The craft of blacksmithing has always attracted me. After moving to Texas, I’ve discovered several facilities where one may study the craft and obtain the skills necessary to be a competitive blacksmith, whether you’re doing it as a hobby or professionally.
Recently, I’ve been looking for the best facility providing blacksmithing classes that match the skill that I want. As I researched various blacksmithing classes in Texas, I came up with a list of 10 blacksmithing classes to consider if you want to learn how to blacksmith.
I observed that these classes are provided at least once a month to suit most of our schedules. They provide lessons for both beginners and those trying to advance their skills.
Top 10 Blacksmithing Classes In Texas
01. Shadowhawk Blades
Shadowhawk Blades is a local blacksmith shop in North East Texas, around 90 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
Specialize in custom cutlery and historical sword replica and begin blacksmithing lessons and historical blacksmithing demonstrations at festivals across the region.
Also, offer general sharpening, repair and restoration, ax and tool tempering, and custom forge building.
What do they provide in classes?
Shadowhawk Blades provide lessons and private or group lessons for;
- Making a Traditional Knife Workshop
- Primitive Rail Road Spike.
- Karambit Making Classes.
- General Blacksmithing Classes.
What do students say about classes?
A student described the class’s most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had. The instructor is an excellent instructor who genuinely enjoys the work and teaching. The courses are hands-on, with the students completing the job through a supervisor who directs them.
The instructor answered all of my questions, and I had many of them. I returned home with a fantastic knife that I had made.
It is a fantastic experience to enroll in this class. The one-on-one teaching was vital, and it served as a fantastic resource. // Classes in California //
Pros
- The classes offer hands-on skills.
- The instructors are highly qualified.
Cons
- It can only accommodate a limited number of students at a time.
02. Caylor Forge
Caylor Forge began as a family blacksmithing hobby that evolved into an unintentionally significant outreach operation. Every weekend, groups of veterans visit their homes for free knife-making courses in the garage.
While they believed the program would be beneficial, especially for veterans and first responders with PTSD—they were devoting every free moment to it, even though they weren’t convinced it was making a difference.
The Caylor’s are still welcoming out-of-town students into their homes for the time being.
What do they provide in classes?
- Make a Mini Might Horseshoe Knife
- Make your own Ranger Horseshoe Knife
- Make your own Jager Mini RR Spike Knife
- Make your own RR Spike Knife
- Make your Bracelet
What do students say about classes?
The classes are awesome and make students the best experience when learning. Tools are provided, and the instructors are patient enough to ensure every student understands the task at hand,
I began with a block of metal and was guided through the full process of hand-forging a knife. I was given enough steel to make pretty much anything I wanted and was allowed to choose the material for the handle.
Chad was available to assist me in creating whatever I wanted as long as I chose a design that I could accomplish in the two days I was there. Not only that, but this ends up being a natural, strong, heat-treated knife. // Classes In Bay Area //
Pros
- You can learn to make various tools.
- The instructors are well qualified for training.
Cons
- Not cheap.
03. Pioneer Farms
Pioneer Farms is home to a world-class blacksmith shop, a state-of-the-art metalworking shop, and one of the first educational blacksmith shops in the United States.
With our innovative curriculum, our Blacksmithing for Everyone program, and our strong focus on attention to detail, Pioneer Farms has managed to build a community where our students can learn, grow and excel in their blacksmithing.
What do they provide in classes?
The principles of blacksmithing are taught in a fast-paced introduction. Basic hammer abilities, three of the five basic metalworking techniques (cutting, drawing, and bending), identification of metals, and even a first project are covered. Safety training included.
What do students say about classes?
I spent a lot of time learning how to use the machinery here. I have a real passion for working with steel and the blacksmith process. I took a blacksmithing class at Pioneer Farms for a few weeks and learned so much.
Pros
- High-quality learning process.
- Wide variety of courses.
Cons
- It only accommodates a limited number of students at a time.
04. Texas Farrier Supply
Texas Farrier Supply is in the Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers industry and is based in Weatherford, TX. Texas Farrier Supply employs four people across all of its locations.
What do they provide in classes?
It offers blacksmithing 1, intended for those who want to learn about blacksmithing but don’t know where to begin. This lecture covers the components of a coal forge, anvil, tools, proper heat, tapers, bending, and twists.
Two projects will be performed during this one-day workshop, with the chance for hands-on training while using blacksmithing skills. This lesson is required for all subsequent courses and open-forge sessions.
What do students say about classes?
The instructor is very knowledgeable and will guide you through the entire process of blacksmithing. The training classes are a model of quality and safety.
The classes enhance the ability to learn about and understand the physical properties of iron and steel and how to forge iron and steel into a variety of useful products. // Classes In New Jersey //
Pros
- The instructors are highly qualified.
- The classes offer hands-on skills.
Cons
- Not cheap.
05. Heritage Forge
The Heritage Forge evolved from a farrier’s devotion to blacksmithing and preserving western culture. It is a family business based in the California high desert committed to producing high-quality artisan things for your home, ranch, BBQ, etc.
What do they provide in classes?
Heritage Forge classes offer Blacksmithing I is an introductory class that requires no prior blacksmithing experience or abilities.
As you construct and finish your first items in the Forge, you’ll master the essentials of starting and keeping a coal fire, hammering technique, metallurgy basics, and more in Blacksmithing I and Blacksmithing II.
What do students say about classes?
The lessons are fantastic, and students get the finest learning experience possible. Tools are supplied, and instructors are attentive enough to guarantee that each student comprehends the work.
Pros
- The instructors are well qualified for training.
- You can learn to make various tools.
Cons
- Not cheap.
06. Iron Age Crafts
Iron Age Studios was founded on 40 years of combined design and manufacturing skills while working with other bespoke decorative metal firms. Deborah Nesbit has brought together all of the required individuals and components to develop this new artistic endeavor.
Iron Age Studios’ love for this approach and the rhythm of its creations. Iron Age Studio creates individual works of art that are unique to each client’s demands and wishes
What do they provide in classes?
The Iron Age Metal Blacksmithing Class is a hands-on introduction to the art of blacksmithing. You will learn basic functions of the blacksmith trade and Forge craftsmanship, metallurgical techniques, and safety.
After completing the class, you will learn to forge personalized iron items and forge two completely different items and Forge a sword saw, proving your ability to forge a functional blade.
What do students say about classes?
The educated instructors will walk you through the full blacksmithing process. The training courses are exemplary in terms of quality and safety.
The programs help students learn about and comprehend the physical characteristics of iron and steel and how to forge iron and steel into a range of useful items. // Classes In NYC //
Pros
- Quality hands-on courses.
- The instructors are well qualified for training.
Cons
- It only accommodates a limited number of students at a time.
07. Grapevine Blacksmith
Grapevine Blacksmith is a family-owned business serving the community since 1866. Since the beginning, the family-owned and operated company has been dedicated to upholding our mission.
On a local level, Grapevine Blacksmith provides high-quality blacksmithing services, engineering design, and project management to small businesses in the region.
On a larger scale, we support the needs of our community, from providing donated goods and services to organizing community events and advocating for our local businesses.
What do they provide in classes?
Grapevine Blacksmith is committed to providing its students with intensive, hands-on learning opportunities. It is accomplished through our world-class teachers, our expert faculty, and the support and guidance of our knowledgeable and committed staff.
What do students say about classes?
Students say they are helped to be more confident in their abilities. In contrast, others are encouraged to learn more about different blacksmithing techniques, like the fact that we are learning various skills simultaneously. It is just like a puzzle. // Classes In Vermont //
Pros
- The classes offer hands-on skills.
- The instructors are highly qualified.
Cons
- Not cheap.
08. Cooper’s Forge
Charles Cooper owns Cooper’s Forge. He patronizes other local companies for his supplies. He gets the beeswax he uses to conserve the natural appearance of steel while also providing a rust-resistant surface from a beekeeper at the weekly farmer’s market (blacksmiths historically used beeswax to finish their work).
Similarly, a growing proportion of Charles’ clientele is also fellow San Antonio company owners.
What do they provide in classes?
- Introductory Blacksmithing Class
- Damascus Knife Class
- Tool Steel Knife Class
What do students say about classes?
The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and will guide you through the blacksmithing process. The training courses are of the highest quality and safety.
The programs teach students about iron and steel and how to forge iron and steel into various useful things. // Classes In Ohio //
Pros
- You can learn to make various tools.
- The instructors are well qualified for training.
Cons
- Not cheap.
09. Plowshare
Plowshare is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to strengthening the connection between art and skill-based training by providing resources, opportunities, and support to people with limited access to artistic and vocational training.
We focus on the enrichment of individual lives through the practice of art.
What do they provide in classes?
Ploughshare Institute offers Blacksmithing I, an introductory class that requires no prior knowledge or skills in blacksmithing.
In Blacksmithing I and Blacksmithing II, you’ll learn the fundamentals of starting and maintaining a coal fire, hammering technique, metallurgy basics, and more as you build and finish your first items in the Forge.
What do students say about classes?
The students feel very engaged, and they like the courses. They are very enthusiastic about taking the courses, and they have high expectations for themselves.
The student says they have found it very interesting to study more about the different types of tools and how they are designed.
Pros
- You can learn to make various tools.
- The instructors are well qualified for training.
Cons
- Not cheap.
10. SteepHollow ForgeWorks
Steephollow Forgeworks is a metalworking family company. They have a large manufacturing facility and lectures where antique and modern techniques and technology are mixed with over 80 years of in-house custom metal fabrication experience.
What do they provide in classes?
- Basics: Holding Hammer, standing at the anvil, Swinging hammer.
- Techs: Long and short tapers, Two-sided taper, Slitting, Drifting, Chisel work.
What do students say about classes?
The classes are excellent, and you will receive the best learning experience. Materials are provided, and trainers pay close attention to ensure that we understand the subject.
Pros
- The facility provides learning materials.
- Trainers are well qualified for training.
Cons
- It accommodates a limited number of students at a time.
Conclusion
There are three main benefits to learning how to blacksmith: self-reliance, self-confidence, and the ability to create something beautiful. When you learn to use a hammer to forge a piece of steel, you learn its value and how it is used. You also learn to take responsibility for your actions.
