Basic Blacksmithing

Forge new skills by learning the essential elements of blacksmithing. Join us in the Modern Blacksmith Shop where stewardship and tradition meet innovation. In this workshop, you will learn how to use our traditional coal-fired forge, gain hammer and anvil experience to help your project take shape, and get perspectives about the overall history and importance of blacksmithing.

This class starts off by creating basic hooks and wall hooks. We will then progress through projects including a flint striker, cold chisel, fireplace poker, cooking fork, and candle holder. As a result of these projects, you will understand processes including the following:

• Drawing out to lengthen or thin metal 
• Punching holes 
• Bending 
• Riveting 
• Welding 
• Hardening 
• Heating and cooling metal through tempering 

Learn more about our historic classes.

This class is for individuals ages 14+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. 

Purchase Tickets

Monday evenings, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Classes for this program are as follows: 

• January 13 
• January 20 
• January 27 
• February 3 
• February 10 

Location: Modern Blacksmith Shop, location #37 on map

Prices:
Members: $270 | Nonmembers: $300

About the Teacher

Nathan Allen was born and raised in Neosho, Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains. From a young age, I had an interest in history and working with my hands. From the time I was in grade school, I had developed a fascination with hand tools and making things in a traditional manner. By junior high, I rigged up a forge, made my own charcoal and began a lifelong interest in blacksmithing that led to an interest in teaching the craft. By High School Shop, I led a group of students in building a coal forge, hammering out, and finishing blades. 

Nathan earned a degree in historic preservation, with an emphasis in historic site administration from Southeast Missouri State University. Nathan’s professional career began as an intern in the Blacksmith Shop at Conner Prairie the summer of 1995. After graduating, he began working full time at Conner Prairie as the manager of the Historic Trades program. Along with blacksmithing, I am also a woodworker and have spent years teaching classes at Conner Prairie. 

Nathan has had the privilege of working directly with some great blacksmiths, including Melvin Lytton, Hershel House, Peter Ross, Tom Latane, Jim Slining, Steve Miller, Tom Clark and Clifton Ralph. His goal in historic trades is to pursue an uncomplicated approach to forging, stressing good ergonomics, proper hammer control and technique and foundational skills. Through his instruction, he has led many classes at Conner Prairie with the purpose that they can be enjoyed by those with just a passing curiosity for the craft or for those who are more serious in pursuing refinement of their skills.