Flames, heat, chinking anvils and the smell of coal ... Using brawn to deform the glowing material with hammer blows! Everyone imagines the work of a blacksmith that way and that's exactly how it is today. One of the oldest handicrafts is forging and so blacksmiths could previously be found in almost every village and on every continent. Today the profession is gradually dying out and the practice of this classic craft is becoming increasingly rare.   As part of this forging course, you will learn various workflow and basic techniques. This includes, for example, the detection of correct temper colors, guiding the hammer and the correct handling of the forging tools. With an experienced and trained blacksmith, you will develop a feeling for the steel and get to know various working and design techniques.   Different workpieces such as bottle openers, grill forks, simple knives and much more can be forged. There are no limits to creativity here. No special previous knowledge is required for this course, but a good physical condition is recommended.   Protective gloves, safety glasses, ear protection and aprons are provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own.

    Flames, heat, clanging anvils and the smell of coal... Use just your muscles to deform the glowing material with hammer blows! This is how everyone imagines the work of a blacksmith and that is exactly how it is today. One of the oldest crafts is blacksmithing and blacksmiths used to be found in almost every village and on every continent. Today the profession is gradually dying out and the practice of this classic craft is becoming increasingly rare.   As part of this blacksmithing course, you will gain insights into the basic techniques of forging. This includes, for example, recognizing the correct glow colors and the correct hammer guidance. However, the focus of this course is clearly on forging a small hatchet. The shape of the head can be chosen freely and individually and is only predetermined by the eye. Under the skilled hands of a trained and experienced blacksmith, you will develop a feel for the steel, forge the ax head from tool steel and then harden the finished axe. Sanded and set, you can then work with it right at home.   No special previous knowledge is necessary for this course, but good physical fitness is recommended.   Protective gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection and apron are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

    Information: https://championblacksmith.co.uk/live-forging-student-competition-2024/

    Information: https://championblacksmith.co.uk/nbcc-judging-seminar-and-competition-saturday-9th-march-2024/

    In Thiers, the capital of cutlery, the Coutellia knife exhibition attracts thousands of cutlers from all over the world every year who have mastered the art of knife making. For an entire weekend, the artistic knives reflect the entire culture of their countries of origin and are of course also available for purchase at the exhibition. In addition to artisans, Coutellia also offers industrial knife manufacturers the opportunity to exhibit and sell their knives. The cutlers can take part in a competition with one of their handmade knives. The program also includes a variety of animations, including a workshop on how to assemble a knife and blacksmith demonstrations.   The trip to France is definitely worth it!   Homepage: https://www.coutellia.fr

 Olomouckého Fortel (CZ) - 17/18 Mai 2025 7.Mezinárodní setkání kovářů "Olomoucký FORTEL aneb Hanácké kování"     Information: https://kok.umelecke-kovarstvi.eu

    Information: https://fb.me/e/85UwKW4ll

    Information: https://www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk/

    30 Years Hephaistus Brudderschaft Letzebuerg/7th International Blacksmith Festival - Pettingen/Mersch, Luxemburg   Further information: info@hephaistos.lu

Metalové Sympozium  (CZ) - 09-13 Juni 2025   Further information: www.metalovacesta.cz

  in FR-82800 Nègrepelisse (1 hour north of Toulouse)   Further information: https://www.facebook.com/p/F%C3%AAte-du-Feu-et-de-la-Terre-100090605043003 Sign in here   https://www.facebook.com/p/F%C3%AAte-du-Feu-et-de-la-Terre-100090605043003/

  Rathausplatz1, 83059 Kolbermoor   Further information: office@ironcities.net

Museumsschmiede "Alterkülz" - Bad Sobernheim (D) - 12/13 Juli 2025 55566 Bad Sobernheim   Further information: www.freilichtmuseum-rlp.de

Féte des Forges - Eppe-Sauvage (F) - 26/27 Juli 2025 Regionales Schmiedefest im Herzen der Altstadt von Eppe-Sauvage Rue de la fontaine Eppe-Sauvage 59   Further information: forgesdesfagnes@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Fetedesforges

    Informationen: https://hefaiston-helfstyn.cz/   Information: https://hefaiston-helfstyn.cz

  Museum in the park Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK More information will follow     Informations: https://www.baba.org.uk/events

    Zur Webseite: https://tobiashammer.de/start/start.php

Österreichisches Schmiedetreffen Kärnten (AT) - 20/21 September 2025   Zur Webseite: https://www.burg-hochosterwitz.com/

Gotha glüht (D) - 26/28 September 2025 "1250 years of Gotha - fire and flames"   Zur Webseite: https://www.gotha-glueht.de

      Informations: https://webcollect.org.uk/bfba/category/lectures-and-talks-1-1

  From October 9th to 12th, 2025, Campus Steneby will host a conference dedicated to discussing sustainable, innovative, and meaningful grave markers crafted by local blacksmiths. The conference will feature workshops, craft skill demonstrations, debates, and talks. This event is a unique opportunity to advance the craft of blacksmithing and foster its momentum.   Further information  www.Gravemarker.eu  

    Background   Traditionally, grave crosses or tombstones made by local blacksmiths have played a crucial role in commemoration and mourning in many parts of the world.   These tombstones provide a locally made, sustainable and meaningful way to honour loved ones who have passed away. The tradition of having a tombstone made by a blacksmith was instrumental in creating a strong cultural identity within communities. These tombstones created by local blacksmiths not only reflect the region's craft traditions, but also continually refine artisan techniques and aesthetics. Today, the development of new interpretations of regional traditions is also increasing.   A local blacksmith making a tombstone for a deceased person offers a unique opportunity to preserve that person's memory with a highly personal tombstone. This tombstone highlights the personality of the deceased as well as their connection to family, region or faith. In this situation, the blacksmith acts not only as a skilled craftsman, but also as an artist. Through close collaboration and dialogue, he interprets the wishes of the mourner or the deceased.   These traditions have not only been an essential part of building a strong cultural identity and supporting the local economy. They have also been part of a small-scale local manufacturing system that is in many ways more environmentally friendly than large-scale industrial production and global transportation of raw materials and finished products.   In our rapidly changing society, cemeteries also reflect broader societal changes. In recent decades, global industry has pushed blacksmiths out of this market, leading to the disappearance of regional cultures, customs and traditions. At the same time, digital memorials and online tributes are becoming more common, complementing physical gravestones.   Given these challenges, there is a growing need for new rituals or the revival of old ones. We believe that traditional blacksmithing can develop innovative concepts that offer new approaches to contemporary societal needs.   Competition We hope that the Gravemarker - forging future memories competition will be a contribution that will serve as an inspiration for everyone.   Deadline: 1 November 2025 Concept development: 8-10 concepts will be developed in collaboration with us. Budget: Each participant will receive a budget for production costs or rental costs for workspace. Support: Participants will have mentors and advisors available to refine their concepts and approaches. The result will be documented and exhibited. For more information, visit www.Gravemarker.eu   Contact: Professor Heiner Zimmermann heiner.zimmermann@hdk.gu.se   Further information  www.Gravemarker.eu  

  This forge event is part of a team-building measure under the motto "Creating something together".   The basis of a functioning team is trust. And a team only achieves top performance when everyone contributes to their abilities and the motivation for working together and the common goal are at the forefront.

  A day in the forge - this event offers your group the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of forging. You will gain insights into this fascinating craft and discover your creative side when designing your own workpiece! Experience something together as a group and strengthen team spirit. Here, too, we try to teach you the important basic techniques of forging and what is important. This event is an unforgettable experience for groups who want to experience something special and discover their craft skills or just have fun.   Flames, heat, ringing anvils and the smell of coal... Shaping the glowing material with hammer blows using sheer muscle power! This is how everyone imagines the work of a blacksmith and this is exactly how it is today. Forging is one of the oldest crafts and blacksmiths used to be found in almost every village and on every continent. Today, the profession is gradually dying out and the practice of this classic craft is becoming increasingly rare. The focus of this event is on the team and the common goal. Participants also gain insights into various work steps and basic techniques. This includes, for example, recognizing the correct glow colors, hammer guidance and the correct use of forging tools. Under the guidance of a trained and experienced blacksmith, everyone develops a feel for steel and learns various work and design techniques.   No special prior knowledge is necessary for this event, but a good physical condition is recommended.   also suitable for schools, kindergartens and large groups