Intro To The Hand Forged Blade Workshop: Session B
This workshop will cover the basics of forging, grinding, heat treating, and sharpening of a small utility knife. The instructor will discuss fit and finish, overall knife design, how to sharpen and care for knives, and how to begin making knives on your own. Students should expect to forge several blades over the weekend, and get at least one to the point of a usable knife.
Hand Forged Kitchen Knife Workshop
In this immersive 3-day workshop, students will craft a hand-forged steel kitchen knife, complete with a custom wooden handle. Learn essential blacksmithing skills including forging the blade to shape, precise grinding to refine the edge, and expert sharpening techniques to achieve a razor-sharp finish. The class also covers handle design and fitting, heat treating for durability, and finishing techniques to create a knife that is both functional and beautiful. Walk away with a one-of-a-kind kitchen knife you made yourself and the skills to forge more in the future.
Wizard Head Bottle Openers Workshop
In this fun and challenging one-day workshop, students will hand-forge bottle openers from ½” square mild steel, practicing core blacksmithing skills along the way. Ideal for those who have completed an Intro to Blacksmithing or Blacksmithing course, this project reinforces techniques like drawing down, punching, chiseling, scrolling, and finishing – all while allowing room for personal creative flair.
Teen Blacksmithing: Session C
This class will teach teen students basic forging techniques. Students will learn how to build and maintain a coal fire, and use the new skills to make several small projects such as hooks, fire pokers, and hand forged jewelry. Students will need safety glasses, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly. Please note: NO class on 3/17
Introduction To Blacksmithing: Session C
Come learn the basics of forging steel in the GAC blacksmith forge. Geared towards the absolute beginner, this workshop is designed to be educational and enjoyable for everyone. Learn techniques to build confidence in the forge under the guidance of experienced instructors. Students will shape and forge hot steel using a hammer and an anvil to complete a variety of projects.
Students will need safety glasses, dust mask or respirator, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly
Forging Roses Workshop: Session B
Forge stunning iron roses to give as a gift or incorporate into your own projects. Roses are iconic in forged ironwork, architectural metal accents, and as standalone sculptures, and this workshop encourages your own unique interpretations. You’ll explore key blacksmithing techniques including sheet metal forming, riveting, symmetrical bending, and slitting to bring your rose to life.
ABANA Open Forge: Session C
Open forge time for students who have completed one or more of GAC's ABANA Certification workshops to practice and continue projects. Please note: NO class on 3/17
Making Cooking Pans Workshop
Learn essential forging techniques to create a durable, functional pan perfect for everyday use or display.
Garden Tools Workshop
Students can get ready for the spring gardening season, creating utensils to work the soil. We will fashion a hand trowel using an old railroad spike, a hand rake and, time permitting, a weeding tool. Students will need safety glasses, leather work (fireplace) gloves, and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly. For full-day workshops, please bring a lunch to be on the safe side, as there may or may not be time to get food during a lunch break.
Knife Sharpening Workshop: Session B
Learn the essentials of knife sharpening using stones and honing tools to achieve a clean, precise edge. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to maintain their kitchen or workshop knives with confidence.