About Our Classes

If you’re new to Adam’s Forge, we’d love for you to start with an Introduction to Blacksmithing Class! It’s your gateway to all our other offerings. Read about safety measures and more below.

Welcome to Adam’s Forge

Our blacksmithing classes welcome complete beginners who want to try working with metal and fire. At Adam’s Forge, we share the art of blacksmithing with everyone who shares our curiosity about this ancient craft.

Founded in honor of metal artist Adam Leventhal, our Simi Valley blacksmithing studio keeps the spirit of tradition burning in today’s craft. In our supportive environment, you’ll learn time-honored techniques while discovering your own creative path.

Come join our community, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and experience the satisfaction of creating something lasting from fire and steel. Your safety is our top priority—please review our safety guidelines before your visit.

FAQ

The best way to start your blacksmithing journey is with one of our Introduction to Blacksmithing classes. These hands-on workshops are designed for beginners and provide all the foundational skills you’ll need to progress in our other classes. You’ll learn proper safety techniques, basic forging methods, and complete your first project all in one session.

750 E. Easy Street
Simi Valley, CA 93065

We are just off of E Los Angeles Ave and First, click above to open Google Maps.

There is plenty of parking on site and we are close to several great restaurants for your meal break!

Yes. Our class size is strictly limited and often fills up. Unfortunately, if you come without preregistering, you are taking your chances of being turned away so please register in advance.

If you have hearing protection and eye protection, bring it, otherwise we have for you to borrow. Also water to drink is a good idea. It can get hot!

Feel free to bring blacksmithing equipment you own, but we recommend not buying your own tools until after a couple of classes so you can see what you like. We have the tools that you will need for our classes unless noted in the class description.

Blacksmithing involves working with extremely hot metal (2,000°F+) and specialized tools that require careful handling. Safety is our highest priority, and all students must follow our guidelines.

Required equipment includes safety glasses, ear protection when using power tools, and N95 masks when grinding, these are all included. If you have your own hearing protection, mask, and eye protection, please bring it

You must wear natural fibers only (cotton, wool, leather) and closed-toe shoes. We provide comprehensive safety orientation in every class, but you are encouraged to review our full Safety Guidelines below to prepare for your visit.

Cotton or wool shirt and long pants, closed-toe leather or canvas shoes. Natural fibers, NO synthetics, please.

While forge welding is part of our Tools and Techniques classes, we do not offer a program in gas or electric welding at this time.

Adam’s Forge requires students to be at least 12 years old to take classes. Students between the ages of 12 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while working at the Forge.

In addition to the power tools and hot surfaces at the Forge, students will work at forges and with metal that reach 2000 degrees (your broiler is probably 500). Even black metal that looks like it is cold can still be 800 degrees. Forging is also physically challenging and while a student does not need to be particularly strong, they do need to have the hammer control and stamina to forge for the duration of the class.

In our experience, we have found that children younger than 12 can get frustrated during the minimum four-hour class and usually become tired before the class is over – two factors that affect their safety as well as the safety of those around them.

We would be happy to have you observe the Open Forge nights and Level 1 class to see if you are interested in what we have to offer. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, you will need to stay outside the classroom. This will limit what you can actually see, but you will get an idea of what is involved. Contact us to arrange a visit.

We do not have farrier classes at this time. The Tools and Techniques classes will teach you the skills to shape metal into a horse shoe. But not trimming the hoof and fitting the shoe.

Skill is required, not brute strength. We spend a lot of time showing you how to use a hammer to its best effect.

You will learn the skills to turn a piece of metal into a sword-like shape. Actually crafting a piece of high carbon steel with the correct temper into a sword that will not shatter with the first use usually takes years of practice. We do offer blade classes.

Please visit the bladesmithing page for details.

Need to cancel? We offer full refunds (minus a $30 registration fee or $20 for Open Forge) when you let us know 7+ days before your class starts. No refunds available within 7 days of the start date. We’re happy to answer any questions!

Directions to Adam’s Forge

750 E. Easy Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065

Safety Guidelines

Safety is our highest priority at Adam’s Forge. Our instructors are dedicated to fostering a culture of safety from the moment you step into the forge.

It’s important to understand that blacksmithing involves inherent risks. You will be working directly with metal that can be sharp or extremely hot—often exceeding 2,000°F—alongside tools that require careful, focused handling.

Minimizing these risks is a shared responsibility. While instructors provide guidance, each person must be mindful of their own safety and the safety of those working nearby. As a crucial part of this, always get instructor clearance before using any tool.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures a safer environment for everyone to learn and create.

Required

PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR: Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the forge area.

EAR PROTECTION: Required when using power tools or when in the vicinity of power tool use.

FACE MASKS: N95 or better face masks are required when grinding or when activities generate metal dust.

HYDRATION: If you’re not sweating you’re probably not doing it right. Water works perfectly!

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Nonflammable material (COTTON, WOOL, and LEATHER) is REQUIRED at all times. Tee shirts and jeans are perfect.

FOOTWEAR: LEATHER or COTTON, nonflammable and with the toes covered to protect the feet from the constant production of hot and sharp metal fragments which rain down on the feet constantly is REQUIRED at all times. A steel toe is optional and provides protection against a dropped hammer or work piece. Boots, with the pants outside the boot top will prevent the hot and sharp metal fragments from getting in and burning your feet.

Optional

GLOVES: Are optional when working at the forge. Cuts and burns are frequent when working with metal. Gloves will protect your hands and forearms. However, gloves can be dangerous when working with powered machinery that can catch the glove and pull your hand into the machine. It is recommended to have a pair available. We have gloves available for you to buy.

When working with hot material the glove should be loose so it can be quickly removed if it becomes too hot. A glove cannot be used when wet as it will transmit heat very quickly. You don’t want to steam your hand. Rubber or plastic gloves cannot be used as they will melt onto the skin causing severe burns. Gloves are not usually needed when using tongs to handle the hot material.

KEVLAR GLOVES AND MITTS: Provide excellent heat and cut protection. More expensive than leather.

COTTON mill gloves are quite acceptable although they are somewhat less heat resistant.

LEATHER GLOVES, MITTS, and GAUNTLETS: Leather provides good protection from cuts and fair protection from heat. With prolonged heat exposure they will deform. Gauntlets, also known as welding gloves, extend partway up the forearm and provide extra protection. No part of the glove should be flammable as is common with cheaper gloves which are only part leather.

APRON: An apron is optional. Excellent heat, abrasion and dirt protection. It can be heavy and expensive. Available as a full (bib) or half length.

COTTON (DENIM): Light weight, inexpensive, and provides good protection against dirt. It is poor at heat protection but adequate to start learning.