List of Blacksmithing Classes in Idaho
Idaho is a northwestern state that is home to both wild landscapes and creative cities.
While Idaho is one of the least populous states in America, it has a thriving crafts culture that emphasizes traditional hobbies and careers.
Blacksmiths living in Idaho will be pleased to know that there are classes, workshops, demonstrations, and organization memberships in both the northern and southern regions of the state.
Whether you live in bustling Boise or a smaller community, there are plenty of ways to get involved in Idaho’s blacksmithing culture.
Blacksmiths of all ages and skill levels can learn beginner blacksmithing or advance their skills in classes and other learning opportunities.
New and experienced smiths should also check out membership opportunities with regional blacksmithing organizations.
Here are the top blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes being offered in the state of Idaho this year.
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1) Boise Blacksmith/Forge 56
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing,
- Classes: small group, private, multiple weeks, weekdays, weekends, full day
- Price: $100-$250
- Website: http://www.boiseblacksmith.com/home.html
- Telephone: (208) 954-1078
- Location: 8828 W. Kiowa Dr. Boise, ID 83709
Boise Blacksmith/Forge 56 is owned and operated by Harry Black. He has years of experience in both blacksmithing and bladesmithing, but focuses on knife making.
Black is a member of regional blacksmithing associations and has been featured on Forged in Fire. He offers introductory blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes that are ideal for beginner and intermediate smiths.
Knife making classes cover designing, cutting, grinding, heat treating, polishing, making a guard, and making a handle. Blacksmithing classes teach students how to draw out, upset, punch, taper, and much more.
The blacksmithing class option covers traditional techniques and does not include any knife making.
2) Fire Iron Forge
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, private, multiple sessions, mornings, evenings, weekdays, weekends
- Price: $30-$35
- Website: https://fireironforge.com/
- Telephone: (208) 620-8438
- Location: 7270 Crenshaw St. Rathdrum, ID 83858
Fire Iron Forge is owned and operated by David, a blacksmith who is passionate about passing down his knowledge to younger students.
Classes at Fire Iron Forge are organized into two formats. Project specific classes teach students how to forge certain items. Bottle openers and knives are just two project options students can choose from.
For those serious about learning traditional blacksmithing methods, Fire Iron Forge offers a national curriculum of classes. These classes are organized in levels 1, 2, and 3. Level 1 focuses on the basics of blacksmithing. Students learn about the tools and techniques required to make simple items.
Level 2 expands on the skills learned in level 1. It also introduces students to business skills and other practical advice for a career in blacksmithing and metalworking.
Level 3 challenges students to learn ornamental ironwork techniques. Classes that follow the national curriculum are completed in 40-50 hours. The comprehensive instruction offered in this option make it great for younger smiths considering a career in the field or older smiths who want to expand upon their skills.
3) The Pilgrim Soul Forge
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, Welding
- Classes: small group, flexible scheduling
- Price: $375
- Website: http://www.grantsforge.com/classes__enrollment_instructions
- Telephone: (208) 597-1605
- Location: 494993 US-95 Naples, ID 83847
The Pilgrim Soul Forge is owned and operated by Grant R. Marcoux. He specializes in creating custom ironwork in the French deco style. When he isn’t working on commissions, Marcoux offers creative metalworking classes for beginner and intermediate students.
Beginner and intermediate blacksmithing classes at The Pilgrim Soul Forge cover basic techniques. Students gain confidence at the anvil and learn about the tools and processes used in blacksmithing.
Bladesmithing classes are also geared towards beginner and intermediate students. Participants learn to make a four inch outdoor knife. Handle making and guard making are also covered.
In addition to blacksmithing and bladesmithing, Grant R. Marcoux offers welding classes. These are great opportunities for blacksmiths who want to learn ornamental ironwork.
Marcoux prides himself on offering creative and fun classes tailored to his students. The Pilgrim Soul Forge operates based on flexible scheduling, so if you see a class you want to take, give Marcoux a call to work out a date and time that is best for you.
4) Alpenglow Metal Works
- Type: Blacksmithing, Welding
- Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, half day, open shop
- Price: $50-$200
- Website: https://alpenglowmetalworks.com/
- Telephone: (208) 863-4699
- Location: 9922 Utahan Boise, ID 83714
Alpenglow Metal Works was founded in 1995 and is a blacksmithing and welding workshop that specializes in custom ironwork.
Beginner level classes in blacksmithing and arc and metal inert gas welding are available every day of the week. Classes last about half the day and teach the basics of each type of metalworking.
Blacksmithing students learn basic hammer control. An emphasis is placed on this skill because it is so foundational to safe and effective blacksmithing. Other techniques are covered for students with more experience.
Students who complete both the blacksmithing and welding courses at Alpenglow Metal Works are welcome to participate in open shop opportunities. This is a great way to work on projects if you do not have a home setup.
Because the classes at Alpenglow are so basic, this option is best for those with no previous experience or minimal experience.
5) Columbia Fire & Iron
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, meetings, hammer-ins, demonstrations
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: http://columbiafireandiron.org/
- Telephone: (509) 413-9727
- Location: Spokane, WA & other locations
Columbia Fire & Iron is a non profit organization dedicated to keeping blacksmithing alive and thriving in the intermountain northwest.
While the organization is located in Spokane, Washington, it invites members from northern Idaho, Washington, and Montana.
Columbia Fire & Iron was established by Steve McGrew in 2013. McGrew served as the president of the organization until his passing in 2021. He was a prolific blacksmith and the designer of the rhino anvil.
Members of Columbia Fire & Iron can get involved in a wide range of organization activities. Workshops, classes, and demonstrations take place regularly on beginner through advanced techniques.
The organization hosts hammer-ins twice per year in Spokane. There is even a book club where members can check out Steve McGrew’s blacksmithing book collection, which he left to Columbia Fire & Iron.
If you have been wanting to meet other smiths in Idaho and the surrounding areas, Columbia Fire & Iron might be the perfect organization to join.