5353 - Blacksmithing Basics

Delivery Options In-person

Course Overview

Blacksmithing – the technique of heating metal and forging it into necessary implements and tools dates back over a thousand years. There has been a recent resurgence of interest in this field. Most blacksmiths are self taught, however, understanding the basic principles and techniques can speed the learning process.

Please join us at historic Casa San Ysidro in Corrales for a hands-on opportunity to gain the fundamental knowledge necessary to begin making your own tools, knives, and decorative art.

What You'll Learn

History behind this ancient craft
Fundamentals behind blacksmithing for the purpose of making tools, knives or art
Practice what you learn, creating a hand-forged kitchen hook.

Who Should Attend

Beginning blacksmiths and anyone interested in learning the fundamentals behind blacksmithing. Participants should understand that this is a physically challenging course, you will need to be able to very actively use a heavy hammer for more than two hours.

Additional Information

This is a "hands-on" class, and you will each be forging a piece of metal.

The shop that we will be working in is small and historically accurate, therefore, it doesn't have an air conditioner and gets pretty warm. Water and some snacks are suggested.

Safety glasses are suggested, but not required. A good pair of leather gloves is recommended.

The instructor will provide all of the necessary equipment, but if you have a favorite smithing hammer, bring it too.

Prerequisites

Please note: Must be 18 years of age or older to participate in this course.

Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

5353 - 036

Blacksmithing Basics

Mar 15, 2025

In-person

Wait List

In-Person Class

9:30AM to 1:30PM

Mar 15, 2025

Schedule

View Details

4.0

Casa San Ysidro

In-person

Fee non-credit

$149.00

Mar 05, 2025

Section Notes

Due to the nature of the class, participants must be 18 years of age or older.

This class is held in the blacksmithing shop at Casa San Ysidro, a historic house museum that features a renovated Territorial Period Greek Revival house built around 1875 by the Gutiérrez family and a speculative recreation of a 19th century rancho constructed by the Dr. Ward Alan and Shirley Jolly Minge. The Minge collection exhibits salvaged architecture, furniture, religious art, tools, Hispanic and Pueblo weavings and pottery from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

UNM Tuition Remission

UNM Staff, Faculty, and Retirees: This class is eligible for UNM Tuition Remission under Personal Enrichment. Click here to see UNM HR's Tuition Remission policy for eligibility and tax liabilities.