This is a required pre-req for advanced classes to come!

In this class we will cover forging out a small, simple, all-steel knife along with some blacksmithing history, tooling information, and other basic concepts. Once the forging is complete, we will heat treat the knives and then grind to an edge. Students will then be able to take their finished knives home for a final temper in a home oven.

Age 16+ (Under 18 MUST be accompanied by a guardian)

Please wear cotton or non synthetic clothes that you don’t mind getting very dirty, full-length pants, and close-toed shoes.

This is part of our “Art for All” grant funded series that helps remove financial barriers to hands-on learning by offering classes at 40–45% less than our regular rates. This program opens the door for more people to build skills, explore creativity, and learn in a welcoming makerspace environment—because access to education should be for everyone.

Brenden Bohannon is a full-time blacksmith, bladesmith, and lifelong artist hailing from Johnson City Tennessee. The opportunity to appear on the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire” led Brenden to become a full-time teaching Smith. He focuses on iron age designs and functional pieces that will last a lifetime. He started with a forge he spent zero dollars on that he built in the ground, he knows more about starting with nothing than most. He is a great teacher for our Art for All Series to teach those interested in getting into blacksmithing on a budget.