Introduction to Blacksmithing

Our Introduction to Blacksmithing course gets participants familiar with the history of blacksmithing on the Canadian Prairies. The first evening is spent learning about common shop equipment and tools, and coal fire management and safety. Saturday and Sunday are a mix of instruction and hands-on work. Participants practice basic forging techniques, including flattening, squaring, splitting, bending, tempering and welding, by making take-home projects.

Each class is limited to 10 participants, so there are lots of opportunities to ask questions and get one-on-one instruction. The WDM is committed to preserving the artifacts, tools and techniques of prairie blacksmiths. Since developing the course in 1988, we have taught over 130 Introduction to Blacksmithing courses.

“Excellent course with excellent training instructors. Very accommodating, informative, knowledgeable, very helpful. Felt very comfortable and not intimidated at all.” 2025 Course Participant

Registration

2026 -2027 Course Dates coming fall 2026!

$525.00 plus GST and PST. Open to participants age 16 years and up. WDM Members and Volunteers in good standing receive a discount.

Our weekend courses run Friday from 6:30 – 9:30 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, once a month in December, January, February and March. All courses take place at the WDM’s Curatorial and Corporate Services Center in Saskatoon.

Cancellations and refunds will be handled in accordance with the Training Course, Camp and Workshop Refund Policy.

Sign up to receive advanced notification when course registration opens.

For more information, please contact us at 1-306-934-1400 or email us.

Additional Course Information

Course Details

Course Location: WDM Curatorial and Corporate Services Centre, 2935 Lorne Avenue, Saskatoon NOTE: This is not WDM Saskatoon (Boomtown). We are two blocks south of the Museum on Lorne Avenue.

When:

Friday evening 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

What: The course is an introduction to forge work including the use of blacksmith tools, shaping hot metal, heat treating and forge welding. It is taught by experienced blacksmith Rick Dixon, with assistance from Murray Stachura, Jillian Moldenhauer, and Mont Wilkins.

On Friday night instructors tour students through the blacksmith shop, introducing them to the modern world of blacksmithing and its tools and equipment.

On Saturday and Sunday, students learn fire management and basic forging techniques through hands-on projects including a punch, chisel and BBQ fork.

Registration and Fees

$525.00 plus GST and PST. Registration is first come first served. Payment must be made in advance at time of registration. Registration fees are subject to GST and PST.

Registration is open to participants ages 16 and up. WDM members and volunteers in good standing receive a discount.

Registration fees include all course materials and two lunch meals (Saturday and Sunday). Please indicate any dietary requirements at time of registration.

Age Requirement

Participants must be 16 years of age or older at the time of the course. We also recommend that participants be in good physical condition as participants will be on their feet most of the time and there is a lot of hammer swinging.

Cancelations and Refunds

Cancellations and refunds will be handled in accordance with the Training Course, Camp and Workshop Refund Policy.

Blacksmithing Resources

Early graduates of this course formed the Saskatchewan Blacksmith Association. Contact the SBA for coal, tools, experienced mentors, or a community of like-minded ‘smiths. The SBA also awards a Marlon Racz Memorial Scholarship annually to a student over the age of 16 who has an interest in taking a blacksmithing course.

Other Blacksmithing Courses

NOTE: The WDM does not endorse or recommend any of the courses listed below. We provide information and listings only which we hope are helpful to folks looking to learn about the craft of blacksmithing. If you know of a course not listed, please let us know.

• Mont Wilkins, Starlight Forge – Saskatoon – Introductory Blacksmithing
  starlightforgeinc@gmail.com
• Geordie Smith, Maple Syrup Forge – Ruddell, SK – Basic Blacksmithing
  maplesyrupforge@gmail.com
• Craig Campbell, forestART – Ness Creek – Introductory Blacksmithing
  https://www.forestart.ca/blacksmithing.html
• Dusin Small, Small Bar Smithy – Craven – Traditional Blacksmithing Classes + Classes for Youth
  https://www.smallbarsmithy.com/
• NAIT – Edmonton, AB – Multiple courses, various levels
  https://www.nait.ca/coned/blacksmith-courses
• Cloverdale Forge, Matt Jenkins – Selkirk, MB – Multiple courses, various levels
  https://www.cloverdaleforge.com/site/