List of Blacksmithing Classes in Ohio

Ohio is an industrial Midwestern state with a rich history of manufacturing and steel production. The state has America’s third largest manufacturing workforce, and is known as the Nation’s Industrial Capital. This makes Ohio a perfect place for modern-day blacksmithing to thrive. 

Historically, Ohio was considered the center of steel production. Iron and steel have been produced in Ohio since 1802 and the state’s economy became heavily industrialized by the late 19th century. 

Today, the tradition of metalworking in Ohio continues, both in large-scale manufacturing sectors and in small workshops. From family owned businesses, to community arts events and regional blacksmithing organizations, there are opportunities for anyone in Ohio to learn blacksmithing.

Here are some of the best blacksmithing workshops, events, and other offerings happening across Ohio this year.

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1) Central Ohio School of Metalwork

• Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
• Classes: small group workshops, private lessons, open forge, annual hammer-ins, multiple week courses
• Price: $25-$1400
• Website: https://www.cosommetalwork.com/
• Telephone: (614) 370-6228
• Location: 1376 River St. Columbus, OH 43222

The Central Ohio School of Metalwork, or COSoM, is owned and operated by Adlai Stein and Bekah Saikas, who have 30 years of combined blacksmithing experience. Adlai began smithing as a reenactor and competed in History Channel’s Forged in Fire series. Bekah has been blacksmithing and teaching since 2016.

Stein and Saikas teach with the mission of making blacksmithing fun and accessible for all. They offer private instruction and a wide array of blacksmithing and bladesmithing workshops appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced smiths. Some of their most popular offerings include Intro to Bladesmithing, Intro to Blacksmithing, Railroad Spike Knife Making, and 10 Week Sword Workshop.

Students living in Ohio who are interested in bladesmithing should seriously consider taking a workshop at the Central Ohio School of Metalwork because of their high-quality, and reasonably priced class offerings.

While any of their bladesmithing courses would be useful, the Bladesmithing Start to Finish class is an especially exciting opportunity unique to the COSoM. The class is geared towards those new to bladesmithing who want to create their own knife from start to finish. Adlai Stein teaches forging, tempering, grinding, and finishing techniques and students can take home a fully completed knife of their own creation.

Workshops at Central Ohio School of Metalwork take place in the evenings, so they are ideal for people working standard hours. The wide range of class offerings and price points means that there is truly something for everyone.

All current workshops taking place in 2021 are now listed on the COSoM’s website. Take a look and register for your favorite before spaces fill up!

2) Southern Ohio School of Blacksmithing @ Lockhart Ironworks

• Type: Blacksmithing
• Classes: small group, full day class
• Price: $150
• Website: https://themakersofhandforgediron.com/
• Telephone: (740) 380-6816
• Location: 4515 Township Road Logan, OH 43138 (50 miles southeast of Columbus)

Lockhart Ironworks is owned by Doug Lockhart, a blacksmith with over 35 years of experience. Lockhart creates commissioned work for clients with the mission of providing high-quality products made of American steel. He and his daughter also teach beginner and intermediate students in his school, the Southern Ohio School of Blacksmithing, with the aim of passing down blacksmithing to younger generations.

Classes cover the basics of blacksmithing, materials used, and tips for starting your own blacksmithing business. The scope of classes at the Southern Ohio School of Blacksmithing is really unlike other beginner and intermediate level classes offered in the state, so if you are serious about learning the ins and outs of the trade, consider learning with Doug Lockhart.

All beginner classes are 8 hours and lunch is provided. Students create up to 4 projects during the class session and are eligible to attend intermediate offerings upon successful completion of the beginner class.

The Southern Ohio School of Blacksmithing welcomes students as young as 12, which is another unique aspect of taking classes here. If there is a child in your life who would like to learn blacksmithing with you, this is a great opportunity for them to do so.

3) ArtsConnect

• Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
• Classes: small group, 2-4 week sessions, evenings,
• Price: $90-$180 (lower fees for ArtsConnect members)
• Website: https://www.theartsconnect.us/161/Blacksmithing
• Telephone: (513) 522-2108
• Location: 9158 Winton Road Building A Cincinnati, Ohio 45231

ArtsConnect is a nonprofit organization providing public arts events in the Springfield Township area. The organization hosts 20-30 major art events and many more classes, camps, and volunteer opportunities annually. Blacksmithing classes are one of ArtsConnects year-round offerings.

Joshua Fisher, a carpenter and blacksmith with a decade of experience, teaches the blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes offered by Arts Connect.

Classes include Intro to Blacksmithing, Custom Chef Knife, and Tomahawk Hatchet Workshop. These classes are appropriate for complete beginners and those with some blacksmithing experience who want to revisit fundamental concepts.

Bladesmithing classes cover all topics necessary to complete a knife, including shaping, treating, grinding, and handle making.

Blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes with ArtsConnect take place in 2-4 week sessions. While the session length is a greater time commitment than other classes offered in Ohio, classes take place in the evenings for 3 hours, making them workable for people with busy schedules.

The affordability of ArtsConnect classes for both members and nonmembers is also a huge plus for beginner students who want to learn the fundamentals without investing a large amount of money right away.

4) Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil

• Type: Blacksmithing
• Classes: meetings, demonstrations, workshops, 10 week classes
• Price: $75-$350
• Website: https://sofablacksmiths.org/
• Telephone: (937) 570-3007
• Location: 650 N County Road 25A Troy, OH 45373

Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil, or SOFA, is affiliated with the Artist Blacksmith Association of North America and was founded in 1981. SOFA grew rapidly due to its resources and local interest.

Today, SOFA continues to provide educational and social opportunities for its members. For an affordable annual membership fee, blacksmiths associated with SOFA gain access to workshops, classes, hammer-ins, and other unique opportunities to learn from each other and progress in their craft.

Perhaps the most valuable opportunity for new members of Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil is the 10 Week Basic Blacksmithing Course that is offered throughout the year. For only $350, students learn all the basics of blacksmithing and create their own S hooks, punch, chisel, wrench, tongs, and hammer.

Whether you are brand new to blacksmithing or a seasoned professional, membership with SOFA is really valuable to your continued education and personal development. The opportunities to network with other smiths in your area and learn from those who work in your field will be of benefit to you now and in the future.

5) Northwest Ohio Blacksmiths

• Type: Blacksmithing
• Classes: monthly meetings, open forge, annual hammer-ins
• Price: $20–$25
• Website: https://www.nob-blacksmiths.org/
• Telephone: 419-353-6221
• Location: 14118 Bishop Rd Bowling Green, OH 43402

Northwest Ohio Blacksmiths is another regional organization that promotes blacksmithing in Ohio and offers support for local smiths. Monthly meetings, open forge times, and annual hammer-ins are all included in the very affordable cost of membership.

Forging and business meetings occur throughout the year, so whether you are interested in learning new skills or want to hear more about the organization itself, there is something for you. The open forge meetings are informal and meals are provided.

If you live in northwestern Ohio and want to become more involved in the blacksmithing community that resides there, Northwest Ohio Blacksmiths may be a great match for you.

6) Fort Meigs

• Type: Blacksmithing
• Classes: small group, full day,
• Price: $70-$75 (discounted rate is for Ohio History Connection members)
• Website: https://www.fortmeigs.org/blacksmith/
• Telephone: 419.874.4121
• Location: 29100 W. River Rd. P.O. Box 3 Perrysburg, OH 43551

Fort Meigs is a historic fort used by Americans during the War of 1812. Today, the fort features a museum and interactive exhibits that educate the public on Ohio’s participation in the War of 1812 and life as a soldier in Fort Meigs.

A beginner level blacksmithing workshop is offered as part of the hands-on learning experience at Fort Meigs. Students learn the very basics of heating and hammering metal. Because the workshop covers very simple techniques, it is open only to those who are completely new to blacksmithing.

The historical setting of the workshop and the use of a reproduction 19th century traveling forge make this class ideal for history buffs wanting to learn blacksmithing basics! Classes take place outdoors, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing and be prepared for the weather.

7) Hammer & Thistle Trading Co.

• Type: Blacksmithing
• Classes: private, group, open forge, 1-2 days, evenings
• Price: N/A
• Website: http://www.hammerandthistle.com/
• Telephone: (216) 609-9250
• Location: 6709 Hope Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44102

Hammer and Thistle Trading Co. is owned and operated by Jason Nass, a master blacksmith and Rowan Canterbury, an expert knitter and crocheter. Nass and Canterbury teach students their respective trades and create historical pieces and modern art.

Nass offers single and multi day classes through the Western Reserve Artist Blacksmith Association. Students learn the basics of blacksmithing and complete a project based on their skill level and personal interests. Traditional and contemporary blacksmithing techniques are covered.

8) Blue Hell Studio

• Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
• Classes: small group, 10 week sessions, evenings, open studio
• Price: $30-$450
• Website: https://www.bluehellstudio.com/Classes/
• Telephone: (513) 490-3723
• Location: 7712 Reinhold Dr Suite 1 Cincinnati, Ohio 45237

Blue Hell Studio is a blacksmithing and steel fabrication shop and school. It is owned and operated by Chris Daniel, a metalworker who owns another studio in the Cincinnati area. 

Classes at Blue Hell Studio run for 10 weeks in the evenings. They are ideal for beginner and intermediate smiths who want to take their skills to the next level. 

Choose from introductory classes that teach shop safety, tapering, scrolling, twisting, and more. You’ll create projects like hooks, leaves, and bottle openers.

Knife making classes teach you how to create 3 different knives depending on your skill level. Beginners learn to make a railroad spike knife, an herb chopper, and a full tang knife. 

Intermediate students craft their own camping and skinning knives. 

Students who have already completed a 10 week session at Blue Hell Studio are welcome to rent the workspace to practice their skills and create their own projects. A teacher will be in studio to assist if needed, but students work mainly on their own and bring their own materials. 

9) The Goshen Township Historical Society School of Blacksmithing

• Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
• Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, open forge
• Price: Contact for price
• Website: http://goshenhistory.org/gths-blacksmith
• Telephone: (513) 613-4070 
• Location: 1843 State Route 28 Goshen, OH 45122

The Goshen Township Historical Society School of Blacksmithing, or GTHS School of Blacksmithing, is a small but thriving education center founded by Jamie Geir. He originally built the blacksmith shop for demonstrations with the historical society, but now runs classes and creates tools.

The School is part of the Goshen Township Historical Society, which operates a museum and other programming about the history of the Goshen area. 

The school building is a replica of a 19th century workshop, making the GTHS School of Blacksmithing the perfect place for history enthusiasts to learn the trade. 

Classes are suitable for smiths of all ages, and past classes have covered both blacksmithing and bladesmithing. The School also offers open forge nights occasionally. 

GTHS School of Blacksmithing is currently finalizing their classes for 2022, so check their website often for updated information on classes and other programming.