Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing is a heritage skill that has existed for millennia, and now it's your chance to learn how to work the "black metals" (iron and steel).
Learn to work metal with hammer and forge, and make something really special. No propane. No power tools. No experience required. We'll show you all of our tricks and tips to set up your own forge and start working. Whether you plan to build a forge in the backwoods or in your own backyard, you'll be amazed at the minimal amount of gear it takes to start smithing, and you'll love our "dirt cheap" method of building a forge.
Each of our different blacksmithing classes will cover the basics of safety and smithing, and make a different knife style, plus several other items. The subjects of this class include:
• Forge safety
• Building your own forge
• Sourcing abundant local fuels and their suitability to different tasks
• Hammer techniques (you won't believe all you can do with just a hammer!)
• Sourcing safe metal (some scrap metal gives off deadly fumes)
• Working steel into useful and interesting items
Hearing protection, leather work gloves and eye protection will be provided. Please wear closed toe footwear, preferably leather hiking boots or work boots. And wear only natural fiber clothing. Cotton, leather, linen, hemp and wool are great choices. Don't wear synthetic clothing, as it can catch fire from sparks. Be ready to get dirty, tired, sweaty, and have a great time.
Three quick notes for students:
1) Space is limited to eight students per course, so claim your spot now.
2) Due to high material costs for this class, we cannot accept old BOGO credits for Blacksmithing classes. Sorry.
3) Don’t be selfish. This class has a cap on attendance (eight people) and it’s usually SOLD OUT with a waiting list. This is also the class with the highest rate of “no show - no notification” people. We had three “no show” students in the December 2025 class, and there were people who wanted those spots. If you buy a spot in this class and then change your mind about attendance - LET US KNOW at least 24 hours before the class starts. You’ll be eligible to pick a different class and someone who wants to be there can take your spot.
Course Dates: The next available date is June 13, 2026.
Course Times: Held from 9 am to 4 pm, or until your hammering arm gives out.
Course Location: Held at our home location near Hartwood, Virginia. Detailed directions are emailed upon enrollment.
Required Equipment: Bag lunch and drinks for yourself, appropriate clothing and wet weather gear for the expected weather, and a pen to take notes.
Recommended Equipment: Some seating is available at camp, but please bring a camp chair if you have one. Leather gloves are provided for use during class, but if you have huge hands or very small hands - we recommend that you bring all-leather gloves that will fit you.
POLICIES FOR ALL CLASSES
We have a strict NO REFUND policy for all class purchases - so please make sure you are available for the class date and certain of your intent before you purchase. If you are purchasing with someone else’s credit card (like a work credit card or family member’s card), make sure you are authorized for the purchase. Again, we will NOT REFUND class purchases.
We do allow a ONE TIME ONLY transfer for each class purchase. In the event that you cannot attend the class you purchased, you’ll have ONE CHANCE to transfer to an EQUAL VALUE class - IF YOU NOTIFY US AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE THE CLASS STARTS. Notification can be made by email, text or phone call (phone number provided upon enrollment) and must be confirmed by Advanced Survival Training to be valid for transfer to a new class. If you contact us with fewer than 24 hours before the class starts or you do not show up for the class, you are not eligible to transfer the purchase to a different class.
Please be courteous to your instructor and fellow students. Arrive 20 minutes before the class starts so you do not interrupt the class introduction. Pack out any trash you create. If you are not coming - CONTACT US! Don’t join the trend of “no show - no notification” people.