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: December 12, 2025 - 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, and a long-sleeved shirt (required for safety)
Safety glasses (must bring your own)
A water bottle
Your own lunch (or take the opportunity to explore the site during the break)
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! 🔥⚒️
You may also like the following events from Hagood Mill Historic Site:
- Next Saturday, 15th November, 10:00 am, Native American Celebration in Pickens
- This month, 22nd November, 10:00 am, Plant Medicine 102a: Let’s Make Ointments, Salves, and Lotions in Pickens
- This month, 29th November, 09:00 am, Blacksmith Christmas Ornaments Class in Pickens
Also check out other
Workshops in Pickens,
Arts events in Pickens,
Fine Arts events in Pickens.