Registration for Classes is open-see links below

Intermediate Blacksmithing – Forging a Dragon’s Head

Class fee is $200

• September 8, 2024, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm REGISTER for this class

Broaden your blacksmithing skills with Joe Vachon (joetheblacksmith.com), a Self employed blacksmith and bladesmith since 2007 and the Season 6, Episode 27, Forged in Fire Champion, in this 1 day, hands on course.

You will learn how to make the punches and chisels needed to sculp a dragon’s head on the end of a bar of steel; learn how to pre-form the head by hammer and anvil, chisel out the beard, ears, mouth and teeth; punch the eyes and nostrils; and form additional details that will bring it -and new possibilities in your work- to life.

***It is recommended that you are somewhat proficient with the craft to get the most out of this class. Taking a beginner class prior should adequate.***

Note about safety – Wear cotton pants and shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your closed toe shoes or boots so nothing hot can fall in. Safety glasses and ear plugs are available, or bring your own. Bringing your own leather gloves is a good idea. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Registration for Classes below

Beginner Bladesmithing – Forging Knives to Shape

Class fee is $200

• September 7, 2024 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm REGISTER HERE 

Forge your own knife with simple tools with Joe Vachon (joetheblacksmith.com), a self employed blacksmith and bladesmith since 2007, and Season 6, Episode 27, Forged in Fire Champion, in this 1 day, hands on course.

In this class we will be exploring the rudimentary hammer techniques used, step by step, to forge a knife blade to shape from scrap steels with very little use of a grinder. This class is centered around the clever techniques of ancient smiths melded with the minimal help of modern tools. Research the “Neo-Tribal Bladesmithing” movement and “Tai Goo” for more info on this philosophy and methodology.

You can expect to learn how to forge a point on the end of a bar, flatten your blade to its final thickness with a distal taper, create a counter-bend, forge your bevels, shape an all-steel handle, clean up your work with a file and/or small grinder, heat treat by eye, and sharpen on a stone.

We will be start by using mild steel for a practice knife, then move up to high carbon steel to help your progression as a novice smith. We will also inevitably be discussing and demonstrating what goes into proper heat treating and learn about various types of blade geometry and their applications.

Note about safety – Wear cotton pants and shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your closed toe shoes or boots so nothing hot can fall in. Safety glasses and ear plugs are available, or bring your own. Bringing your own leather gloves is a good idea. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.