FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE MINORS ALLOWED?
Absolutely! We encourage youths who are interested in the craft to attend the Open Forge and take a class.
We prefer ages 8+ and just ask the guardian to use their own discretion.
All minors must have a guardian present for the duration in case of emergency or unless otherwise approved by staff and a Liability Waiver must be signed on their behalf.
WHAT TO WEAR
It is best to wear cotton jeans (pants) and a cotton tee-shirt.
*Closed-toed shoes are required.
NO SYNTHETIC CLOTHING! Basketball shorts are not permitted in the forge.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring safety glasses & water!
If you have them, feel free to bring any of the following:
- work gloves (leather or Kevlar)
- apron
- forging hammer
- tongs
IS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?
Open Forge
No experience required! Just register on Facebook and come check it out!
To participate, some basic experience is necessary and a fee is required.
Challenge with Clayton Cowart
No experience is necessary for either Challenge.
Workshops
Our classes are divided into levels, each category features different courses organized in order to attend. Be sure to check the Additional Information tab on the class page, as different classes may require certain experience.
ALL Bladesmithing classes have Basic Blacksmithing as a prerequisite; some other courses have their own prerequisites.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Open Forge
Open Forge is from 5 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday evenings, come & go as you please. But if it’s your first time please arrive on time for the safety spiel.
Challenge with Clayton Cowart
Challenges are from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Monday & Thursday evenings.
Workshop
Duration varies depending on the class.
HOW HOT DOES IT GET?
The shop is not air conditioned, though we do have swamp coolers running when it is hot.
The temperature of the forge runs around 2,100 degrees fahrenheit.
*Be sure to bring water!
CAN I TAKE A CLASS WITH A YOUTH?
Absolutely! Basic Blacksmithing 100 is the perfect place to get started.
Note: Each person must purchase a spot in the class in order to participate and forge their own individual item.
This season we also have a waitlist going to see if we can run a Kids Night class for Parents & Kids who want to learn Blacksmithing and work together forging!
Email Erika if you are interested and want to be added to the waitlist: erika@grizzlyiron.com
CAN I STAY AND WATCH?
You are welcome to stay and watch if you are not participating, we just ask that you wear glasses of some sort for your protection inside the shop, and please stay out of the way of the instructor and his students.
If you have a youth participating, a guardian is required to stay for the duration unless otherwise approved by staff.
ARE MATERIALS INCLUDED?
Yes, all materials will be provided unless specifically stated otherwise.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
There are also several places to go and pick up food in the surrounding area.
Food is not provided by the company unless stated otherwise.
HOW ACCESSIBLE IS THE SHOP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
We are accessible for a wide range of disabilites.
Please email erika@grizzlyiron.com with details prior to the event.
HOW TO SCHEDULE A GROUP EVENT?
- Type of event: work, friends, family, birthday party, etc.
- # of people in your group
- What you’re interested in forging
- Date(s) that work for your group, and any specific time restraints
- Any other details that will help to customize your experience!
CAN MY GROUP MAKE DIFFERENT ITEMS?
In a group setting it is easier for the instructor to teach the same thing to all students.
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS?
We do not offer any discounts at this time due to inflation.
IS THERE FREE PARKING?
Yes, it is free to park on the same side of the street as our building for the duration of your time at the shop.
WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE?
We encourage you to avoid rescheduling last minute if you can help it! But if you must, please email our Assistant ASAP.
You may reschedule up to 48 hours prior to your Workshop, Challenge, or Private Lesson. Group Events cannot be rescheduled unless the shop and instructor are both able to accommodate the new date/time.
TO RESCHEDULE please email erika@grizzlyiron.com so that she can contact the instructor immediately.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
- Cancellations made greater than 21 calendar days prior to the event will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations made within 14 calendar days will incur a 50% fee.
- Cancellations made within 7 calendar days are non-refundable but transferrable up to 48 hours prior to the event.
- If we do not receive enough participants in a workshop, we reserve the right to postpone and reschedule at a later date, or cancel the class and provide a full refund.
NOTE: If you use PayPal as your method of payment, there will be a 5% charge to issue a refund.
TO CANCEL please email erika@grizzlyiron.com
HOW TO FLY WITH AN ITEM
If you’re from out-of-state and need to get your item home, be sure to pack it in your checked luggage for the flight – not in your carryon.
If you need us to ship it for you, please email erika@grizzlyiron.com but be aware that shipping is not included in the event pricing.
HOW TO CARE FOR A BLADE
- Always dry immediately and thoroughly.
- After drying, coat with a thin layer of oil to prevent rusting (coconut oil is great) though the blade will patina naturally on its own over time.
- If rusting does occur, simply scrub the affected area using steel wool, a metal brush, sandpaper, or a rough bristle pad. Wash, dry, and coat with oil.
- To sharpen, it is best to use a wet stone.
- NEVER PUT YOUR KNIFE IN THE DISHWASHER!
DRINK WATER!
Be sure to drink water the night before a workshop, and especially during the class!
Hydration is very important in this heat with these high temperatures.
ASK THE ASSISTANT!
Erika is available to answer your questions, just send her an email or call the office.
602-716-9660