Knife Forging Workshop: Custom Railroad Spike

Turn a railroad spike into a custom knife in this knife forging workshop for intermediates in Brooklyn!


Craftsman Ave
Craftsman Ave
5.0 (49)
23k

4 hours Class size 1 to 20 guests     $335

NYC
•
Brooklyn
•
Craft
•
Metalwork
Ready to take your knife forging skills to the next level? Transform a historic railroad spike into a beautiful knife that you design in this forging class in NYC! This American Folk Art project involves knife smithing techniques – the art, science, and practice of using heat and hammers (among other tools) to shape steel, that you started using in the introduction to knife-making class. You will add skills while transforming a historic railroad spike into a beautiful knife of your own design.
The first portion of this workshop will focus on heating and shaping the spike with a hammer and anvil. You’ll heat up your steel in our propane forge until it’s red-hot then use a hammer and anvil to create the profile of your knife. Rinse, repeat until you have the rough shape you want for your blade. Then heat and twist the handle using the vice and a tool designed to twist hot steel by hand. It’s a great workout!
After you’ve created the rough shape of your knife, you’ll use a grinder to refine the shape and form the bevel of your knife, which is the core of its cutting edge. Finally, you’ll heat the knife up one more time and quench it in oil to harden the blade. This involves red-hot metal and usually a little fire when you dunk your knife into the oil.
We’ll then take a break while your knife cools after you quench it. During this time, feel free to grab a slice from the excellent pizza place around the corner (Table 87). You’re also welcome to utilize our lounge area to relax with your slice, a drink, and your workshop buddies. Take advantage of your time out of the apartment and make a night of it!
Once we reconvene, you’ll put the finishing touches on your masterpiece – wire buffing the handle and sharpening the blade to a razor’s edge. You’ll leave the workshop with a stunning piece of American Folk artistry, a slightly sore arm, and a newfound pride of your craftsmanship.
If you're hoping to advance your knife smithing skills or want to learn a creative project, this intermediate foraging workshop will teach you new techniques and provide you with a fun time! This also makes for great experience gift ideas for aspiring metal smithers!
Knowledge required
Intermediate – this workshop is only available to guests who have completed our Forge a Survival Knife workshop.
 
What you'll get
Hand-forged knife made out of a railroad spike.
 
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, Christmas party or bachelorette party.

This experience would also be a cool gift for her, gift for mom or gift for couples.

Location

Craftsman Ave - 117 11th Street Brooklyn, NY 11215

Knife Forging Workshop: Custom Railroad Spike location
More about this class

This teacher has 49 reviews for their other experiences - which you can see here.

This class is also covered by ClassBento's money-back guarantee.

Your teacher

Craftsman Ave
Craftsman Ave

5.0 (49)
23k

We transform "regular folks" into welders, woodworkers, jewelry makers, leather crafters, knife forgers, and stained glass artisans in just one workshop. Our hands-on workshops are taught by local makers, artists & designers in Brooklyn.
Locally owned and operated since 2015, Craftsman Ave is a destination to connect people who want to learn how to do new things with a skilled and likable craftsman who can show them how to do those things in a straight forward, fun, and non-condescending manner. You can make cool stuff while supporting the makers and artists of NYC who we hire to lead our workshops.

Gift this artisan class

With our gift card, they can book this class at a time that suits them

They can also choose from our 4,000+ other classes

Gifting options
4FHB8OR140 b96a490f1dd90bcefdba5812d2d1076a production New York City NY US new-york-city