Prerequisite: beginner blacksmithing/bladesmithing workshop OR prior blacksmithing experience.

In this class we will cover forging a railroad spike into a knife and cover some blacksmithing history, tooling information, and other basic concepts. We will also discuss the properties of spike steel, hammering to shape, edge geometry, and basic heat treating. Once the forging is complete, we will heat treat the knives and then sharpen on the grinder.

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.

Note: This is a slightly more physically intensive class than hair stick or seahorse knife. Bring water and be ready to really swing a hammer.

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.

*Supported by partnership with Engage Kingsport. This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee, Tennessee Arts Commission.