Blacksmith Classes

Blacksmith Classes in Indiana

Blacksmithing classes at Brown County Forge in 2026

Gift certificates for Beginners Blacksmithing and Railroad Spike Knife Making classes are available now!

• Beginners Blacksmithing Class Gift Certificates
• Railroad Spike Knife Making Class Gift Certificates

In a hurry? Here are our recommendations for other ways to learn traditional blacksmithing sooner than 2026:

• Ben Abbott Knife Making Course
• Indiana Blacksmithing Association – This is Indiana’s nonprofit organization open to all who are interested in blacksmithing. Satellite groups have regular meetings around the state.
  • For more information, go to: indianablacksmithing.org

For information about Brown County Forge class options, continue reading.

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BEGINNERS BLACKSMITHING CLASS

Beginners Blacksmithing Class Gift Certificates

See what past students have to say about Brown County Forge on the Reviews Page.

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RAILROAD SPIKE KNIFE MAKING CLASS

In this knife making fundamentals class, you will go through the process of hand-forging a blade.

You’ll start with raw material (a high carbon railroad spike) and hammer out a knife you design.

Note: Beginners are welcome! You do not need past experience to take this class. Good hand-eye coordination, some tool knowledge, and arm strength will get the best results.

In class, you will learn:

• How to forge a spike knife from start to finish
• Heat treating processes
• Hand-sharpening techniques
• How to grind knife profiles
• Why and how to quench steel
• The purpose of tempering

Each student will complete the class with a knife they forged themselves.

Class Size:   2 people

Minimum Age:  16 years old (with parent or guardian present)

Price: $240 per person – two person minimum

Don’t know the date yet? You can let them pick later with a gift certificate:

Railroad Spike Knife Making Class Gift Certificates

See what past students have to say about Brown County Forge on the Reviews Page.

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TWO-DAY KNIFE MAKING INTENSIVE

Learn to make your own knife using power and hand tools. 

Day 1: Working with the steel

We’ll start with high carbon steel. 1084 is typical, but we can use farrier’s rasps, hand files, as well as other items.

You will learn about profile shape and function–what makes a drop point different from a Bowie-style knife, for example.

You will grind the profile, grind and file the edge geometry, and heat treat it.

Day 2: Handling and finishing

The second day is all about attaching, sanding, and sealing the handle. You will have your choice of native wood types. 

You will leave Day 2 with the finished knife you designed and made.

[The photo above is a rasp knife with a rosewood handle.]

Size:  2 people

Minimum Age:  16 years old (with parent or guardian present)

Price: $480 per person – two person minimum for private class

For scheduling, send us an email: BrownCountyForge@gmail.com

See what past students have to say about Brown County Forge on the Reviews Page.

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Shop Location:

Clear Creek, Indiana – just south of Bloomington

Note: We operate out of our home workshop. For privacy, full address details are only provided to customers and students.

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Legal Details and Age Requirements

• Accident Waiver and Release of Liability

A signed accident and liability waiver is required before forging at the shop. Forms are provided when you arrive.

Age Limits

If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. They do not have to take the class with you, but they must stay on site.

Class Cancellation and Reschedule Policy

Please read the full Class Cancellation and Reschedule Policy.

If you have to reschedule a class, please do it at least 3 weeks before your class date. This allows me time to fill your spot(s) without negatively impacting fellow students and Brown County Forge.

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