teach kids?
Yes, I do teach kids over the age of 10 with the caveat that they will need someone with them that can help out if needed. That could be you or another adult you designate OR it could be a friend their age as long as there is an adult with them. Starting around age 13 they usually have the stamina to do all the work but you will know your child best. Classes for children under the age of 10 may can be arranged on a case-by-case basis.

Can you teach other classes?
Yes! Just ask about what you want and I'll let you know what it would involve. Due to time constraints I typically don't teach sword making classes. (It can take weeks to months to make a sword!) But, if you want to invest the time and money, let me know and we can discuss it!

What about classes in making Damascus?
Due to the technical skill needed, I do not currently teach Damascus making to beginners. If you have some experience with blacksmithing or are a professional metalworker feel free to give me a call. I do not guarantee to teach you, but I am willing to discuss it! I am considering future courses but do not have a time frame in mind for implementing them.