Class Difficulty

Beginner classes are available to anyone ages 10+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult). The class content for these types of courses will consist of very introductory level skills like hand forging techniques and simple tool building along with introductions to vocabulary, history, metallurgy, tooling, and good repeatable practice. Some beginner classes will also dive into basic machine operation such as presses, grinders, buffers, and kilns.

Students can expect to walk away from these (typically short form) classes with a breadth of new knowledge as well as whatever project was covered during the class.

Intermediate Level classes are available to anyone 18+. It is recommended to have some forging experience for this level of class as they will be moving at a faster pace than the Beginner Level classes. While anyone is welcome to apply for Intermediate classes, if you are unsure of your abilities we do recommend contacting us about the course content and how difficult it could be for your experience level. We want you to have a great time learning at our facility and experience the full value of learning what our instructors have to offer as well as leaving with a finished functional piece of work.

Intermediate level classes will assume that the student has basic levels of understanding of forging theory, hand techniques, vocabulary, tooling, metallurgy, and experience using machines such as presses, grinders, and kilns.

Students are REQUIRED to have prior forging/blacksmithing experience.

Advanced Level courses involve an application process. After your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the school admin and sent for final approval by the instructor. You will be notified regardless of the decision made.

Applications will be viewed and approved on a first come, first served basis. If all of the seats fill up while your application is being processed, you will notified as such.

*If you are not accepted into an advanced course, please don't stop pursuing your education! We have beginner and intermediate level courses available at the Coal School of Iron that DO NOT require an application!

For the full benefit of everyone involved, all applicants of Advanced Level courses will be expected to keep up with the pacing set by the instructor. We want everyone to have an enjoyable time and walk away with a finished project and full knowledge of the process.

Collaborative classes require teamwork and input from the students and the instructors. These types of classes will involve intense collaborative efforts while exploring new concepts and testing theories. These classes are far and few between, but the students must have their own experience and expertise to bring to the table to create something incredible.

Applications will be required for these classes. Ages 18+.