Workshops
Discover the art of blacksmithing through hands-on workshops led by Lisa, where imagination meets metal and fire. Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike, these sessions cover everything from basic techniques to creating your own take-home projects like hooks, metal leaves, and more. Lisa’s workshops are a unique blend of instruction, practical application, and chaotic fun, all in a supportive and safety-first environment. You’ll not only learn the fundamentals of manipulating hot steel but also experience the joy of creating something tangible and lasting.
Forging Shapes from Nature
MAY 16 - 17, 2026
The workshop will provide an introduction to forging and shaping steel into some of the organic shapes we see in nature. In this weekend workshop, you will learn how to forge shapes like leaves, stems and flowers and to create textures and curves to add life to cold steel. This workshop is open to all – beginners will learn basic blacksmithing skills and more advanced participants will have the opportunity to hone their skills and learn new techniques. Hand-forging is hard work, so be prepared to break a sweat and maybe even get a blister on your hammer hand. A full overview of blacksmithing will be covered, including shop safety, tools, hand forging, power hammer techniques and oxy-acetylene torch use.
Bladesmithing – Drop Point Hunter with Sheath w/ Lisa Lofdahl
JULY 27 - 31, 2026
In this five-day workshop, participants will learn how to forge and finish a full-tang knife in the style of a drop point hunter and also how to work with Kydex to create a custom-fit sheath for their knife. All aspects of knifemaking will be covered, including shop safety, tools, hand forging, grinding, heat treatment, material selection and knife design theory. Students should expect to complete a knife with a 3-4 inch blade and a custom sheath. This workshop is open to all – beginners will learn basic bladesmithing skills and more advanced participants will have the opportunity to hone their skills and learn new techniques. Hand-forging is hard work, so be prepared to break a sweat and maybe even get a blister on your hammer hand.
Beginning Bladesmithing: Forge your own Utility Knife
AUGUST 19 - 23, 2026
The workshop will provide an introduction to the wonderful and addictive world of hand-forging knives! In this five-day workshop, you will learn how to forge and finish a full-tang utility knife and also form a Kydex sheath for safe storage and transport. This workshop is open to all – beginners will learn basic bladesmithing skills and more advanced participants will have the opportunity to hone their skills and learn new techniques. Hand-forging is hard work, so be prepared to break a sweat and maybe even get a blister on your hammer hand. All aspects of knifemaking will be covered, including shop safety, tools, hand forging, grinding, heat treatment, material selection and knife design theory. The blades will be forged from 1084 high-carbon steel, with a durable and comfortable stabilized wood or micarta handle. The sheathes will be thermoformed using durable Kydex material. Participants should expect to complete a knife with a 3-4” blade and a custom sheath.
Private Instruction
For those seeking a more personalized learning experience, Lisa offers private instruction in her workshop. Whether you’re a novice without any metalwork experience or someone with handyman skills looking to expand your craft, Lisa tailors each session to your learning pace and goals. From forging your first knife to mastering heat treatment and handle shaping, Lisa’s one-on-one lessons provide a deep dive into metalworking, allowing you to develop skills and create pieces that hold personal significance.
Private Instruction Inquiry
