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September 30, 2023
Discovery Letter Opener
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Date: September 30, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 1 PM Location: Adam's Forge The Letter Opener is a Discovery workshop as well as a prerequisite for all of our blade workshops. This class teaches techniques that are useful in a wide range of blacksmithing projects. You'll learn how to work with slightly larger stock, and be introduced to the proper choice and use of tongs to hold the hot steel. You'll use the vise and a twisting wrench for the handle, and practice tapering and turning scrolls as well. In forging the blade, you'll learn about full-face and half-face hammer blows. Finally, you can apply a hot wax finish to protect your letter opener. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!October 01, 2023
Discovery Letter Opener
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Date: October 1, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 1 PM Location: Adam's Forge The Letter Opener is a Discovery workshop as well as a prerequisite for all of our blade workshops. This class teaches techniques that are useful in a wide range of blacksmithing projects. You'll learn how to work with slightly larger stock, and be introduced to the proper choice and use of tongs to hold the hot steel. You'll use the vise and a twisting wrench for the handle, and practice tapering and turning scrolls as well. In forging the blade, you'll learn about full-face and half-face hammer blows. Finally, you can apply a hot wax finish to protect your letter opener. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!October 08, 2023
Discovery Bottle Opener Class
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory class Date: October 8, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 1 PM Location: Adam's Forge The Bottle Opener is an introductory class as well as a great next step for students that have taken another of our Discovery classes and want to continue to develop their blacksmithing skills. This class teaches techniques that are useful in a wide range of blacksmithing projects. You'll learn how to work with slightly larger stock, and be introduced to the proper choice and use of tongs to hold the hot steel. You'll use the vise and a twisting wrench for the handle, and practice tapering and turning scrolls as well. In forging the handle, you'll learn about shaping a square rod into an octagon, or if you prefer, a round, tapered bar. Finally, you can apply a hot wax finish to protect your bottle opener. Please note: All classes are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!October 15, 2023 - October 28, 2023
Chef’s Knife
Date: October 15, 21, 22 & 28 2023 Time: 9 AM - 5 PM Location: Adam's Forge Please note: This class takes place over four separate weekend afternoon/evening classes. Session 1: 10-15-23 from 9:00am - 5:00pm Session 2: 10-21-23 from 9:00am - 5:00pm Session 3: 10-22-23 from 9:00am - 5:00pm Session 4: 10-28-23 from 9:00am - 5:00pm Students must attend all sessions.Back by popular demand, Adam’s Forge volunteer instructor Tom Pricone offers his chef's knife class. Tom’s combined passion for cooking and blacksmithing led him to create a number of distinctive kitchen knives over the past several years.
In this class, Tom will be assisted by our excellent staff instructors as he shares some of the lessons he’s learned while refining his style as a bladesmith. This chef’s knife will bear some of Tom’s distinctive touches, combining the Brut de Forge style in which the hammer marks are left unpolished near the spine of the blade along with a traditional, octagonal Japanese Wa hidden-tang handle. Other design options include use of liner material to add color to the handle and your choice of several different hardwoods.
In keeping with our overall approach to bladesmithing, the emphasis in this class will be on forged to finish blades with minimal stock removal necessary. The impact of design choices on overall functionality, balance, wrist, and hand fatigue will also be explored. From forging to heat treating, grinding, polishing, handle construction and fit-up, students will have clear instruction and expert assistance each step of the way.
Rugged, refined, respected. This cutlery exemplifies functional, elegant beauty. If you’re serious about making knives, this class is not to be missed!
Prerequisites: Letter Opener Discovery plus Introduction to Bladesmithing or 2-3 of our blade classes.
This class is 8 hours long with an hour meal break.
Please note: All classes are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!October 27, 2023
Copper Mask Exploration
Date: October 27, 2023 Time: 10 AM - 4 PM Location: Adam's Forge Prerequisites: None; this class is suitable for beginners. However, some hammer skills will make this class more rewarding and less frustrating. Note: this is not a Discovery class.Just in time for Halloween! Enjoy letting your creativity run while learning some of the essentials of forming copper sheet. This will be a wild workshop of taking flat sheet and making a 3-dimensional copper mask. We’ll get to use some of the wonderful tools generously donated from the estate of John Fusco.
Adam's Forge’s own Heather McLarty and Will Larranaga will cover some of the same skills and knowledge used to form vessels, armor, the Statue of Liberty, and other sculptures. Skills include cutting and dressing the sheet, annealing copper, work hardening, using stakes and other tricks of the trade.
This class is open to all skill and experience levels. Come ready to jump in, learn, and be creative.
This class runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm with an hour meal break.
Please note: All classes are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!
October 14, 2023
Grand Opening Celebration!
We are on Fire announcing the Grand Opening of our new facility in Simi Valley!
Live hot forging, team striking, copper forming before your very eyes! The one and only Tony Swatton, armorer to the stars, will be on hand to share some of his special magic. You’ll see jewelry making, hot glass work, needle felting, chainmail, pyrography, fancy knotwork and more!
There’ll be a Tomahawk toss or try your hand at forging a mini-sword for your Barbie, Ken or pet mouse. Or you can make a ring out of a quarter!
This is a free event, open to all. Please sign up if you want to come and see what we're all about!
When: Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Adam’s Forge 750 East Easy St., Simi Valley
What: This could be your favorite thing ever!
October 29, 2023
Skeleton Bottle Opener
Prerequisite: Any Discovery Class or Letter Opener class Date: October 29, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's ForgeInstructor: Dossain Valencia
This class runs from 9 am-3 pm, with a one-hour break for lunch.
Today we will make a ghoulish tool for the kitchen or any party. We’ll forge this from mild steel and apply a wax finish.
The project starts by drawing out the steel as you did in the Discovery Day Class. This taper will be bent around and back to create a bottle opener.
Then the fun begins as we form the skeleton. We start by using a guillotine tool (how appropriate) to form the neck and waist. Then we work on the face and chest. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to make it your own.
Once formed, a wax finish is applied to protect the steel from kitchen abuse.
Much fun to be had by all and you will have a tool that you’ll definitely want to make again and again, as gifts for all your friends.
Skills learned: Tapers, bending over the horn, using tooling for decoration, and finishing.
Please note: All classes are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!
November 12, 2023
Discovery BBQ Tool
Prerequisite: None. This is the first class to take. Date: November 12, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 1 PM Location: Adam's Forge Start Smithing! The Ancient DIY Craft. Not sure what blacksmithing is or if you’re really interested? This workshop is for you! Come watch a demonstration and then give it a try in the forge with the help of one of our intrepid instructors. The pre-industrial art of blacksmithing has existed since the ancient times - copper making at high-temperature dates as far back as 5,000 BCE! Projects are simple and will give you a taste of what hot forging is about. In this 4 hour workshop you'll get an introduction to our forge and tools, learn how to work safely, and learn the fundamental techniques of blacksmithing. And you'll come home with a useful barbecue tool that you forged on your own! Come discover blacksmithing for yourself! SAFETY NOTES: The minimum age to register for this class is 12 years old. All students between the ages of 12 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while at the Forge. HYDRATION: If you’re not sweating you’re probably not doing it right. Please bring something non-alcoholic to drink. Water works perfectly! PROTECTIVE CLOTHING (COTTON, WOOL, or LEATHER): Nonflammable material is REQUIRED at all times. Tee shirts and jeans are perfect. FOOTWEAR (LEATHER, 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. Tools and equipment are provided without extra charge. Eye protection is mandatory. Please bring your own safety glasses, or we can provide a new unused pair at no additional cost. Gloves are optional. We recommend that you bring a pair in case you have trouble getting hot pieces in and out of the forge. If you decide you need a pair on the day of your class you can purchase them from Adam's Forge for $7.00. Please note: All classes are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!November 18, 2023
Discovery Letter Opener
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Date: November 18, 2023 Time: 10 AM - 2 PM Location: Adam's Forge The Letter Opener is a Discovery workshop as well as a prerequisite for all of our blade workshops. This workshop introduces techniques that are useful in a wide range of blacksmithing projects. You'll learn how to work with slightly larger stock, and be introduced to the proper choice and use of tongs to hold the hot steel. You'll use the vise and a twisting wrench for the handle, and practice tapering and turning scrolls as well. In forging the blade, you'll learn about full-face and half-face hammer blows. Finally, you can apply a hot wax finish to protect your letter opener. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!November 19, 2023
Blacksmith Knife
Date: November 19, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's Forge Instructor: Kent LulewichIn this workshop students will make the classic “Blacksmith’s Knife” using traditional blacksmithing techniques. We will be using high carbon tool steel, the classic material for knives, and transforming it into a versatile knife with an integral handle. This knife can be used for everything from slicing cheese and fruit, to opening a package, to making life easier on your next camping trip. Material selection, design, layout, forging & grinding techniques and heat treating will be covered.Prerequisite: Letter Opener Discovery workshop. Skill level: Beginner with some blacksmithing experience recommended. Students should have some experience with standard blacksmithing operations as well as blade forging.Class runs from 9am - 3pm with a one hour meal break. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this workshop to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!November 24, 2023 - November 25, 2023
Bowie Knife
Prerequisite: Letter Opener Discovery - see comments for more advisory information Date: November 24, 2023 & November 25, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's Forge Please note: This workshop takes place over two consecutive days. This class is scheduled as two consecutive sessions starting at 9 am. Students must attend both sessions. Each session will run approximately 6 hours with an hour meal break. The Bowie knife is the stuff of American legend - join us to create this historic knife that was carried by soldiers and frontier explorers throughout the West! Adam's Forge instructor Gary Standke will lead this workshop. We will provide all the blade steel, guard metal, and wood handle materials as well as the grinding belts and finishing materials. On day one, the students will learn to forge the knife blade and tang using one fourth of a farrier's rasp. Traditionally, high carbon steel was difficult to find on the frontier and these knives would have been made from whatever was available. Farrier's rasps were often available and repurposed into blades. After forging the blade, students will learn to forge and fit the blade guard. Then, they’ll learn to rough grind the blade. On day two, students will continue rough grinding and will then learn to harden and temper the blade. After this we will move onto the final grinding to get to a razor edge if desired. Then comes the final assembly of the blade, guard and handle to complete the knife. Students will leave class with a completed knife. You'll find this is an excellent all-purpose knife! Prerequisites: This workshop is for the experienced student. Students should be confident in hammer control and basic forging skills. This is not a workshop for beginners. The ideal student has experience working with high carbon steel and/or heat treatment either by taking tooling classes with us and/or the equivalent in Open Forge. Precise forging and close monitoring of steel temperatures will be required for success. All students must also have completed Letter Opener Discovery with us. Tools: Students do not need to bring tools; we have everything that you will need. However, if you happen to have the following, please bring them so that you’ll have the opportunity to use your own! Coarse files (i.e., 12-inch File Set, 4 Pc. from Harbor Freight) Tongs for ¼ inch x 5/8 inch stock This workshop is scheduled for the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, and will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with a one-hour break for lunch, each day. Students need to attend both dates. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!November 26, 2023
Iron Age Knife
Prerequisite: Any Discovery Class or Letter Opener class Date: November 26, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's Forge In this workshop, Adam’s Forge instructor Kent Lulewich will help equip you for a Viking adventure by teaching you to make a small iron age knife. Not only is this an attractive tool, it’s also a pleasure to make, especially for those with little blacksmithing experience. One of the advantages of this design is that it’s a one-piece knife; you don’t have the extra work of creating and attaching a handle. This enables you to bring home a beautiful and functional finished product. In this workshop, you’ll practice moving metal to specific dimensions, tapering and turning the beautifully curved handle. You’ll also gain experience in learning to hold awkward shapes while striking them. Hint: using the right tongs helps! Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!
Adam’s Forge is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.