10.29.22 // Hands-on Introduction to Neo Pre-Post-Apocalyptic Blacksmithing w/ Tod Kershaw // 11a-5p

Introduction to Neo Pre-Post-Apocalyptic Blacksmithing

It’s post-apocalyptic because it could theoretically be done in a post apocalyptic setting. Its pre-post-apocalyptic since we’re not (yet) in that setting and it’s Neo to make it more pretentious.

In this class, we will cover tools, fuels, materials and methods for blacksmithing off-grid and without modern power tools. The emphasis is on scavenging in the surplus and detritus of the modern world to create a fully functional metal working workspace and to create beautiful and useful things in that workspace.

I will bring two forges - a 100+ year old antique rivet forge that I obtained in a trade and repaired, and one that I made without power tools from scrap metal, including a brake rotor from a car. We will use tools that were either scavenged and repaired, bought at flea markets/scrapyards or made by hand. We will burn heating coal scavenged from abandoned, unwanted piles and we will learn to choose and shape steel scavenged from junk cars, scrapyards, old barns, etc. We will also discuss how to identify and assess tools, fuels and materials.

The first half of the class will be discussion and demonstration and then everyone who wants, will get at least one hour to bang on hot metal. There will be 2 anvils and 4 people at a time will be able to blacksmith.  We’ll take turns at the anvils, if more than 4 people are registered. I start participants out either making a decorative hook or, if you prefer, just banging on the metal to see what happens. We will NOT be making knives or axes or broadswords…this is NOT Forged in Fire!

My goal with this class is to introduce people to a craft that I love and value, to dispel mystery around blacksmithing and to give participants enough information that you will be able to go home and set up a rudimentary, but fully functional blacksmithing operation for relatively little money.

About the Instructor, Tod Kershaw:

I have been teaching variations on this class at my home workshop, at Earthskills Rendezvous in SC and at the Firefly Gathering near Asheville, NC for close to ten years - and I continuously learn more and have more information to share. I also teach blacksmithing for Forest Floor Wilderness Programs for children in Asheville, NC.

*Please arrive ready to play with fire! Closed-toed shoes and NO SYNTHETIC clothing materials! Thanks!*