List of Blacksmithing Classes in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a long tradition of blacksmithing and bladesmithing. From pioneer blacksmiths to modern day artisans, blacksmithing and metal art are important components of Oklahoma’s arts culture and history.
The state of Oklahoma is home to many American Bladesmith Society artisans and experienced metal artists.
Public institutions like technical colleges also offer metalworking classes that promote creativity and hands on work.
New and experienced smiths alike can benefit from the membership opportunities available to blacksmiths living in Oklahoma and surrounding states.
These unique educational offerings are described in more detail below. Regardless of your skill level or particular interests within blacksmithing and bladesmithing more generally, you are sure to find a class that works for you.
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1) Flying Anvil Forge
- Type: Blacksmithing, Knife Making, Welding
- Classes: small group, open forge, full day, weekdays, weekends
- Price: $75-$160
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/flyinganvilforge/
- Telephone: (918) 500-4911
- Location: 20322 S Highway 75 Mounds, OK 74047
Flying Anvil Forge is owned and operated by metal artist Holly Fisher. She has previous experience teaching metalworking at her own school in Michigan. Fisher went on to work at the Metal Museum in Tennessee before settling in Oklahoma with her family.
Fisher teaches welding, knife making, and blacksmithing from her studio. Classes are geared towards complete beginners and intermediate students who want to expand upon their skillset.
Besides classes, Flying Anvil Forge also offers open forge nights for previous students. Those who have taken a class with Fisher before are welcome to join her on open forge nights to work on projects and get her expert opinion.
For information about upcoming class opportunities, visit Flying Anvil Forge’s Facebook page linked above and click on the “events” tab to sign up.
2) Helton Forge
- Type: Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, full day
- Price: $325-$450
- Website: https://heltonforge.com/
- Telephone: (918) 230-1773
- Location: 18635 S. Fern Place Claremore, OK 74019
Helton Forge is owned and operated by Billy Helton. Helton is an American Bladesmith Society Journeyman bladesmith who started forging in 2005. He earned his journeyman status with ABS in 2011.
Helton works on a variety of blades, with Damascus knives being some of his most popular. He offers high-quality knife making classes that are ideal for any skill level. Classes are eight to ten hours long and provide plenty of time for hands-on learning and making.
Regardless of which class you choose, expect to learn design, forging, grinding, heat treating, tempering, filing, handle placement, and blade sharpening.
Whether you are brand new to bladesmithing or want to add new techniques to your toolkit, Helton Forge is the perfect place to learn bladesmithing and knife making in Oklahoma.
3) Canadian Valley Technology Center
- Type: Blacksmithing, Knife Making
- Classes: small group, weekdays, evenings, 2 days, 8 total hours
- Price: $123
- Website: https://cvtech.edu/short-term-classes/special-interest/introduction-to-knife-making
- Telephone: (405) 262-2629
- Location: 6505 E. Highway 66 El Reno, OK 73036
Canadian Valley Technology Center offers educational opportunities for high schoolers, adults, small businesses, and large corporations from their three campuses. From ongoing classes to employee training sessions, the Technology Center aims to offer high-quality learning experiences for all.
The El Reno campus offers a short-term knife making class that is ideal for complete beginners. The class takes place two days per week and includes a total of eight hours of learning time.
Students create a fixed blade knife. Shaping, handle making and placement, and blade finishing techniques are all covered.
4) Saltfork Craftsmen Artist-Blacksmith Association (SCABA)
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, meetings, workshops, demonstrations, conferences
- Price: $30 annual membership fee
- Website: https://www.saltforkcraftsmen.org/index.shtml
- Telephone: (405) 760-8388
- Location: Multiple locations in Oklahoma
Saltfork Craftsmen Artist-Blacksmith Association or SCABA has been promoting and preserving blacksmithing and related metal crafts in Oklahoma since 1995. The organization is an affiliate of the Artist Blacksmith Association of North America, or ABANA.
As an ABANA affiliate, SCABA offers unique learning and networking opportunities to its members. Regional meetings take place several times per month in four different regions of Oklahoma. This allows members to attend meetings regardless of where they live in the state.
Meetings are hosted at different SCABA members’ workshops and are a great way to learn new skills and catch up with other blacksmiths in your area.
Besides regional meetings, SCABA also offers occasional workshops for beginner smiths. Demonstrations, conferences, and other events also take place throughout the year.
More information about memberships, upcoming meetings, workshops, and other events can be found on the Saltfork Craftsmen Artist-Blacksmith Association’s website.
I’m planning on taking that class in ElRino. The introduction to bladesmithing. I understand that it is a short class. Are there any online classes that are available for after I finish in ElRino? Thank you.