Knife Smithing Class

Create your own survival knife from scratch at this New York workshop.



4 hours Class size 1 to 20 (public classes), 5 to 10

label $297 - $380 ($297 for Guest, $325 for Buddy Up! - you and your guest will make one finished product together, $380 for Date Night couple - you and your guest will make one finished product )

Transform a piece of ordinary rebar (steel reinforced rod) into a beautiful knife of your own design at this beginners' smithing class in New York!

This workshop will immerse you in the world of knife smithing — the art, science, and practice of using heat and hammers (among other tools) to shape steel. You'll begin by heating your rebar in a propane forge until it’s red-hot, then use a hammer and anvil to create the profile of your knife. Rinse and repeat until you have the shape you want. It’s a great workout!

After you’ve created the rough shape of your knife, you’ll use a grinder to refine and form the bevel of your blade, which is the core of its cutting edge. Next, you’ll heat the knife 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 is tempered. Feel free to grab a bite at one of the great restaurants in Gowanus, check out the nearby canal, or utilize the lounge and rooftop space to relax with your food, a drink, and your workshop buddies.

Once your group reconvenes, you’ll put the finishing touches on your masterpiece — wrapping your knife’s handle and sharpening it to a razor’s edge.

Whether you're searching for fun group activities to try with your friends or you need a fiery experience to level up your date night in New York, you’ll leave this workshop with a stunning piece of artistry and a newfound pride in your craftsmanship.


What you'll get
  • All of the equipment and materials for the workshop.
  • Your own custom forged knife to take home.
Suitable for

This class is perfect for beginners - no prior experience is needed.

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

This would also be a nice gift for her, gift for mom, anniversary gift or birthday gift.

Location

117B 11th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

This venue is within walking distance of 4 Av-9 St, Smith-9 Sts and 9 St stations

Knife Smithing Class location
Your teacher
Craftsman Ave
Craftsman Ave

5.0 (33)
3k

We transform "regular folks" into welders, woodworkers, welders, 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.

Verified reviews

We only show reviews from customers who have paid for and attended this class


Alden Hoyt • Aug 2023


This class was a blast wow we really did it ! Our teacher Gerard was helpful and informative with his instructions, but gave us space to create.
A fun couples experience

Knife Smithing Class review by Alden Hoyt - New York City

Justine Raymond • Aug 2023


This class was incredible! I bought the class as a surprise gift for my partner and we each made one knife each. Our instructor Arlene was so helpful, funny, inspiring, and had a great taste in music. The effort was somehow both easier and harder than expected (my arms are spaghetti), but the teacher was available to help if you were struggling. To be able to leave with a handmade knife was amazing! It inspired me to try other classes there, and I couldn't recommend it enough!

Metalwork class review by Justine Raymond - New York City

Pj Linen • Jul 2023


We had a great time in our class, it was a perfect birthday present for my boyfriend. He felt like he was on the show Forged in Fire and had a great time. It was a great beginner class, we could do things ourselves but always had our teacher right there to answer any questions or guide us in the right direction. We’ve already talked about doing a next level class!

Jeff Romley • Jul 2023


You guys rock! Thanks for a great evening. I loved learning how to make a knife with your graceful patience.

Knife Smithing Class review by Jeff Romley - New York City

Jack Briggs • Jun 2023


Great class - a great teacher. - space well set up - easy to get to.
Thanks enjoyed

Mark Bemish • Apr 2023


Both instructors were incredible. The attention to detail and the support they gave the class the whole time made this class hands down one of my favorite. Just go in being ready to sweat, hydrate, and sweat some more.

Carson Elrod • Apr 2023


This is a GREAT time.
I was given this class as a Christmas present and it's one of the best gifts I've ever gotten. The class size is small. My teacher was Gerard, and he was warm, nurturing, enthusiastic, encouraging, skilled, and patient.
This is a no-nonsense class where you really learn by doing. There's a quick hello and then you're geared up and pounding on molten pieces of rebar like you're a Viking blacksmith forging a sword. After hammering, shaping, quenching, grinding, and weaving, four hours later you leave the workshop with a knife that YOU made.
The vibe is fun. Nice rock n' roll is played while you hammer and grind away.
It's great. Highly recommend.

Michael Figueroa • Apr 2023


Knew it was gonna be an awesome time when the MCR broke out lol. But the teacher was funny and phenomenal at making everything easy to understand and very encouraging.

Metalwork class review by Michael Figueroa - New York City

Susan Alter • Jan 2023


The class was such a great time The teachers - Arlene and Gerard were very nice, fun, patient and taught us perfectly how to make a knife. The tools and process were cool. What a great experience and highly recommend!

Nick Blay • Nov 2022


Great people!went above and beyond, highly recommend to anyone considering doing something with their lives

Nivida Thomas • Mar 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Attentive, engaging, and super fun! The team at Craftsman Ave made us feel welcome and taught us how to make our very cool knives with a patient hand. Can’t recommend enough!

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