Railroad

Spike Knife

The classic beginner project, taught in smithys all over the world. This blade feels nice in the hand, looks great, and teaches nearly every basic technique a blacksmith uses. Start with the taper, shape the curves, bevel it, twist it, give it a bath and then give it an edge. There’s a lot to do but we make sure you get done.

This is a beefy tool capable of working the ground, gutting a fish, roasting a marshmallow, and hammering in tent stakes. Dry it off after use. Especially the guts.

(This class starts from a thicker piece of steel (5/8”) than other “Intro” projects and has an extended forging time.)

This class includes:

  • A quick tour of our smithy and facility

  • Extensive safety training and PPE

  • Blacksmithing lessons

  • An extra long guided forging time. Our instructors are present and attentive to students.

  • Group photos or videos, coffee, and stickers.

  • A railroad spike to forge on, you don’t need to bring your own please

Concepts taught:

Safety, tools, hammer control, tongs control, anvil concepts, hammer concepts, tapering, flattening, beveling, twisting and grinding.

You can opt to purchase a pre-made blade to supplement or gift away, either in class or at checkout.

Important Information

Youth Participants
Students ages 16 and older are welcome to enroll in all classes.

Youth ages 13–15 may participate by becoming members of the California Blacksmith Association (CBA). CBA membership includes liability insurance that allows younger students to participate in blacksmithing classes.

Students under 16 may be required to have a parent or guardian remain on-site during class.

Registration, Cancellations, and Rescheduling
Clay and Steel is a small business. If you are unsure whether you can attend, we kindly ask that you wait to register until your schedule is confirmed.

If you need to reschedule, please contact us as soon as possible.

  • Cancellations: Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least five days before the start of class.

  • Rescheduling: Classes may be rescheduled with at least 48 hours' notice, subject to availability.

  • Requests made less than 48 hours before class are not eligible for rescheduling or refunds. (Registrants may be able to join a class opening day of if they are unable to make their original appointment.)

Sign up for a RR Spike Class below.

Choose a quantity first if you want to bring more people.

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