Blacksmith Classes in Indiana
Interested in taking a blacksmithing class?
Brown County Forge offers in-person classes at the blacksmith shop in Bloomington, Indiana:
- Beginners Blacksmithing Classes
- Knife Making Classes
BEGINNERS BLACKSMITHING CLASS
In the Beginners Blacksmithing class, you will learn how to hand-forge a project using a forge, anvil, hammers, and tongs.
We will cover each of the 5 fundamental blacksmithing skills.
This class is great for getting used to the heat and hammerwork involved in blacksmithing.
Each student takes home the project they created.
The Beginners Blacksmithing class is great for:
- Anniversary Gifts
- Bachelor Parties
- Birthdays
- Father’s Day Gifts
- Retirement Gifts
CLASS DETAILS:
Duration: 2-hour Single session
Size: 1 – 4 people
Minimum Age: 14 years old (with parent or guardian present)
Cost: $120 per person
2024 AFTERNOON BLACKSMITH CLASS DATES | 1 – 3 PM
AUGUST: 8/9, 8/16 (3 spots left)
SEPTEMBER: 9/13 (2 spots left)
OCTOBER: 10/4
NOVEMBER: SOLD OUT.
2024 EVENING BLACKSMITH CLASS DATES | 5 – 7 PM
AUGUST: 8/9, 8/16 (3 spots left)
SEPTEMBER: 9/13
OCTOBER: 10/4
NOVEMBER: SOLD OUT.
See what past students have to say about Brown County Forge on the Reviews Page.
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 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 DETAILS:
Duration: 4-hour Single session
Time: 1 – 5 PM
Size: 1 – 4 people
Minimum Age: 16 years old (with parent or guardian present)
Cost: $240 per person
2024 KNIFE CLASS DATES
AUGUST: 8/23, 8/30
SEPTEMBER: 9/6, 9/27
OCTOBER: 10/11, 10/18
NOVEMBER: 11/1, 11/8 (2 spots left)
Where are Blacksmith Classes Held?
In-person Blacksmith Classes are held at:
Brown County Forge
611 W. 11th Street
Bay 18
Bloomington, Indiana 47404
Email: browncountyforge@gmail.com
Full directions to the Bloomington shop are provided after checkout.
FAQs:
- Is there an age limit at Brown County Forge?
Beginners Blacksmithing Class: All students must be at least 14 years old with a parent or guardian present to participate.
- Can I book a weekday class?
Absolutely. We’re happy to accommodate school breaks and irregular work schedules. Email browncountyforge@gmail.com with questions.
- Will I be able to complete the project?
Yes! Every student completes their project by the end of class.
Sometimes people need some assistance, but we’ll work together to get it done.
- Is there a forge class near me?
Absolutely! Brown County Forge is centrally located in southern Indiana. We’ve had students from across the Midwest and around the world attend classes in our Bloomington shop.
Legal Details and Age Requirements
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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