Riff's Workshop offers hands-on blacksmithing and knife making classes in the Hudson Valley, just outside Middletown, NY. Every session is beginner-friendly, personal, and a little wild — whether you're here for a one-off weekend experience or you're chasing a craft you'll do for the rest of your life, we'll meet you at the forge and show you the way. Pick a class below to see full details, dates, and the safety waiver.
Forged-to-finish knife — student work
Limited TimeForge Your Own Viking Axe Bottle Opener
In this 90-minute class, each student will forge their very own Viking axe bottle opener — no two are the same, each one reflecting your personal style. A public session with up to 4 participants, perfect for anyone curious about the craft. All about getting hands-on, having fun, and getting a feel for blacksmithing.
New Experience
Fun Weekend Class
Beginner FriendlyYour Entry Point Into Blacksmithing
The perfect way to dip your toes into the world of blacksmithing. Hands-on experience forging classic J-hooks, S-hooks, and one of our signature tomahawk wrenches while learning the fundamentals.
Full Day
2-Day IntensiveFor the Future Blacksmiths of the World
An immersive two-day private session covering every core skill you need to start forging at home — from fundamentals on day one to freehand creative forging on day two. Lunch included both days.
Our Hudson Valley blacksmithing classes are built for beginners. You’ll leave with a finished piece, a working knowledge of the forge, and the confidence to keep making.
Learn how to safely light, manage, and shut down a coal or gas forge, read heat colors, and handle hot steel without injury.
Practice drawing out, tapering, twisting, bending, and upsetting steel — the foundation for everything from hooks to knives.
Understand normalizing, hardening, and tempering so your work holds an edge, then grind, polish, and finish your piece to take home.
We require natural-fiber clothing, closed-toe shoes, eye and ear protection, and full instructor supervision during all hot work.
Classes are limited to a small number of students so you get direct feedback from an experienced smith. Whether you're searching for blacksmithing classes near me, knife forging classes, or a hands-on weekend experience in the Hudson Valley, you'll work at a real anvil with real tools and take home something you made.
