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FAQs

Who

Where are you located?

Q: I'm confused, are you in Utah or Silverton Colorado?
A: Blacksmith Adventures was founded in Kanab, Utah. In 2022, we began providing classes in Silverton, Colorado. At this time, we are only serving Silverton, CO from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  

Who Can Participate

Q: Do you have to have any previous experience?

A: No, no previous blacksmithing or hammering experience is required. 

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Q: Is there an age limit?

A: Yes, each class has a minimum age posted. Youth can differ greatly in their size, apparent strength, and ability to focus so, the instructor reserves the right to accept or reject students at his discretion. Though the minimum age varies by class, there is no maximum age! ​

    * Minors MUST have a parent or guardian present for the DURATION of the class.  

 

Q: Does blacksmithing require alot of upper body strength or muscle?

A: No, metal becomes soft when hot. The trick to blacksmithing is waiting for the metal to be pale orange before hammering and to quit before its black. Young, old, male, female, all succeed. 

 

Q: Can women blacksmith well?

A: Yes, women actually often do as good or better than men because, they can't rely on strength so, they use proper technique. Plus the fairer sex tends to be more patient in waiting for the iron to get hotter. The hotter the iron, the easier it is to manipulate.  

 

Q: I don't know anyone else who wants to do this, do you do classes for just one person?

A: Yes, we are happy to schedule the shorter classes for one person though, we will attempt to fill a class once set. Longer classes do require a minimum number of students.

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Q: Can a non-participant be there to watch and take pictures?

A: Yes, we do have a limited amount of space and seating for by-standers. And, of course, they can take pictures!

What to Bring

Q: Is there any safety gear provided?
A: Yes, we provide protective leather aprons made by Forge-Aprons.com, clear safety glasses, ear protection, kevlar and cotton gloves. We also have leather shoe covers for those wearing synthetic shoes. 

Q: What should I wear?
A: Long pants and shoes with a closed toe are required. A long sleeve shirt is recommended.

Q: Are drinks or snacks provided?
A: We do have bottled water available. You are welcome to bring hydrating beverages like Gatoraide and energy boosting snacks. We have a small refrigerator you can use to keep them cool.

How to Succeed

Q: I am concerned I don't have enough strength or muscle, is this a problem?

A: There are many small people who are successful blacksmiths. Waiting for the iron to become pale orange hot in the forge then hitting it accurately is more important than how hard. Though, you will need to put some power in your hammer strokes to finish in a timely manner. Our instructor is there to encourage and, if neccessary, assist you when needed.  

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Q: What if I just can't do it?

A: To date, everyone has left our shop with a completed project. Blacksmithing doesn't require non-stop hammering. You have about 20-30 seconds of hammering interspersed with 1-2 minutes of waiting for the steel to reheat to a forging temperature. For those that feel like they bit off more than they can chew, our instructor is there. He will assist you into the next step, which changes things up enough that you can continue on your own. 

How to Schedule a Class

Q: Do you have a schedule of classes?
A: We have found that tourists need flexibility so, we do not have a set schedule. If you have a group of people then, determine which class you would like to take, give us a call and together we will book a time for your Blacksmith Adventure. Please do allow us 24 hours prior notice if possible. If it's just a few of you, we welcome walk-ins.

Q: I don't know anyone else who wants to do this, do you do classes for just one person?
A: Yes, we are happy to schedule our shorter classes for one person but we do require a minimum class size for our longer classes. 
 

Other Questions

Q: Has the instructor been on the History Channel TV show Forged in Fire?
A: No, while George does forge knives and makes Damascus billets, he is an artist blacksmith. He has primarily spent his career forging decorative ironwork for home decor like gates, bed frames, tables, door hardware, pot racks and more. His most notable work is a handrail located at the Grand Canyon's Mather Point Amphitheater forged with a team of smiths. He has also had his work featured in numerous blacksmithing books and magazines. Additionally, George has appeared in many newspapers and on local news stations for demonstrating blacksmithing to the public at art festivals and street fairs.   

Q: Will I get dirty? 
A: Good question. The answer is, possibly. Many people don't get noticibly dirty. If you choose not to wear gloves, your hands may get smudges but, it washes off. If you lean against something in the shop, your clothes may get dirty but again, it will wash out or maybe even brush off. 

Q: Will I get burned?
A: To date, we have had no accidents at Blacksmith Adventures. That said, blacksmithing is a potentially dangerous activity. Participants need to be keenly aware of those around them. Any type of horseplay is forbidden. Small flakes of metal do pop off the iron when hammering and you may have one land on your hand, arm or feet. This is why we provide protective gear and recommend that you wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and close toed shoes. 

Q: Will I be sore?
A: Potentially. Your muscles may ache a little from lactic acid build-up while you are hammering but you will get a reprieve when your project goes back in the forge to reheat. Depending on your level of fitness, some people feel muscle soreness the next day. 

Q: Will I get a blister?
A: Only if you are holding your hammer improperly. Our instructor makes every effort to correct people's hammer hold to alleviate blistering. If you do develop a blister, we offer band-aids and gloves. 

What to Bring
How to Succeed
When are Classes
Other Questions
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