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BLACKSMITHING
BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
BLACKSMITHING AT MFS
At the Michigan Folk School, we pride ourselves on our ability to help students grow their skills. Our Blacksmithing program is the perfect example of scaffolded learning. Students will get their start in the forge by taking a beginner level class; where they will learn important skills like drawing and bending metal. Then, they have the ability to sign up for a wide variety of intermediate classes that will focus on building from the skills learned in the beginner classes.
BEGINNER BLACKSMITHING
BLACKSMITHING 101
In this introductory workshop, students will learn the basic tolls of the smith, how to set up a portable forge using coal or charcoal, and then practice basic blacksmithing skills including drawing and bending metal. Each student will make his or her own classic blacksmith product: a forged s-hook. This is the perfect class for the beginning blacksmith.
Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Sunday, December 6, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
HAND FORGED KNIFE: INTRO TO BLADESMITHING
Saturday, June 27, 2026 and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, August 22, 2026 and Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, September 26, 2026 and Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, October 3, 2026 and Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, October 24, 2026 and Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, November 21, 2026 and Sunday, November 22, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, December 12, 2026 and Sunday, December 13, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
BLACKSMITH OPEN STUDIO
Develop your personal blacksmithing vision with supervised access to our fully equipped smithy. Studio time gives you the freedom to pursue personal projects, practice techniques from previous classes, or experiment with new ideas—all with the support of experienced instructors.
Bring your own materials and work at your own pace on what excites you most. Whether you’re refining a skill, finishing a piece you’ve already started, or tackling an ambitious new project, this is where your blacksmithing journey becomes uniquely your own. Our instructors provide guidance, coaching, and safety supervision, while leaving the creative direction entirely in your hands.
Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
INTERMEDIATE BLACKSMITHING
FORGING A DRAGON HEAD HOOK
Students will learn more advanced techniques such as isolating mass, chisel work, team striking, and use of ball fullers to create an amazing hook out of 1/2” steel! These techniques can open the door to an infinite amount of possibilities toward your forged design.
Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 9am - 5pm
FOLDED RASP TOMAHAWK
Learn to craft and throw a hand-forged tomahawk. With this new class, students will learn more advanced techniques that can open the door to an infinite amount of possibilities toward your forged design.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 and Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
FORGED CANDLE HOLDER
This course connects students to blacksmithing's historical role in creating domestic necessities before the age of electricity. Students will forge a complete candle holder featuring traditional design elements, learning to create stable bases, proper candle wells, and decorative details that enhance both function and beauty. The project emphasizes the engineering principles behind stable, safe lighting fixtures while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of hand-forged work.
Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
FORGED BOTTLE OPENER
The bottle opener perfectly demonstrates how traditional blacksmithing skills create solutions for modern needs. This class focuses on precision bending, proper leverage geometry, and creating clean, functional edges that will last a lifetime. Students will master the art of controlled bending and learn to work with tool steel to create a bottle opener that's both beautiful and supremely functional. This project teaches critical thinking about leverage, ergonomics, and durability - skills that transfer to countless other blacksmithing projects.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Wednesday, December 16, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
TRADITIONAL FIRE POKER
The fire poker represents one of blacksmithing's most iconic products, combining practical function with the opportunity for artistic expression. This full-day project teaches students to work with longer stock while maintaining control and proportion throughout the piece. Students will forge a functional poker complete with traditional hook end and comfortable handle, learning to create the compound curves and tapers that characterize quality fireplace tools. The project emphasizes leverage, proportion, and the subtle details that distinguish handmade tools from manufactured ones.
Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
FORGED STEEL FLOWER
The forged flower project teaches advanced forming techniques while connecting students to the long tradition of decorative ironwork. This full-day intensive allows time to develop complex curves, multiple components, and refined finishing techniques. Students will forge realistic petals, stems, and leaves, learning to create organic forms that seem to grow naturally from the steel. The course covers advanced bending techniques, assembly methods, and surface treatments that bring the metal to life.
Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
FORGED SHOEHORN
The shoehorn exemplifies how good blacksmithing creates tools that improve daily life through thoughtful design and quality construction. This class teaches smooth curve creation, gradual transitions, and the importance of finish work in functional pieces. Students will learn to create flowing curves and achieve the proper flexibility needed for a working shoehorn. The project emphasizes the balance between form and function that defines quality craftsmanship.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
CUSTOM GARDEN TOOLS
Students will design and forge a set of specialized garden implements tailored for specific tasks, emphasizing function, durability, and ergonomic comfort. Learn essential skills including blade geometry for soil work, handle construction for extended use, and heat treatment for tools that encounter rocks and roots. Each student will receive personalized design guidance to ensure tools match their physical needs and gardening style.
Saturday, July 11, 2026 and Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
COMPLETE GRILL SET
Students will forge a spatula, flipper, fork, and tongs—building a full arsenal for outdoor cooking. The class emphasizes ergonomics, durability, and the superior performance of handmade tools compared with mass-produced alternatives. You’ll learn advanced handle construction, precision joint work for tongs, and the heat treatment required for tools that will withstand heavy use. We’ll also cover design principles unique to cooking implements, including food safety and maintenance, helping you create tools that are both beautiful and practical.
Saturday, August 8, 2026 and Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
FORGED TRIVET
Master advanced decorative ironwork while creating a functional household piece in this two-day intensive. Students will design and forge an intricate trivet, exploring complex pattern development, precision fitting, and aesthetic principles that define high-quality metalwork. Learn advanced bending techniques, precise measurement, and decorative surface treatments as you assemble multiple components into a cohesive design. This project not only builds technical skill but also introduces design thinking applicable to architectural ironwork and sculptural projects.
Saturday, June 13, 2026 and Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, October 10, 2026 and Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
FORGED THROWING KNIVES
Master precision blade work while creating traditional throwing implements that demand perfect balance and geometry. The throwing knife project teaches advanced blade profiling, weight distribution principles, and the exacting standards required for performance blades. This intermediate course combines historical weapon-making knowledge with the precision skills essential for advanced blacksmithing. Students will forge multiple balanced throwing knives, learning to achieve consistent weight, proper center of balance, and the aerodynamic profiles that ensure reliable flight characteristics. The project includes basic throwing instruction and safety protocols, along with historical context about throwing knives in various cultures.
Saturday, June 13, 2026 and Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, October 10, 2026 and Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
BLACKSMITHING STAFF

Atticus Keesling

Ivan Soucy

Blake DesRosiers

Mark Young

Gus Schissler

Wade Buck
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