Blacksmithing Bushcraft: Railroad Spike Tomahawk Class

Presented by Kevin Thompson of Electric City Forge

Forge your own bushcraft tomahawk from a new railroad spike in this hands-on blacksmithing class! Perfect for the trail and campsite, this lightweight yet durable tool is ideal for chopping kindling, splitting wood, and hammering tent stakes. By keeping the spike head intact, your tomahawk will feature a built-in pommel for driving stakes and other hammering tasks.

What You’ll Learn

Students will develop advanced blacksmithing skills, including:

• Upsetting – Thickening metal by compressing it
• Slitting & Drifting – Creating the tomahawk’s eye for the handle
• Drawing Out & Peening – Shaping and refining the blade
• Normalizing, Hardening & Tempering – Strengthening and balancing the tool for durability

This is an intermediate to advanced class, best suited for those with prior forging experience.

Class Details

📅 Date & Time: July 28, 2026 • 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (7 hours of instruction with a 1-hour lunch break)

👨‍🏭 Class Size: Limited to 5 students

🔞 Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older

💲 Cost: $150 per student

What to Bring & Wear

✅ Closed-toe shoes

✅ Long pants

✅ Safety glasses (must bring your own)

✅ A water bottle

🥪 Your own lunch (or take the opportunity to explore the site during the break)

👕 Dress for the weather: Because of the summer heat, students may wear a T-shirt. Long sleeves are not required. Shorts are also permitted; however, long pants are strongly recommended for additional protection from sparks, hot metal, and the forge environment. Cotton clothing is recommended. Please avoid synthetic fabrics that can melt when exposed to heat or sparks.

This is the ultimate class for those looking to craft a functional, handcrafted tool built for the outdoors. Secure your spot today—spaces are limited! 🔥⚒️