Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

Railroad spikes serve many purposes in the world of blacksmithing, but now you can take it to the next level by making your own railroad spike knife! In this one-day class, you will learn shop safety, twisting the handle, forging the blade, shaping, quenching, beveling, and putting on an edge. By the end of this class, each student will have completed their own railroad spike knife to take home.   Instructor will provide: all necessary equipment, supplies, beverages, and snacks. You will need to wear/bring: long pants, leather shoes (boots preferred), safety glasses/hearing protection, and lunch. You may bring your own hammer/tools if you prefer. Prerequisite: some blacksmithing experience is helpful but not required.

Join Mark for a fun class where you will learn to make a small mouse hawk from a railroad spike! The mouse hawk is perfect for throwing or chopping kindling. You will learn how to upset the metal, use the pein of the hammer to move metal, pierce the spike using a chisel, and heat treat to harden the edge. Have some fun, learn some new skills, and go home with a mouse hawk from Homestead Blacksmith! Instructor will provide: all necessary equipment, supplies, beverages, and snacks. You will need to wear/bring: long pants, leather shoes (boots preferred), gloves, safety glasses/hearing protection, face mask, and your lunch. You may bring your own hammer/tools, if you prefer.

Come and learn to make and grind your own knife from basic materials. Start with a piece of steel and some wood - add a little labor and guidance - a knife will materialize. Open to all skill levels. Be prepared to come to work and be challenged. Basic blacksmithing skills preferred. $150 class fee to be collected at time of class by Tunnel Mill Crafts; includes instructor fees and a light lunch. Cash or Check only