Here you will find a brief overview of blacksmithing schools that are available within the United States. Enjoy this guide to blacksmithing schools.
As we all continue to learn to forge there will come a time when you would like the help of a personal instructor. Here is a list of the top 5 blacksmithing schools in the country. I chose the schools that concentrated mainly on metalwork. There may be some other locations that offer blacksmithing in their course offerings, but not as their main emphasis.
Another interesting read for you may be the what to expect on your first day forging.
The New England School of MetalWork
Located in Auburn, Maine, a local welding distributor, Maine Oxy, founded the New England School of Metalwork in 2000. Because of continued growth, what began in a dual purpose building, offering welding courses and blacksmithing courses, is now split into two separate building, allowing more variety in their course offerings and better tool dedication to each program. In 2009, they were endorsed by the American Bladesmithing Society. You can take a look at their course offerings here. Their facilities have 8 complete hand forging stations, along with a couple of power hammers, and a forging press. As an added benefit they also offer dorm style housing on site, if you are travelling in to take classes with them.
Center for Metal Arts
Having recently moved their location to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the Center for Metal Arts has concentrated on expanding their course offerings, and capabilities. They also offer housing for those traveling in for classes. You can check out their many course offerings here. This is a unique school in the historical setting of Cambria/Bethlehem Steelworks. Classes range from beginner to advanced professional, they also offer residencies as well.
Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing
Located in Waynesboro, Virginia, the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing offers a full schedule of courses for those beginning blacksmithing to advanced. They also offer a Certificate of Artistic Blacksmithing, which is a 1 year program containing 12 modules. You can also find out more about their course offerings here. They have 16 student forging stations, and classroom space situated in 4000 sq. ft. of the South River Mill Complex.
Cleveland Blacksmithing
Located in Cleveland’s historic district, Ohio City, Cleveland Blacksmithing is busy offering a variety of classes and weekend workshops. Run by Gavin and Brooke Lehman, they are excited about teaching a passing along the skill of the craft. You can also check out there class offerings here. I also found their membership offering to be a good way to practice and learn on a continuing basis.
Turley Forge Blacksmithing School
Located in Sante Fe, New Mexico, Frank Turley established the Turley Forge Blacksmithing School in 1970. Although Frank is now semi-retired, his passion lives on as the school still stays busy with a variety of class offerings that you can check out here. With an emphasis on longer classes or workshops, this allows students enough time to learn a lot before going back to your own forge. I would be interested in the 3 week intensive class.
Blacksmithing Schools
I hope this article was of help to you as you can look at the number of opportunities across the country. If you feel that I may have missed one or more that should have been included. Then please comment below and let me know.
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