List of Blacksmithing Classes in Iowa
Iowa is a Midwestern state perhaps best known for its manufacturing and agriculture. Iowa became a state in 1846. Before and after its official statehood, Iowa was an area settled by farming families and individuals who required the services of a blacksmith.
Blacksmiths on the frontier created farming tools, household items, horseshoes, and other necessary products that could not be easily purchased in small communities.
The importance of agriculture to Iowa’s early economy allowed blacksmithing to thrive. By the turn of the 20th century, manufacturing had dominated more traditional occupations in most of America. Iowa was no exception.
Blacksmithing quickly became threatened as manufactured goods could be bought for lower prices. However, the similarities between traditional blacksmithing and manufacturing processes like sheet metal and welding means that smithing continues to thrive in the state of Iowa today.
There is a growing interest in metalworking processes like welding, blacksmithing, and bladesmithing. Schools and workshops in both urban and rural Iowa offer blacksmithing classes that keep up with the demand to learn the traditional craft.
The following is a list of the top blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes in the state of Iowa this year.
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1) Vesterheim Folk Art School
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings, full day
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://vesterheim.org/folk-art-school/metalworking/
- Telephone: (563) 382-9681
- Location: 520 W. Water St. Decorah, IA 52101
Vesterheim Folk Art School is part of the larger Vesterheim organization. Together, both institutions form the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School.
Vesterheim is the largest Norwegian-American museum in the country. The non profit organization teaches visitors about the history of Norwegian settlers through artifacts, buildings, library archives, and programming for all ages.
The Folk Art School at Vesterheim teaches students traditional crafts like metalwork, fiber art, language, woodworking, painting, and much more.
Blacksmithing classes are taught by teachers from America and Norway. They offer unique courses focusing on traditional Norwegian knife making and other historical metalworking processes.
Students learn the skills necessary to create their own hooks, tools, hardware, candle holders and locks.
Besides blacksmithing and bladesmithing, students can also learn inlaying forging and tinsmithing.
Make sure to contact Vesterheim directly for more information on upcoming metalworking classes.
2) Morgan Valley Forge
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, private
- Price: $775
- Website: https://mvforge.com/
- Telephone: (515) 966-2126
- Location: 115 35th Place Runnells, IA 50237
Morgan Valley Forge is owned and operated by Howard Clark. He is one of the foremost Japanese sword makers in the United States and has been forging for over 3o years.
If you are interested in learning bladesmithing for the first time or want to hone your skills with an expert, Morgan Valley Forge is the place to go.
Students can choose between a basic knife making class or a kitchen knife making class. Beginners should choose the basic option and work up from there.
All classes include materials and tools. Those brand new to smithing will take the time to practice hammering. This ensures that students are comfortable at the forge.
For more information on upcoming class dates and times, be sure to check out Morgan Valley Forge’s website.
3) Villages Folk School
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, weekends, full day, 1-2 days
- Price: $115-$225
- Website: https://villagesfolkschool.com/index.html
- Telephone: (319) 288-0047
- Location: Blacksmith Academy Walnut St. Bentonsport, IA 52565
Villages Folk School is surrounded by eleven historic villages in Van Buren County. The School is dedicated to sharing traditional crafts with visitors and promoting the history of the Midwest.
Students can get inspired to learn and create while spending time in the idyllic, rural setting of the Bentonsport area. Students learn alongside Villages Folk School’s resident artisans in their personal studios and other areas of Van Buren County.
The School’s blacksmithing academy features five forges. Classes are suitable for beginner and intermediate blacksmiths who want to learn new techniques.
Classes cover forging, heat treating, and tempering. Students can choose to create their own blacksmithing tools or several pairs of tongs.
Classes take place on weekends and last all day. Some classes run for two days.
4) Living History Farms
- Type: Blacksmithing,
- Classes: small group, weekends, 3-4 hour class sessions
- Price: $75-$90
- Website: https://www.lhf.org/historic-skills-classes-march-april-2022/
- Telephone: (515) 278-5286
- Location: 11121 Hickman Rd. Urbandale, IA 50322
Living History Farms is an interactive history farm with programming and events for all ages. Living History Farms is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Blacksmithing classes at Living History Farms emphasize traditional forging techniques and are organized by project and skill level.
Beginner blacksmiths learn forge safety, proper tool use, and basic techniques. Intermediate students create items for the home such as candleholders, napkin rings, hooks, and letter openers.
Advanced students can take a Camp Tripod class that covers the techniques required to make a 5-6 foot tall Civil War cooking tripod. Skills covered include drawing out, making bolts, and other advanced techniques.
5) Eastern Roadside Creations
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, private, weekdays, weekends, full day
- Price: $80-$650
- Website: https://ercknives.com/classes
- Telephone: (712) 789-1642
- Location: Des Moines, IA 50311
Eastern Roadside Creations is owned and operated by Carlin “Bear” Al-Andas. He began smithing as a child and refined his craft over several decades. Al-Andas works as a self-employed smith from his workshop in Des Moines.
Classes at Eastern Roadside Creations are super flexible and appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced smiths. Choose the day, time, and class you want to participate in and Al-Andas will work with your needs.
Both blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes are offered. Bladesmithing classes emphasize forging and fitting handles. Damascus forging is available.
Blacksmithing classes teach students to create finished projects like camp tripods, tent spikes, railroad spike knives, forks, and steak flippers.
Contact Eastern Roadside Creations to schedule your unique learning experience.