Class Info

Forge like a real blacksmith

At Fire Iron Forge we have a strong passion to pass on the skills of blacksmithing to anyone that would like to learn. From kids to adults we offer a variety of classes for first timers, and experienced smiths wanting to learn new skills and techniques. We teach male and female students from 5-75. We have taught people with various disabilities, students that were blind, deaf, wheelchair bound, dealing with PTSD, autism, ADHD, and more. If you’d like to learn, we will make a way.

Blacksmithing has been around a very long time. As a result, there are a lot of ways to learn and teach. Generally, blacksmithing education focuses on either project focused learning or skill focused learning. Project focused learning is great, and it is how most blacksmiths teach. Students learn how to make individual items like basic knives, hooks, leaves, bottle openers, keychains, etc. These are fun one time classes, and are a great introduction to forging and blacksmithing. If you’d like a one time experience or how to forge a specific item these classes are perfect. If you’d like more then that check out our skill focused classes.

At Fire Iron Forge, our skill focused classes offer a structured and measurable teaching process that focuses on skill development while forging specific projects. The idea is that if a student can forge steel cleanly, to measurement, by drawing out, upsetting, punching, drifting, forge welding, etc., then they can transfer those skills to make anything they can imagine. With skill focused learning, the student still makes projects, but the focus is learning the skills above all else.

Blacksmith Curriculum

Our skill based blacksmithing classes follow a globally recognized curriculum through ABANA(Artists Blacksmith Association of North America). It is by far the most efficient path for beginner and advanced blacksmiths to develop the skills of an effective blacksmith. There are 3 different levels in the curriculum. Level 1 typically takes about 40-50hrs to complete. When level one is complete the student will have all of the basic skills of forging. From there students continue to more advanced skills through the level 2 and 3 to expand into further tool making, architectural and ornamental blacksmithing. Each completed level earns the student a certification through our shop and ABANA which is recognized world wide. Completion of the level 1 is the equivalent of an Apprentice in other trades like plumbers, welders, electricians, etc. The level 2 is equivalent to a Journeyman, and level 3 that of a Master.

Not sure where to start? Try one of our introduction to knife making classes, or introduction to blacksmithing classes. Or reach out to us, and we can help you find something that best fits what you’re looking for.