Turn a piece of rebar into a working survival knife in a four-hour, beginner-friendly bladesmithing workshop in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Expect hot forges, hands-on instruction, and a finished utility blade to take home.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The propane forge breathes heat into the concrete room; sparks hop like urban fireflies as a novice lifts a glowing bar of steel to the anvil. In this Gowanus workshop, the city’s rhythm—sirens, subway rumbles, and a distant river—fades into the steady cadence of hammer strikes. Over four focused hours, participants transform a simple length of rebar into a functional survival blade under expert instruction.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required beyond standing for most of the session and light manual work; suitable for most adults.
Wildlife
History
Brooklyn’s small-scale metal trades grew from 19th-century industry; today’s workshops continue a practical maker tradition in repurposed industrial spaces.
Conservation
Workshops typically recycle scrap metal and emphasize safe disposal of oils and coolants—ask your instructor about materials recycling practices.
Reserve your spot on the Forge a Survival Knife today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes
Protect your feet from hot sparks and heavy tools—no sandals or thin soles.
Tie long hair and avoid loose clothing
Loose sleeves and hair can catch on tools; choose fitted, natural-fiber clothing.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early
Check in and get briefed on safety procedures so you can start warm-ups on time.
Expect heat and noise
Forging rooms are hot and grinders are loud—use provided PPE and speak up if you need breaks.
Closed-toe work shoes
Protects feet from sparks, hot metal, and dropped tools.
Cotton or wool long-sleeve shirt
Natural fibers resist sparks better than synthetics and reduce burn risk.
Phone or camera with extra battery
Capture the glowing-forge moments—battery can drain from frequent photo use.
Small notebook and pen
Record techniques and measurements to reproduce handle shapes and grind angles at home.