Intermediate: Forge Weld a Tomahawk
Intermediate class: requires previous experience, safety lecture
Blacksmiths love Forge Welding
Join us at Clay and Steel to forge your own tomahawk. Our guest blacksmith Jake Trogdon teaches this exciting and traditional class to students with some experience at the forge. If you’ve taken a class with us before, you’re all set to sign up and try new techniques.
Jake will go over the tool’s design, forging techniques, proper tools, temperatures, forge welding with flux, and finishing the tomahawk head. You’ll finish and shape your tomahawk’s eye and secure it to a strong handle to complete your tool. This class is highly recommended for continuing students, as the class covers techniques applicable to both general blacksmithing as well as blade smithing. If you’ve finished an “Intro” class and want to continue skill building, forge welding is definitely a good but challenging skill to work on. Note that this is a physical class and you will be hammering quite a lot.
About Jake Trogdon
is a certified blacksmithing instructor with the California Blacksmith Association. His calm and clear style makes this hard project achievable, even for newer smiths. Past sessions have seen 100% of students complete their project due in no small part to Jake’s skill and prowess behind the anvil.
Book a Class
To book a class with Clay and Steel, enter the “quantity” of class slots (bringing a friend is recommended), scroll to the class date/time you want, then press Book.
If you’re hoping to “Squeeze one more person” in to a nearly sold out class, we can usually accommodate. Email for details.
Class Policies
Please wear all natural fabric/materials such as cotton jeans, t-shirts, wool or leather.
An ideal outfit is closed toed leather or cotton shoes w/rubber soles, a t-shirt (long sleeves OK), and jeans. Long hair should be tied up in a really cute way. Stud earrings are OK but larger earrings should be removed, the radiant heat can and will heat them! Aprons, goggles, and ear protection are provided.
DO NOT WEAR SYNTHETIC FIBERS. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, nylon and spandex melt and stick to skin and feet when heated. Do not wear synthetic clothing or shoes when working with fire.
Clay and Steel is located at Seaport Studios in Richmond, CA. Seaport Studios is a very impressive shop and studio space filled with individually owned private art businesses. It is an active, working place made by artists and dreamers. Expect there to be fire, noise, welders, grinders, woodworkers, art cars, shop dogs and shop cats.
This smithy aims to feel like a safe place for all people. We love the differently abled. We are strong LGBTQ+ allies and treat fellow humans with respect.
How to prepare for class:
Read Preparing for Class and About Our Classes
