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List of Blacksmithing Classes in Michigan

Michigan is a state in the Midwest region and is surrounded by the Great Lakes. Its geography means it is economically interconnected with Canada and other states, as its many waterways and bridges connect the peninsular state to other areas and allow for movement of goods.

Michigan produces much of the United States’s dairy, Christmas trees, and most famously, vehicles. General Motors, Ford, and other automotive companies are headquartered in Michigan and represent the industrial capacities of the state. Like other states across America, this industrial spirit may well have started in the forge.

The blacksmith shop was a necessary business found in most small towns across rural Michigan in the 18th and 19th centuries. Smiths worked as jacks of all trades to create and repair a range of everyday tools. Smithing would have inevitably suffered as Michigan’s population and economy grew and the transition to large-scale manufacturing replaced small-town craftspeople.

Despite economic changes and growth within Michigan, blacksmithing continues to thrive in the state. Independent blacksmith shops, historical sites, and art schools offer blacksmithing classes that are appropriate for all skill levels and interests. Below are some of the best class offerings available in Michigan this year.

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1) CJ Forge

Type: Blacksmithing
Classes: private one-on-one, small group, weekdays and weekends, evenings
Price: $204-$414
Website: http://www.cjforge.net/
Telephone: (248) 543-4010
Location: 86 E. Ten Mile Rd Hazel Park, MI 48030

For over 15 years, CJ Forge has provided custom metalwork and classes to its community. Donny Miller, the owner and instructor at CJ forge, is an artist blacksmith who instructs students in the fundamentals of the craft.

Classes at CJ Forge are private, one-on-one, and scheduled based on student needs, so if you are looking for instruction that is completely tailored to you, this location may be a great option for you.

Each class builds on the basics and is centered around completing a project chosen by students. Options include blades, fireplace tools, decorative leaves, and hooks depending on the student’s skill level and interests.

2) Osborne Forge

Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
Classes: small group, one and two day courses
Price: $250-$600
Website: http://www.osborneforge.com/
Telephone: (734) 680-6689
Location: 2277 Willow Road, Milan, MI 48160

Chad Osborne, owner and operator of Osborne Forge, has been a farrier for 26 years and began forging swords and knives as a child. He is a certified Journeyman blacksmith who enjoys teaching classes and crafting custom pieces.

Osborne offers blacksmithing and bladesmithing courses appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. It is important to note that most of his classes require past experience or the completion of his “Introduction to Blacksmithing and Bladesmithing” class in order to participate. In this foundational class, Osborne helps students become comfortable in the workshop and teaches how to forge barn hooks and a railroad spike knife.

Other class offerings at Osborne Forge focus on the creation of Damascus knives, chef’s knives, hunters knives, camp knives, and tomahawks. Most bladesmithing courses take place over two days, so they do require a larger time commitment.

An exciting new offering coming to Osborne Forge in 2021 is sword making! Call or email to find out more about this class or any others listed here.

3) Smith Shop

Type: Blacksmithing, Knife Making
Classes: small group (1-6 students), evenings, weekends
Price: $400-$485
Website: https://smithshop.com/
Telephone: (313) 559-2237
Location: 180 Victor St Highland Park MI 48203

Smith Shop was founded in 2012 by Gabriel Craig and Amy Weiks, who have been metalsmithing for years and have received BFAs and MFAs in metalworking. Craig and Weiks are recognized nationally for their work, which has been featured in many prestigious art museums.

Blacksmithing classes at Smith Shop include “Beginning Blacksmithing,” “Intermediate Blacksmithing,” and“Knife Making.” Classes cover the basics of smithing and added tips and tricks enhance the learning experience. Students complete their own projects like hammers, knives, and hooks.

Classes take place on evenings and weekends, so they are accommodating for people who work typical daytime schedules. Materials are provided, and small class sizes encourage interaction with other students and the instructor.

4) The Michigan Folk School

Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, Open Studio
Classes: small group, weekends, 1-2 days
Price: $45-$310
Website: https://www.mifolkschool.com/blacksmithing.html
Telephone: (734) 436-8973
Location: 7734 Plymouth Rd Ann Arbor, MI 48105

The Michigan Folk School is an organization dedicated to teaching traditional crafts through hands-on experiences. The school offers a wide range of classes, but some of their most popular are blacksmithing and bladesmithing. Most classes are taught by Wade Buck, a metal artist with over a decade of experience.

Beginner level classes are offered in blacksmithing and bladesmithing. Students learn how to use tools of the forge and learn skills like drawing and bending, profiling, beveling, heat treating, and finishing depending on the class chosen. Beginner blacksmiths create an S hook to take home, and beginner blade smiths craft a small knife.

Classes at The Michigan Folk School are also appropriate for intermediate level blacksmiths. Fire poker and tongs classes are offered to students who have already completed the beginner level courses. These classes are great opportunities to make your own tools under the guidance of a professional.

Open Studio times are available on Sundays in three hour blocks. This is an affordable way to work in a forge if you do not have a home setup. All tools are provided and Open Studios are supervised if you need assistance.

5) Tillers International

Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing,
Classes: small group, all day, weekday, weekend
Price: $275-$650
Website: http://www.tillersinternational.org/classes?category=Blacksmithing+%26+Metalwork
Telephone: (269) 626-0223
Location: 10515 OP Ave E Scotts, MI 49088

Tillers International is a non profit organization working to teach agricultural and traditional practices to people domestically and internationally. It was founded in 1984, and has since worked with farmers in Africa to help them improve their techniques and has established a school at its headquarters for American students.

The blacksmithing offerings at Tiller International are extensive and unique to competitors. Students can choose from classes such as “Advanced Blacksmithing,” “Blacksmithing for Women,” “Intro to Blacksmithing,” and many more. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced smiths would all benefit from taking classes at Tiller International.

Classes are expensive compared to the other options discussed, so take your budget into consideration before signing up. Several classes are held on weekdays and last a full day, so they are best suited to people working flexible schedules.

6) Troy Historic Village

Type: Blacksmithing, open forge
Classes: small group (1-4 students), family classes
Price: $150-$270
Website: https://www.troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/blacksmithing/
Telephone: (248) 524-3570
Location: 60 W. Wattles Rd Troy, Michigan 48098

Troy Historic Village is a living history museum that replicates a typical early 19th century village. As part of the Troy Historical Society, the Village hosts events and classes for Society members and non-members alike.

Blacksmithing classes at Troy Historic Village are appropriate for beginner and intermediate smiths. Two types of classes are offered: “Family Blacksmithing,” a private family class for ages nine and up, and “Anvil Time,” which is an open forge class. Both classes are centered around the completion of projects like tapered nails or student’s choice.

The family-friendly nature of classes sets Troy Historic Village apart. If you are a smith and a parent who wants to introduce blacksmithing to your child, these classes are a great opportunity to do so.

7) Combat Ready Art

Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
Classes: small group, private, child-friendly, 2-8 hour sessions
Price: $30-$160
Website: https://www.combatreadyart.com/
Telephone: (269) 569-1741
Location: 436 N. Park St. Studio 123 Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Jon Reeves is the blacksmith behind Combat Ready Art. He is an artist blacksmith and the Director of Technical Theater at Kalamazoo College. When he isn’t working on commissioned art, Reeves offers blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes appropriate for the whole family.

Classes are organized by techniques and projects. Complete beginners who want to dive into blacksmithing should consider taking the Beginner Blacksmithing class. This two hour long class teaches students the fundamentals of forging. Choose to create an S hook or a decorative snake.

Bladesmithing enthusiasts can choose to create a railroad spike knife, Damascus knife, billet knife, or cheese knife.

Other project options include wands and flowers.

8) Steel Rose Forge

Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, Welding
Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, mornings, evenings, child-friendly
Price: $100-$250
Website: https://www.steelroseforge.com/
Telephone: (810) 656-2080
Location: 3119 Merle Dr. Columbiaville, MI 48421

Steel Rose Forge was founded by artist blacksmith Bill Palmer. After starting his apprenticeship as a farrier in 1985 and working in the field for a number of years, Palmer transitioned to producing ornamental iron for family and clients.

He now offers classes in addition to creating custom artwork. Classes at Steel Rose Forge are appropriate for beginners, children, singles, and couples.

Palmer offers two very basic classes for those interested in beginner knife making. His railroad spike knife class is perfect for complete newbies, as it only requires a few basic skills like hammering. This class is a good introduction to forging knife-shaped objects.

Students can also choose to create a knife out of a horseshoe. This unique project also requires only beginner-friendly skills like hammering and simple shaping.

Couples interested in forging can take a date night class that covers blacksmithing, welding, and torching techniques. Students design and forge their own projects under the supervision of Bill Palmer.

9) Michigan Artist Blacksmith Association

Type: Blacksmithing
Classes: demonstrations, open forge, hammer-ins
Price: $20-$75 (see website sign up sheet for more information)
Website: http://miblacksmith.org/index.html
Telephone: N/A
Location: Meets in many locations around Michigan

The Michigan Artist Blacksmith Association or MABA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating blacksmiths living in the state of Michigan and sharing the art of blacksmithing with the public.

MABA was founded in 1979 and has since grown to approximately 450 members. The organization is an affiliate with ABANA.

Becoming a member of MABA is very affordable. Discounts apply depending on age and membership duration. New members can sign up for one to three years of membership.

The Michigan Artist Blacksmith Association offers many fun and educational events each month. Meetings and demonstrations are hosted by different members in various locations across the state. Upcoming demonstrations include plant hangers, flowers, and Damascus. Open Forge is sometimes offered in lieu of demonstrations.

MABA will also be hosting a hammer-in this May. The hammer-in details will be announced later, but it is a full-day event the whole family will enjoy!

10) Bavarian Blacksmith Experience

Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings, child-friendly, open forge
Price: $30-$150
Website: https://www.blacksmithexperience.com/
Telephone: (989) 721-4604
Location: 925 S. Main St. Unit D6 Frankenmuth, MI 48734

Bavarian Blacksmith Experience offers historical blacksmithing classes in Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.” With a range of child-friendly classes at affordable prices, this option is fun for the whole family.

Participants can choose between short, medium, and long experiences. Short experiences take about 15-20 minutes and projects include runes and candy canes.

Medium-length experiences introduce participants to knife making or wand making. Long experiences are 45 minutes to an hour and teach students how to craft their very own dagger.

Other class options include seasonal projects and open forge. Contact Bavarian Blacksmith Experience or visit their website for more information on these offerings.

11) Leprechaun Lair Forge

Type: Blacksmithing
Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, 2 hour sessions, full day sessions
Price: $175-$900
Website: https://www.llforge.com/
Telephone: (231) 571-7925
Location: 1711 E. Zimmer Rd. Shelby, MI 49455

Leprechaun Lair Forge is owned and operated by Mike Bailey, a finalist on Forged in Fire. Bailey has been blacksmithing for over a decade and offers a wide range of classes at his forge.

Current class offerings include a Learn to Forge introductory class and several project-based classes. Projects include steel roses, copper lilies, Damascus knives, and railroad spike knives.

Regardless of the class you choose, techniques covered include squaring, tapering, bending, twisting, scrolling, grinding, soldering, and quenching.