Introduction to Blacksmithing: Women and Non-Binary

If you are intrigued by fire, interested in making useful stuff in steel, or just really want to smack something with a hammer… welcome to blacksmithing!  This weekend aims to provide a solid course in basic (and not-so-basic) blacksmithing in a safe, friendly space.  Learn to build a coal fire and swing a hammer… and build from there!

We’ll work through at least three projects, learning skills and making some useful and cool stuff out of mild steel.  You get a chance to experience both traditional and modern styles.  You’ll also learn about one of the greatest aspects of the craft: free re-dos almost anytime you need one!

After a bit of experimenting to understand the fire and hot steel, we’ll get started with the world’s finest marshmallow toasting skewer.  Learn fundamental skills like tapering, rounding, twisting (so much fun!), and even how to scroll a lovely round eye with just a hammer and anvil.  No tongs are needed for holding the metal on this one, which makes it easier to feel in control.

Next, we’ll use those tapering and scrolling skills in a totally different way while forging a funky modern bottle opener.  Lots of room for re-design on this one: should it fit in your pocket, or be big and bold?  New skills include hot-cutting steel and safe use of tongs.

We’ll finish up trying to forge a lovely little cheese knife.  The original design is from Iron Age Scandinavia (where archaeologists named it “kvinde kniv”- ‘woman’s knife’).  This will expand further on our growing tapering and scrolling skills. We’ll use the back end of the hammer (peen) to form a nice little triangular blade on the knife.

Expect lots of emphasis on good body mechanics and safe forging practice.  And maybe a well-earned s’more after dinner on Saturday night…

All folks who identify as women or non-binary are welcome. No previous blacksmithing experience is needed.  You should be able to swing a 1 ½ lb.+ hammer, and be safe and responsible- that’s all.  I’d love to meet your learning needs, so please tell me about them!

Skills and Techniques:

• Blacksmithing safety (what the real dangers are… and aren’t)
• Coal fire management
• Efficient and body-safe forging
• Solid fundamental skills, including tapers, twists, bending, scrolled eyes, heat control, straightening, order of operations, hot-cutting
• Slightly more advanced skills, including half-face forging, fullering with a peen, rasping and filing, and hot oil finishes

Materials Fee: Included in cost of workshop

Special Tools or Equipment:  The farm makes available to students eye and ear protection, gloves, and aprons. Comfortable closed toed shoes and street clothes are recommended. If you have forge tools you like working with you are welcome to bring them.

If you have eye and/or ear protection you prefer, please bring it along!

Workshop Policies: Please be sure to read our 2025 policies before you register for a workshop which can be found here Workshop Policies