Curriculum Overview
Nazz Forge proudly offers a selection of classes geared towards beginner, intermediate, and advanced blacksmiths.
Classes are available to adults and children over 14, however a parent must accompany their child.
You may only make folding knives after you have completed three fixed-blade knives with us.
Traveling classes are available if you have your own shop and tools. Private classes, couple’s classes, and fun team-building group classes are available too - inquire via email for more information!
After purchasing a class you will receive a link and code to select the available class dates that work best for you.
If you are ready to buy a class CLICK HERE
Financing for classes is now available through PayPal Credit!
If you are buying a class for someone else make sure to put their name in the ATTENDEE field when filling out the forms.
More information below!
Blacksmith Basics - Bottle Opener -$150
Introduction
Sessions: 1 (2.5 hours)
Instructor: Justin Kirck or Devon James
Start your training and start swinging a hammer with this one session class. By the end of this class each student will walk away with a finished bottle opener they can’t wait to use.
14 years or older only.
Blacksmith Basics - Trinkets -$150
Introduction
Sessions: 1 (2 hours)
Instructor: Justin Kirck
Learn blacksmith fundamentals while you make coat hooks, s-hooks, and nails. Everything from heating up steal, swinging a hammer, and shaping your metal will be covered in this introductory class, perfect for the young aspiring blacksmith.
14 years or older only.
Woven chainmail jewelry
Woven chainmail keychain trinket
Chainmail TRINKETS / JEWELRY class - $120
Sessions: 1 (3 hours)
Instructor: Lo Styx
This intro class offers everything you need to start weaving aluminum chainmail jewelry. Join local chainmail artisan Lo Styx in getting to know the tools, materials, and basic weaves that serve as the building blocks of wearable chainmail art. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to sharpen your metallic weaving skills, each student will leave class with their own handmade necklace, bracelet, handflower, or keychain. All tools and materials provided, but feel free to bring your favorite pair of pliers if you prefer.
14 years or older only.
Handle forging
Utility Knife CLass - $500
Beginner
Sessions: 2
Instructor: Justin Kirck or Devon James
Option 1- Outdoor Knife. Learn the basics of making a robust everyday carry tool, ideal for opening boxes and crates, taking camping or hiking, or wood-cutting and other applications.
Option 2- Kitchen Knife. Learn the basics of making a small kitchen petty knife ideal for everyday food prep at home.
15 years and older only. 18 or older encouraged.
PRIOR FORGING EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED
There must be at least three days between your Day 1 and Day 2 class, and Day 1 must come before Day 2.
We offer the Trinkets or Bottle Opener and Utility Knife Class as a discounted bundle on the Buy Classes page
Planning a date night adventure? Are you and a friend looking for a unique experience? Parents interested in a constructive activity with your teenage child? A Partner Package is just the thing you need! When teaming up, you and a partner can take 10% off two class spaces in our intro and intermediate level blacksmithing and blade smithing classes. Look for this special option on our 'Buy Classes and Gift cards’ webpage to take advantage. (Certain class prerequisites still apply)
Dagger forging class - Intermediate level - $725
Daggers in one form or another have been around since 1800 BC, and in this 3 day intensive class, we’ll teach you how to make your very own. Choose from a more modern historical design, or perhaps something inspired by the Renaissance period. You’ll learn how to isolate and draw out a through tang, forge a blade tip and fuller, prepare a slotted guard, and make your own pommel. Dagger construction is very ‘fit & finish’ oriented, so students that enjoy precision machining and hand shaping skills will get a lot out of this class!
Completion of Utility Knife Class is required to sign up for Dagger Class!
Metal Engraving Class - Open to all levels of experience - $500 per 4 hour session
Join veteran artist Rob Scarpati in the workshop for a four hour intensive on the art of engraving. Each session maxes out at two students so you get a lot of instruction/attention from the teacher.
This class is for all levels of experience, and large-form projects can be accomplished over multiple sessions (email us your idea first so we can estimate how many sessions). Over multiple sessions you can work up to inlay, overlay, Western bright cut, and even knife engraving.
All tools, PPE, and non-precious metals are provided. You may bring your own metal objects from home to engrave including knives so long as they are unhardened (and you have taken at least one class beforehand).
This class will help you understand the equipment you may need to pursue engraving on your own, the techniques to engrave hardenable steel to precious metals, plus works great in combination with other bladesmithing classes at Nazz Forge (engraving your own knives and swords).
Class available upon request.
LEather belt making Class - $160
Beginner
Sessions: 1
Instructor: Justin Kirck
Learn the fundamentals of leatherwork in this two and half hour class. You'll cut, edge, stamp, and rivet your way through all the steps in making a high-quality custom leather belt that you will be showing off for decades to come.
This can be a group class of up to six people if booked far enough in advance.
14 years or older only.
Forge a Small Knife - $1200
Intermediate
Sessions: Approx 6
Instructor: Justin Kirck or Tahoma Hauptman
Forge your own small knife up to 5 inches in length. Perfect for the new and aspiring bladesmith.
Can also be made in damascus or stainless steel for an additional fee, email us for more information.
You must take either the Bottle Opener or Trinkets class, as well as the Utility Knife class, before this class.
15 years and older only.
Forge a Medium Knife - $1700
Advanced
Sessions: Approx 8
Instructor: Justin Kirck or Tahoma Hauptman
Forge your own blade between 5" to 11". Perfect for kitchen knives, ceremonial daggers, or camping/tactical knives.
Can also be made in damascus or stainless steel for an additional fee, email us for more information.
You must have worked your way up to the Small knife class before taking this class.
15 years and older only.
Forge a Large Knife - $2200
Advanced
Sessions: Approx 10
Instructor: Theo Nazz
Forge your own blade between 11" to 22". Kukaris, dirks, machetes, gladius, kopis… any large knife will do!
Can also be made in damascus or stainless steel for an additional fee, email us for more information.
You must have worked your way up to the Small knife class before taking this class.
15 years and older only.
Forge a sword - $3600
Advanced
Sessions: Approx 16
Instructor: Justin Kirck or Theo Nazz
Forge a sword any samurai or knight would want to carry. This class doesn’t just test your endurance in forging out a blade, but attention to detail is crucial as you work on your guard, pommel, and handle.
Can also be made in damascus for an additional fee, email us for more information.
You must have worked your way up to the Large knife class before taking this class.
16 years and older only.
Ball-peen hatchet class - $450
Beginner
Sessions: 2
Instructor: TBD
In this forging-intensive 2-day class you’ll learn how to reshape a ball-peen hammer into your own unique hatchet! We’ll cover the essentials of several forging techniques as well as heat treating and hafting.
Prior forging experience recommended but not required.
15 years and older only. 18 or older encouraged.
4 hour Rebar Survival knife class - $255 per person
A guaranteed great experience, you’ll have a blast bashing steel and working with hot metal to make this unique blade.
This class takes place at our partner school Craftsman Ave, just 3 stops away from us on the R train - purchase the class HERE.
4 hour Railroad Spike Knife class - $295 per person
Want to forge a cool and functional carbon steel knife? Then this is the class for you! Hammer out the iconic railroad spike knife, grind it to shape, and harden a classic American Folk art blade to call your own.
(Prior forging experience required)
This class takes place at our partner school Craftsman Ave, just 3 stops away from us on the R train - purchase the class HERE.
8 hour Stock-removal/Reductive Kitchen Knife class - $385 per person
In this detail oriented class students will focus on designing and then precisely shaping a custom kitchen knife that will serve them well for years to come. Utilize metal cutting & grinding to craft your custom creation. Choose from classic hardwood handle options to make the knife truly your own!
This class takes place at our partner school Craftsman Ave, just 3 stops away from us on the R train - purchase the class HERE.
2-hour project planning and prepping for adanced projects - $100
Let’s sit and chat over a beer and drawing pad to flush out the design, materials techniques, procedures, anime, fit-n-finish, and more!
Very relaxed session that prepares you well for your own adventures or forge access in our shop.
PRIOR EXPEREINCE REQUIIIIIRED!
EMAIL US TO SCHEDULE - this is easy to fit into random weekdays or weekends.
The ultimate Bladesmiths Bundle - $9000
Sessions: upwards of 40
Instructors: All of them
This bundle includes one of each of our forging class types, but does not include any damascus classes.
What to wear and bring:
We will review all our safety protocols in person when you arrive. If you do not feel well play it safe and stay home!
Vaccination against Covid-19 is preferred for all classes. Thank you for protecting yourself and others!
Only wear natural fiber clothing, no synthetics or blends. Jeans and leather / canvas shoes are a requirement. We recommend bringing a T-shirt and a long sleeve shirt. Make sure your pant cuffs go over the tops of your shoes, and there are no holes in any of your clothing.
Wear only clothing that you can part with, for it may be destroyed. You will not get to forge if you do not follow these rules.
If you have your own respirator (for knife making classes) please bring it, otherwise you will be supplied with one (that you will be responsible for bringing to and from class).
When transporting knives please use a knife roll/case, or tightly wrap it in a towel, and make sure to put a small luggage lock on your bag.
Absence, scheduling, and refunds:
48 hours notice of class absence is required. A $75 fee is applied per each day missed.
Each student is allotted one free rescheduled dates per Small, Medium, Large, or Sword project.
Safety is always number one, and communication is key. You’re sharing space with other blacksmiths wielding hot iron so always make others aware of your intentions, and pay attention to your surroundings.
If you are not being safe teachers are permitted to immediately send you home for the rest of the day. If you continue to pose a risk to yourself or others you may be removed from the class, to be refunded at the teacher’s discretion.
If you come to class intoxicated the teacher has the right to kick you out of the class and ban you from the school if they deem it necessary.
If you break or damage equipment you may be held responsible for fixing or replacing that piece of equipment, or covering the cost of having a service do so.
Please be advised that at the time being all classes and gift cards are non-refundable, however there is no expiration date on any of them.