List of Blacksmithing Classes in South Carolina
Blacksmithing and bladesmithing have unique connections to the history and culture of South Carolina.
The state’s many historical buildings and museums showcase handmade ironwork from the 19th and 20th centuries. Blacksmiths working in the state today create many reproduction pieces for use in historical preservation and education.
The state is also home to one of America’s most celebrated blacksmiths: Philip Simmons. Simmons lived and worked in Charleston his entire life, from 1912 to 2009.
He help revolutionize the craft of blacksmithing and turned it into its own art form.
When Simmons started blacksmithing, most smiths only made essentials like hardware and horseshoes. Simmons specialized in custom ironwork and used new techniques and designs to make the process a unique art.
South Carolina’s celebrated artisans and rich history make it the perfect place to learn blacksmithing, bladesmithing, and related skills this year.
The following are the top places for beginner and experienced students to learn blacksmithing in South Carolina.
- 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) Hagood Mill Historic Site
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: small group, private, youth, full day
- Price: $100-$600
- Website: https://www.hagoodmillhistoricsite.com/classes
- Telephone: (864) 898-2936
- Location: 138 Hagood Mill Rd. Pickens, SC 29671
Hagood Mill Historic Site is featured on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Site includes the oldest surviving grist mills in South Carolina, which date to 1845. Visitors can tour the Site’s historic buildings, hike along its many trails, and take craft classes.
Blacksmithing classes at Hagood Mill are appropriate for all skill levels and ages. They are taught by instructor and demonstrator Kevin Thompson. He is an experienced smith who owns and operates his own workshop named Electric City Forge.
Students learn blacksmithing history, safety, fuel management, and tool use in the Blacksmithing 101 class. Drawing, tapering, bending, scrolling, and twisting are taught and practiced through making S hooks and wall hooks.
Intermediate and advanced blacksmithing students can sign up for Blacksmithing 102 and 103. These classes build upon previously acquired skills. Flat stock is emphasized rather than round stock. Students create their own candlesticks based on mid-19th century styles.
2) American College of the Building Arts
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: small group, college coursework, associate degree
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://acba.edu/blacksmithing
- Telephone: (843) 577-5245
- Location: 649 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29403
The American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) was founded after the 1989 Hurricane Hugo destroyed many historical buildings in South Carolina. The state lacked skilled craftspeople to restore much of what was lost, so a group decided to establish a college to train up new generations of artisans.
The College offers a rare Associate of Applied Science degree in blacksmithing. Few colleges in the United States offer this type of degree for blacksmithing, so those who are serious about advancing their careers should consider applying.
The coursework for the degree program includes introductory classes, contemporary skills practice, and advanced studies. Students work hands on to complete required lab work. Skills learned include forging, welding, and researching.
Traditional and contemporary techniques are taught to ensure students obtain a well-rounded understanding of historical and modern smithing. All ACBA students are also expected to gain competency in theory, design, and drawing.
More information about the blacksmithing program, tuition, and financial aid can be found by contacting the College directly.
3) Philip Simmons Artist Blacksmith Guild
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: small group, meetings, hammer-ins, classes, 1-3 days, weekends
- Price: $15 annual fee
- Website: https://www.philipsimmonsartistblacksmithguild.com/
- Telephone: N/A
- Location: Multiple locations in South Carolina
The Philip Simmons Artist Blacksmith Guild is an educational blacksmithing organization that celebrates and preserves South Carolina’s rich blacksmithing tradition. The Guild is named after the trailblazing blacksmithing artist Philip Simmons.
The organization was founded in 1994 and is dedicated to education. It provides training for new smiths, connects members to materials and equipment, and shares blacksmithing with the public.
Membership is extremely affordable at only $15 per year. Members gain access to the Guild’s newsletter, monthly meetings, classes, and hammer-ins. Classes take place throughout the year and run for 1-3 days. More information about classes and other offerings can be obtained at the website linked above.