List of Blacksmithing Classes in New York
New York state is one of the top places in the country to learn blacksmithing and bladesmithing techniques.
From workshops in bustling New York City to craft schools tucked away Upstate, there are learning opportunities for both residents and visitors.
New York’s blacksmithing artisans are skilled in a wide range of forging styles. Historical and modern techniques are covered in classes and workshops.
Both Upstate schools and workshops located in the Big Apple offer different experiences depending on your preferred learning style.
Schools located in the metropolitan area will, of course, offer an urban, high-energy learning environment.
For more laid-back learning that hones in on traditional processes, consider the classes located in smaller settings.
The following are beginner, intermediate, and advanced blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes available across the state of New York.
- 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) Nazz Forge
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, 1-4 hours, multiple sessions
- Price: $100-$3,600
- Website: https://www.nazzforge.com/
- Telephone: (848) 222-2996
- Location: 52 34th St. Building 6 1st Floor I-BSE Brooklyn, NY 11232
Nazz Forge was founded in 2019 by two time Forged in Fire champion Theo Nazz. His team offers blacksmithing and bladesmithing in a spacious Brooklyn workshop.
Classes are appropriate for a range of skill levels and budgets. Students work on specific projects depending on their interests. Traditional project options include bottle openers, hooks, nails, kitchen knives, and utility knives.
Unique projects offered at Nazz Forge include swords, machetes, and medieval armor.
Students are encouraged to choose classes that really interest them. Classes are tailored to the individual pace and skills of the student, ensuring that everyone who participates in a Nazz Forge class is completely confident throughout the process.
2) She-Weld
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, Welding
- Classes: small group, 1-2 days
- Price: $110-$485
- Website: https://www.she-weld.com/
- Telephone: (347) 620-8556
- Location: 27 Coffey St. NY 11231
She-Weld is owned and operated by Marsha Trattner. She offers a range of blacksmithing, bladesmithing, and welding classes that are geared towards any experience level.
Students can choose from introductory courses covering metalworking processes and project-based classes. Projects include tools, bowls, spoons, and ladles.
Whether you are brand new to blacksmithing or want to expand your skill set, She-Weld is a great place to learn in New York City.
3) Brandr Forge
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, 2-3 hours
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://www.brandrforge.com/blacksmith-classes
- Telephone: (917) 853-9615
- Location: 3208 Farragut Rd. Brooklyn, NY
Brandr Forge specializes in producing functional and decorative reproduction ironwork in the Norse style. “Brandr” means “fire and sword blade.”
The Forge offers basic blacksmithing classes for beginners. Topics covered include tools and safety, forge management, rounding, twisting, drawing out, and more. Students make their own J hooks in the class.
To schedule a beginner class at Brandr Forge, call the number above or visit their website for more information.
4) Canal Forge Custom Metal Work
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: small group, private
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: http://hudsonvalleyblacksmith.com/index.html
- Telephone: (845) 687-7130
- Location: 496 Towpath Rd, High Falls, NY 12440
Canal Forge Custom Metal Work is owned and operated by Jonathan Nedbor. He has over 40 years of experience blacksmithing and specializes in reproduction hardware of the Hudson Valley. Nedbor’s creations are featured on historical buildings across New York.
Nedbor offers classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. His introductory blacksmithing class is perfect for those new to smithing. More experienced students can sign up to learn how to make tongs and historical hardware. One of his class offerings teaches door handle making in Dutch, German, French, and English styles.
Nedbor’s classes are great for all levels, but would be especially beneficial for experienced smiths who want to learn early American forging processes.
5) Heather’s Heart Forge
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://hhforge.com/
- Telephone: (518) 888-6462
- Location: 25 Browns Rd. Stephentown, NY 12186 (24 miles southeast of Albany)
Heather’s Heart Forge is a small, private forge located in Stephentown. The forge offers custom knives and other handmade products.
Classes at Heather’s Heart Forge are perfect for complete beginners and advanced students alike. Learn to make basic knives, railroad spike knives, Damascus knives, tomahawks, and swords.
6) Adirondack Folk School
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, full day, multiple sessions, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $65-$560
- Website: https://adirondackfolkschool.org/product-category/blacksmithing/
- Telephone: (518) 696-2400
- Location: 51 Main St. Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
Adirondack Folk School (AFS) opened in 2010 and offers over 200 craft classes annually. AFS is the place to go if you want a large selection of blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes.
The School’s basic blacksmithing class teaches beginner students fire management, hammering, and simple forging techniques. Students leave class with punches and chisels they made themselves.
AFS also offers an introductory bladesmithing class that teaches methods required for making chopping knives, Bowie knives, and chef knives.
Project-based classes allow students to make bottle openers, leaves, coat racks, nails, hooks, and even forged fashion pieces.
A long list of upcoming blacksmithing and bladesmithing offerings at Adirondack Folk School can be found at the link above.
7) Rochester Arc & Flame Center
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, Welding
- Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, full day, multiple sessions, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $90-$850
- Website: https://www.rocafc.com/pages/blacksmithing
- Telephone: (585) 349-7110
- Location: 125 FedEx Way Rochester, NY 14624
Rochester Arc & Flame Center (RocAFC) is an 11,000 square foot training facility offering courses in welding, glass, and blacksmithing. The Center is the only one of its kind in Upstate New York.
Blacksmithing classes at RocAFC are the perfect introduction to the craft. Beginner courses cover basic techniques and allow students to complete small and simple projects.
Advanced smiths will be happy to know that RocAFC offers Damascus and chef knife courses taught by celebrated visiting-instructors.
8) Salem Art Works
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, 1-2 days, afternoons
- Price: $140
- Website: https://www.salemartworks.org/2021-blacksmithing-workshops
- Telephone: (518) 854-7674
- Location: 19 Cary Lane Salem, NY 12865 (48 miles northeast of Albany)
Salem Art Works was founded in 2005 with the purpose of supporting art in Upstate New York. The non profit organization offers beginner-friendly blacksmithing classes for an affordable price.
Participants learn fire management, drawing out, tapering, hot cutting, upsetting, bending, curling, and other foundational techniques.