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.
Dress code: Cotton, denim, or other natural fabrics only. No synthetics (including polyester, rayon, spandex). Long pants. Close toed shoes. A hat, bandana, or other sweat band/head covering is recommended but not required. Jeans, t-shirt, sneakers are a perfectly acceptable outfit!
Leather gloves that fit your hand are required. Safety goggles are recommended but not required.
Heat Advisory: The forge is outside under a shed. There are fans but during hot times of the year there is only so much they can do. Be aware of any declared heat advisories during your scheduled class and prepare with additional hydration. Water is always available in the shop.
If you have a medical condition that includes heat sensitivity we recommend scheduling classes during fall, winter, or spring only.
How to Schedule:
Give me a call, text, or email. Let me know your requested dates, if specific, along with type of class and number of knives you wish to make.
I will respond with the closest availability to your request that is open.
Be aware that short-notice bookings are limited as our schedule fills up quickly.
Weekend or weekday bookings available, including many of the national holidays.
All classes are private. It will be your group only.
We provide all materials and tools needed. You will need to bring leather gloves that fit your hand.
Dress code: Cotton, denim, or other natural fabrics only. No synthetics (including polyester, rayon, spandex). Long pants. Close toed shoes. A hat, bandana, or other sweat band/head covering is recommended but not required. Jeans, t-shirt, sneakers are a perfectly acceptable outfit!
Leather gloves that fit your hand are required. Safety goggles are recommended but not required.
Heat Advisory: The forge is outside under a shed. There are fans but during hot times of the year there is only so much they can do. Be aware of any declared heat advisories during your scheduled class and prepare with additional hydration. Water is always available in the shop.
If you have a medical condition that includes heat sensitivity we recommend scheduling classes during fall, winter, or spring only.
How to Schedule:
Give me a call, text, or email. Let me know your requested dates, if specific, along with type of class and number of knives you wish to make.
I will respond with the closest availability to your request that is open.
Be aware that short-notice bookings are limited as our schedule fills up quickly.
Weekend or weekday bookings available, including many of the national holidays.
All classes are private. It will be your group only.
We have expanded our collaboration with Dan Davis and he is currently teaching some of the workshops! We are excited to welcome him into this instructor position and to be able to expand the number of classes we can offer. We are also able to offer some larger group classes with two instructors. Ask about options for bachelor parties, Father's Day, birthday, etc.
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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! |
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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, we 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 outside 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. Note that the larger the group, the later the class will run.
1-day private class for 1-4 persons: $300 per knife
Ask about multi-day classes for large groups. All classes are priced per knife.
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. Note that the larger the group, the later the class will run.
1-day private class for 1-4 persons: $300 per knife
Ask about multi-day classes for large groups. All classes are priced per knife.
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!
1-Day Primitive Rail Road Spike Knife for 1-6 persons: $150 per knife
Ask about multi-day classes for larger groups. All classes are priced per knife.
1-Day Primitive Rail Road Spike Knife for 1-6 persons: $150 per knife
Ask about multi-day classes for larger groups. All classes are priced per knife.
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 person: $350 per knife Ask about multi-day classes for more than 2 karambits. All classes are priced per knife. |
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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 per person and run about 3 hours. Large group classes are priced based on the number of people and run all day. Please contact me for more information.
Clay Tempering Lab
You will create a knife blade and then differentially harden the blade using the clay coating method developed in ancient Japan. Our goal is to give you an understanding of the processes involved, the reasons for this method, and the actual experience of making the blade. This is an intensive two-day private hands-on lab. The focus will be on both doing the work and also understanding the processes involved.
Please see our Clay Tempering Lab page for more details, including pricing.
Please see our Clay Tempering Lab page for more details, including pricing.
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FAQ
Where is your shop?
Winnsboro, TX – about 50 miles north of Tyler, TX; 15 miles south of I-30; 90 minutes east of 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! If your preferred date is not available we will coordinate a date that is.
I want to buy a class as a gift, how do I schedule that?
Contact me for gift certificate requests.
What payment forms do you accept?
We prefer cash or check the day of the class. CashApp or Venmo by advance arrangement.
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?
Contact me with exact details of what you are wanting and we can work out the particulars. Bear in mind that multiple days may be needed for larger groups.
Do you teach kids?
Yes, I do teach kids over the age of 12 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 12 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 already have blacksmithing or metalworking experience and 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 to discuss it. I am considering future courses but do not have a time frame in mind for implementing them.
Winnsboro, TX – about 50 miles north of Tyler, TX; 15 miles south of I-30; 90 minutes east of 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! If your preferred date is not available we will coordinate a date that is.
I want to buy a class as a gift, how do I schedule that?
Contact me for gift certificate requests.
What payment forms do you accept?
We prefer cash or check the day of the class. CashApp or Venmo by advance arrangement.
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?
Contact me with exact details of what you are wanting and we can work out the particulars. Bear in mind that multiple days may be needed for larger groups.
Do you teach kids?
Yes, I do teach kids over the age of 12 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 12 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 already have blacksmithing or metalworking experience and 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 to discuss it. I am considering future courses but do not have a time frame in mind for implementing them.