Classes and Open Forge Calendar

Bridgetown Forge offers a variety of classes, for both a novice and the experienced smith: forging Japanese-style knives, tool-making, tong-making, and basic smithing. Heat-treatment, steel selection, and metallurgy are also extensively covered. Hofi’s ergonomic forging method, which allows for fast, accurate forging with reduced effort, is taught throughout, and the emphasis is on practical, straightforward, and effective shaping of steel. Our shop is well-equipped with multiple forging hammers, extensive grinding and polishing setup, gas and coke forges, and an individual forging station for every student. Nine students can be fully accommodated in any class.

New classes are being developed on a continuous basis, and classes to be offered in near future include: power hammer work, forging a cleaver, forging a sushi knife, hammer-making, and axe-making. The goal is to offer a complete curriculum covering the many different skills of a blacksmith.

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CLASS: Forging a Sword

October 3 - October 4

Saturday-Sunday
9:30 am – 4:30 pm

In this class, we will forge a double-edged sword, using a combination of hand-hammering, striking with a sledgehammer, and pneumatic power hammer work.

In spite of having been apprenticed to a sword maker in Japan, I have long resisted offering a sword class. However, I confess that as a kid, I really wanted to make one after reading The Hobbit. Yes, I really wanted to have that kind of handy hobbit-sword to swing at dragons, I mean weeds. I’ve consequently have forged a lot of swords, but almost always either for myself, or as a gift.

Well, now you can, too.

In this two-day class, we will make just such a sword. Starting with a square bar of steel, we will forge a unique sword that features an integral handle, forged entirely from the one piece of steel with no welding, riveting or welding.
I’ve perfected this design while developing my take on the Caucasus Mountain dagger, and it works great with this type of sword as well.

Class fee is $580, Which includes all materials and supplies.

The class is limited to eight students.

No previous experience necessary.

Details

Venue

Details

Venue