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Forging the Yakut Knife


  • Coal Iron Works 516 Meridian Street Anderson, IN, 46016 United States (map)

Join bladesmith Robert Burns for a lesson on the historical YAKUT KNIFE!

Come and get your feet wet by learning to make a traditional Yakutian Knife.

This style of knife has been in use for hundreds of years and remains virtually unchanged. The Yakut knife originates in Siberia and remains in use today as an everyday use knife in household throughout the region. This knife can be used for cooking as well as hunting and wood work, it’s wide variety of uses is one of the reasons it has remained such an iconic design. What makes this knife style different from other western knives is that it has a single bevel, meaning this is either for right handed or left handed use. It also features a forged fuller (or hollow) on one side that aides in sharpening as well as cutting. The handle is bare bones and utilitarian, but can still be a thing of beauty.


The cost of the class will include tuition, material fees, as well as bagels and coffee in the morning each day. Purchase of this in-person course will also grant you access to the live recording of the class when it is published on our Online Education page so that you have lifetime access to the process, information, and memories. Housing and transportation options are not available at this time and are the responsibility of the student. Local housing can be found at visitandersonmadisoncounty.com


This is a BEGINNER level class!

No prior experience needed! Just bring your curiosity, grit, and a thirst for adventure. We'll provide the rest, including expert instruction, top-notch equipment, and a fiery atmosphere that will ignite your passion.

Limited spots available! Claim your place at the forge today!

Suitable for all skill levels - must be 18+!

In this course you will learn to forge from bar stock the traditional yakutian blade, you will also learn how to grind, heat treat, finish the blade, and craft a unique handle for your knife.

We will be using 1095 for the blades and either walnut or maple for the handles. This course will be accessible to beginner through advanced students.

What you’ll need on the day of the class:

  • PPE (Safety Glasses, Ear Protection, Gloves, Respirator)

  • Closed toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty


Robert Burns

Robert Burns started forging at the age of 13 under Jymm Hoffman, learning the American Colonial style of ornamental ironwork. Robert started his business (Wilderness Ironworks) fifteen years ago and has been a full time knifemaker for the past 14 years. Robert's work has appeared in blade magazine, field and stream, sur la tableau, and the Metals Museum. Robert specializes in making contemporary edged tools based in traditional techniques.


  • We understand that sometimes circumstances change and you may need to cancel your attendance to one of our scheduled classes. However, please note that refunds are subject to the following policy:

    If you cancel your attendance more than 30 days before the start of the class, you will receive a full refund of your registration fee.

    If you cancel your attendance within 30 days of the start of the class, you will not be eligible for a refund.

    We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but please understand that our classes have limited availability and we need to ensure that all registered attendees are committed to attending.

    Class registration is non-transferable under any circumstances. The student in attendance must match the ID information of our class registration records.

    If you have any questions, concerns, or need to make a cancellation, please do not hesitate to contact us at school@coaliron.com

    The Coal School of Iron is not financially responsible for any other accommodations any student makes for themselves should a cancellation occur. This includes room and board, travel arrangements, travel insurance, etc.

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Making It Stick: Intro to Damascus Steel 5/10/25

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May 31

May IBA Open Forge