Learn the fundamentals of forging in a well-equipped shop with James Fleming of Wasteland Forge. You'll learn forge safety, heat control, tools and purpose, hammer techniques, and forging fundamentals. You'll leave with what you make!
Date: Saturday, March 15
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+
Level: Beginner
Materials Fees: $20
Location: Dubuque, IA
Instructions: Be sure to wear durable clothing, e.g. cotton, denim, canvas (no synthetics). Closed-toe shoes are a must, but boots are preferred. Bring safety glasses and work gloves if you have preferences, otherwise loaners will be provided.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $125
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $100
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $75
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio — James Fleming
I'm a combat veteran, a professional bladesmith and blacksmith. I started to get interested in smithing after leaving the Army in 2014 while I was going to college in Texas. I moved to Iowa city in 2015. I started diving into forging knives as a hobby in 2017, right before moving to Dubuque, Iowa. I worked full time as an industrial maintenance technician while making knives and blacksmithing as a side business. I earned my Journeyman bladesmith in June 2022 and will be testing for Mastersmith in 2025. I am now bladesmithing and blacksmithing full time, as well as offering classes and educating in both. I specialize in early American/ fur trade era knives, as well as kitchen cutlery!