Experience Level: suitable for beginners
Duration: 3-4 hours
Mandatory Student Provided Safety Equipment:

• Safety Glasses
• Leather Gloves
• Long Pants and Shirt
• Leather Shoes or Boots

Optional Student Provided Safety Equipment:

• Ear Protection
• Respirator
• Snacks

Instructor Provided Safety Equipment:

• Leather Shop Apron
• Fire Extinguishers
• First Aid Kit
• Cold Refreshments

Blacksmithing is an ancient craft steeped in tradition and history. Blacksmiths, manipulating metal to create tools, art, and other objects, have shaped civilizations with their craft for hundreds of years. If you’re intrigued by the allure of molten metal, the clang of the hammer, and the craft of turning raw materials into practical or ornamental pieces, read on to discover more about these fascinating skills and how you can try out the ancient art of blacksmithing for the first time with this simple and hands-on forging workshop!

Create your own custom iron souvenir to take home with help from master craftsman Ed Van Hoy. In this short introductory course you will transform a railroad spike into a functioning blade and learn how to hammer it out from start to finish. This workshop will take approximately 3-4 hours to complete and afterwards you get to take your new piece of ironwork home with you! (Please note that the duration of the class may vary depending on the number of participants and the details of your project)

This is a beginner's workshop, so no prior experience is necessary. This class is a simplified version of our full day workshop and is suitable for most ages and abilities! In this class you will receive assistance directly from Ed VanHoy to complete your project, so if you are short on time or not sure if you are ready to take on a full workshop at this point, this class is the perfect place to start! (Please note that you are not required to take this class before registering for any of our other beginners level workshops)

Are you visiting Myrtle Beach or Oak Island and looking for something fun and different to do while you are here? This class is perfect for tourists visiting our area, as it can be privately scheduled at your convenience and does not require a larger group. Contact us at the bottom of the About Us page to inquire about our availability during your stay!

Brunswick Community College recognized the expanding community of studio-based creative artisans and the role of the arts, entertainment and tourism in the economic development of Southeastern North Carolina. As such, they built a new building specifically dedicated to knife making, ornamental blacksmithing, welding and metal sculpture complete with brand new saws, grinders, welders, etc. Classes underway at the Brunswick Community College, Heritage Arts at Southport Center that Ed VanHoy is teaching include:

1. Class #51020, Metal Knife Making on Monday's from 8:30AM to 12:30PM from 8/18/25 to 12/8/25 for $195
2. Class #51021, Metal Ornamental Blacksmithing on Monday's from 1:00PM to 5:00PM from 8/18/25 to 12/8/25 for $195
3. Class #51583, Metal Bladesmithing on Friday's from 8:30AM to 12:30PM from 8/22/25 to 12/12/25 for $195

Each of our customers are invited to come and visit with us in our studio. Please call us at 276-791-2437 to schedule an appointment to meet at our home studio located at 11410 New Britton Hwy E, Whiteville, NC 28472, USA.

If you are coming to visit us from outside of the local area, we can make recommendations for food and lodging. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

1. What Is blacksmithing? Blacksmithing is the craft of heating and forging metal, primarily iron or steel, into a variety of shapes and items. A blacksmith can make everything from decorative scrolls for gates to practical items like horseshoes and nails. The scope is vast, limited only by the blacksmith’s imagination and the needs of their community.

2. What Is bladesmithing? Bladesmithing is a specialized subset of blacksmithing dedicated to the creation of blades. This includes knives, swords, and other edged tools. Bladesmiths hone their skills to produce sharp, durable, and efficient cutting instruments.

3. What is the history of blacksmithing and knife Making? Historically, the blacksmith was a vital member of any community. From ancient villages to bustling towns, blacksmiths produced essential tools, repaired farm equipment, and ensured the community had what it needed to function. The art of blacksmithing can be traced back over 6,000 years, with early civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks recognizing its importance. Bladesmithing, too, has deep roots. The forging of blades for hunting, cooking, and warfare dates back thousands of years. The evolution of bladesmithing techniques, such as pattern welding and differential heat treatment, showcases humanity’s ongoing quest for the perfect blade. Some ancient swords and knives have become legendary, symbolizing power, status, and artistry.

4. How do blacksmiths go about their work? The process involves heating metal (usually iron or steel) until it’s malleable, then hammering or forging it into desired shapes. This craft is as much about understanding the behavior of metals as it is about physical skill. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the basic process:

• Heating the metal: The metal is placed inside a forge, where it is heated until it becomes red or orange-hot and malleable. The exact temperature varies depending on the type of metal and the desired outcome.
• Forging: Once heated, the metal is removed from the forge using tongs and placed on an anvil. The blacksmith then uses various hammers and techniques to shape the metal. Forging can involve bending, drawing out (lengthening), tapering, upsetting (thickening), punching (making holes), and more.
• Tempering and quenching: After the desired shape is achieved, the metal might need to be hardened or tempered, especially for tools or blades. This involves reheating and then rapidly cooling the metal by plunging it into water, oil, or another cooling medium. The process changes the crystalline structure of the metal, enhancing its properties.
• Finishing: Once the forging and hardening processes are complete, the piece can be polished, sharpened (for blades), or otherwise finished to improve its appearance and functionality.

5. What are common blacksmithing tools and equipment? The complex, multi-step process of blacksmithing requires specialized tools and equipment, such as:

• Forge: This is where the metal is heated. Traditional forges burn coal or charcoal, but modern blacksmiths often use propane or gas forges.
• Anvil: This is a heavy, typically iron or steel block upon which the metal is placed and hammered. It has a flat top surface, a horn (rounded section) for shaping, and often a hardy hole (square hole) and pritchel hole (round hole) for various tools.
• Hammers: Various hammers are used, including the ball-peen, cross-peen, and sledgehammer. Each has its unique shape and weight for different tasks.
• Tongs: These are used to grip and hold hot metal. Tongs come in various shapes and sizes, designed to hold different types of workpieces securely.
• Chisels and punches: These are used to cut and create holes in the metal.
• Hardy tools: These are tools that fit into the hardy hole of the anvil. They include cutters, benders, and swages, basically tools that help form specific shapes.
• Quenching tank: This is a container filled with water, oil, or another liquid used for rapidly cooling (or “quenching”) hot metal to harden it.
• Files and grinders: Used in the finishing process, files and grinders help refine shapes, smooth metal, and sharpen edges.
• Bellows or blower: This device pushes air into the forge, increasing the heat of the fire. Traditional bellows are operated by hand, but many modern forges use electric blowers.

Understanding and effectively using these tools requires practice and skill. With time and experience, a blacksmith can manipulate metal with precision, turning raw materials into functional and often beautiful creations.

6. What are some tips for blacksmithing beginners? If you’re looking to try your hand at blacksmithing, here are some beginner-friendly tips you should know:

• Safety first: Always wear protective gear. This includes safety goggles, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Invest in quality tools: While it might be tempting to opt for cheaper tools, quality ones will last longer and make the work more enjoyable. At a minimum, you’ll need an anvil, hammer, tongs, and a forge. Keep in mind that if you don’t want to commit to purchasing equipment, attending one of our blacksmithing classes or workshops is an excellent approach. You’ll not only have access to quality equipment and tools, but you’ll be able to start your blacksmithing journey with a solid educational foundation.
• Learn the language: Familiarize yourself with terms like tempering, quenching, and drawing out. This will aid in understanding tutorials and classes better.
• Start small: Before diving into a complex project, begin with simpler tasks to familiarize yourself with the basics. Try making hooks, nails, or simple decorative pieces.
• Practice: Like any craft, practice is essential. The more you work with metal, the more attuned you’ll become to its properties and nuances.