My spouse and I are what many would consider makers. Our biggest project to date has been our eight-foot-long Norse mythology-themed desk. She is our pride and joy; whether gaming or crafting, it is at that desk. So, when my spouse said he wanted to build a forge to make his Diablo IV axe, I was not surprised. However, I was nervous because what if it turns out bladesmithing is not for us? Thus, we decided to take a class and made my father-in-law come with us. We headed to the Iron Rhino Forge in Tempe, Arizona, to do the Railroad Spike Experience with Jacie. I am happy to say that Jacie gave us the bug, and we are ever so excited to learn more.
What is Bladesmithing?
Before we get into the meat and potatoes of this article, I wanted to share some information on bladesmithing. According to The Crucible, bladesmithing refers to making bladed items, such as knives and swords, using a forge, hammer, anvil, and smithing tools. Bladesmiths are not just masters of the forge but also tend to have woodworking and leatherworking skills for handles and sheaths. While past bladesmiths worked with various metals such as copper, iron, and bronze, modern smiths typically use steel. In the end, this art form has been around forever but is seeing a resurgence with artists such as Jacie.
Iron Rhino Forge
Contact Information
- Address: 2051 E. Cedar St. Suite 6, Tempe AZ, 85281
- Phone Number: 480-620-2744
- Want an Appointment?
More Information on the Iron Rhino Forge
Iron Rhino Forge is where David and business partner Jacie share their passion for blacksmithing and bladesmithing. They offer classes such as Intro to Blacksmithing, Date Night at the Forge, Professional Blacksmith Certification, and more. There is also Open Forge on Tuesday nights, where individuals can work on their projects, or you can watch others create. Additionally, there are Youth Open Forge days for children ten to 18. Events are also abundant at the Iron Rhino Forge, where enthusiasts can take classes workshops, or watch demos from local instructors or master-level guests. If you are in Arizona and want to learn more about blacksmithing or bladesmithing, this is where you have to go.
Thoughts on the Iron Rhino Forge Experience
Have you ever walked into a room and instantly known that the person you are talking to knows their stuff? That is how I felt when we met our instructor, Jacie. Any history questions the boys threw her way were immediately met with a knowledgeable response, and she is so passionate about what she does that it is infectious. My strength score IRL is trash; I am no barbarian, and my stats align more with a wizard. But she taught me that anyone can be a Dwarven blacksmith if they know how to use gravity. We lived out our fantasy video game dreams and cannot wait to do it again. In conclusion, if you want to make something wicked cool and meet some incredible people, head down to Tempe; you will not regret it.
Odds & Ends
For more information on the Iron Rhino Forge, check out their website. If you want to see some of the beautiful things Jacie and David have created, look at their social media. Finally, consider checking out this article on nerdy shops to see other neat places in Arizona.
