Can I learn blacksmithing in the bay area? Yes, there are several classes available in the greater bay area for prospective blacksmiths. Although the area is known for being a technology hub, blacksmithing has been a big part of its history for a long time.
Depending on what you want to do as a blacksmith, there are several classes to choose from. Some courses offer artistic lessons, while others aim to teach the basics. I’ve also seen classes that allow for group work and accommodate families.
If you wish to learn the craft, here are seven blacksmithing classes bay area that I recommend regardless of skill level.
Top 7 Blacksmithing Classes In Bay Area
The Bay Area has many classes for aspiring blacksmiths. Here are a few that I recommend;
1. The Crucible
- Location: 1260 7th St. Oakland, CA 94607
- Type: Welding, Blacksmithing, Glassblowing
- Time: 3 -15 hours
- Cost: $200 – $470
- Instructors: Chris Niemer
- Website: https://www.thecrucible.org/
- Telephone: (510) 444-0919
- Number of participants: 1-6 students per class
- Restrictions: Classes cannot have less than six learners
The Crucible was created in 1999 to offer opportunities for local enthusiasts to learn blacksmithing. The organization is non-profit and has grown to become one of the US’s most prominent industrial arts collectives.
Since it offers classes to people of all ages, the Crucible is the ideal place for families to learn blacksmithing together. Additionally, courses are tailored to suit each student’s skill and knowledge level.
The Crucible’s classes often last between 3 and 15 hours depending on what you want to learn. A three-hour class provides the basics, while a commitment of 15 hours gives you in-depth knowledge of the art. You can enroll online or call the office to reserve a spot. // Classes In Texas //
Pros
- Perfect for families and groups of friends as well as team building
- Offers scholarships
- Provides hands-on classes for all students regardless of skill level
Cons
- Classes are expensive
2. Forged Axes
- Location: Oakland, CA
- Type: Bladesmithing, blacksmithing
- Time: Weekends
- Cost: $420 – $550
- Instructors: James Austin
- Website: http://forgedaxes.com/
- Telephone: N/A
- Number of participants: 4
- Restrictions: Students must follow covid safety rules
James Austin learned the craft of blacksmithing in Germany for three years and finished in 1985. He spent three more years working and honing his skills in Germany, Italy, and England before returning to the US.
The blacksmith’s workshop focuses on knifemaking and ax-making as part of a collection of historical items. His classes offer lessons in traditional metalworking while teaching about the history of Viking culture.
Some of the scheduled classes include bladesmithing, the basics of blacksmithing, and forge welding. I’d recommend James’ courses if you’re a big fan of Viking history. The Forged Axes website provides information about their courses. Alternatively, you can call their office to inquire and enroll.
Pros
- Students can request the subjects they want to learn in class
- Small class sizes ensure that each student gets enough personalized attention
- There are lessons for beginners as well as advanced blacksmiths
Cons
- Ranging between $400 and $600 per class, Forged Axes is expensive.
3. McLellan Blacksmithing
- Location: 6961 Horseshoe Bar Road, Loomis, CA 95650
- Type: Bladesmithing, Blacksmithing, Welding
- Time: 1 – 4 days
- Cost: $50 – $150
- Instructors: John McLellan
- Website: https://mclellanblacksmithing.com/
- Telephone: (916) 652-5790
- Number of participants: N/A
- Restrictions: N/A
John McLellan, founder, and operator of McLellan blacksmithing started practicing the craft at eight years. He joined the California Blacksmith Association in the late 70s and has gained a lot of industry experience. His connections and skills make his blacksmithing classes some of the most educative in the bay area.
McLellan blacksmithing classes are scheduled according to what the end product of each will be. Classes about making tongs and Damascus knives introduce basic blacksmithing techniques.
John’s classes are tailored to each student’s skill level and are relatively cheap. I recommend McLellan Blacksmithing courses for anyone with a basic understanding of the craft who wants to sharpen their skills. // Classes In California //
Pros
- Classes are tailored to suit each student’s knowledge level
- McLellan classes are essential to qualify for a blacksmith apprentice certificate
Cons
- Students have to be members of the California Blacksmiths Association
4. School of Visual Philosophy
- Location: 1065 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
- Type: blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Time: 6 hours
- Cost: $150
- Instructors: Tracey Chavers, Kristin Fjeldheim, Yori Seeger
- Website: https://www.schoolofvisualphilosophy.com/
- Telephone: (831) 205-3406
- Number of participants: N/A
- Restrictions: Children under the age of 14 are not allowed
The School of Visual Philosophy was founded in 2013 by Yori Seeger and his wife, Dana. Both husband and wife are professional artists with formal training. Yori is a sculpture artist, while his wife specializes in painting and printmaking.
Supported by the County of Santa Clara and SV Creates, the School of Philosophy offers a wide range of classes, including printmaking, bladesmithing, and blacksmithing. The classes cost an average of $150 and usually classes last half a day. You can visit the school’s website to check availability, and costs and to enroll for courses.
Previous learners praise the school, saying that the teachers provide personalized attention, and the atmosphere is fun in class. // Classes In New Jersey //
Pros
- Students are allowed to make pieces after a brief introduction
- Long classes give students plenty of time to learn
Cons
- Children under 14 years are not allowed
5. Metal Works SF
- Location: 1544 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Type: Jewelry fabrication, wax casting
- Time: 3 hours
- Cost: $500
- Instructors: Emma Macchiarini
- Website: http://www.metalworkssf.com/
- Telephone: (415) 260-0096
- Number of participants: Up to 12 people
- Restrictions: Can only accept up to 12 people per group
Metal Works SF was founded by Emma Maccharini and her father, Daniel Macchiarini, in 2015. The school prides itself on being one of the few woman-led schools in the bay area.
Classes in Metal Works SF are detailed and intimate, drawing from decades of blacksmithing excellence. Since the school benefits from the knowledge of three generations of blacksmiths, both novice and skilled students stand to learn a lot.
Metal Works SF allows students to enjoy casting and fabricating crafts by hand. Students learn metalwork the traditional way, so they are familiar with the process by the end of the classes. You can easily learn about and join Metal Works’ classes on their website. // Classes In NYC //
Pros
- Allows students to fabricate crafts by hand
- Accepts students regardless of social or economic differences
- If a student gets sick and cannot attend class due to quarantine, they can be refunded
Cons
- Deposits are rarely refunded, whatever the reason
6. Metal Arts Academy
- Location: 1039 High Street, Auburn, CA 95603
- Type: Coppersmithing, Jewelry making
- Time: 4 days
- Cost: Depends on the class you choose but ranges between $55 – $620
- Instructors: Michael Kosinski, Douglas Pryor, Keith Ryan, Amber Lidskin
- Website: https://metalartsacademy.com/
- Telephone: (530) 820-3278
- Number of participants: Minimum of 2 students per class
- Restrictions: The class has to have at least two students
Metal Arts Academy’s goal is to provide skills that will allow students to launch careers in blacksmithing while expressing their artistic ideas. The academy’s instructors are highly experienced, meaning students get detailed lessons and skills.
Students learn through repetition in an environment that fosters attention to detail. Jewelry lessons include design, casting, fabrication, and chasing. The curriculum is divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
The metalwork courses offered include coppersmithing, sculpting, and tool embellishment. To join, you can phone them or visit the Metal Arts Academy webpage.
Pros
- Has classes for several different metalworking disciplines
- Classes are organized according to skill level
- The tutors give each student lots of individualized attention
Cons
- Classes are generally expensive
7. Quyle Kilns
- Location: 3353 E. Hwy 4 Murphys, CA 95247
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Time: First Saturday of each month
- Cost: Contact to inquire about the cost
- Instructors: Tim Mann, Mario Baggiolini, Georg O’Gorman
- Website: http://quylekilns.com/
- Telephone: (209) 728-9967
- Number of participants: N/A
- Restrictions: Students must be a member of the California Blacksmith Association
Quyle Kilns has operated since the 80s, making it one of the oldest blacksmithing classes in the bay area sponsored by the California Blacksmith Association. Its blacksmith learning area has five learning posts and one teaching area, each fitted with a forge, anvil, and fire tools.
Classes offered include introductory level and advanced level. Introductory courses target students with no prior experience with blacksmithing, while advanced classes are for blacksmiths who want to hone their skills.
Introductory blacksmith classes (Level one) are held every first Saturday of the month. Advanced-level classes are held on every third Saturday of the month. You can enroll for Quyle Kiln classes online but must be a California Blacksmiths member to attend.
Pros
- The school has classes for beginners and relatively skilled blacksmiths
- Classes are cheap since the only cost incurred is the cost of materials
Cons
- You must be a California Blacksmiths member to attend the workshops
Conclusion
Blacksmithing can be a rewarding career if you’re drawn to the creative arts. The first step to becoming a blacksmith is enrolling in blacksmithing courses. I’d also suggest you join a blacksmiths association. Joining an association will give you access to more classes and connect you to people who will advance your future career.
There are several courses available depending on where you reside, your budget, and your skill level. Hence, you should research before enrolling in classes to ensure you get the best course. If you want to start your journey in crafting, start with any of these 7 best bay areas blacksmithing classes!
