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 and supplies; and 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 helpful, but not required. A $125 supply fee will be collected. Cash or Check only.

In this class, students will learn traditional hand forging skills to make iron items typical of those found in 8th-10th century Norway. Students will make a fire steel, candle holder and Viking knife. Blacksmithing experience helpful, but not required. (See Introduction to the Forge). Instructor will provide: all necessary equipment and supplies; and 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. Prerequisite: none A $125 supply fee will be collected at the class; cash or check only.