Master The Art
Of Blacksmithing
In Hudson Valley, NY
At Riff's Workshop, we specialize in hands-on blacksmithing classes, custom forged creations and unique metal products. Whether you're learning the craft for the first time or commissioning a one-of-a-kind piece, we bring traditional skills and modern design together.
"A great blade begins with the hands that forge it."
— Riff's Workshop
A Different Kind of Workshop
Traditional Craft.
Modern Spark.
At Riff's Workshop, we combine traditional blacksmithing techniques with modern creativity. From beginner forging classes to advanced metalworking, we provide a hands-on experience that sparks skill and passion.
Expert Trainer
Learn from a skilled blacksmith with years of hands-on forging experience.
Great Location
Conveniently located in Middletown, NY in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
Quality Materials
We use only high-grade steel and metals for lasting craftsmanship.
Consultation
Discuss your project ideas and get expert custom design advice.
Featured Classes
Step Up
To The Anvil
Small-batch classes built for absolute beginners and seasoned makers. Every student leaves with steel in hand.
From The Forge
Student Work &
Past Classes
Every piece below was made by a real student at Riff's Workshop. Come make yours.
Forged-to-finish knife — student work
Our Process
From Fire,
Form.
Every forged creation starts with precision, patience and heat. From the first hammer strike to the final detail, our focus is on strength, durability and craftsmanship.
Definition
The ancient and powerful craft of shaping metal through heat, raw strength and conforming it to your will — where fire meets steel, and raw strength gives form, the only limitation is your imagination.
Normalizing
This age-old tradition has many techniques, methods, and forms to achieve a wide range of results. It is the act of allowing the internal grain of the steel to reform and realign itself after being shaped into what you decided it would become. It's similar to how our finest soldiers are molded into elite warriors — then given a brief break after AIT to reunite with their families and find their center.
Hardening
A transformative heat treatment where steel is pushed to its limits in an extremely explosive process — heated to an extremely high temperature and rapidly cooled in seconds, often in oil or water. This locks the structure into a hardened state, increasing strength and wear resistance. It's the finest moment where a steel creation or blade's soul is born into this world. Though it is true and hardened it is also brittle if you don't do this next process carefully!
Tempering
Tempering a blade is the art of taking steel that's been hardened to the edge of brittleness and giving it a soul. Through controlled heat, the blade is carefully brought back from the brink — trading fragility for resilience. It's the moment where fire and precision meet to create a weapon that's not just sharp, but battle-ready: strong, flexible, and forged for endurance.