List of Blacksmithing Classes in New Jersey
Blacksmithing and bladesmithing are popular in states across the East Coast. The Mid-Atlantic state of New Jersey is no exception.
Due its proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia, residents of New Jersey may feel tempted to look outside their state for blacksmithing opportunities.
However, there are plenty of high-quality blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes and workshops to attend without leaving New Jersey.
Historical sites, craft schools, and organizations in New Jersey work hard to keep blacksmithing and related crafts alive in the state.
Below are the top blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes located across the state of New Jersey. They are appropriate for a range of skill levels and interests.
- Powerful Dual Burners: Equipped with two high-efficiency burners for rapid heating, providing...
- Durable Construction: Made from heavy-duty steel and insulated with fire-resistant materials...
- Large Forging Space: Spacious work area accommodates larger projects, allowing blacksmiths to work...
1) Peters Valley School of Craft
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, full day, multiple days, weekdays, weekends
- Price: $425-$775
- Website: https://petersvalley.org/workshop-category/workshop/?_workshop_ages=adult
- Telephone: (973) 948-5200
- Location: 19 Kuhn Rd. Layton, NJ 07851
Peters Valley School of Craft aims to enrich lives through arts and crafts. The non profit was established in 1970 and includes a campus made up of historic buildings.
The School offers a plethora of blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. Introductory classes are perfect for those new to smithing. Students can choose from bladesmithing or blacksmithing classes.
Beginner bladesmithing students learn to craft kitchen knives with six to eight inch blades. Introductory blacksmithing teaches tapering, bending, fullering, punching, etc. Students create a few small projects during class time.
Other classes at Peters Valley introduce participants to the skills required to make specific projects. Projects include Viking seaxes, forged sculptures, kitchen tools, Bowie knives, and more.
2) Historic Cold Spring Village
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: small group
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://hcsv.org/learn/workshops-classes/
- Telephone: (609) 898-2300
- Location: 720 US 9 Cape May, NJ 08204
Historic Cold Spring Village (HCSV) is a non profit living history museum teaching early American history. HCSV’s work includes historical preservation, community education, and tourism.
The Folk School at Historic Cold Spring Village offers traditional craft classes for all ages. Blacksmithing classes take place throughout the year and are beginner-friendly.
For more information on upcoming class dates and pricing, contact Historic Cold Spring Village directly at the website or phone number listed above.
3) The Historic Village at Allaire
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: demonstrations
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://allairevillage.org/black-smith-shops/
- Telephone: (732) 919-8500
- Location: 4263 Atlantic Ave. Farmingdale, NJ 07727
The Historic Village at Allaire is one of the top living history museums in the state of New Jersey. The museum is located on the site of an iron producing factory town that existed in the 1800s. The self-sufficient town called Howell Iron Works included its own blacksmith shop.
The blacksmith shop at The Historic Village at Allaire dates to the 1830s and is still in use today. Visitors can watch the village blacksmith craft a range of historically accurate items.
This opportunity is ideal for those interested in historical blacksmithing or those who want to see blacksmithing up close before trying it out themselves.
4) New Jersey Blacksmith’s Association
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: meetings, demonstrations, workshops
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://njblacksmiths.org/
- Telephone: N/A
- Location: Multiple locations across New Jersey
The New Jersey Blacksmith’s Association is a non profit organization that brings together blacksmiths and bladesmiths from across the state. The Association is an affiliate of ABANA and offers members unique opportunities.
Membership includes monthly meetings, a newsletter, and regular demonstrations. Workshop tours happen occasionally.
The New Jersey Blacksmith’s Association is especially interested in keeping blacksmithing alive at living history museums across the state. If you are passionate about sharing the history of blacksmithing with others, this may be a good cause to get involved with.
5) Princeton Blacksmiths
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: meetings, open forge, evenings
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://materials.princeton.edu/education/student-organizations/princeton-blacksmiths
- Telephone: N/A
- Location: Bowen Hall 70 Prospect Ave. Princeton, NJ 08540
Princeton Blacksmiths is a student organization that meets at the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials. If you are a student at Princeton University and want to try your hand at blacksmithing, this is a great way to get involved.
Meetings take place bi-weekly from 6-9pm. The meetings include open forge time for all skill levels. Complete beginners are welcome.
Do you have to be a Princeton student to take a class?