List of Blacksmithing Classes in Colorado

Colorado, a Western state located in the Rocky Mountains, has a rich history of blacksmithing and other traditional crafts. The state’s first blacksmiths created farm tools, horseshoes, and even leather goods as vital jacks-of-all-trades within small frontier settlements. 

Today, blacksmithing is appreciated in Colorado as an art form, and one that has continued to gain popularity as local blacksmithing shops offer classes for people of all ages and skill levels. 

Denver in particular possesses a strong arts scene, and this creative spirit extends into the metalworking arts. The history and artistic value of blacksmithing is showcased each year at demonstrations and living history museums around the state.

If you are interested in personalized opportunities to learn blacksmithing, check out the classes listed here. 

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1) Forge with Intention 

• Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, Welding
• Classes: Small group, private, weekday and weekend classes 
• Price: $150-$2,000 
• Website: https://www.forgewithintention.com/
• Telephone: (970) 215-4666
• Location: 1521 1st Street, Berthoud, CO 80513 (45 miles north of Denver)

David Norrie, the owner and lead instructor at Forge with Intention, has been teaching for over 30 years and blacksmithing since the 1970s.

His teaching philosophy is very hands-on and students learn to deliberate and make intentional decisions when working with metal to ensure that each piece made is the best quality possible.

Whether you are just starting blacksmithing or consider yourself an expert, there is a class for you at David’s shop. He offers flexible scheduling and classes tailored to specific projects or interests. Students wanting personalized instruction should consider his one-on-one classes, as these allow for fast progression through advanced blacksmithing techniques.

2) Rocky Mountain Smiths

• Type: Blacksmithing 
• Classes: Conferences, large group workshops 
• Price: $20
• Website: https://rockymountainsmiths.org/
• Telephone: (970) 567-2609
• Location:  196 Mule Deer Dr, Loveland, CO 80537 (50 miles north of Denver)

Rocky Mountain Smiths is a blacksmithing organization dedicated to furthering the education of blacksmiths across Colorado. The organization hosts monthly workshops and large conferences all about blacksmithing and related trades.

While these are not individualized classes, they are great, inexpensive opportunities to learn more about different techniques and to network with other blacksmiths in Colorado. All are welcome, and you are sure to learn something from the skilled instructors who host these events.

3) Dragon Forge

• Type: Blacksmithing 
• Classes: Small group, 3 day classes
• Price: $550-$600 
• Website: https://dragonforgeltd.com/
• Telephone: (303) 838-1302
• Location: 1498 Mount Evans Blvd. Pine, CO 80470 (45 miles west of Denver)

Craig May leads Dragon Forge’s blacksmithing classes and creates luxury ironwork pieces for homes.

In his classes, students learn how to hand forge with control using a range of different tools. These classes are suitable for blacksmiths who already know the basics of the trade and would like to hone their skills and experiment with some new techniques that may be unique to the work done at Dragon Forge.

4) Kilroy’s Workshop

• Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, Welding
• Classes: Small group, afternoon, all-day classes 
• Price: $80-$1,600
• Website: https://www.kilroysworkshop.com/
• Telephone: 719.257-3012
• Location:  7358 Cole View Colorado Springs, CO 80915

Kilroy’s Workshop offers a range of classes for youth, adults, beginners, and advanced students. Four of the instructors competed on the Forged with Fire television program, and are considered experts in their fields.

Kilroy’s makes it easy to find and register for classes online, and with so many to choose from, you’re sure to discover one that suits your needs and interests.

Serious blacksmiths should check out the American Blacksmith Association’s master classes, which are held at Kilroy’s annually. These classes prepare students for careers in blacksmithing by covering all necessary skills and techniques.

5) Cowboy Forge

• Type: Blacksmithing 
• Classes: Private 
• Price: Open forge: $20/hour
• Website: https://cowboyforge.com/
• Telephone: 970-903-4036
• Location: 43290 Road J.9 Mancos, CO 81328

Cowboy Forge is owned by Steve Williams, a blacksmith with two decades of forging experience, and almost ten years of teaching experience.

 Currently, private classes and open forge times are available. Learn the basics and improve upon your skills as you work within a professional blacksmithing setting.

6) Colorado Metalsmithing Association

• Type: Blacksmithing, Knife Making  
• Classes: demonstrations, conferences 
• Price: $25-$125 annual membership 
• Website: https://www.coloradometalsmiths.org/
• Telephone: N/A
• Location: 8275 11th Ave. 200514 Denver, CO 80220 

The Colorado Metalsmithing Association (CoMA) is a a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting traditional metalworking in the state of Colorado. The Association was founded in 1994 and membership has since expanded across Colorado and surrounding states. 

A CoMA membership opens many doors for blacksmiths and bladesmiths living and working in Colorado. The organization hosts demonstrations throughout the year, as well as juried gallery shows and exhibitions. 

Every year in July, members of the Colorado Metalsmithing Association meet at a large conference. CoMa emphasizes networking within the field, and this conference and other events are great ways to meet other smiths in your state.