List of Blacksmithing & Bladesmithing Classes in Washington State

Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is known for its vibrant culture and innovation.

Arts and industry are at the heart of Washington’s  economy historically and in the present day. The state’s largest city, has seen periods of rise and decline economically, and these periods are diverse.

Lumber, gold, shipbuilding, aircraft, and tech have each played a major part in the economy and culture of Seattle and other cities across Washington.

The state of Washington is home to many blacksmithing and metalworking workshops and large mixed media art studios.

Whether you live in Seattle or one of the many beautiful small towns dotting the state of Washington, you are sure to find blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes that suit your skill level and interests. 

Since artisans flock to this creative locale, there are a number of experts working and teaching metalworking crafts. 

Below are the top blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes available in Washington State this year. 

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1) Lawless Forge

• Type: Blacksmithing
• Classes: Classes focusing on creating a specific finished product, public, private, and corporate
• Price: $40 for kids, $80-$240 for adults
• Website: https://lawlessforge.com/
• Telephone: (206) 552-8341
• Location: 3600 Marginal Way S Seattle, WA 98134

Lawless Forge offers blacksmithing classes for people of all ages and abilities. Located in the heart of SoDo, Seattle’s industrial district, Lawless Forge provides an authentic blacksmithing experience that is tailored to your unique abilities and interests.

Team building and confidence are emphasized in this forge’s three hour long classes. Students get to choose from a variety of projects or can take a master class to learn blacksmithing techniques in-depth. The bottle opener, knife, or BBQ fork that you create goes home with you, so you’ll never forget your class at Lawless Forge!

All classes at Lawless Forge are centered around team-based learning. Sign up for a public group class, a private group class, or a corporate team-building day. Because Lawless Forge welcomes kids as young as four, a blacksmithing class can also be the perfect activity to do as a family. 

2) Fire Horse Forge

• Type: Bladesmithing, Blacksmithing
• Classes: public, private classes available for beginner through advanced students. Classes take place over 2-3 days.
• Price: $535-$925
• Website: https://www.firehorseforge.co/
• Telephone: (206) 229-6008
• Location: 1415 NW 49th St Ballard, WA 98107

Located just north of Seattle, Fire Horse Forge offers two and three day classes in bladesmithing and blacksmithing techniques. Adam, the owner, opened the forge in 1994, and uses his decades of experience to teach students beginner through advanced techniques.

Adam’s classes cover a range of topics to provide a well rounded, intensive experience. Techniques learned include forging, heating, handle making, heat treating, grinding, final assembly, and sharpening. 

Students with prior knowledge of bladesmithing can also sign up Adam’s chef knife making class and Damascus chef knife class. These class options cover the unique design and construction skills necessary to create functional kitchen knives. 

Class sizes are limited to four students or less to ensure everyone gets individualized attention.

Those interested in pursuing bladesmithing or blacksmithing as a hobby, side gig, or full time career would greatly benefit from Adam’s comprehensive teaching.

Classes at Fire Horse Forge are probably best for those who have some experience at the forge and are ready to commit more time and money into learning bladesmithing. 

3) Red Troll Forge

• Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
• Classes: Private classes arranged on an individual basis
• Price: $250 for individuals, $400 for 2-4 students
• Website: http://www.redtrollforge.com/
• Telephone: (360) 921-3804
• Location: PO Box 87313 Vancouver, WA 98687

Red Troll Forge is owned and operated by Nick Marcelija, a champion of History Channel’s Forged in Fire television series. His expertise in both blacksmithing and bladesmithing make for well-rounded, intensive classes.

Students can choose from classes focused on the basics of blacksmithing, axe making, knife blade and handle making, and Damascus blade making. Techniques covered include flattening, tapering, drawing out, splitting, punching, and more. 

Other helpful advice given includes how to build your own forge, how to swing your hammer to avoid injury, anvil selection, and other topics related to blacksmithing in a home setup. 

If you are interested in working with a celebrated blacksmith, contact Red Troll Forge.

4) Thorne Metals Studio

• Type: Blacksmithing
• Classes: Individual and group classes available
• Price: $200 for groups, $400 for individual students
• Website: https://www.thornemetals.com/#home-section
• Telephone: (360) 293-8257
• Location: 13751 Daybreak Ln Anacortes, WA 98221

Thorne Metals Studio is owned by Paul Thorne, a blacksmith with decades of experience in sculptural and architectural metalworking. Thorne has been blacksmithing since 1983 and comes from a long line of skilled metal craftsmen and workmen. 

His classes cater to blacksmiths interested in learning the fundamentals of tool design. Both of Paul’s classes focus on the creation of one’s own tools in order to be a self-sufficient craftsperson.

Learn to make tongs, knives, and other essential tools. Class sizes are limited to six students to ensure that everyone receives individualized instruction. Paul prides himself on his teaching ability and offers students an enthusiastic, patient, and caring learning environment.

Paul Thorne offers two main blacksmithing class options: an Introduction to Blacksmithing class and a tong making class. The introductory course is ideal for complete beginners, or those who want to refine skills previously learned. 

Once you have made a few of your own blacksmithing tools, you can sign up for the tong making class and create your very own flat jaw, box, flat bar, and pick-up tongs. Topics covered in this class include designing, forging, fitting, and assembling your tongs. 

If you are intimidated by blacksmithing classes but would also like to give one a try, Thorne Metals Studios may be the perfect fit.

5) The Old West Forge School of Blacksmithing

• Type: Blacksmithing
• Classes: Small group classes
• Price: $415 per class
• Website: http://www.oldwestforge.com/
• Telephone: (509) 493-4418
• Location: White Salmon, WA

The Old West Forge, owned by Tim Middaugh, offers authentic, comprehensive blacksmithing classes intended to teach the fundamentals of the craft. Students who complete classes at the Old West Forge will have the skills necessary to run their own home blacksmith shop.

Tim Middaugh provides all necessary tools and each student is equipped with their own work station. Students are encouraged to be collaborative in their learning and are taught in a nurturing environment.

Classes are organized into beginner and intermediate sessions. Beginner skills taught include heat treating, punching, drifting, tapering, and project design. 

Intermediate classes build on beginner concepts and focus on the creation of tools like tongs. 

The classes offered at Old West Forge are ideal for serious blacksmith students who want to learn as much as they can about the trade. Classes take place over three days and last around eight hours per day.

6) Alderleaf Wilderness College

• Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing 
• Classes: small group, full day, two days 
• Price: $450 
• Website: https://www.wildernesscollege.com 
• Telephone: (360) 793-8709
• Location: College: 18715 299th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272  Specific Class: Nordland, WA 

Alderleaf Wilderness College is a school teaching wilderness survival and nature education. The College offers classes in bushcraft, permaculture, sustainable living, medicinal plants, and wildlife management. 

If you are a nature-lover who is also fascinated by handmade tools, Alderleaf’s blacksmithing course may be perfect for you. 

The class is taught by Erik Newquist, a blacksmith who has been forging since he was 16. He is an expert in tool making, and enjoys forging his own hammers, tongs, chisels, and drifts. 

The College’s two day blacksmithing course teaches students basic blacksmithing, tool making, and heat treating techniques necessary for creating a blade perfect for bushcraft, camping, and more. 

The knife made in this class is unique because it is crafted from recycled car springs. Students learn how to forge, heat treat, and temper their blade. They are also taught how to make and attach a wooden handle. 

This class is completely appropriate for beginner blacksmiths, as all students begin making nails before they start forging their blade. Safety is emphasized throughout the class as well. 

Although this class is part of Alderleaf’s curriculum, it takes place at Erik Newquist’s forge in Nordland, Washington. For more information, contact Newquist or the College. 

If you have been looking for a unique bladesmithing class that combines survival, sustainability, and forging, Erik Newquist’s class with Alderleaf Wilderness College may be a great option! 

7) Kempf Forge

• Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing 
• Classes: small group, private, full day, half day 
• Price: $60-$100 per hour 
• Website: https://kempfforge.com 
• Telephone: (360) 957-8087
• Location: Shelton, WA

Kempf Forge is owned and operated by Ethan Kempf, a bladesmith who has been forging since 2015. Kempf is completely self-taught and is a Forged in Fire champion. He creates custom blades and offers classes at his forge in Shelton, Washington. 

Kempf’s classes are ideal for creative blacksmiths and bladesmiths who want individualized instruction.

For those interested in making their own blade, Kempf offers an 8 hour bladesmithing class that covers forge safety, forging and grinding techniques, heat treating, sharpening, handle construction, and other skills necessary for blade making. 

Choose to create your very own hunting knife, chef’s knife, bush knife, axe, or everyday carry knife. 

Those brand new to forging should consider taking Kempf’s Basic Forging class, which covers tapering, rounding, upsetting, punching, and other foundational skills. Students make their own hooks, brackets, BBQ forks, and more. 

Classes are available for 1-3 students. Pricing varies depending on the number of students participating, ranging from $60 per hour for a private lesson to $100 per hour for 3 participants. More information on class pricing and gift certificates is available on Kempf Forge’s website.