December 24, 2023
Open Forge
Prerequisite: Any Discovery Class and Adam's Forge Membership Please note: Beginning on January 1, 2024, all attendees of Open Forge sessions must have successfully passed the Forge Safety class, which is free to members and available for sign-up on the class calendar. Can't add this workshop to your cart? You can join the Membership Program here Date: December 24, 2023 Time: 10 am - 2 pm Location: Adam's Forge Not a class, but a swell time to get in the forge to do what you wanna do. You can bring your own material and work on your own project. This can be a chance to finish that piece you started or work out a technique you’ve been meaning to try. One of our intrepid instructors will be on hand for supervision and guidance, although these are not teaching workshops. Please note: these sessions are intended to support our students as they practice skills that are within their ability range. Please do not use our forge and tools to experiment with new techniques that are beyond your skill level. When in doubt, ask the instructor. As with all of our workshops, we require that students attending Open Forge sessions be at least 12 years old. A student who is not an adult (18 and older) will need to have a parent or guardian present at ALL times during the session. Thanks for thinking of safety first. Bring your own steel OR we have steel for sale at the forge: 1/4" square 3/8" square and round 1/2" square and round Sold by the foot sucker rod (higher carbon steel) sold in 7" sections You must have taken at least one Discovery class from us and be familiar with working safely.January 28, 2024
Open Forge
Prerequisite: Any Discovery Class and Adam's Forge Membership Please note: Beginning on January 1, 2024, all attendees of Open Forge sessions must have successfully passed the Forge Safety class, which is free to members and available for sign-up on the class calendar. Can't add this workshop to your cart? You can join the Membership Program here Date: January 28, 2024 Time: 9 am - 1 pm Location: Adam's Forge Not a class, but a swell time to get in the forge to do what you wanna do. You can bring your own material and work on your own project. This can be a chance to finish that piece you started or work out a technique you’ve been meaning to try. One of our intrepid instructors will be on hand for supervision and guidance, although these are not teaching workshops. Please note: these sessions are intended to support our students as they practice skills that are within their ability range. Please do not use our forge and tools to experiment with new techniques that are beyond your skill level. When in doubt, ask the instructor. As with all of our workshops, we require that students attending Open Forge sessions be at least 12 years old. A student who is not an adult (18 and older) will need to have a parent or guardian present at ALL times during the session. Thanks for thinking of safety first. Bring your own steel OR we have steel for sale at the forge: 1/4" square 3/8" square and round 1/2" square and round Sold by the foot sucker rod (higher carbon steel) sold in 7" sections You must have taken at least one Discovery class from us and be familiar with working safely.December 10, 2023
Discovery Letter Opener
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Date: December 10, 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 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!December 31, 2023
Discovery Letter Opener
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Date: December 31, 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 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!January 07, 2024
Discovery Letter Opener
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Date: January 7, 2024 Time: 9 AM - 1 PM Location: Adam's Forge Not just a useful tool, but also the first step to all of your bladesmithing dreams, our Letter Opener is a Discovery workshop as well as a prerequisite for all of our blade workshops. The Letter Opener workshop is perfect as either an introductory or a follow-up course, as it 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. Don’t be afraid if that sounds like a lot; we’ll be there every step of the way to make sure you master all the skills you need. Please note: the first week that registration for this workshop is open, spots may only be purchased by members. If you find you are unable to register, please check back after that first week has passed, or consider becoming a member of Adam’s Forge. All proceeds go towards supporting our amazing organization, and membership will bring you exclusive events and opportunities, along with a community of other blacksmiths!
January 07, 2024
Layered Pendant
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Suggested skill level: Beginner and up Date: January 7, 2024 Time: 10 AM - 2 PM Location: Adam's ForgeAdam’s Forge is delighted to partner with Metal Artist Chloe Kono aka Chloeography in our first offering of a jewelry making workshop. Chloe holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University Long Beach and has been creating metal art for over a decade. Her aesthetic ranges from clever, humorous, and whimsical, to luminous heirloom pieces.In this workshop, you’ll design and create a layered pendant with simple sheet metal fabrication! Students will learn about the basic jewelry making hand tools, the nature of non-ferrous metals, and foundational techniques including sawing, texturing, riveting, and finishing.If you have a design that you’d like to make, it should be approximately between 1 and 2 inches overall. Chloe will have designs on hand for you to try, or you can improvise on the day!Class fee includes raw materials and access to all tools and equipment needed to finish the project.Optional: Sterling Silver Sheet (3x3, 22g) is available for purchase if students would like an upgrade.Please note: the first week that registration for this workshop is open, spots may only be purchased by members. If you find you are unable to register, please check back after that first week has passed, or consider becoming a member of Adam’s Forge. All proceeds go towards supporting our amazing organization, and membership will bring you exclusive events and opportunities, along with a community of other blacksmiths!
December 23, 2023
Penannular Pin
Prerequisite: Any Discovery Class Date: December 23, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's Forge Having trouble keeping your superhero cape fastened? This class is for you! The penannular has been made for millennia in many cultures to fasten clothing. The Vikings made them, the Celts popularized them. This workshop is a perfect next step after Discovery Class. We'll teach you how to make a basic pin and suggest some design variations. The techniques used in making penannulars can be applied to many advanced projects. Come learn in the fun class! ps: Penannulars make great gifts! Skills learned: Tapers, twisting, bending over the horn, and finishing. This class runs from 9 AM- 3 PM with an 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 to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!December 09, 2023
Fire Poker
Prerequisite: Any Discovery Class Date: December 9, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's Forge This is a CBA Level I class Are you interested in building your repertoire of fundamental blacksmithing skills and techniques? Then, this workshop is for you! In this workshop, students will learn to forge a fire poker. Trust us when we say that it's a pretty rad addition to your project line-up. Perfect for camping or if you have a fireplace or backyard fire-pit at home! The fire poker project class is specifically designed to introduce students to two fundamental blacksmithing techniques - forge welding and forging to dimension. Students will learn how to forge weld to create the poker end of the fire poker. Forge welding is the process of welding two pieces of metal together using heat and hammer and is an essential technique for when you need to join metal pieces together. It is a tricky process and our instructor will lead you through the process step-by-step to be able to successfully replicate the process on your own. In addition, students will learn to forge the handle of the fire poker to dimension. This is another essential skill and we'll teach you the tips and tricks necessary to be successful. This workshop is most appropriate for the advancing smith with an interest in building skills and technique. While it is not required, we have found that students who have taken at least 3-5 project classes with us before starting this project are more successful and get more out of this class. All students must have taken a Discovery class with us. The workshop runs from 9 am to 3 pm with a break for lunch. Instructor: Leif Bennett 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!December 28, 2023
Copper Bowl
Prerequisite: None; this is an introductory class. Date: December 28, 2023 Time: 10 AM - 4 PM Location: Adam's ForgeIn this workshop, you’ll make a copper bowl from scratch. Adam’s Forge instructor Will Larranaga will guide you through the layout, cutting and dressing of the copper blanks. He'll demonstrate sinking (forming) techniques using a variety of different methods. You'll be introduced to the concepts of work hardening, annealing, and planning your work so that the finished piece is rigid and strong. And he’ll demonstrate different tools and techniques to add texture to the work.You’ll go home with a new set of skills and one-of-a-kind bowl you can cherish forever. And it will be shiny too!We’ll provide all the tools and materials you need to complete your signature piece. However, if you have your own tools, feel free to bring them.This workshop runs for 6 hours 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!December 30, 2023
Iron Age Knife
Prerequisite: Any Discovery Class or Letter Opener class Date: December 30, 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!December 16, 2023
Ball pein hammer axe
Date: December 16, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's Forge Instructor: Gary StandkeWhy recycle when you can upcycle? In this workshop, Adam’s Forge instructor Gary Standke will teach you how to turn a humble hammer into a fully functional axe.
Starting with a 24 oz ball peen hammer, the ball end will be forged into a hammer head and the other into the axe. To move much of this metal, we'll be using our new power hammers. Once the metal is roughed out with the power hammer, we'll work on understanding how a cross peen hammer moves metal where you want it.You’ll learn how to heat treat and temper the steel and sharpen the edge. Finally, you’ll reuse the handles which were on the hammers and fit them in the axe. Not only will you have a unique tool to bring home, but you’ll have learned a valuable skill that will enable you to modify inexpensive common tools into customized specialty tools.This class runs from 9:00am – 3:00pm with an hour meal break.
Prerequisite: Any Discovery class, plus 2 or 3 project classes. This class will require some stamina and determination, as you’ll be forging tool steel.
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!January 05, 2024
Copper Foldforming
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory class Recommended skill level: Any Date: January 5, 2024 Time: 10 AM - 4 PM Fee: $190 Location: Adam's Forge Join us for an exciting exploration of process driven art and craft. Adam's Forge President Heather McLarty and instructor Will Larranaga will be demonstrating and instructing students in this super fun workshop. Fold forming uses Origami techniques and adapts them to metal, allowing the smith to create three-dimensional structures that can be used in sculpture, jewelry and as added texture and interest in whatever project you want to make with sheet metal! With fold forming, you start with a technique and then see where it leads you! You may end up with a piece that completely surprises and delights you. You'll learn about annealing, pickling, work hardening, and the importance of planning the order of operations. We'll also cover heat patinas, offering a whole rainbow of color options. This workshop is guaranteed to broaden your horizons, so catch it while you can! Please note: the first week that registration for this workshop is open, spots may only be purchased by members. If you find you are unable to register, please check back after that first week has passed, or consider becoming a member of Adam’s Forge. All proceeds go towards supporting our amazing organization, and membership will bring you exclusive events and opportunities, along with a community of other blacksmiths!December 16, 2023 - December 17, 2023
Turk’s Head Marlinspike
When: December 16, 2023: 4:00pm-8:00pm
December 17, 2023: 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: Adam’s Forge
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory class.
Note: This class takes place over two consecutive days. Students must attend both days.
A Marlinspike is a tapered iron spike that was used by sailors of old to do just about every manner of work on the ship’s rigging. Come to Adam’s Forge to learn how to make your own and learn some marlinspike seamanship as well!
This class is perfect for anyone interested in learning how to forge a tool of their own the way they would have made it back during the age of sail! On day one we will forge our own marlinspikes with Lead instructor, Dossain Valencia of Adam’s Forge and prep them for day two with our guest instructor Marc Casebolt. With Marc you’ll learn how to put in a Turks head knot on your marlinspike to not only create the handle but also put in a decorative covering knot to show off your knotwork prowess. These two skills combined can translate into a number of other projects; think hardware, knife handles, handles on other tools, even sculpture.
After your two days here you’ll be able to set foot on any sea vessel with your newly forged marlinspike worthy of its salt. Show your friends, show your crewmates!
Marc has been tying decorative knots since he was about 12 years old. After finding the Ashley Book Of Knots on his father’s bookshelf, he was hooked on the beauty and symmetry of what is called Marlinspike seamanship, which is the term for all knot work developed and used by the old time sailors. Marc is now a retired engineer and has the time to devote much more effort to the craft. Much of his recent work is now on display at the Channel Island Maritime Museum in Oxnard Ca, where he has been a volunteer for over 7 years. He now teaches knot tying to anyone who will sit still, listen, and give it a try!
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!December 29, 2023
Kiridashi
Date: December 29, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 4 PM Location: Adam's Forge Instructor: Dossain ValenciaThe Kiridashi is the original Japanese utility knife that has historically been used by Samurai and peasants alike. It’s both light and strong, suitable for a variety of uses. If you’ve taken the Letter Opener Discovery class, this is a perfect follow up project to build your bladesmithing skills.
Here, you’ll practice precision forging, learn some of the important considerations in blade design and have a chance to try different texturing methods. This blade is made from tool steel, so you’ll be heat treating, grinding, polishing and hand sharpening as well.
Prerequisite: Letter Opener Discovery Class
This class runs from 9:00am – 4:00pm 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!
January 21, 2024
Kiridashi
Date: January 21, 2024 Suggested Skill Level: Seasoned Beginner Time: 9 AM - 4 PM Location: Adam's Forge Instructor: Dossain ValenciaThe Kiridashi is the original Japanese utility knife that has historically been used by Samurai and peasants alike. It’s both light and strong, suitable for a variety of uses. If you’ve taken the Letter Opener Discovery class, this is a perfect follow up project to build your bladesmithing skills.
Here, you’ll practice precision forging, learn some of the important considerations in blade design and have a chance to try different texturing methods. This blade is made from tool steel, so you’ll be heat treating, grinding, polishing and hand sharpening as well.
Prerequisite: Letter Opener Discovery Class
This class runs from 9:00am – 4:00pm with an hour meal break.
Please note: the first week that registration for this workshop is open, spots may only be purchased by members. If you find you are unable to register, please check back after that first week has passed, or consider becoming a member of Adam’s Forge. All proceeds go towards supporting our amazing organization, and membership will bring you exclusive events and opportunities, along with a community of other blacksmiths!
December 17, 2023
Paring Knife
Date: December 17, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's Forge Instructor: Kent Lulewich Prerequisite: Letter Opener Discovery WorkshopJoin us to create a paring knife to use in the kitchen or take on your next picnic. This is a high carbon steel knife made from 80CRV2 steel.
We start by creating the handle section that you can size to fit your hand perfectly. Then the blade is forged and heat-treated. Lastly, we will grind it to the level of sharpness you desire.
The handle will be cord wrapped for both comfort and durability. We will discuss other handle options you can try on your own.
While we will not have time in this class to make a sheath, we will show you examples so you can do this on your own.
You will leave with a complete knife, ready to use.
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 have the opportunity to use your own!
Coarse files (i.e. 12 inch Heavy Duty Set from Harbor Freight)
Tongs for ¼” x ¾” stock
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 class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!January 14, 2024 - January 15, 2024
Integral EDC Knife
Date: January 14 & 15, 2024 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM and 10 AM - 2 PM Location: Adam's Forge Please note: This workshop takes place over two consecutive days. This class is scheduled as two consecutive sessions. Students must attend both sessions.Day 1: 9am – 3pm with an hour meal break
Day 2: 10 am – 2pm
Prerequisites: Discovery Letter Opener and one other blade workshop.
Suggested skill level: Seasoned Beginner
Come down to Adam’s Forge to participate in our two-day course where we will be forging a one piece everyday carry knife from high carbon steel. Use and carry this knife for anything life throws at you anytime, any day. Learn to set shoulders and add a tapered tail for a forged lanyard end as you discover how to forge extra elements onto a knife profile. Join Adam’s Forge Lead Instructor Dossain Valencia in this workshop for an in-depth tutorial to heat treat knives at the forge. This method can easily be expanded upon for larger knives and different constructions to accommodate wood scales.
This class is perfect for those that have taken letter opener and another one-day knife workshop and want to hone their skills on bladesmithing. Participants will learn how to work high carbon steel efficiently and how to normalize, harden, and temper their blades. You’ll also learn how to grind the blade and securely wrap your handle with leather.
All materials and tools are provided. Seasoned beginners are invited and should have an easy time in this course.
Please note: the first week that registration for this workshop is open, spots may only be purchased by members. If you find you are unable to register, please check back after that first week has passed, or consider becoming a member of Adam’s Forge. All proceeds go towards supporting our amazing organization, and membership will bring you exclusive events and opportunities, along with a community of other blacksmiths!
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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.
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