Knifemaking is a rich, cultural tradition in Norway that includes metal work, leather work, and wood work. Inspired by Norwegian master knifemaker Håvard Bergland, Vesterheim’s knifemaking program includes authentic techniques taught by highly skilled knifemakers from America and Norway. Vesterheim's blacksmith classes have covered skills at various levels of techniques from introductory – making hooks and simple tools, through intermediate – hardware and candleholders, to advanced – making locks and inlaying silver wire. Class offerings in metalworking continue to expand. Explore forging and tinsmithing at Vesterheim Folk Art School.
Upcoming Classes
View Past ClassesPast Classes
- Learn the Basics of Forging Steel
March 5-6, 2017 - Hand-forging Norwegian Knife Blades
March 7-8, 2017 - Hand-forging Norwegian Knife Blades
March 9-10, 2017 - Norsk "P" Lock
March 11-13, 2017 - Hand-forging Norwegian Knife Blades
July 20-21, 2017 - Norwegian Working Knife with Sheath
July 22-26, 2017 - Learn the Basics of Forging Steel
July 23-24, 2017 - Hand-forging Norwegian Knife Blades
July 25-26, 2017 - Two Brothers Knives with Silver Banded Sheath
July 31-Aug. 4, 2017 - From Forging to Handle and Sheath-Craft It All!
March 5-8, 2018 - Tripod Candle Holder
April 6-8, 2018 - Forging Knife Blades
April 24-25, 2018 - From Forging to Handle and Sheath—Craft It All
April 26-29, 2018 - Learn How to Make Your Own Metal Sculptures
June 9-10, 2018 - Crafting the Norwegian Tollekniv
July 21-25, 2018 - Forging Traditional Norwegian Knife Blades
October 27-28, 2018 - From Forging to Handle and Sheath—Craft It All
October 29-Nov. 1, 2018 - Viking Axe
March 2-3, 2019 - Viking Axe
March 16-17, 2019 - Inlay Chisels
March 18, 2019 - Wire Inlay
March 19-20, 2019 - Norwegian Ring Latch
April 26-28, 2019 - Explore the Craft of Tinsmithing
April 26-28, 2019 - Make Your Own Metal Sculpture
June 8-9, 2019 - Knifemaking for All Levels
July 20-24, 2019 - Hand-Forging Norwegian Knife Blades
July 21-22, 2019 - Hand-Forged Chip Carving and Sløyd Tools
July 23-24, 2019 - Advanced Knifemaking
July 28-August 1, 2019 - Forging Fundamentals
October 25-26, 2019 - Cresset Fire Basket
November 1-3, 2019 - Collection Connections: Metalworking
July 22, 2020 (noon-1:00PM CDT) - Collection Connections: Tinwork
September 16, 2020 (noon-1:00PM CDT) - Heart Holiday Ornament in Tin (SOLD OUT)
November 14, 2020 (9:00AM-4:00PM CT) - Tinwork Heart (SOLD OUT)
February 13, 2021 (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM CT, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT)
For more information, contact Lea Lovelace at 563-382-9681, ext. 215, or email at
llovelace@vesterheim.org.